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  1. #1
    Janie O'Canon Rebel Janie's Avatar
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    Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

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

    "Art is part of a rebellion against the realities of unfulfilled desire." ~Emma Goldman
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  2. #2
    Noobsauce KenB's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    That's easy, this one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...0mm_f_1_8.html

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

    Canon EOS 350D
    Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM
    Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM
    Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 DC
    Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG
    Canon 50mm f/1.8 II
    Canon Speedlight 430EX

    My Flickr Page

  3. #3
    Janie O'Canon Rebel Janie's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

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

    "Art is part of a rebellion against the realities of unfulfilled desire." ~Emma Goldman
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  4. #4
    Noobsauce KenB's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by Janie
    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.

    50mm f/1.8 Lens War Thread
    The "NEW" 50mm f/1.8 Lens War Thread!

    Canon EOS 350D
    Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM
    Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM
    Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 DC
    Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG
    Canon 50mm f/1.8 II
    Canon Speedlight 430EX

    My Flickr Page

  5. #5
    Learning more with every "click" mjs1973's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    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.
    Mike

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  6. #6
    mooo...wooh hoooh! schrackman's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    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:

    50mm f/1.8 Lens War Thread

    The "NEW" 50mm f/1.8 Lens War Thread!

    Ray O'Canon
    Digital Rebel XTi • Digital Rebel • Canonet GIII QL17 • Agfa Parat-1

    The liberal, socialist politician's nightmare: "What a comfort to the farmer to be allowed to supply his own wants before he should be liable to pay anything, and then only pay on his surplus." - Jefferson to Madison on Taxes,1784

    My Canonet GIII QL-17 photos on flickr.

  7. #7
    Janie O'Canon Rebel Janie's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

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

    "Art is part of a rebellion against the realities of unfulfilled desire." ~Emma Goldman
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  8. #8
    mooo...wooh hoooh! schrackman's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    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.

    Ray O'Canon
    Digital Rebel XTi • Digital Rebel • Canonet GIII QL17 • Agfa Parat-1

    The liberal, socialist politician's nightmare: "What a comfort to the farmer to be allowed to supply his own wants before he should be liable to pay anything, and then only pay on his surplus." - Jefferson to Madison on Taxes,1784

    My Canonet GIII QL-17 photos on flickr.

  9. #9
    LRPS Alison's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by schrackman
    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!!!

  10. #10
    Senior Member freygr's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by Janie
    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.
    GRF

    Panorama Madness:

    Nikon D800, 50mm F1.4D AF, 16-35mm, 28-200mm & 70-300mm

  11. #11
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by Janie
    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/...smilies/23.gif

  12. #12
    Member gryphonslair99's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

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

    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.

  13. #13
    DEviaNT Photographer DEvianT's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    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)
    DEviaNT Photographer

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  14. #14
    AutoX Addict Mr Yuck's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

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

    Best bang for the buck in a lens ever.
    <><
    Flickr
    --Rebel T2i
    --Sigma 10-20mm
    --Canon EF-S 55-250mm
    --Tamron 17-50mm F2.8

  15. #15
    Junior Member
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by KenB
    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.

    50mm f/1.8 Lens War Thread
    The "NEW" 50mm f/1.8 Lens War Thread!
    Where could I get an XTI?? IS this one highly recommended??
    Jeep must have a Fender Flare and Jeep Floor Mats to run smoothly.. Well of course it would have to be Jeep Hard Top to make it perrrrrfect.... Now it will give the kompressor a good match

  16. #16
    Noobsauce KenB's Avatar
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by kerpal
    Where could I get an XTI?? IS this one highly recommended??
    B&H:
    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Rebel_XTi.html

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

    Canon EOS 350D
    Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM
    Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM
    Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 DC
    Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG
    Canon 50mm f/1.8 II
    Canon Speedlight 430EX

    My Flickr Page

  17. #17
    Iron Horse
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    Re: Need a canon EOS portrait lens recommendation

    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:



    Canon XTi
    Tamron 17-50mm
    Nifty Fifty 1.8

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