What is the best but affordable lens for portraits

[peggyowenby]

What is an affordable portrait lens

[cicopo]

There are several threads on the topic already but because cameras (DSLR's) today use different sized sensors we need to know which one you're using. The same lens on a 1.6 crop body doesn't give the same results (FOV or DOF) on a full frame body.

[diverhank]

Opinions will vary but my vote goes to the EF 85mm f/1.8.  This is the only non-L lens I own and it's my favorite for portraits (I have the 24-105 f/4L, 24-70 II f/2.8L, 100mm f/2.8L macro, 70-200mm f/4L IS...any of which can make a nice portrait lens but none can beat the 85mm bokeh @ f/1.8.

[7D5D]

85 f/1.8 for FF and 50 f/1.4 for crop are probably the best all around affordable lens for portraits.

[ScottyP]

I agree 100 percent with 7d5d the 50 for rebels or the 85 for full frame. About $350.00 each.

[PatrickE]

I also agree with 7D5D. 50 / 1.4 for crop sensors and 85 / 1.8 for FF

Pat

[diverhank]

In my opinion 50mm is not as good for portraits even for crop sensor 

[ScottyP]

Assuming the original poster has a rebel or other crop sensor, I will say that 85 f/1.8 will work for portraits on crop if you have room to step back as you shoot. For me 85 on a crop is often too much telephoto for a lot of rooms I am in.

If you have a kit lens that covers 50 and 85 try out those exact lengths. If 85 feels tight then go with 50.

[ebiggs1]

Maybe a funny recommendation on the Canon forum, but I am going to say the Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX.

It bests the Canon 85mm f1.8 and rivals the Canon f1.2 L. The Siggy is not an "L" lens, however. It is rugged build but not weather resistant. The best part, it is $1000+ cheaper than the "L". So don't use it in the rain and save a buck or two.

Although not my number one choice for a crop camera, at 136mm equivalent, still workable.

There are just a few Sigma lens' that rival Canon and this is one.

I personally don't recommend the Canon 50mm f1.8 to anybody.

[hsbn]

I know it's a great lens, but $900 is not affordable to me by any mean. For under $500, 85 F1.8 is hard to beat.