Best Portrait Lens For Canon Rebel XT

hey

just not sure on what lens i should look into for my xt
my gfs grandparents what me to do their family portraits for the 50th anniversary so i would like to know what would be a good lens to look into i currently have the 18-55mm kit lens

let me know any help is greatly appreciated!

How much are you looking to spend? Are you looking for a prime lens or a zoom lens that is good for portraits?

James

anything really just looking for something to create a great protrait, what do you have in mind?

I am sure that others will chime in to help you out, but from Canon's website here you go. http://www.usa.canon.com/app/html/EF..._portrait.html

I don't know how old or new this list is but it might be something to work off of.

James

thanks im checking that site out now!

Also if you want to try out the lens first you can always rent one. I have used LensRentals.com a few times. Here is a link, http://www.lensrentals.com/. The prices are reasonable and I would suggest to get the insurance with the rental.

Sorry I just seen that you are in Canada, I don't think they ship to Canada.

BTW I am looking to purchase the 24-105 f4 IS lens and use that as a portrait lens and a walk around lens.

James

do they actually let you rent them? id be sketchy about it haha

Well sometimes they do. It all depends on the day of the week. :D

James

I cannot say this enough: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 ll. Prime lens- everything tailored to one focal length. Bokeh at f/1.8 is FABULOUS for portraits. Fast lens- 1.8 provides decent shutter speeds even in low-light. Light lens- 4.6 ounces. Best of all....Cheap lens- about $75.00 if you shop around.

reviews: http://www.photographyreview.com/cat...2_3111crx.aspx

Did I forget anything Alison?:D

- Joe U.

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Originally Posted by Medley

I cannot say this enough: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 ll. Prime lens- everything tailored to one focal length. Bokeh at f/1.8 is FABULOUS for portraits. Fast lens- 1.8 provides decent shutter speeds even in low-light. Light lens- 4.6 ounces. Best of all....Cheap lens- about $75.00 if you shop around.

reviews: http://www.photographyreview.com/cat...2_3111crx.aspx

Did I forget anything Alison?:D

- Joe U.

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Only my blog! Love ya Joe :thumbsup:

well my gf said for my birthday in april she would buy me the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 ll from our local photography shop! and it is 100$ tax in there so im pretty excited:)

Another photographer convinced hehe :thumbsup:
You won't regret it!
(Can't she buy it early for you? hehe sorry I'm a devil, I know.)

thats what i said to her lol she didint liek that hahahaha :) ah well good things can wait a month or so hehe i wont regret waiting

Well if she's gonna wait a month anyway, you may as well tell her she can save $30 by getting it online from many sites like bhphotovideo.com

Be sure to check these out - just about 5 pages of images done only with the 50mm lens - most of them with the 50mm/f1.8 and some with the 50mm/f1.4.

http://forums.photographyreview.com/...ad.php?t=37880

You'll be convinced! However, remember that it takes practice - practice - practice. Be sure you'll have enough time to play with the lens before you do the portraits for the anniversary.

Liz

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Originally Posted by brmill26

Well if she's gonna wait a month anyway, you may as well tell her she can save $30 by getting it online from many sites like bhphotovideo.com

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im sketchy about buying online haha but are they a reputable site to deal with?

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Originally Posted by rylans700

im sketchy about buying online haha but are they a reputable site to deal with?

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I buy most of my photography equipment from B&H - I have dealt with them for about 8 years and never had a problem. They enjoy an impeccable reputation and are probably the largest photography site in the US - and maybe internationally. They have a huge store with about 1,000 employees in NYC where I frequently visit. I live in NJ.

Here is your lens. You can read all the specifications, etc.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...0mm_f_1_8.html

ETA: The price went up to $89 from $75 a week ago. However, I checked the other reputable dealers - and they all raised the price! At any rate, it's an excellent lens.

Liz

thanks liz ill look into them!:D

Another good site is Adorama. I've bought from them for about 4 years and have had no problems. You can buy on line or over the phone from them. I've always bought either from their web site or their ebay site. Good folks to deal with.

I have found a couple of other sites which I have used and are reliable but unless you are going to buy a lot of gear, then B&H and Adorama should do.

As to what lens, go to the cmaera shop and try a 50 and an 85 to see which suits you best. I have a 28 - 80 Sigma and I love the lens. Does good portraits and I use it a lot for head and shoulder shots. Ask to take the lens outside and try a few shots at closeups and medium distance.

You have to make a lot of decisions before you buy a lens. Are you going to use flash? How about a tripod? Outdoor portraits, my favorite? Do you have a good background or a mediocre one? If not so hot, you want to be able to open the lens for shallow depth of field, you'll need one which isn't fuzzy at larger openings. Look at the two sites mentioned and check out some of their lenses. You don't need to buy only Canon lenses. I've been shooting Canon cameras since 1972 and have used Canon, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina and have found all of them good lenses. I just gave my son-in-law my 300D and my Canon 75-300 so now have two lenses, the Sigma and my 16mm Russian lens. I'm looking for prime lenses as I prefer those. Also don't use MF so it makes it easier to choose lenses.

Hope this helps, when I start pontificating I lose track. ;--)
Michael

thanks mike! it helps! my girlfriend is buying me the 50mm for my birthday coming up in april

I absolutely in love with the Canon 24-105 mm EF f/4L IS. It's awesome for portraits.

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Originally Posted by JETA

I absolutely in love with the Canon 24-105 mm EF f/4L IS. It's awesome for portraits.

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Thanks Jeta for the post. I am on the hunt for either the 24-105 or 24-70. I want to use it as my walk around lens and for portraits. It is still out a couple months before I purchase it so I am trying it read all the pros and cons of each.

James

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Originally Posted by JamesV

Thanks Jeta for the post. I am on the hunt for either the 24-105 or 24-70. I want to use it as my walk around lens and for portraits. It is still out a couple months before I purchase it so I am trying it read all the pros and cons of each.

James

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James, be sure and check out the reviews for the lenses in the review section here. Here's the one for the 24-105. You can even check for sample images from the shooters here.
http://www.photographyreview.com/cat...5_3128crx.aspx

Thanks for the link, I have indeed looked at the reviews and I am still looking thru all the pictures for each lens.

James