^ This. Also, I am super happy with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM. It works well compared to the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM and is much cheaper.

> someone told me i need a prime lens for that blurry background look Like someone mentioned, the 50mm is the usual go-to, but honestly im gonna disagree a bit because if you really want those magazine-quality shots for your sister, the Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM is absolutely incredible! I remember the first time I swapped my kit lens for an 85mm... it was like a lightbulb went off. The way it compresses the background makes the blur look so much creamier than a 50mm ever could. The 85mm is basically the king of portraits. Compared to something like the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM, which is great for wide shots of the campus, the 85mm really makes the person pop. It has amazing image stabilization too which is a huge help if you get a little nervous and shaky while shooting. Its right at the top of your budget but seriously, the results are fantastic. Youll look like a pro instantly!

I would suggest the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. The first time I shot a grad, I used a kit lens at f/5.6 and the background was messy, basically it looked like a cell phone pic. You might want to consider that at f/1.8, the depth of field is extremely narrow. Be careful and make sure to enable the Eye Detection AF so her pupils stay sharp while the background blurs out.

^ This. Also, before you drop the money, you might want to consider exactly where you are gonna be shooting. Is it mostly gonna be outdoors or inside a cramped venue? That makes a huge difference for which one you should pick. I would suggest being a bit careful with the Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM despite the low price. It is a classic, but since it doesnt have image stabilization and neither does your R8, you have to be really steady. One wrong move and your sisters big moment is a blurry mess. Tbh, for a beginner, that lack of a safety net can be stressful. The Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM is definitely the safer pick for that professional look, but it is a bit of a tight squeeze if you are indoors. If you are worried about shaky hands, that built-in stabilization is a total lifesaver. Just make sure to test it out a few days before the actual graduation so you know how far back you need to stand. You really dont want to be fumbling with settings while everyone is celebrating... been there, done that, it is not fun lol.