Help selecting the correct lens

[tashndee]

I have a Canon EOS Rebel XT 8.0 megapixel (digital). I am looking for thebest lens for indoor portraits, a friend recommend the Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Aspherical (IF) Lens, but I have read no reviews that confirm that this a good lens for my needs. Please help.

[jetrim]

Usually, the best lenses for indoor portrait work are fast primes from 50mm f/1.8 to 100mm f/2.8.
Check out any of the 50mm threads in viewfinder to see what's possible with that lens.
50mm f/1.8 Lens War Thread
Another 50mm f1.8 Thread


The sigma is probably a very good all around lens due to it's wide angle to telephoto capability, but at longer distance that f/6.3 is going to be really limiting.

[Loupey]

I don't understand why someone would recommend to you an 18-200mm for indoor portraits.

Try the 50mm f/1.8 to start. Super cheap, super sharp.

[tashndee]

Thank you guys for the info, I really appreciate your help. I am a newcomer to the board and to photography and am eager recive all the advise I can get.

Just wondering I currently have a 58mm 18-55 1:3.5-5.6. What is this lens good for, it came with the camera?

[Medley]

I agree completely with jetrim.

Now, let me say this once, and once only (Alison will probably back me up on this later though): Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II prime lens.

Why? Simple. Best bang for the buck. Canons entire 50mm line does wonderful portraits. Your choices are f/1.8, f/1.4, and f/1.2. Your (ballpark) prices are $75-$100, around $300-$400, and around $1300, respectively.

Here's a link to a thread that should give you samples images with different lenses: A New Window Light Thread

HTH

- Joe U.

[EOSThree]

Just wondering I currently have a 58mm 18-55 1:3.5-5.6. What is this lens good for, it came with the camera?

First let's not mix apples with oranges. The 58mm you mention is the size of the filter for that lens. The 18-55 is the focal length of that lens. 18mm on your body is considered a wide angle lens and 55mm is considered a short telephoto. Here's a focal length comparison site: http://www.tamroneurope.com/flc.htm

That lens is a good walk around lens and will be good for general photography until you decide you need something better or longer.

[Frog]

You don't say whether you are using flash or other lighting?

[Franglais]

I use the Nikon 18-200 for portraits - in the studio. I can do everything from a wideangle view of the model and all the lighting gear (plus other photographers usually) then zoom in to do a close headshot, without changing lenses. I tried using a 80-200 f2.8 once - I couldn't see any real difference in the results and after two hours I was really fed up with the weight of the thing.

However being in the studio means:

- there are a lot of very powerful flashlights on the subject
- there is quite a lot of continuous light for focussing
- the lens is set to about f11 (at 100 ISO) which is it's best aperture

In available light I would use a f1.8 lens (50mm or 85mm)

[tashndee]

I currently have the following lighting avalible to me:

2 strobe lights,
1 synch flash light,
3 stands to hold each light,
2 soft lighting boxes,
gold/ silver double sided reflector,
wireless synch remote camera attachment,
a 4 leaf barndoor,
4 colored gels,
a honeycomb light filter
snoot, 1 6x9' Black Muslin
1 6x9' White Muslin
1 HUGE 10x20' Grey Muslin Backdrop

5600K color temperature
110-130 Volt
Flash: maximum 160 watts (joule) per second
Recharge Time ranges from 0.5-3 seconds
Flash Duration: 1/600 second at t=0.1; 1/1000 second @ t=.05
Flash tube lifetime: approximately 8k flashes
Slave Effectiveness: 35' (10m)
5 amp fuse (spares included)
Synch Volt: 5v
E-14 screw
Guide No.: 120'/36m ISO100
Light Range of 55 degrees
Weight 1.8 pounds (800g)
Measures approximately f4-7.5" (f100-195mm)

One strobe lights 150 ws
One boom w/ a 16 x 16" softboxe
One modeling lamps

Flash Power
150 ws each
Flash tube life
8000 + flash
Power setting
Adjustable dial from 1/8 to full
Recharge time
1-3 second
Color Temp
5600k daylight
Sync cord
Included
Modeling light
50 watts
Test Button
Yes
Slave sensor
Yes ( 30 feet )

I am willing to get both lenses I just don't want to waste money on have 2 lenses if it is not nessessary. Once again thank you guys so much for all your help, it has been very informative.

[byjamesderuvoDHQ]

Honestly, I outgrew my 50mm in about a week. I've never looked back. Canon makes some of the best glass out there, but Sigma has really been coming on strong of late even getting better results in some ranges according to Photography Magazine. You really want the fastest lens you can afford. But I like to break up my overall focal length in two different lenses as the larger the focal length, the slower they tend to be.