BEST PORTRAIT LENSE

<p>I know this is very subjective but I am trying to buy a Contax 85 f1.4 T Carl Zeiss N Mount, I use a canon 5D MK2 but I would like something better than what CanonL lenses have to offer.thank you, rollsman</p>

<p>If you're "trying" to buy that lens, why don't you just buy it?</p>

<p>"Better" is a nebulous term. Lots of photographers have been successful with Canon L lenses, Canon non-L lenses, and lenses that aren't necessarily as "good" as Canon non-L lenses. Portraits are about what is in the photo, not what the technicals are.</p>

<p>Thank you. </p>

<p>I don't know. I have both Canon L lenses and Zeiss for my 5D2. I think the Canon 85L is a great portrait lens. I don't want anything sharper, though the Zeiss is maybe a little sharper.So is a Leica 75 or 90. </p>

<p>Dennis....tell us. What is it you are <em><strong>really</strong><strong> asking? </strong></em>We'll be gentle.....</p>

<p>It even hard for me to explain it. You can go hard on me. I have shooting so many years that now using digital and so many choices. OK. bottom line. Sharp, Good Bokeh. I DONT want to spend 1500-or more for one either. So, that is part of my dilemma. I will pay 1,000 Thanks very much, </p>

<p>Dennis<br>

if you don't want to pay more than $1000 then it eliminates quite a few candidates. The Canon 85 f/1.2 L is around $2000. The 135 f/2.8 L is about $1200 but while it is probably tack sharp, it not as fast as the 85 f/1.2 by far. A good compromise and at a steal for the price is the Canon 85 f/1.8 for about $550. I also cannot afford or justify paying $2000 for a dedicated portrait lens, so the 85 f/1.8 has been my choice and i find it quite sharp with the 5DII, it is sufficiently fast for most situations, and i like the bokeh. And for $550, you can't go wrong it's a great value lens. I also occasionally use the 100 f/2.8 Macro for portrait. It's quite good (but not as fast as the 85) and at $650 it's a versatile lens which yields good results in medium lit environment. Your choice of lens should take into consideration the type of portraits you want to take. Studio portrait may not require as fast a lens because the lighting can be adjusted easily, but if you are interested in low light candid portraits, then definitely a faster lens should be considered. Good luck</p>

<p>You might go to BorrowLenses.com and rent the lenses before you buy one. A word of caution though... You WILL fall in love with the Canon 85mm f/1.2L, and you will not want to return it. They have all of the lenses you might want to try.</p>

<p>I love 50mm for portraits!</p>

<p>Why does it have to be an N mount version? The C/Y mount MM version is just as good and a lot easier to obtain.<br />BTW, the best portrait lens I know of is the Canon FD 85mm f1.2 L...Its razor sharp wide open and the bokeh is to die for. I have converted mine from FD to SA mount. <br />OK, so it cant focus to infinity but it will focus out to about 15 feet, which is plenty for portrait work.<br />For infinity work I have my Zeiss MMJ 85mm f1.4 Planar T*.  <br />I'm thinking of selling it though as I dont much portrait work at  infinity.</p>

<p>Why does it have to be an N mount version? The C/Y mount MM version is just as good and a lot easier to obtain.<br />BTW, the best portrait lens I know of is the Canon FD 85mm f1.2 L...Its razor sharp wide open and the bokeh is to die for. I have converted mine from FD to SA mount. <br />OK, so it cant focus to infinity but it will focus out to about 15 feet, which is plenty for portrait work.<br />For infinity work I have my Zeiss MMJ 85mm f1.4 Planar T*.  <br />I'm thinking of selling it though as I dont much portrait work at  infinity.</p><div></div>

<p>I use the contax T N Mount for my canon 5D. I buy the Converted ones from Conurus. I need AF. They are great lenses. I wish there were more Zeiss lenses converted . rollsman</p>

<p>We work wonders with our 50mm 1.8's. I got mine for a steal at $70 on Amazon, and while it isn't the L-series (although that's on my list as well) it's a fantastic portrait lens!</p>

<p>If the Canon 85mm f1.2L isn't good enough for you you must be some photographer, I've been shooting portraits with the FD version of this optic for 23 years and it's incredible.</p>

<p>I am sure the Canon 85 1.2L is a great portrait lense. I just feel that for the few amount of jobs I do( semi retired)<br>

it does NOT justify the cost for me. If I did more than yes. Thanks, rollsman<br>

I did buy the Canon 85 1.8</p>

<p>Dennis - I have the FD 85mm f1.8 lens as well, and it's a very fine portrait lens I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.</p>

<p>Thanks for the good feedback on that lense. Take care, Dennis</p>