Is the RF 85mm f/2 or the RF 50mm f/1.2 actually worth the massive price gap for portraits? I finally upgraded to an R6 Mark II and Im dying to get some proper glass for my sisters wedding in June. My budget is around 1500 bucks but Id rather not blow it all if the 85mm f/2 gets me 90 percent of the way there. I do mostly outdoor shoots in Seattle so I need something sharp but also manageable in the rain. Ive been obsessing over reviews for weeks and honestly Im just stuck. Should I save the cash for more gear or just bite the bullet on the L series lens?
If you are worried about the weather in Seattle and want a professional look without hitting the L-series price point, look into the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art. It feels like a tank compared to the RF 85mm f/2 and the image quality is frankly stunning. You get that extra stop of light which helps in the gloomy PNW light. Honestly, saving the remaining cash for a solid set of K&F Concept Variable ND Filter is a smarter move for outdoor portraits anyway. Dealing with harsh reflections or needing wider apertures in daylight is way more critical than the extra weight of the Canon glass. Just be sure to grab a decent rain cover, because even weather-sealed gear can struggle with constant dampness.
Honestly, skip the expensive L glass for now. I shot a wedding in drizzly Portland last year with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM and it held up just fine with a little care. You really dont need that massive aperture for outdoor portraits anyway. Ngl, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is incredible but its heavy as a brick and you might regret lugging it around all day in the rain if you arent used to it. Save that extra grand for some good lighting or maybe a solid Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13L bag to keep your kit dry. Just be careful with moisture around the mount regardless of the lens. Youll get way more value putting those savings into a better flash setup or extra batteries for that R6.
Stumbled upon this thread today and thought id chime in. Before you commit to either lens, what kind of look are you actually aiming for? Are you wanting those super creamy, compressed backgrounds, or are you hoping to capture more of the environment in your shots? I personally love the 85mm range for portraits, but if you want that L-series professional sharpness without the weight, maybe look at a few other things:
- The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is incredible, but honestly, have you considered renting it first to see if you even like the weight?
- For the gloomy PNW weather, you might be happier investing in a really good BlackRapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap so your neck doesnt give out.
- Don't forget about light, either. A portable Godox V1 Flash for Canon can do way more for your portrait quality than a wider aperture ever could, especially when the light is flat and grey. Let me know what your vibe is, happy to help you narrow it down further.
Late to the party but I wanted to share my two cents. Honestly, dropping that much cash on an L lens for a single wedding makes me nervous. I think the price difference is mostly about the build quality and weather sealing, which is nice for Seattle, but you could just grab a solid rain cover instead.
- The 50mm is legendary but it is heavy, like, carry it all day and your wrist will hurt heavy.
- 85mm is usually much better for portrait compression anyway, so you might actually prefer those results.
- Someone told me the focus breathing on the cheaper primes can be annoying, but I havent noticed it much. Im pretty satisfied with my mid-range setup tbh. If you arent doing pro work full-time, the extra cash could go toward a solid backup battery or maybe better lighting gear.
Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.
Honestly, spending that much on an L lens for a single wedding seems like overkill when you're just starting out. I wouldnt blow the whole budget on one piece of glass. ^ This. Also, you might want to consider the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if you want something super versatile that wont break your back or your wallet. Its sharp enough for portraits if you get close, and the extra cash saved could go toward a decent backup body or maybe just a really good Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod for those low-light group shots at the reception. Be careful though, once you start buying glass you wont stop! Just make sure to grab a decent rain sleeve, even if the lens is weather-sealed. The Seattle dampness has a way of finding the tiny gaps in everything eventually. Trust me, keep the extra grand in your pocket for other gear or maybe a nice vacation after the wedding stress is over.