Portrait Lenses for My 60D

[alana555]

So I just need a little advice. I am a beginner and going to be doing a photography course at the start of next year. My aim is to take pictures of my 2 year old daughter and family/friends and then hopefully one day be able to do do portraits of kids/baby/adults both indoor (with and without lighting setup) and outdoors.

I am going to be getting the Canon 60D and think I am pretty much set on the either the canon 17-55mm F2.8 or the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 and want to get a prime to compliment this lense but am open to get another 2 lenses if needed. I want to be able to take both head shots (close ups) and full body photos so just wondering which Prime lense you think will go well with my zoom.

In regards to budget I dont really have one at this stage but I guess I would like each lense to be under $650 each if I were to get 2 more lenses. I am happy to try Tamon and sigma if they have lenses suitable for a 60D

Any advise is good advise to me and I really appreciate your time.

Im just so excited to get started!

[OsmosisStudios]

If you have $650 x 2 lenses as a budget, I'd suggest making it a $1300 budget for one: Get a 70-200 f/2.8 IS

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

If you have $650 x 2 lenses as a budget, I'd suggest making it a $1300 budget for one: Get a 70-200 f/2.8 IS

+1

or get the 24-70mm f/2.8

The 17-55 f/2.8 is a nice lens but you get a bit of lens distortion some times.

Sigma is a pretty good brand. Haven't had any issues with any of the lens I've gotten from them. I wouldn't turn down Canon L glass though.

[Rentham]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

If you have $650 x 2 lenses as a budget, I'd suggest making it a $1300 budget for one: Get a 70-200 f/2.8 IS

Hard to argue with that, providing you could find a used copy with IS in that price range that is still in decent condition. Whenever I'm dropping that kind of money I usually feel better by spending a bit more to get a new copy in pristine condition. I put enough wear and tear on my gear as it is. I don't want to start well into the product's lifespan. But again, great portrait lens.

Two other options you may want to consider in the prime category: the 85mm f/1.8 and the 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. I have both and can't say enough good things about them for portrait applications.

I also have the 24-70 f/2.8 but I find the best feature of that lens to be the convenient focal range. For portraits I almost always grab something else from the bag.

[OsmosisStudios]

Boom, headshot.

2569A004 Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM AutoFocus Telephoto Zoom Lens with Case & Hood - USA

[sk66]

If you get the 18-135 kit lens with the 60d you will be pretty well set up other than for low light/ indoor situations. For that I would consider the 24-70 instead of 70-200 on a crop body......But I don't know if that's a good idea for you.
As a starting point for that I would suggest a flash w/ modifier / 50mm prime (just don't take everything at f/1.x). Keep the rest of the money for now....

[Rentham]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Boom, headshot.

2569A004 Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM AutoFocus Telephoto Zoom Lens with Case & Hood - USA

Non-IS version, unless I'm missing something.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Rentham

Non-IS version, unless I'm missing something.

And here I thought Adorama wouldnt be stupid enough to put the non-IS version when I specified IS. /facepalm

[photog1107]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

And here I thought Adorama wouldnt be stupid enough to put the non-IS version when I specified IS. /facepalm

Yeah, but not sure IS is totally necessary for portrait use where a good tripod should be employed, though. So it might be just the thing, and gives a lot of range to boot.

I'd actually love to get my hands on one of those 100mm 2.8 macros, though. The reviews are awesome for portraiture, plus you have an amazing closeup lens to boot.