17-55 f2.8 IS USM as a portrait lens

GR3Z

GR3Z

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Graeme
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I'm close to buying this lens to do mainly portraiture, I'm currently using the 50mm f1.8 and I'm pleased results but some times i struggle with the fixed focal length, I like the idea of the zoom lens to combat composition issues that i have with the fifty.... The 17-55 has the fast usm focus and the ability to shoot slower shutter speeds because of the IS so I'm really swaying towards it ...

But what about a prime 35mm and 85mm
I can't decide.....?

Can anyone post some of There best images with 17-55 to help convence me its the right choice!!!!
 
You say you feel constrained by the 50/1.8 so are considering a zoom but the 17-55 really only gives you the wider-angle alternative. Do you really feel the need to have more in the shot than you can squeeze with the 50mm? If so, then it would seem a good choice.

You are using a crop body so a 50mm is what we normally think of as the ideal portrait lens. But lots of portrait shooters like a longer length lens for real tight shots (I like to use a 100mm macro for these type of pictures as the tiny minimum distance for focussing lets you get really tight on the face or even details like the eyes). If this applies to you then a 24-70 or 24-105 might be an alternative that lets you go both wider and longer.
 
I bought a second hand 17 - 55 off the buy and sell section on here a while ago and it never leaves my camera, I love it! I am currently shooting using a 40d and this lens is so versatile as I can use it for portraits, landscapes and any other general shooting I do.

If you check out my flickr photostream almost all of my shots on the first two or three pages have been taken with the 17 - 55 :) I say go for it, I have not regretted mine one bit. I am planning on going full frame soon but I will keeping the 17 - 55 to use on my 40d as a back up camera as I don't want to part with it.
 
I am of the same opinion as Sharon, I have one and it very rarley leaves the camera.

I have done alsorts with it in cluding studio work, it is very versatile

spike
 
SmileyShazza said:
I bought a second hand 17 - 55 off the buy and sell section on here a while ago and it never leaves my camera, I love it! I am currently shooting using a 40d and this lens is so versatile as I can use it for portraits, landscapes and any other general shooting I do.

If you check out my flickr photostream almost all of my shots on the first two or three pages have been taken with the 17 - 55 :) I say go for it, I have not regretted mine one bit. I am planning on going full frame soon but I will keeping the 17 - 55 to use on my 40d as a back up camera as I don't want to part with it.
Click to expand...

What your flickr ID I can't find you via you name as I'd like to see them please

Getting more and more tempted as all I've heard is good reports apart from small dust issues
 
I know what you mean
I used my 50mm recently in a studio, for head shots, can't beat it on a 40D I think
the 30mm prime went on but in a studio (tutorial session) I was a bit pushed for room
so the 17-50 came out. just bought a 17-55 IS and am looking forward to using it in a studio
as for IS? well if you're using studio lighting you'll be shooting at 60-200/s anyway on triggered flashes
 
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