Portrait lens for Canon

[rottie102]

I'm going crazy.
I've got around £200 to spend on a 2nd hand lens for my 450D.
Over last few weeks I've spent most of my life reading reviews and posts on various message boards.
And I don't know what to choose!!!

The problem is it's gonna be a 2nd hand from Ebay most likely so can't really return it if I don't like the result.
It supposed to be mainly for portraits. Heads,2/3, sometimes full body. I will be using studio (4mx4.5m) as well as outdoors.

First I was convinced that 50mm 1.8 or even 1.4 is a way to go reading what great lenses they are. But then I went to a photography workshop and noticed one person using it, how close they had to get to the model to take a headshot.

So then I thought I need something longer like 100mm. There are some canon and sigmas around that length in my budget.

But I'm afraid buying a prime, thinking that I do need a telephoto for versatility.

So I've found Sigma 24-70mm which is in my price range and I like the pics on Flickr taken with it.




I don't know what to buy!!!

I have a Sigma 18-200 already so the standard "do it all" lens is covered. I just think it's not as good as it should be for more serious portrait/fashion etc photography.

[rlw]

Traditonally, 35mm photographers would have sworn by a 135mm £f2.8 or F3.5 for portraiture. This focal length gives you shallow depth of field wide open but increases nicely when stopping down. Also, this lens keeps perspective (as perceived) about right so noses don't stand out and ears don't seem right at the back of the head.

Given that you are you using a 450D, I would have thought and 85mm f3.5/f4.0 would be good. There is a very good for sale section at http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/index.php where you might well find something.

[RobDickinson]

If you've the space to step back then the 85/1.8 is ideal.

[rottie102]

Ok, I've just bought an 85mm 1.8 canon with canon hood and hoya filter for £200.
I should get the money back even if I don't like it

[tog]

rottie102 said:

Ok, I've just bought an 85mm 1.8 canon with canon hood and hoya filter for £200.
I should get the money back even if I don't like it

Cracking little lens - I've had one for years and it's had plenty of use on both crop sensor and full-frame bodies.

[rottie102]

Ok, after few hours spent with it :

1) USM motor comparing to Sigma's standard - WOW
2) it takes time to get used to "zooming with your feet" and taking pictures at 1.8 ! Most of the things I wanted to be sharp are out of focus and vice versa.
3) ... but when you'll get the focus right - the lens is brilliant!