$1500 portrait kit for FF

I've gotten to the point where I pretty much only use my SLR for portraits of my family. I think I might upgrade to a 6D and then I'd need a small lens kit just for portraits and candids. If I went with the 6D, probably the most I'd have to spend on lenses would be about $1500. I'm more than happy to go used, etc, to save money.

What would you recommend for a $1500 portrait only kit for FF?

(P.S. I already have a small strobist portrait lighting kit, so assume that's already taken care of)

You could do a Sigma 35 Art + Sigma 85mm 1.4 for right around $1500

135L & 24-105

What do you have now?

85L f/1.2

FEChariot wrote in post #17204295
What do you have now?

Nothing for FF

For portraits, Sigma 30mm and a 50-135mm f2.8. I also have several other lenses I don't use much that I probably will get rid of.

Nothing particularly wrong with either of those, I was thinking maybe I'd specialize.

My favorite is my Sigma 70-200 OS. The Tamron is better, though. For wide/environmental stuff I like the 28 1.8 - sharp wide open (at least in the center 70%, edges suck), and cheap!

tkbslc wrote in post #17204334
Nothing for FF

For portraits, Sigma 30mm and a 50-135mm f2.8. I also have several other lenses I don't use much that I probably will get rid of.

Nothing particularly wrong with either of those, I was thinking maybe I'd specialize.

If it works for you, the 50/1.4 and 70-200/4 IS would be about the closest in function. Although the 50/1.4, 85/1.8 and 135/2 sound nice.

I love the 135L for portraits.

I just don't see how you guys see his budget then recommend uber expensive glass.

Look man...

Canon or sigma 50mm 1.4 (non art)
Canon 85 1.8
Canon 135

Well under your budget if buying used.

I'd go with a $400 85 1.8 for single portraits, either half body or head, and an old 20-35 2.8L that you can find on ebay for ~$600 in excellent condition. The 20-35 will allow for group shots, and also wide shots for gatherings.

Pocket the remaining $500 and spend it on your fam!

Sigma 85 1.4 + Canon 135 2.8 SF

Or

Canon 85 1.8 + Canon 135L

Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC and 85 f1.8 or 135 f2.8 prime

Talley wrote in post #17204469
I just don't see how you guys see his budget then recommend uber expensive glass.

I don't see anything that expensive mentioned. The highest priced item has been the 85L but there is one in the sell forum for $1650 now so it's not that far out there. I personally wouldn't blow my entire budget on that one lens, but that's just me.

Tamron 28-75 $300 (cheap and actually very good) + 135L
or
Tamron 24-70 $900 used (still cheap) + 85 1.8

I have the Tamron 24-70 right now and have been thinking of selling it and getting the 28-75 and 135L combo.