areej Loc: Atlanta,Ga

Hello I am new and I have a Canon EOS 60D and 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6
Is this lens good for taking professional portraits ?
I heard about the 50mm with 1.8f do u think I need it or the one I have is enough?

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

The 18-135 is not a bad walk-around lens, but if I did a lot of portraits I'd probably look for a decent prime lens in the 35-85mm range. The nifty fifty ain't bad for the money to start with. I wouldn't go much higher than 85mm or so, because on your crop-sensor camera, that's getting out in the 125mm range. Unless your subjects are 30 feet away, that's a bit much.

The 100mm f/2.8 macro lens is not a bad portrait lens, though, for around $600.

photoninja1 Loc: Tampa Florida

Don"t go out and buy a new lens just because someone recommends it. You can take beautiful portraits with the one you have. Just pay attention to lighting and work relatively close to your subject (This will tend to throw the background out of focus). Try shooting head and shooulder shots at a focal length near 60mm. Vary the f stop to control depth of field until you find a setting that looks good to you; then use that as your basic setting (Av) and set the camera figure out the rest. After you've exhausted your options with this basic lens, analyse your photos to see what you think they lack...maybe you'll want to invest in another lens...maybe not. Great glass enables you, but great glass and great cameras don't take great pix. Great pix happen between your ears. Work on that first.

marion

Your current lens is good for portraits. The prime lens you listed is too short by most photographers standards for portrait work. It is better for capturing excellent detail. The portrait effect most sought is a soft background. Your zoom set to 135mm and a wide f/stop will yield that effect. Please see the attached image.

Stay with the zoom.

Marion Hughes
Director of Photography
United Color Lab

Narrow Depth of Field Portrait by Marion Hughes

TTKBJR Loc: Kansas

I have the 60D with both of the lenses you listed. I think the 50mm does a great job and is a great prime to have. Having said that though, the lens that comes with the 60D is decent if, like photoninja said, you pay attention to lighting, ISO, shutter speed and aperture. The 50mm can be a christmas gift idea down the road.

Goldwinger Loc: Boynton Beach Florida

I cant wait to own my first L lens for my 60D but cost keeps me using my 18x 135 , I also have a kit lens of 55 x 250 which I use mostly when outside .