For my Rebel XTi - I want a fast, sharp one that won't strangle my purse strings! What's everyone's faves?

That's easy, this one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-GREY/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html

Check out the 50mm f/1.8 thread here for some samples.

ohhhh, now that is in my pricerange! I'll check it out - thanks! Is it compatible with Xti? I only see fillm on it.

ohhhh, now that is in my pricerange! I'll check it out - thanks! Is it compatible with Xti? I only see fillm on it.

I think most of the people using here are using it on XTs or XTis.

I personally don't own one.... YET... but the shots in the 50mm f/1.8 thread pretty much say it all.

http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=28104
http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=32400

The 50mm f/1.8 will work on both film and digital EOS bodies. It is a great lens for twice the price. The link that Ken posted if for the imported (gray market) version. For $5 more you can get the USA version that comes with the Canon warranty.

I use that lens on my XTi almost everyday. Excellent for portrait work. Yeah, go check out the 50mm lens wars thread.
You'll see some great shots.

Oh, forgot there were two lens war threads:

http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=28104

http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=32400

Cool, found it at Beach Photo, not far from me: http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CN5018II and it's $74.99 there!

Janie, I have read from some who say be extra careful not to drop this lens. Because it's plastic it will split in two if dropped. Well, I've tried to be extra careful with mine. However, I HAVE dropped it twice, both times at least a foot above ground. And it's still in one piece!! Don't know if that's just luck or if this lens is built better than some say.

Janie, I have read from some who say be extra careful not to drop this lens. Because it's plastic it will split in two if dropped. Well, I've tried to be extra careful with mine. However, I HAVE dropped it twice, both times at least a foot above ground. And it's still in one piece!! Don't know if that's just luck or if this lens is built better than some say.

And at that price if I broke mine today I would go out and buy another immediately!!!
I WILL NOT be without my 50mm!!!

For my Rebel XTi - I want a fast, sharp one that won't strangle my purse strings! What's everyone's faves?

Well I think that a 50mm lens which is equivalent to about 75mm film lens when mounted on most DSLR cameras. And most 50mm lenses now days are fast F2.0 or faster, making then great for portraits as you can get a very shallow DOF.

For my Rebel XTi - I want a fast, sharp one that won't strangle my purse strings! What's everyone's faves?
a fast lens that is cheap? thats like asking for a naturally busty girl whose also a size 0. the canon 70-200 non i.s f.-2.8/ is the best I can think of, it kicks ass sharp, fast and contrasty.get one used. Or try the 70-200 f-4:23: http://forums.photographyreview.com/images/smilies/23.gif

I'm not going to strangle your purse strings, I am going to beat them to death.:D

My portrait kit includes the following:
50mm f1.4
85mm f1.8
100mm f2.8 macro
135 f2.0L
24-70 f2.8L
70-200 f2.8L

All have their own purpose in my portrait kit. Not cheap though. And yes, I am just a hobbyist, but a serious one.

On your camera the 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 would be fine.
My personal favourite is 85mm f/1.2 L MKII

135mm f/2 L and 24-70mm f/2.8 L running a close second. Though 24-70mm f/2.8 is most versatile and usefull of all the lenses mentioned (due to zoom)

Here's another recommendation for the 50mm F1.8 for ~$80 or less.

Best bang for the buck in a lens ever.

I think most of the people using here are using it on XTs or XTis.

I personally don't own one.... YET... but the shots in the 50mm f/1.8 thread pretty much say it all.

http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=28104
http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=32400

Where could I get an XTI?? IS this one highly recommended??

Where could I get an XTI?? IS this one highly recommended??

B&H:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/457506-REG/Canon_1236B002_EOS_Digital_Rebel_XTi.html

I have the 50mm and love it as do many others here (which is why I bought mine).

yet another vote for the 50mm 1.8, or for a bit more the 50mm 1.4. If you can afford it, and think you'll be using it quite a bit, go for the 1.4 version as it's more robust, and will provide a more pleasant background (Bokeh). I have the 1.8 (loaned it to a coworker for the moment) and it's a great lens, and for the price it's absolutely amazing. These were taken with it:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/397197949_5e24d7c979_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/397208347_5847ad9059_o.jpg