Portrait lens options

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meilt

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Neil
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So, I have decided to try and get into don't portrait work, now have some lighting and backdrops, however it is obvious I need to upgrade the lens,
I currently own, canon 50mm 1.8, canon 18-55 is kit lens and canon 55-250 is kit lens,

I don't think I can justify buying an L lens yet, so we wondering what other lenses are available near to the quality of an L but not so expensive?

I am sure this has been asked before but can't find any threads relevant to. My question.

All help and advise much appreciated.

Neil.
 
Thanks Pete, I had been looking at that one. I suppose I am happy to spend around £250 area for now, just want the most bang for my buck I can get
 
Sell the Canon 50mm 1.8 and get the Sigma 50mm 1.4, it's sharper and nicer by all accounts.

Otherwise stick with the 50mm 1.8, IQ wise it's superb, I often use it over my Canon 17-55 2.8 IS (£750).
 
You can't get any sharper that a Sigma 70mm f2.8. I find it ideal for portraits.
 
What's wrong with using the Canon 50mm f1.8 that you aready own? A great lens in the studio - Also the 55-200 should also be fine.

Remember you're shooting at around f8 or f11 so pretty much the sweet spot regards sharpness for the 55-200!
 
Thanks for the replies, I agree the nifty fifty is a great lens especially for the price, I was just not completely happy with the results I am getting so far, however I think this could be more down to user than iequipment.
Think I will get everything out is weekend and really try and nail the lighting, will post some results early next week for some advise.

I suppose I was really trying to find a better lens to replace the 55-250 kit lens, like the canon 28-135, but I see mixed reviews on that one.
 
meilt said:
however I think this could be more down to user than equipment.
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You only need to lok at what is produced to see you're probably right!

meilt said:
Think I will get everything out is weekend and really try and nail the lighting, will post some results early next week for some advise.
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Do you use a light meter? That can help. A great place for advice so yes keep asking :)

meilt said:
I suppose I was really trying to find a better lens to replace the 55-250 kit lens, like the canon 28-135, but I see mixed reviews on that one.
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To improve you'd need to look at L lenses I think but you don't need that for the odd studio setup.
 
Something around 85mm works very nicely for head and shoulders portraits on a crop. Gives you enough distance not to be pushing into the sitters personal space. Several options.. Canon f/1.8, Samyang f/1.4 or Sigma f/1.4. The 50mm can put you a bit close, unless you're pulling back for 3/4-length shots.

With studio lighting absolute speed from the lans isn't essential, and even the 17-85IS kit lens will put in a decent performance under good lighting (it's a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde lens for me, only shows it's best in really good light). I'd be surpised if the 55-250 didn't put up a reasonable performance under good lighting.
 
Charlatan said:
Although manual focus
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Killer for me right away.

I use Manual focus on occasion but you really need AF when shooting in the studio. Just takes a small movement from you or your client to throw focus off. Af is quick and it works.
 
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