andrew.haysom Loc: Melbourne, Australia

I have both of the lenses you mention, but my favourite portrait lens is my 100mm f2.8 L macro lens. I agree with the previous posters that the 50mm is too short. The 24-105 came as the "kit" lens with my 6D. Definitely a class above the usual kit lenses, but does suffer a bit with distortion and CA. I find most images need a bit of post production with this lens.

So, if you have any interest in macro, add the 100mm macro to your list to consider.

Normanc Loc: Manchester UK

Hi,
May I say from the outset, Unlike one or two of the comments I have seen. Any of the 'L' series lenses are truly superb. As for your particular dillema, I have no hesitation in recommending the 24 - 105 lens.. This is the perfect focal length for portraiture. I have been using this particular lens for some time and have found it to be the best I have ever used for this purpose.
The quality of that piece of glass is quite superb, and I would rate it certainly as good as, and if not superior, to a med format Bronical that I used professionally for many years.
Too short a focal length can distort facial features, that is why I recommend this lens over the 50 prime. Both lenses are of the highest quality and I can guarantee that once you use the 'L' series you will never revert back again...Norman

Normanc Loc: Manchester UK

Hi again Joe, I am sending you an image I took with the lens you ask about.....What cannot speak cannot lie ! Norman

A friend of mine 'L' series lens

Millismote Loc: Massachusetts

Joel, I own the 24-105 L f4 Canon and at over $900 retail it is definitely not a kit lens. I bought it to use on my 50D an now on my full frame 6D. It takes wonderful photos.

dugole Loc: Matawan, New Jersey

Joe - a couple points. I have recently bought the 24-105 L and use it with a 7D. I am thoroughly pleased by the lens' results. And on a crop focus the range is fine for portrature. The other point - I'm not sure that I really want the crisp, tack sharpness that a 50mm prime would produce for portrat work. Really though, that is just my opinion.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

canon 24-105mm f4 L, has been is and seems to the vehicle of choice as a promotional package. On full frame or crop it is a great lens. There has been many show up on secondary used market. People but the promotional package (better term than "KIT LENS," fall into the I need 2.8 trap. I know where multiple packages were bought and extra glass sold off.

I shoot the 60 D as you can see. I did Canon in the Parks for a bunch of day YP/GT shot every piece of glass that I can think that I would want/need.

For me I love portraiture, "scapes," and critters. My shopping list that would mirror your wants/needs would be the so called pro-kit lens 24-70 f4. First L. How many L's in Hell that allot of money. The L bought right can be had at affordable price. Add 85mm 1.8 for price/cost benefit, and 50mm 1.4 ease of use.

I had a guy actually took my 50mm 1.8, his 1.4 and L 50mm in clamped down body. Shot printed and with minimal difference. The L's are built like tanks, consistent and weather proof. Not many non-pros spent that much time on the glass. Too much time blogging.

I don't know if this helped you. It sure did me! "JR"

rocar7 Loc: Alton, England

The 5D doesn't come as a kit in the way that cheaper Canons do, but as a body only. You can often get an L series lens, like the 24-105, at a reduced price when you buy the 5D. When I bought my 5D Mk2 I had a choice of either the 24-105 L or the 17-40 L at reduced price if I wanted. I already had the 24-105, so got the 17-40. So not exactly a kit, but near enough.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Which L 24-105 or 50?

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

All I know is that both my 6D and 5D MK III came as kits from Canon with the 24-105mm lens.

rocar7 Loc: Alton, England

Maybe the marketing is a bit different in America. Does that mean you now have two identical lenses?

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Yes, my daughter has taken possession of the 'extra' lens. The only complaint she has is that it is heavy on the 6D. She is used to the 28-135mm lens.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

That is exactly what is happening. Many are hotting used secondary markets or secondary retailers are separating the body and lens and the lens is sold as a white box product.

Just got a piece from Canon with a promotional package for 6 D.

The term KIT has got such a seedy term. It used to be what ever you shot was your kit. Lens terms WA, Normal, long. Then anything that was not fast was bad, 2.8 or better.

I see lots of Pro or near Pro carrying black because of weight. "JR"

dugole Loc: Matawan, New Jersey

Sorry - my pre-coffee spelling isn't all that good portraiture/portrait

nolte1964 Loc: Des Moines, Iowa

Get a 70-200 f2.8 lens your best bet

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Agree !00% about distorting facial features from being too close to the subject with a short focal length lens like the the 50mm. IMHO, even on the OPs crop 60D, 50mm is still too short for the purpose. I mentioned this earlier in the thread but no one else seemed to pick up on this as a potential problem when using the 50mm for portraiture.