What Lens Should I consider for Portrait Work?

[Outlaw]

I love my Sigma, Jill - it barely has any paint left on it, and I've had to screw it back together once, but it's held up making great photos for many years. It's been the tool I've used to win every sports photography award I've won in my years of newspaper journalism. I haven't used the Canon version, but with the results I've gotten, I haven't found a need to pay more or use anything else.

[Hanky]

Kelly I'm sure they are going to answer your question about off camera flash, I can not sadly.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by jdst622

How does the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens compare with the Canon 70-200 2.8? I like the price of the Sigma but don't want to waist my $.

I used to have the Sigma. I currently have the Canon 70-200mm 2.8L non-IS and the 70-200mm 2.8L IS mark I. The non-IS may be marginally sharper, but both are great. Both are MUCH better than the Sigma at focus speeds, nailing focus, following/tracking and color/contrast.

From what I understand, the 70-200mm 2.8L IS II is closer to the 135mm 2.0L in terms of sharpness and contrast and focuses quicker, too.

Definitely get the Canon if you can afford it.

[LadyShutterBug]

My favorite portrait lenses are the previously mentioned 85mm f/1.4 (though mine is nikon)and a handy little sigma 30mm f/1.4.

I just love them both. I use the 30mm when I'm in a tight room pre-wedding, works like a charm and can open up to 1.4 so you have lots of flexibility. In a small space like a home can often give you, that 30mm is ace for newborn portraits... And not too heave so you don't throw out your back waiting for the perfect little angel to make some sort of a facial expression resembling a smile ; )