Recommend a good portrait lens?

[mavman04]

Thoughts on the canon 24-70 f/2.8 versus the ef 85/f1.2 or 1.8 as a portrait lens? Will I feel limited having only a single focal length with the 85mm?
Does not having IS on the 24-70 a big deal? Any other thoughts on a different canon lens for baby portraits?
Thanks

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

This has been discussed- do a search!
ARe you using a full frame or cropped sensor? Are you using 35mm or MF or LF?
35mm full frame optimum is a 110mm-old school- same goes for 1 day to 100+ years- least amount of distortion- if you hve a 3/4 crop then you can get by with an 85m or even a 70mm but any wider your not really using a portrait lens.

[ngoduyviet]

Anything longer than 50mm should be good.

[dmora]

10mm fish eye.

[Tom]

Depends on style, budget and how much room you have to back up.

A 200mm F/2 is a pretty spectacular portrait lens.

[mavman04]

Thanks for the feedback and recommendation on the search function...I found lots of good advice.

[ThePhilosopher]

105mm dc.

[Daniel W.]

Kodak Aero Ektar. Then maybe the 105DC.

I prefer the 300/2.8 when possible (and rent-able). While 200/2 is nice, it looks to similar to most eyes as the 70-200, whereas the 300 has a very discernible dropoff in DOF. Tack sharp at 2.8 (at least the copies I've been lucky to use).

But to answer the question for realz, since it says you use the 7D in your sub-avatar thing, let's assume you'll be using that. The 24-70 is more suitable, if it's your only lens. I like the 85 on my 5D, but it feels a bit tight on an EF-S body (for me, a 30D) for portraits - great for concerts though. With the 24 end, you'll get a relatively decent full-length (if you back up) and 70 will be good for the headshot. To be honest, I would go for the 70-200 first before a 24-70. 95% of the time I have that lens on, that goes for both FF and crop body.

[Texsport]

The Nikon 135mm F2 DC AF is a wonderful lens.

You must learn to use it effectively however, because many are over-zealous and end up with soft focus images instead of the intended sharp focus with background bokeh.

Texsport

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Texsport

The Nikon 135mm F2 DC AF is a wonderful lens.

You must learn to use it effectively however, because many are over-zealous and end up with soft focus images instead of the intended sharp focus with background bokeh.

Texsport

Probably not what a Canon user is looking for.

[Texsport]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Probably not what a Canon user is looking for.

And here I thought you could use Nikon lenses on Canon cameras...adapters made by Novoflex I believe.

Sorry.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Texsport

And here I thought you could use Nikon lenses on Canon cameras...adapters made by Novoflex I believe.

Sorry.

Poor recovery.

Why would someone pay nearly a 70% premium for a Nikon 135 2.0 plus a novoflex adapter to use in manual focus only when they could buy the very highly rated Canon 135L for so much less?

[Daniel W.]

I've used older Nikon lenses on my 5D, only because they make a good and cheap macro or still life lens with excellent glass, but using the deadly combo of f/2 and long focal length with something like a baby (as mentioned in the OP) - asking for troubles and headaches. People move, focus shifts.

FYI, those adapters are also made by a number of other off brand companies overseas... I can adapt sweet PL mount lenses to a 5D, but I wouldn't think about using it during a portrait session, the cost/return is simply not worth it when you can use an equally sharp, autofocusing lens.

[Texsport]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Poor recovery.

Why would someone pay nearly a 70% premium for a Nikon 135 2.0 plus a novoflex adapter to use in manual focus only when they could buy the very highly rated Canon 135L for so much less?

What do you mean poor recovery Thomas?


Thanks Daniel W for your explaination and reasoned response.

[Tom]

What I mean is that it would have been easier and more honest to say "Oops - I didn't notice that the OP was a Canon shooter instead of a Nikon shooter. My Bad."