What to get after the 85mm 1.8?

OK, think I'm upgrading to the 85 1.8. The only other lens I have is the kit. I'm probably going to pick up a third lens before the end of the year. Some are suggesting the Tamron 28-75. Mainly used for portraits.

Any other suggestions? Thanks so much for all your help. Can't wait to get my hands on that 85mm.

Sigma 30 1.4, 50 1.4, and 85 1.8 would be a nice kit for a crop.

I'd go for the sigma 30 first of all the three.

Are you saying the 28-75 is mainly used for portraits, or the lens you want will mainly be used for portraits?

W/O knowing what you like / want to take photographs of, it's premature to suggest you lenses. Which kit lens do you have? There are a few different ones. And how do you feel it is preventing you from getting the results you are after? I assume your lens budget is around $350? Correct?

Don't get ahead of yourself. Just get the one lens, enjoy it and stop thinking about other lenses until you need somthing.

(of course I can't do that myself, but you should!)

If the 85 is going to be your first fast prime than spend some time 'playing' with it. Experiment with the DOF control and low light capability of the 85/1.8. After some fun with it you should get the feel for what your next photographic tool should be - the flexibility of a zoom or the speed of a prime.

On a crop body the Sigma 30/1.4 is a good choice for a walk-around lens but probably not the best for portraits.

My copy of the 50/1.4 is junk optically wide open so I never recommend it but if you get one that is sharp wide open it is a good choice for portraits on a crop body.

Sigma 30.. Great walk around as well as full body and group portraits.

on crop the sigma 30 + 85mm is a very nice pair. I was very happy with it, and if i had a 50mm at the time i dont think i would have used it much. I also agree that you should play with your 85mm so that you know what the lens is fully capable of. When I bought mine I had 4 other lenses and it got neglected, I almost thought of selling it! But after using it for a few portraits I realized its one of my favorite lenses.

thanks everyone - this place is extremely helpful

Hey,
I have done a few portrait sessions and I must say that 98% I had the Tamron 28-75mm.
Unless you are going for the crazy bokeh, the 28-75mm will suffice just fine.
I suggest getting the 28-75mm first. After a few photo session you will see at what #mm you shoot at most. from there you can make the decision if you want 30mm or 85mm.
Plus the 28-75mm makes a really good walk around lens (most will disagree since they say 28 is not wide enough.. but for me it was perfect.. the 17-50//50 was just not enough for me)
But either way, out of the three you posted, overall i hear great things

here's to pursue you :P

all tamron 28-75mm

28mm (widest) at f2.8

think about getting a flash...

loooove those shots nick!
and homer i have the 430 EX II, first thing I bought. love it.