Macro lens for portrait?

[sbebenelli]

I just got a XS for Christmas and it came with the 18-55mm IS Lens. I also got the 430EX II. I'm not hugely into photography. I got it to replace my dated P&S for taking family pictures.

I do have an interest in macro and feel this is something I would greatly enjoy in the summer while camping in state parks.

I'm looking at the 60mm or 100mm Canon lens. I read on here how you can use macro lens for portrait. What would be the reason I would use a macro lens over the 18-55mm IS?

[seaside]

Both are "prime" lenses (primes are generally known to be sharper than zooms).

Absolutly tack sharp with great bokeh (out of focus background to isolate the subject). Especially using a large f-stop, i.e f2.8

[Paul J McCain]

If you're going to stick with the XS, I'd go with the 60mm for a good portrait length.

[drexp2000]

100mm is a nice lense, too. You can't go wrong with either one. I would prefer the 100mm, imo.

[John_B]

sbebenelli,
Of course you can use any lens for a portrait photo ;)
However the macro will give you more control over DOF (depth of field) then your 18-55, and with the longer focal length it makes it easier to get close head photos. Also prime lenses (especially macro) are usually sharper then zoom lenses.

The 100mm macro lens can also be used as a telephoto for when you want more reach then your 55mm ;)

[vision35]

The 100mm macro is one of my best EOS lenses & worth every penny.

[timrocks311]

you don't need a macro lens for portraits but they can be used. if you want to take head shot portraits, then the 100 would be good for both macro and portraiture. personally, i don't like headshots and my 85 is actually too long for me in most cases, so i would go with the 60 if you only want one lens. i'm thinking of getting rid of my 85 for a 50mm f/1.4 for portraits and a 100mm for dedicated macro.

[macro junkie]

taken with the 60mm canon macro lens

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2683799998_ba85daa576_o.jpg

[vision35]

Buy the best lens for your personal needs.
Long before digital 80mm = 80mm & was considered by many a fine portrait lens.
I hunt wildlife with the camera & chose a 100mm macro mostly for outdoor nature photos & macro.
Approx powers on a digital body....50mm = 75 60mm = 90mm 100mm = 150mm
Reason for using fixed focal length non-zoom lenses is they are considered prime lens & have less elements so more light gets through & less distortion & sharper images are obtained.
Lens distance from subject will be a factor because of the lens power.
Indoor living room 50mm & the 60mm would be better choice.
Outdoor portrait are possible as well with 100mm macro, however group photos outdoors will require lens to subject distance compared to a 50mm & fill flash may be lessened to some extent in daylight.

[alann]

Buy the best lens for your personal needs.
Long before digital 80mm = 80mm & was considered by many a fine portrait lens.
I hunt wildlife with the camera & chose a 100mm macro mostly for outdoor nature photos & macro.
Approx powers on a digital body....50mm = 75 60mm = 90mm 100mm = 150mm
Reason for using fixed focal length non-zoom lenses is they are considered prime lens & have less elements so more light gets through & less distortion & sharper images are obtained.
Lens distance from subject will be a factor because of the lens power.
Indoor living room 50mm & the 60mm would be better choice.
Outdoor portrait are possible as well with 100mm macro, however group photos outdoors will require lens to subject distance compared to a 50mm & fill flash may be lessened to some extent in daylight.

The above is great advice. I debated for a long time on which to get. Just got the 100mm f2.8 Macro USM and it is a fantastic lens. Be careful though....after having the lens for a few weeks I found I "needed" an off shoe cord, extension tubes and a Delta bracket. :)