Which prime lens is best for portraits on Canon EOS R7?

Question

honestly so over the kit lens it came with, the shots are just so flat and boring and I really need that creamy background for my sisters engagement shoot next weekend. i was looking at the rf 50mm 1.8 since its cheap but my logic was that on the r7 crop sensor that makes it more like an 80mm?

but then I see people saying just go for the 85mm f2 macro but i worry thatll be way too tight if we end up indoors. i only have about 600 bucks left in the budget and im just getting really frustrated trying to figure out the math on what actually looks good for portraits on this body. what should i actually buy??

Caleb Joshua Cox · Accepted Answer

Your math is spot on! Honestly, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is an absolute beast for the price.

It hits that 80mm equivalent sweet spot on your R7.

Way better for indoors than the 85mm which feels like a telescope inside at 136mm.

Dont even bother with more expensive glass right now, just spend the $400 you save on a flash! Youre gonna love that creamy bokeh.

VelvetPhoenix · Answer

Honestly i went through this exact same thing with my R7 not long ago. I ended up picking up the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and i am so satisfied with it. You are totally right about the crop factor math, so that 50mm lens acts like an 80mm which is basically the gold standard for portraits. The background blur is way better than the kit lens, no complaints there. One quick tip tho... if you think the 50mm might still be too tight for indoor shots, definitely check out the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM. It gives you a wider field of view (about 56mm equivalent) which is super helpful if the rooms are small. Plus it has built-in stabilization which is a lifesaver. Both options are way under your 600 limit, so you wont break the bank. You got this!

eastnewyorker · Answer

Can confirm