Portrait lens

Don't know what system you use but a short telephoto lens is most flattering of the lens types , and a good quality soft filter.
 
What's your budget Chez?
 
I use a Canon 50mm f1.4 and I have hundreds of blurred photos from trying to use it at f1.4 :)
From what i've read the Canon 50mm f1.8 that Darren recommended is supposed to be the a real budget bargain.
If you haven't got a flash i'd highly recommend you get one. My keeper rate has gone up loads since getting the Canon 430ex ii flash. I set the the camera to AV mode and then the aperture to around f4 and with the flash bounced off the wall, I get a good, clear shot of my son nearly every time.
 
fatmarley said:
I use a Canon 50mm f1.4 and I have hundreds of blurred photos from trying to use it at f1.4 :)
From what i've read the Canon 50mm f1.8 that Darren recommended is supposed to be the a real budget bargain.
If you haven't got a flash i'd highly recommend you get one. My keeper rate has gone up loads since getting the Canon 430ex ii flash. I set the the camera to AV mode and then the aperture to around f4 and with the flash bounced off the wall, I get a good, clear shot of my son nearly every time.
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Once you start using flash indoors with Canon, forget AV mode and hit Manual, AV will let you choose really low shutter speeds. With Manual you can choose how much ambient you want to mix with your flash - it's a piece of cake.

Back to the OP - depending on budget, the 50 1.8 is a bargain, but the 85 1.8 is an awesome lens at any price.
 
Phil V said:
Once you start using flash indoors with Canon, forget AV mode and hit Manual, AV will let you choose really low shutter speeds. With Manual you can choose how much ambient you want to mix with your flash - it's a piece of cake.
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I was using the fixed 1/200 shutter speed that's in the 450D menu but your idea is much better. I'll try it when I get a chance :)
 
fatmarley said:
I was using the fixed 1/200 shutter speed that's in the 450D menu but your idea is much better. I'll try it when I get a chance :)
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I'm a maverick and won't let the camera dictate to me, but that leaves me wide open for the camera kicking me in the gonads. So Manual for all indoor shooting for me.
 
What about a 60mm 2.8. Is this any good for portraits? (thinking of getting one for some macro work)
 
Alan Sandham said:
What about a 60mm 2.8. Is this any good for portraits? (thinking of getting one for some macro work)
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I'm sure i've read that some (not all) macro lenses have quite slow auto-focus. Don't know what the 60mm is like in this regard or if it's something that would bother you.
 
fatmarley said:
I'm sure i've read that some (not all) macro lenses have quite slow auto-focus. Don't know what the 60mm is like in this regard or if it's something that would bother you.
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Thanks. I read in the photoplus mag that its supposed to be good for portraits. It would be good to hear if there are any users here who have had the experience.
 
I recommend the 50mm 1.8. Sharp and quick. I use it to take photos of my 10 month old son.

As other people have mentioned, its a great lens and for the price, it's a bargain.
 
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get as wide an aperture as you can, the 1.4 lens produce magical shots - yes there blurred around the detail point - that's the idea

I bought my camera when my kids were on the way - and i really treasure the soft focus stuff i took at the start

remember - you can't go back and take them again
 
michael23 said:
85mm 1.8 would be very nice on your 1100d. Certainly would be my choice. :thumbs:
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Agreed, I recently bought an 85mm f1.8D for my Nikon D700 just for portraits.

But before you choose, remember effective focal lengths change when on FX or DX cameras. I'm not up on Canon gear, but if yours is a DX format, then consider a fast 50mm 1.4 or 1.8 ;)
 
have to agree. 50mm 1.8 is a great lens to start you off, and will be the lens by which others will be compared. it gives you that bit more room to crop (if you dont get too close in the first place) and wont cost you the earth.
just remember you dont need to shoot it wide open all the time. :thumbs:
 
Jayst84 said:
Just use your kit lens if you got one with the camera. Worry about new lenses when you know what you want. :thumbs:
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I would have to agree with this, get a new len's once you have made sure the kit lens is not producing the shots you’re looking for....

Do you know anyone you could borrow any kit from? or maybe rent a lens...

Dan.
 
another vote for the 50mm f1.8 cheap and cheerful does what its supposed to do :thumbs:


Les :D
 
cheapish end 60mm macro, mid 135mm f2, high end 85mm f1.2
 
I'm tempted to try the Sigma 30mm F1.4. The 50mm on a crop is great for head shots but you have to stand quite far back if you want more than one person in the shot.

On some of the wedding threads, i've noticed some guys have a 35mm on one camera and 85mm on the other (full frame). So for a crop you'd want something like and 20mm and a 50mm. Perhaps a 30mm would be a good compromise?
 
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