Portrait Lens / Camera

[QUOTE=forkball]wow...​. you were a bit on the harsh side here. I think her questions were completely reasonable and realistic. I don't believe she ever gave a $200 price limit either.


Thanks for the re-assurance.... I was a little taken back by his remark. I'm glad that everyone else was much nicer. I have so much to learn and getting blasted on my first post was a bit of a shock... Oh well. To each his own.

I like your choice of lens.... 50 f1.4..... I'm thinking that will be my first add-on.

Of course, now I am re-thinking.... should I settle for the kit lens and forgo the Tamron for now and get the 50 f1.4 first?? Oh decisions, decisions.....

I want to purchase this week so I can get started.

Kristy,
Iam going to think a little out of the box here and suggest something different (oh great right)... I suspect that the XT you have been using might do everything you need in camera right now and it might better to invest the difference in the 20D and the XT (roughly $500) in a lens and an external flash. I would recommend the XT with a 17-40 f4 L lens and a 420 EX flash. These items can be purchased for roughly the same cost of a 20D+ $400 for another lens. Dont bother with the kit lens. Whatever you decide, good luck. BTW with the 1.6 crop factor an 85mm lens is going to be too tight to fit squirmy kids or do group photos.

Thanks everyone for your input!

I finalized my decision last night.... bought the 20D with the kit lens (found a deal I coun't pass up) and the Tamron 28-75...

Can't wait to get it and post a few pictures for critique!

Congrads on your new purchase. Glad you picked up the kit lens because you cannot really go wrong at that price. Start looking for a 85mm 1.8 lens. it would certainly go well with what you purchased.

Little side track: If you decide to purchase a flash, also buy an extention cord for it, so you can operate it off camera, for instance with a flash umbrella. (wireless remote is also nice, but $$$). On fifties: Go for the 50/1.4, not the 1.8. Just MHO off course, but compare for yourself: www.photo.net/equipmen​t/canon/ef50
Shot of your daughter is rather nice BTW, albeit not razor sharp.... Try a little bit of side lighting next time. Good luck & have fun with the new camera!

Kit lens.. and 85mm f/1.8

Kristy,

try to get the 50/1.8 as well.
It's a 75$ lens that will greatly increase your possibilities for natural light images.
Granted, the bokeh of the 50/1.4 is nicer, but the 50/1.8 is an awesome tool.
If you don't believe me, take a look at this thread:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=65115
(or any other of Anns threads ... she got the 85/1.8 recently as well, but she has done some awesome work with the 50/1.8 )

Best regards,
Andy

I think the 80 f2.8 for the portrait work. The focal length is more suited towards this kinda of work, as the distortion will be less. Even tho the camera has a 1.6x crop and you will be using the centre of the lens 50mm might be to wide in the long run.

Anyway see how you go with what you have got, because you can always sell a lens or two and get the ideal replacement.