Recommended lens for portraiture

britt777 wrote in post #2169671
So if your not in the market to buy a new lens and you are shooting a 20D. Would you use 24-70 70-200 or 100 macro?

Of those three choices, the only one that makes sense for "typical" portrait work would be the 24-70, adjusted for a focal length of approximately 50mm to 60mm.

Other focal lengths work for special portrait situations, but the "classic" focal length recommendation for the 20D would be approximately a 50mm focal length. That allows you to put a little distance between the subject and camera without getting too far away to be practical. The distance creates a pleasing perspective to the facial curves, etc.

thrumyeye wrote in post #2168802
I take mainly studio portraits of children, but sometimes do small families or groups. My studio is not really large either.

What is a recommended lens for the 350D that will provide nice, sharp portraits?

I'm open to being directed to websites that may be able to explain the difference in lenses, as well as educate a bit.

Thanks much.

For classic portraits I would say a 50 f1.4 in your case. It will give you aprox. a 80mm focal lenght and great image quality. The 85 f1.8 is a classic portraits lens but may be too tight on a crop camera for a small studio (aprox. 135mm on a 350D).

If money is not an issue you may consider a 24-70 f2.8L, also for full body shots and groups (aprox 38-110mm on your camera). I would not worry too much about the primes vs zooms issue. An excellent zoom lens like the 24-70 f2.8L can give you great image quality, plus versatility. (Actually, many of your clients will not appreciate the lens you are using, particularly if you are showing off their facial imperfections.)

In any case, remember that great portraits are more about expression, lighting, composition, background choice and distance, etc., than they are about the lens being used.

You may find interesting articles, lens reviews and recomendations in this website:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/

Good luck with your venture!