Portrait lenses for Canon?

LauraJ23

LauraJ23

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Laura
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Hi there, I am not sure what to do on this one, will be at 2 weddings next year, 1 in august the other september. I have been asked if I will take some pictures, secondary to the main photographer. I currently have an 18-55, 200mm 2.8, but I want something in between, andthe only other lens I have is a siggy 70-300, so hardly any use at a wedding.
I've been thinking off

Canon 100mm f2
Canon 85mm f1.8
Samyang 85mm f1.4
May even consider a decent quality zoom

I used to have a 100mm f2 many moons ago, which I loved. How would it fair on a 30d?

So any opinions will be greatly appreciated,
 
No problem with taking portraits using 30D.

I've mainly used 100mm f/2.8 macro back in these days, and still use quite a lot.

85mm 1.8 is slightly sharper - but no macro.

135mm f/2 - incredible colours and contrast.

200mm f2.8 - use it whenever you can - it is one of the best lenses for portraits.

Any Canon 70-200mm - just as good (it has to be Canon for best IQ)

samyang - don't bother - 95% will be badly out of focus at 1.4-2.8 (MF only)

18-55 - really has to go. Tamron 17-50mm is the cheapest way to a decent lens.
 
I suppose a lot depends on the venue and how much room you have but my first thought is that all those lenses are rather long on APS-C. I wouldn't like to think that you're going to have to stand over the road from the church to take a shot.
 
Hire a 70-200? If you're not the main tog, then the tele zoom will give a different perspective than with the main tog, who is usually up close to the action.
 
i used to use a 135 f2 for portraits, but since i got the 70-200 f2.8, i use that most of the time now. it's much more flexible than a prime and focusses almost as quickly.

the wonderful bokeh and detail it captures amazes me every time i use it.
 
Is your 18-55 an F2.8 as well? if not upgrading that to a faster lens is the best prospect.

Prime wise I can't see you needing longer than the 85mm F1.8 as that comes out at damn near 130mm when the crop factor is taken into account.

I use the 50 & 85 1.8's the only reason I would upgrade is for better quality glass, the focal lengths are fine
 
iancandler said:
Is your 18-55 an F2.8 as well? if not upgrading that to a faster lens is the best prospect.

Prime wise I can't see you needing longer than the 85mm F1.8 as that comes out at damn near 130mm when the crop factor is taken into account.

I use the 50 & 85 1.8's the only reason I would upgrade is for better quality glass, the focal lengths are fine
Click to expand...


Yup. Any longer and group shots or even couple shots are probably going to be pretty much impossible.
 
Thanks for the comments, location wise, its both extremes really, one is going to be a registry office with a due in a hotel, and the other is in a larger venue, a "hall". and then here, http://www.horsleylodge.co.uk/

Edit, my 18-55 is the bog standard 1, been wanting to upgrade it for a while, I was thinking of the sigma 17-70 OS but the tamron 17-50 does sound a nice lens.
 
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the 85 f1.8 is a very nice lens to have i would go with that.
Rob.
 
Thought about the Tamron 24-75 f2.8? Might be a little short in some circumstances, but works for me!

Thanks

Rosie
 
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