alice_lum Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 Hello, I'm a beginner in photography. I have a digital Rebel xt with canon 50mm f1.8 lens (everyone recommended this is a good cheap portrait lens) I took many fantastic pictures with 50mm f1.8 lens but I think its time for an upgrade. But there are so many choices. I bought the 17-85mm F/4-5.6 IS USM Lens but I was very disappointed when it came to taking portrait pictures so I sold it. my budget is around $300-$500. Please let me know what is another exellent lens for great portrait photos. Thank you in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corey_gardner1 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 85 1.8 is a beautiful lens in your price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rainer_t Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 The EF85/1.8 will certainly be an excellent addition (not an upgrade) to your 50/1.8. If you love the 50mm you might try the 50/1.4 instead the 50/1.8, but for the first step of extension the 85/1.8 seems the better choice. Rainer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.th Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 imo alert! <br> no lens is going to get you "great portraits". and though i have no experience with it, i assume the canon 50/1.8 is more than capable. studying light technique might be far more effective... <br><br> but i repeat,.. imo alert! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_earussi1 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 What's do you feel that's wrong with the 50 f1.8 that you're wanting to upgrade it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_madio Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 I have to agree with the sentiments in the previous posts that the 50/1.8 is hard to beat. Getting a zoom is generally a step backwards in terms of quality and lens speed. Decide what focal length you need and get a prime lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omkaar Posted March 10, 2007 Share Posted March 10, 2007 I use the 100mm 2.8 macro for portraits and also my new 24-70L The latter being out of price range though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allen_r1 Posted March 11, 2007 Share Posted March 11, 2007 While I agree with previous posts regarding the quality of the 50/1.8 and limitations of zoom lens, the bottom line is a 50mm lens is not considered a "portrait" lens. It is common knowledge that 70-90mm (if not higher)is generally considered the appropriate range for shooting portraits. For that reason, I would agree that the 85/1.8 would be the way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_hovland Posted March 11, 2007 Share Posted March 11, 2007 If you are happy with your current 50mm there is not much reason to get a different one. When you spend money try to get a meaningful improvement in capability. An 85mm or 28mm would be possibilities. Think about the power factor- normal, 1/2 normal, twice normal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuanhbui Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 What do you feel is lacking about your current lens such that you need to upgrade it? If you answer that question, the replies will become more relevant :) Allen R - she is using a 1.6x crop body. a 50mm 1.8 is probably the ideal portrait lens. Also, I do not recommend the 50mm f1.4 - I have this lens, and I feel that any difference between it and the 1.8 is negligible. The wider aperture does open it up for a little bit more creativity, but the dof is so shallow that it's useless unless you want an almost soft-focus effect. For 3x the price, it's not worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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