What is the best portrait lens for Canon EOS R6?

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.

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.

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.

If you're sitting on $2500, the RF 85mm f1.2L is the standard choice for a reason, though the weight is definitely a trade-off. It really comes down to how you handle your gear on a long day in a city like Chicago.

• Weather sealing: The L series can take a hit better than the f2 if the weather turns, which happens a lot near the lake.
• Low light: You're getting way better performance when the sun goes down, keeps your ISO clean for those evening portraits.
• AF Speed: Its way faster and more consistent for actual pro work compared to the slower STM motor in the f2. If you ever mess around with phone photography too, I saw a good post on Smartphone Board about getting pro-looking shots on mobile. But for the R6, the 1.2 is a solid investment if you want something that lasts and holds its value. Just maybe get a padded strap... your wrist is gonna feel it after a few hours. You wont regret the image quality tho.