Best portrait lens for cropped sensor camera

I would like some opinion on portrait lenses using a cropped cameras.
I have used both my Sigma 17-70 and my Canon 70-300IS (the new model) for portrait shooting (when i mean portrait, i'm reffering to type of target i'm shooting and not necessarily the camera orientation...). I had good results using both lenses depending on the distance and type of shooting (exterior, interior...). I also use sometimes my nifty fifty f1.8

Since my 17-70 is not optimal in the 60-70mm range, not f2.8, and since my 70-300IS is better when the subject is a bit further (otherwise i must use it in the 70-85mm range), I was wondering what is a better choice overall for portrait shooting.

I like the flexibility of zooms, but I recognize the quality of primes. What are the best alternatives in both worlds (zooms/primes) ? My budget is not unlimited, i'm looking for a good quality/pricing ratio, in mid price zones (equivalent pricing zone to my two other lenses Sig 17-70 and canon 70-300IS).

If i use a zoom, what range is optimal for portraits with cropped sensor ? If I use primes, what is the sweet spot in terms of range for cropped ccameras ? 50mm ? 85mm ? more ? less ?

Please give me your advice. What have you tried ? what works best for you ?

50 1.4
85 1.8
Or maybe if you like zooms 24-70 2.8......only because I have used that several times when I had my studio set up and really likes it......didn't have much room so it worked really good.

But cheapest & best goes to the 85 1.8.....IMO.

I have both an 85mm 1.8 and a 50mm 1.4. I love both. I guess it just depends on how far away you stand.

get yourself the EF-S 60mm macro. It will not disappoint as a portrait or macro lens.

I don't have neither but many have recommended the 85 1.8 for portraits especially headshots. Personally, I prefer the verstality of my 70-200 over my 50.

-- 24-70L

-- 28-75 (tamron)

-- 70-200L f4 and f4 IS

-- 85 1.8

-- 50 1.4

those are what i have used and all work very well. the 85 1.8 is about as good a it gets if the length suits you .

ed rader

I've got a couple of good lenses 50 1.4 , 85 1.8 , 70-200 2.8 . They're all great but I'm consedering the 17-55 2.8 as my new walkaround lens . The others are somtimes to long or to short for in door or flashphotography .

for portraits, try the 50mm f1.4 and the 85mm f1.8