so i am honestly so fed up with my kit lens like the 18-135mm is fine for hiking but for portraits it is just driving me crazy. the backgrounds are never blurry enough and i feel like my shots look like they were taken on a phone or something and i just want that pro look you know? im actually super excited because my sisters wedding is coming up in about three weeks here in chicago and i really want to get her some amazing shots since they didnt hire a pro photographer for the reception part.
i really need a prime lens that can actually handle the crop sensor on the 90d without being like way too zoomed in if that makes sense. here is what im looking for:
- budget is around 500 bucks maybe a little more if it is worth it
- needs to be sharp because i hate missed focus
- something that works in low light since the reception is at night
- has to have that nice creamy bokeh for the portraits
ive been looking at the 50mm 1.8 because its cheap but then people say the 85mm is better for portraits but i worry it will be too tight on my 90d... i just want something that makes people go wow when they see the pictures instead of me fighting with my settings all day. should i just get the nifty fifty or is there something better that fits my budget?
I've shot many weddings over the years and honestly a 50mm can feel tight in a crowded room. On your 90D, I'd look into these instead:
- Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art - it's fast and gives you a more natural field of view.
- Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM - the image stabilization is a total lifesaver for night shots. Both are usually well under 500 bucks if you buy used.
Unfortunately I had issues with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM focus hunting in low light when I tried it at a party. It just wasnt as good as expected. I was so bummed tbh. For your 90D budget, Id get the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM. It is sharper and the bokeh is creamier than the 1.8, plus 85mm is definitely too tight for receptions on crop.
I'm a bit late to the thread but I totally agree with Dread_numa that a 35mm is way more practical for a reception. I tried doing a party with an 85mm on my 90D once and it was a nightmare... I could only take photos of peoples eyeballs because I couldnt back up far enough. Since you have 500 bucks, I would look at these for a more reliable setup:
- Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD
- This thing is a total tank and has stabilization which is a lifesaver when you are shooting at night. Its a bit wider than a 50mm so it feels more natural on a crop sensor.
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
- You can usually find these used for right around your budget. The bokeh is super smooth and it is way sharper than that old Canon 50mm. I usually lean towards the Tamron for events because the stabilization has saved me so many times. Its just a safe bet for a wedding where you dont get second chances.
To add to the point above: I would be really careful about going too wide if you are specifically hunting for that pro bokeh look. 30mm or 35mm is super handy for the dance floor, but for those actual wow portraits of your sister, it might feel a bit flat compared to a longer lens.
- Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
- If you can find this used near your budget, get it. The sharpness is insane on the 90D high res sensor. Just a heads up tho, it is heavy as a brick so your wrist might hate you by the end of the night.
- Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
- This is probably your safest bet for reliability. Having the image stabilization is a total lifesaver when the lights go down at the reception.
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
- It is a bit old school and the focus motor can be delicate, but it definitely gives more of that creamy look than the cheap nifty fifty. One thing tho... make sure to practice your focus modes before you head to Chicago. The 90D is awesome but it can be a bit picky with focus accuracy on some lenses. Ngl, 50mm on a crop sensor is basically the sweet spot for portraits without having to stand across the street lol.
