So I just got a Canon 90D and I'm really confused about lenses. People keep saying I need a prime lens for portraits of my sister at her graduation next month but I dont really get why I cant just use the one that came in the box. I have about 400 dollars saved up but everything online is so confusing with all the numbers. I just want that blurry background look everyone has and I have no idea where to start.
- my budget is $400 max
- mostly taking pictures of people outside
- i dont really understand the mm numbers
Sorry if this is a dumb question i just dont want to buy the wrong thing... what would you guys get?
^ This. Also, skip the 50mm and get a Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM instead. Higher mm numbers like 85 make that background blur way more noticeable for outdoor portraits.
I've tried many lenses over the years, and in my experience, its best to stick with the most reliable options when starting out. The kit lens that came in your box is okay for snapshots, but it lacks the wide aperture needed for that professional blurry background look. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the safest and most conservative bet for your 90D. It is highly effective for portraits and stays well under your $400 budget. If you want even more background blur and have the space to move further back while shooting outside, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is also excellent. However, the 50mm is a bit more versatile for someone just learning the ropes. Methodical testing shows it performs consistently in various lighting. I would personally start there to avoid overcomplicating things before the big graduation day... it is a very safe choice.
Interested in this too
ugh honestly im in the exact same boat as you right now. i totally agree with philip about wanting that extra background blur but ive spent hours looking at these and its just so much information... i still dont really get it. unfortunately i feel like the more i read the more confused i get. ive been trying to find a clear answer for like a month and i still havent bought anything because:
- the mm numbers make zero sense to me no matter how many times i read about it
- my budget is super tight too and i really dont want to waste my savings
- everything professional looking is way more than i can afford its super frustrating that it has to be this hard. i just want nice photos of my family but i feel like i need a degree in math just to pick a lens... its honestly so disappointing that i cant figure it out either.
