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Which prime lens is recommended for portrait photography on the Canon R8?

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What prime lens should I grab for portraits on my new R8 because I am honestly torn between a few options right now. I have been shooting on an 80D for years and finally made the leap to full frame last month but man the shift in focal length is throwing me for a loop more than I thought it would. I used to live on my 50mm on the crop sensor which gave me that nice 80mm equivalent but now on the R8 the 50mm feels way too wide for the tight outdoor portraits I usually do.

I am based in Seattle so we get a lot of that grey flat light and I really need something that can handle the low light without hunting for focus too much. I am shooting my cousins wedding in October and I really want to have this lens broken in by then. My budget is probably sitting around 800 bucks give or take but I could maybe hit 1000 if I skip a few lunches lol. I am looking at:

  • the RF 85mm f2 macro
  • adapting an older EF 85mm 1.4L used
  • maybe even the RF 35mm but that seems wrong for headshots?

I have heard the 85mm f2 is a bit slow on the AF side compared to the L series glass but is it really that bad for moving subjects like people walking down an aisle? I just dont want to spend a fortune on the 1.2 version because that is way out of my league right now...


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Man, moving to full frame is such a total game changer! Since you loved the 50mm on your old crop sensor, you 100% need an 85mm now to get that compression back. Honestly, the Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM is a fantastic value for the money. People whine about the focus speed because of the STM motor, but for people walking down an aisle? Its totally fine and the results are amazing! If you can find a used Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM and stay under your 1000 dollar limit, grab it immediately! That glass is incredible and the f/1.4 aperture is a total beast for those dark, moody Seattle afternoons. It focuses way faster than the budget f2. Definitely skip the 35mm for headshots tho... it makes everyone look kinda weird. Stick to the 85mm and you will absolutely love what that R8 can do!


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