Best lens to shoot Portraits?

I have a EOS20D and would like to shoot portaits with a beach backdrop.
But still learning about lens, I have a 18-55 efs and a 80-200 ef lens.
Please help
Thanks
Dave/Jello That's my macaw

Jello,

welcome to the forum.

If you use the little 'search' button, you will find xxx threads asking the exact same question as yours, together with a lot of helpful answers that will point you towards either fast primes (like the 50/1.4, 50/1.8 or 85/1.8 ) lenses, as well as any constant f/2.8 normal lenses (e.g. Canon 24-70/2.8L, Sigma 24-70/2.8 EX, Tamron 28-75/2.8 XR DI, ...) or light tele lenses (70-200/4.0, 70-20/2.8, ...)

Best regards,
Andy

Andythaler

I can't find any XXX threads.

Here is a good lens for the type of photos you want http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation

Welcome to the forums

I am sorry, I should have been more precise.

A search with the 'standard search', search term 'portrait lens' yields 300 threads.
A search with the 'advanced search', search term 'portrait lens', but only searching thread title, yields 32 threads.

These should be helpful ones (more than 10 answers)...
Portrait Lens?
Portrait Lens / Camera
Portrait lens on a budget
portrait lens focal length
What is the best portrait lens???
Good portrait lens for DRebel?
best portrait lens?
Need help...what lens do most photographers use for portrait

I hope this is helpful....

Best regards,
Andy

Hey, jello, WELCOME to the forum!

It gets a little tiring answering the same questions over and over again, but we'll be gentle with you because we want you to HANG OUT HERE with us!

Most folks would probably tell you a short-to medium telephoto lens would be your "best" bet specifically for portrait work. Wide apertures are a must for both available light quality (using the lower ISOs) and for blurring the background when desired.

There are likely as many opinions here as members, but I'd be willing to bet that 70%+ of the responders would tell you that either the 50mm f/1.4 or the 85mm f/1.8 are the 'best' portrait lenses and the other 30% would be sprinkled around a half dozen other choices. Those two seem to give comfortable working distances from the subject so you're not right on top of them, but don't crop your subject too tightly. The apertures are enough to provide pleasingly blurry backgrounds (called bokeh) and while not cheap, if you're into portraits, both would be considered worth shelling out the dough. Both are available for rebates at the moment.

The 50mm f/1.8 gets high marks here for portrait work and it's under $100, shipped. You'd likely be happy with the results, but the build quality is less than stellar. It won't fall apart overnight, but it won't last you the years the others will, most likely, either.

Hope this helps!

John

P.S. try this site for reviews of lenses
http://www.photozone.d​e/8Reviews/index.html

I've used the 50, the 85, and the 100 for portraits and love all three. Of the three, though, I'd have to say that (IMO) the 85 is the best performer. It's sharp and renders beautiful bokeh and color. Of all the lenses I have, it stays on my camera most of the time.

Add my vote to Falkon's, I consider the 50mm f/1.4 a "must have" lens.

Thank you for all the help I'm going to buy 50/1.8. don't have the money for a 1.4

Best: 85 1.2

Best, but great values with price included:

50 1.4
85 1.8
100 2.8 Macro

Jello wrote:
Thank you for all the help I'm going to buy 50/1.8. don't have the money for a 1.4

The "nfity 50" will work fine for you. Enjoy it.

Mark

>>It gets a little tiring answering the same questions over and over again, but we'll be gentle with you because we want you to HANG OUT HERE with us!<<

that usually means it's time for a break or time to ignore the things that bug you. you've got to remember that a new person is just that: NEW.

the 50 1.4 is a pretty good portrait lens.

took these today in SF, f2, 800 ISO.

ed rader

http://www.fototime.co​m/9B5C099D311F220/orig​.jpg

http://www.fototime.co​m/A821B54E5B15905/orig​.jpg

I use my 24-70 most of the time but sometimes I use my 70-200.

if money is no object, the 85mm 1.2 canon. if it is, the 1.8 version is WAY cheaper, and still VERY good