Got a nice 50d,what lens to use?

<p>Really after a bit of advise, got a 50d for xmas to take my hobby a bit further, also inherited a efs 60mm and ef 100mm can I get quality portait shots with these or should i get a 50mm lens just for portraits. Dont have any studio equipment so the portraits would have to use natural light. I also have a 17-85mm but want the clarity a prime can offer. I'm fairly new to the technical side of things so looking for some balanced opinions.<br>

Thanks Karen</p>

<p>You have a fairly rounded set there. If I were you I'd play with what you have for at least 6 months before deciding whether you'll need more.</p>

<p>The 60 is the macro 2.8 I presume. That's very usable for portraits in available light. As is the 100, which is the f2 I presume.</p>

<p>Unless you really really need a wider lens for your portraits (because space is very cramped) you should do fine with what you have.</p>

<p>The 17-85 is a pretty good lens. It is the weakest in your setup but I wouldn't change it until you know what you want improved. (Whether you want a faster zoom or a wider zoom or something else entirely will depend on you style and taste.)</p>

<p>The only thing that might be missing is a long tele. If the 100 is too short for you it might be an idea to start thinking about what you need in a tele lens. (Zoom, prime, fast, light weight, cheap?)</p>

<p>Have fun using the 50D!</p>

<p>(I have one too and I'm pretty happy with it. Post processing took some getting used to after my 400D. If you need help with that just post another question with that as subject.)</p>

<p>You already have a set of good lenses, just use them fora some time to get experience with its shortcomings ref. your photographic subjects. Once you identify the shortcomings from the lenses, and your own shortcomings, it will become a lot clearer where to go next.</p>

I agree with Paul. You have more than enough glass at the "right" focal lengths to start you off on some great portraiture. You should now shift your questions to technique and away from equipment... And on that, you could do worse than to start off here: http://www.photo.net/learn/portraits

<p>None of those lenses you have are bad lenses - it is more a case of whether other lenses can do it better or different. You need to use the lenses to the point that you know what their weaknesses and strengths are and then you will be in a position to know what lens to get next tie round.<br>

Lenses between 70mm and 130mm on a 35mm camera are considered portrait lenses and the 60mm on the 50D falls in this range. Whether you want shorter or longer depends on what you think of the perspective they give. Even the 17-85 will give decent quality. At the moment it is more about learning technique.</p>

<p>the 60 and 100 are excellent for portraiture. not sure why you think a 50 would be better</p>

<p>as far as studio equipment goes -- try setting up a reflector like a white sheet or large white card to fill in the dark side away from, say, a window, or in open shade. you can get a studio reflector but they cost a lot</p>

<p>Thanks everyone for the input, i think you are all right. I need to play with the lenses i have rather that covert ones i think might make me better.<br>

I also inherited a speedlight which i have now idea how to use so i guess when i get to that i will just ask you all as you have been so helpful.<br>

Thanks Karen</p>

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For flash... http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/ and also google planet neil