Looking for the right lens

[kdraggy86]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie to this forum and to the 20D world. I've just ordered a body online and am pondering a lens choice or two. My primary subject will be my girlfriend who does very high end, nude modelling shots. If you're oppossed to such a thing, read no further, but if the subject interests you, I need some advice. What are the best choices for lenses (cost not too much of an issue)? There are so many opinions out there on the net and at my local camera store, but none have satisfied me yet, so I thought I'd ask you knowledgeable folks. Most of the work will be done indoors with the occassional foray into morning light.

So tell me, what one or two lenses would cover the lion's share of my needs?

David

[kdraggy86]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie to this forum and to the 20D world. I've just ordered a body online and am pondering a lens choice or two. My primary subject will be my girlfriend who does very high end, nude modelling shots. If you're oppossed to such a thing, read no further, but if the subject interests you, I need some advice. What are the best choices for lenses (cost not too much of an issue)? There are so many opinions out there on the net and at my local camera store, but none have satisfied me yet, so I thought I'd ask you knowledgeable folks. Most of the work will be done indoors with the occassional foray into morning light.

So tell me, what one or two lenses would cover the lion's share of my needs?

David

[tim]

Welcome to POTN :) You might like to have a read of this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56752). There are any number of lenses that would do the job, depending on the distance between you and your girlfriend, which will depend on the size of your set. I did a model shoot the other day with my Tamron 28-75 and I was quite happy with the results.

[KevC]

Congrats on the purchase (that's a beautiful camera) and welcome to the forum. Sorry about your wallet (hehe, I got this from another forum, but forums like this tend to make your bank account very very empty).

If you do strictly portraits, I suggest two primes. The 50/1.4 and the 85/1.8. Now they're not [color=red]L[/colour] lenses, which you will soon learn (if you don't already know) they are the best of the best of Canon's glass, but as far as primes go, they're extremely sharp and make it perfect for the full body/half body look.

If you want more flexibility, you'd be forced to spend more. Many photographers say the ideal portrait lens is 70-200/2.8L. Maybe even with IS. If you can afford it, that'd be great. But it's a big hunk of glass and you'll need a nice sturdy support for it. You can probably get away with the 70-200/4L but that's only if you shoot in a broad daylight. (studio *could* work, but the f/4 is a little small for the DOF you might want).

Regardless of your purchase, you should pick up the "Nifty Fifty" for a measily $70. The 50/1.8 is an awesome portrait lens, and if you feel like you want more, you can sell it and upgrade to the 50/1.4.

After reading your post again, I'd suggest the 85/1.8 prime to start your collection off.

Good luck, and let us know what you decided :)

[KevC]

Welcome to POTN..... there's no need to cross post :)

[kdraggy86]

Sorry about the cross post. I wasn't sure which section to try.

David

[tim]

The 50mm F1.8 has focus accuracy issues, and on my camera so does the 1.4 USM version. All other lenses work perfectly. The 70-200 F2.8 IS is an incredibly heavy lens, don't plan on hand holding it for more than 5-10 minutes at a time, max.

[KevC]

Not a problem, we're a friendly bunch here. It's just that I think it's nice to keep it as clear and efficient as possible. After all, our dear Pekka is taking care of everything financially so we don't wanna waste his resources. Which means I shouldn't be posting stuff like this LOL. Anyway, check your other thread, I posted a bunch of info. Welcome again :)

[kdraggy86]

You guys have been incredibly helpful already.

David

[Wildewinds]

I'm new at this too, but I would suggest the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 and the Canon 85mm 1.8 for indoor work.