Which Canon LENS for PORTRAITS on Small Frame $1200 or less

[Brad Wardman]

I have been doing family portraits & such in my home studio using my Canon XSI and my older EF (not S) 28-80mm. Typically shooting portraits between 70-80, so equivalent to around 100mm give or take, if I understand the conversion thing correctly. I am now looking to upgrade my glass ....so the question is...what lens ???

I have been looking at the following:
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
and the
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

My indoor studio area is around 16' in width and 28' in length. I would like this to be a versatile lens for portraits, maybe some weddings in the future as well as some boudoir type shots with the wife ;-) I am a little concerned that the 70-200 may be a little "long" in the given space, considering the conversion factor...and that going with the wide angle would not be flattering closer to the 24mm end....any suggestions???

I am open to selections other than the above, but really $1000-$1200 is my max...cheaper would be fine if there is a better suited piece.

Thanks so much,
Brad

[Tiberius]

Have a look at the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8.

I know you said you wanted a Canon lens, but the Tammy gives superb optical performance. I've spoken to several photographers who feel that this lens challenges the quality of the Canon Ls...

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Brad Wardman

I have been doing family portraits & such in my home studio using my Canon XSI and my older EF (not S) 28-80mm. Typically shooting portraits between 70-80, so equivalent to around 100mm give or take, if I understand the conversion thing correctly.

I don't think you do. Unless you're buying this lens for a 5D or other full-frame camera. If you're planning on also using this lens on your XSi, then you need a 70-80mm lens, since that's where you're shooting. I'd recommend the EF 100mm f/2 USM (not a macro f/2.8 lens) or EF 85mm f/1.8 USM (both of them are about $450) or the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM ($400) or if you really want to pinch those pennies, the EF 50mm f/1.8 II (<$100). Out of focus blur and available light ability can be a good thing:


Canon XT/350D, EF 85mm f/1.8 USM. iso 400, 1/60s. Handheld, no flash.

Often, f/4 isn't going to be wide enough to shoot available light if your subject is moving; and you have less blur. If you're not planning on shooting with a flash, I wouldn't go with either of the lenses you're considering for portrait work. Both of those lenses rock for outdoor walkaround photos. But for available light without a flash, you'd probably do better to go with an f/2.8 zoom, like the 24-70 f/2.8L USM and the 70-200 f/2.8 IS USM.

[sybren]

I can recommend the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, it's really an awesome lens. Very good for portrait work! I use it on my 350D. The field of view is juuuuuust right!

[prrs4me]

I agree with the Canon EF 85mm. Great for portraits. Reasonably priced. B&H has it for $439 with free shipping. That would leave you enough to buy either the 50 or 100mm lens as well. Personally I would go with a 50mm 1.4 which B&H has for $399 with free shipping.

[sybren]

Here are some example photos that I shot with that lens. This is one of my favourites:

[Brad Wardman]

Thanks so much everyone...It looks like I may go with that 85mm 1.8...that way I can save a little money and buy a couple alien bees monos as well.
Thanks,
Brad