which lens do you use for outdoor/portraits

[lblongs]

I don't have any top quality expensive lenses and am not happy with the pictures taken with my current lenses. I have a kit 18-55, an 18-105 and a 55-200 VR. I'm just not acheiving the type of beautiful creamy backgrounds and sharpness that I am seeking.

I'm wondering what everyone's favorite outdoor portrait lens is, and why. Given my array of lenses, which should I rely on the most for my outdoor portraits?

[SusanH1970]

I use my 50mm, but I really, REALLY want the 85mm 1.8 for outdoor portraits.

[Flea77]

I use two depending on what I am trying to get. A 24-70 2.8 for working in close proximity to the subject, or my 80-200 2.8 for when I can get a little distance. Note also that the 80-200 will tend to compress the background but shooting wide open at 2.8 that is hard to see.

Allan

[OsmosisStudios]

Double posting isn't great.

Lens rental for upcoming shoot

[lblongs]

This isn't a double post - I'm sorry if it appeared to be so. I have alot of photography questions and prefer not to ramble and carry on in one long continuous post so I assumed it would be best to get as specific as I can and that meant multiple posts. Again, I'm sorry. If the mods want to remove it then that's fine but I don't see what you have accomplished by calling me out on my honest and legitimate questions. Again, sorry.

[lblongs]

Susan, I have a 50mm 1.8 and should really use it more. I think it produces beautiful photos but am still not comfortable with the fixed aspect of it.

Maybe I shouldn't be so quick to assume that I don't have what I want/need

[SusanH1970]

I've gotten so used to using "sneaker zoom" that I feel weird when I actually have a zoom lens attached, LOL! I LOVE prime lenses.

[lblongs]

Do you use it for your newborn shots as well?

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by lblongs

Do you use it for your newborn shots as well?

Yup! Especially because I usually use natural light for newborns so I need a fast lens.

[lblongs]

Makes sense - so I have to ask, do you end up doing more cropping in pp or do you leave the images the way they were taken?