Lens recommendation for family shots

My true passion is outdoor photography. However, I have a one year old and I have to say I can't get enough of shooting him! Now that leads me to wanting a better portrait lens. I'm currently using the 28-135 that came with my 7D. Honestly, I was surprised at this lens. It performs better than I had expected! I've read about it not being very sharp but I really like it.

Anyway, I still want a better lens for shooting my son. I am thinking about the Sigma 70-200 2.8. BUT that is a fairly sizable lens to be carrying around to the park. What do you all think are some good options?

If you want light, an 85mm 1.8 would be an excellent outdoor portrait lanes on your 7D.

I also have a 1yr old that I am constantly chasing around. While I'm shooting FF, the crop equivalent to 24-70 should be great indoors and the 70-200 would be fine at the park. I find that with my daughter the extra reach allows me to sit down near the play area and just let her do her thing while I snap away. On the other hand the 24-70 (17-55?) allows me to get good shots while being close enough to keep her in line. As far as the 70-200 being too big, I haven't run into that problem yet, but I won't take that lens unless I have my wife with me to help corral the youngster as I'm usually several yards away.

I just got a 85mm 1.8 lens and it's brilliant for taking portraits - especially on my little 8 month old girl
It's true potential is outdoors though, the shots come out gorgeously

85mm has snappy focus too. Good pairing on your 7D to track down little kids.

I use my 50 1.4 exclusively on my kids - I think a 80 would be far too long for my tastes (as would a 70-200). Yeah, sure you have distance on the playground - but how about inside?

50 would likely be too long inside. That's my finding anyway.

I use my 50 all the time indoors. He's talking about an 85 - now THAT's too long.

Yeah that's a good point, i often try using my 85mm inside but it's practically impossible at that distance as my rooms are way too short

OP mentioned shooting out in a park, but yes, 85 on a crop is too long indoors 50 or even a 30 would be great for that.

+1 for the 50 1.4 if it werent a crop Id pick the 85 1.8

What about a 24-70 2.8L? This would give me a lens that would be usable indoors and still have enough reach for outdoor shots as well. Of course it's a little pricey but it might be an option. I'm also considering a 70-200 f4L. It's a little smaller than the 2.8 and easier on the wallet. I realize these are all very different lenses.

I think I might have to rent an 85 1.8 and see if I like it. Sure would be easy to carry around and much lighter on the wallet!

If you are willing to spend the cash for the 24-70 2.8, then you can also pick up a number of other lenses. The 70-200 f/4 is great for the park. Compliment that with a 50 1.4 and you'd be set, at less money than the 24-70. If you feel compelled to spend more, consider the 28 1.8 as well.

The Canon 85 f/1.8 is a stellar performer, and for the price it makes it the best value Canon offers for a portrait lens out there.

If you want to get a longer focal length but are concerned about the weight/size of a 70-200 -- consider the Canon 135mm f/2.0. It's one of Canon's sharpest L series lenses and is also one of the cheapest. It's smaller and easier to carry around for a while (compared to the 70-200), and it doesn't attract attention like a 70-200 will.

85mm f1.8 and sigma 30mm f1.4.

Here is one with 85mm indoors in a avg size room. I was using 1.3x crop but this is not full frame.