Help me choose lens please

[photo_passion]

Okay, so I have a brand new Canon 7D. I have a EF 18-200/3.5 IS


Now I need a lens for this purpose:

Artistic photographs of models (from face only or all body with some background), shot from a distance range between 1.5 meters to 15 meters max (4 feet to 15 feet max). Can be indoor or outdoors.

I would prefer with some level zoom, I wouldnt know how to use a prime, and not being able to choose the enquadration I want...


My goals:

1) to have the best quality of image possible, sharp and with high definition.

2) Without paying a fortune for it... (between 500 Euros / 700 Dollars to 1200 Euros / 1600 dollars). Minimizing if possible.


All suggestions welcomed

 

[IgsEMT]

and you can't use ur curerent lens because?

 

[photo_passion]

and you can't use ur curerent lens because?

Because I picked the 18-200 for general use, and I would really like high quality in the lower range...

I mean quality to impress, to be perfect...

I was inclinated to buy something like a 12-24mm, or 16-35mm because I often feel that 18 is sometimes too much...

Anyway, I shouldnt have said this, what I want is to hear from those who know about it, what they would use in this case...

Thanks

 

[IgsEMT]

quality
#1 long range lenses are generally a bit softer, therefore if shooting jpg boost the sharpness if raw do so in pp
#2 sharpest apertures are usually 2-3 stops down from widest. shoot at 5.6-8 will again give you sharper crisper image

If u want to go wider, then its a different story

I mean quality to impress, to be perfect...

there's more to 'perfect' photo then a faster lens. exposure, lighting, composition, processing, etc...

 

[Dao]

Portraiture with quality lenses

Maybe ...

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 USM L IS

For studio works, this one is good enough since you have enough light.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 USM L


Of course, these prime lenses are good too
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 USM L
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM


For 3rd party lenses, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses in similar focal length range are not bad either. Check out some some lens reviews sites and see.


Don't forget lightning is also VERY IMPORTANT.

 

[photo_passion]

70-200? to shoot so close to the model?

I though 70-200 was for long distance shots...

Portraiture with quality lenses

Maybe ...

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 USM L IS

For studio works, this one is good enough since you have enough light.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 USM L


Of course, these prime lenses are good too
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 USM L
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM


For 3rd party lenses, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses in similar focal length range are not bad either. Check out some some lens reviews sites and see.


Don't forget lightning is also VERY IMPORTANT.

 

[Dao]

For head shots, you can use 70mm to 100mm range.


You may want to search "ef 70-200mm portrait" in flickr.com and see some example.