What is the best portrait lens for Canon EOS R6?

Question

What is the best native RF portrait lens for the R6 right now? Ive been using my old EF 85mm f1.8 for years but I finally have $2500 to spend on some real glass for a shoot in Chicago next week. Im torn between the f1.2 and the f2 because of the weight difference. Does the 1.2 really change the game that much?

Luciusjem · Accepted Answer

Honestly, I was pretty disappointed after trying the big f1.2. It felt like overkill and my wrist was killing me. Technically, the Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM is way more sensible and reliable. I ended up putting my savings toward a Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM too. Better to have two solid lenses than one heavy brick... just didnt feel worth it.

Leander Thomas Rogers · Answer

Been thinking about this... @Reply #2 - good point! lugging that heavy glass around Chicago is gonna be rough. Compression often looks better than just shooting wide open, honestly.

Grab Canon RF 135mm f1.8L IS USM. The Nano USM is way faster than the 85, plus its lighter and handles better on the R6.

Rent it for your trip first to save some budget before you buy.

planetreal · Answer

Omg, if you have 2500 bucks to drop, you absolutely have to go for the Canon RF 85mm f1.2L USM. I know the weight is a total beast, like seriously heavy, but the optical quality is just insane! The rendering is creamy in a way that the f2 just cant touch. Tbh the Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM is a solid lens for the price, but it feels like a toy compared to the L series glass. The f1.2 uses that Blue Spectrum Refractive optics tech that basically deletes chromatic aberration... its a literal game changer for professional shots. If you want something different, the Canon RF 135mm f1.8L IS USM is also killer. It has amazing compression and that f1.8 at 135mm looks like pure magic! But for real, get the 85mm 1.2. Your back might hurt after a long day in Chicago but the bokeh is legendary.