Is there actually a decent prime lens for portraiture on the Canon R6 Mark II that wont make me want to throw my camera off a bridge? Honestly, Im so incredibly frustrated with my current setup. I upgraded to the R6 II specifically to get better focus and skin tones, but my trusty old EF 50mm f/1.8 adapted lens is just driving me insane lately. The autofocus is constantly hunting or missing the eye entirely when I shoot wide open, and the chromatic aberration is making my editing workflow a nightmare. I have a wedding shoot coming up in like three weeks here in Seattle and I feel like my gear is actively fighting me.
I really want that creamy bokeh look, but I feel like I'm stuck in limbo. I keep looking at the RF 85mm f/1.2 L, but the price tag makes my stomach churn, especially since I just dropped a ton on the body. Is there something else? Maybe the 85mm f/2 Macro? Does that lens actually hold up for professional portraits or am I gonna regret saving the cash? I tried using the RF 50mm 1.8 for a session last weekend and it was just... soft. Like, really soft. I dont know if I got a bad copy or if the sensor is just too demanding for that glass, but im about ready to just sell the whole kit and switch brands if I cant get sharp eyes.
I just need something reliable that wont cost me my entire monthly mortgage payment, but I need it to actually look professional. Im tired of spending hours in Lightroom fixing focus issues that shouldnt be happening with a modern mirrorless system. What are you guys using that actually works without needing a second mortgage or a prayer?
Honestly, if you are struggling with the 50mm, you really need to look at the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM before you commit to the L series. I used that lens for a couple of seasons when I first switched over and it is incredibly sharp once you hit f/2.8 or f/4. Just be careful with the autofocus speed, it is a bit slower than the L glass, so make sure to give it a second to lock on during those fast-paced wedding moments. Also, have you tried the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM? It is pricey, but the compression is way better than an 85mm for portraits. I know it is a splurge, but it is basically a permanent fixture on my body now. Dont give up on the R6 II yet, the sensor just shows every flaw in cheap glass.
Building on the earlier suggestion, are you shooting in low-light indoor venues or mostly outdoors? If you need reliable AF for that wedding, I suggest the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. It hits a sweet spot for professional results without the weight or cost of the L-series. Just make sure your firmware is updated on that R6 II body, as that made a world of difference for my own hit rate.
> I keep looking at the RF 85mm f/1.2 L, but the price tag makes my stomach churn... Is there something else? Maybe the 85mm f/2 Macro? The RF 85mm f/2 is actually a solid middle ground, but you need to know the trade-offs. It is significantly sharper than the nifty fifty, but the focus motor can be a bit sluggish compared to the L-series glass. If you need something that balances cost with pro-level rendering, consider the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. It features a decent magnification ratio and hybrid IS, which helps in low-light wedding venues. However, if you want consistent eye-tracking, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is the gold standard for a reason. Its optical clarity handles the high-resolution sensor perfectly. If that price is non-negotiable, check out the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art with an adapter, though native RF glass will always outperform adapted lenses on your R6 II.