Best Canon Portrait Lens?

[irfan.in.tx]

Start out with the 85 f1.8. If at some point of time you feel it is inadequate, you could upgrade to the f1.2L and sell the f1.8 without much of a loss (if you keep it in good condition). IMO that would be better than spending nearly 5 times on a lens that may be overkill for your present needs and skills. You can invest some of what you save thus, in some lighting and modifiers instead.

 

[thepilgrimsdream]

The 85 1.8 is a great little lens. I love it for portraits. I just got the 135 f2L, its absolutely killer for portraits too. I'd love a 85 1.2L but its not practical when I have faster paced gigs, cause the only reason to get it is to shoot at f1.2, and you have to be very precise with nailing the eyes. The autofocus is slower too cause its gotta move so much glass, but the 85 1.8 is a super fast focusing lens. I highly recommend either.

 

[ktan7]

For portraits, go with 50mm or 85mm.