What is the best portrait lens for Canon EOS R6 Mark II?

Question

ugh i have a wedding shoot next saturday and i still havent pulled the trigger on a proper portrait lens for my r6 mark ii. i upgraded from a dslr recently and i am totally stuck between the rf 85mm 1.2 and the 85mm f2 macro because the price difference is just insane. like is the 1.2 really worth three thousand bucks if im mostly doing outdoor stuff anyway? i also saw a used ef 85mm 1.4L for a good price and i have the adapter but i dont know if the autofocus is gonna be snappy enough for people moving around on the dance floor and stuff.

im located in seattle so its probably gonna be overcast and dim at the venue and i need something that can handle low light without hunting for focus all night. budget is technically up to 2600 but i would rather not spend it all if the f2 is good enough but then i worry the bokeh wont look professional enough for a high end client...

must be sharp at wide apertures

needs to arrive by thursday

light enough for 8 hours of shooting

idk if the weight of that 1.2 is gonna kill my wrist by the end of the day either. what should i do???

caleb.murray · Accepted Answer

Re: "honestly, id be really careful with that f2..." - "I totally get the hesitation. When I first moved to the R system, I felt pressured to buy the top-tier glass immediately, but I quickly realized that weight and budget are huge factors for wedding work. Carrying a massive lens for 8 hours is no joke, especially in a fast-paced environment like a reception. I would suggest being quite cautious about jumping straight to the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. It is a stunning lens, basically a work of art, but the weight is a liability for a full day of shooting. I used a heavy prime for a long wedding once and my wrist was killing me by the dinner service. You might want to consider the practical benefits of the EF version instead.

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM handles low light beautifully and is very sharp.

It is significantly lighter than the RF 1.2, which makes a big difference by hour six.

The autofocus on the R6 Mark II with the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R is incredibly snappy. I've found that saving that $1500 or so allowed me to invest in better lighting, which is gonna be way more useful in a dim Seattle venue than a slightly wider aperture. Make sure to check the used market for the EF 1.4L; you can usually find them in great shape for a bargain. Just be careful with your gear choices when your physical comfort is on the line.

Mick Platypus · Answer

i've been super satisfied with the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM on my r6 lately. i was nervous about the adapter but i have no complaints with how it handles weddings.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: stunning but heavy as a brick.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM: snappy and reliable in low light.

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM: focus hunts way too much. the ef 1.4L is definitely the safest choice for dim seattle venues.

ashley.hughes · Answer

honestly, id be really careful with that f2 macro for a wedding. i tried using it for a similar overcast shoot and it was such a disappointment. the autofocus is just not as good as youd expect for professional work, especially when the light drops. it hunted constantly during the reception and i missed some really key shots which was a total nightmare. unfortunately, if youre charging high-end clients, that lens just feels a bit too slow and clunky for a pro body like yours. the weight of the big glass is definitely a concern too tho. i had some bad wrist issues after a long day with a heavy setup. whatever you do, dont risk your reputation on a lens that cant keep up in the dim light. its better to be safe than sorry when you only have one chance to get the shot. youll figure it out, just stay away from the cheaper options for this one!