Portait lens help?

I have canon rebel xsi and I want to take portaits. I don't want to only take headshots, since I like to take in the background and get creative sometimes. I really would like some help choosing a lens, and I don't want it to cost more than my rent (my rent is $800) I spent $600 on my canon and I'd like the lens to be great but not put me in debt, so I appreciate the help.

Well, if you want something affordable, I'd recommend the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II. It runs for about $90 new and even cheaper used.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Normal_EF_50mm_​f_1_8.html
http://www.adorama.com​/CA5018AFU.html

Another option is the Sigma 30mm 1.4, but thats about $440 new.
http://www.adorama.com​/SG3014EOS.html
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …101_30mm_f_1_4_​EX_DC.html

thats a good option.

if your wanting something a lil better you could get a sigma 50mm 1.4 for about $450 new

Doc Fluty wrote in post #9839446
thats a good option.

if your wanting something a lil better you could get a sigma 50mm 1.4 for about $450 new

$450?! It's standard price is $499... not sure where you get it for $450! Even with BCB it is $460.

well i checked real quick and found this one on buy.com for $469

http://www.buy.com …76/loc/111/2085​04410.html

i found this one for $444

http://www.abesofmaine​.com …addItem=SG5014C​&l=FROOGLE

Doc Fluty wrote in post #9839461
well i checked real quick and found this one on buy.com for $469... guess i was $20 off

http://www.buy.com …76/loc/111/2085​04410.html

I was a bit shocked when you said $450 because I see them going used for more that that!

I pride myself in being a cheapskate photographer, if it is cheap, I would have found it!

i updated my last post to show one i found for $444... thats the cheapest i found so far

Doc Fluty wrote in post #9839470
i updated my last post to show one i found for $444... thats the cheapest i found so far

Impressive... we need to form a club... lol

Edit: however, I can't say your gear is very cheap...

the gear is not cheap.. but i wheel and deal lol

a lot of times, especially for my truck, when i buy something new i try to sell the old stuff back to recoup my losses.

Like i bought new rims for my truck for $2500.. but i sold the ones the truck came with for $1500... so for a grand i have something nice..

lenses are easy to build upon because they hold their value well (if you buy good ones in the beginning).. because then you can sell them and use that for a newer lens.

So I am still the victor in chapskateness! I got 4 Sigma EXs to 1 Canon L!

Here you go from a really good online seller

http://www.photo4less.​com …for_canon_slr_c​ameras.htm

You guys are a huge help =) I am leaning more towards the Canon EF 50mm f1.4 although I also Love the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Honestly I'm leaning toward the canon because of the price, and I'm pretty new. I have to get over my fear of using a lens that doesn't zoom.

I don't have nor have used any of the 2 lenses mentioned but, from everything I hear, the Sigma is noticeably better than the Canon 1.4 in every way.

The Canon 50 1.4 I have is very good. Sharp wide open, but with a slightly "dreamy" look that's not out-of-place when shooting wide open. Stopped down to f2 the dreaminess disappears.

Sounds like my Tamron at 75/2.8 until I got it fixed