James F. Loc: Pennsylvania

Im looking for a good quality lens to upgrade from my kit lens for my Canon rebel t3. I looked at a 28-135 & 18-135. I want something in that range. I just can't narrow it down to one lens. or if u know a lens more fit for the job comment.

18-135mm $549.99


28-135mm $479.99

Al FR-153 Loc: Chicago Suburbs

Okay, you have a Canon T3 (crop sensor) and you want to upgrade from your kit lens (unknown) to another kit lens. ??? That part I do not understand? I would presume that you have an 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens (not positive on the actual kit lenses offered with the T3). But, the lenses that you are looking at are no better in quality than what you have right now.

Personally, if you really want a zoom lens, I would go with the EF 28-135mm (notice the EF, not EFS) in that it could be moved to a full frame camera if you ever upgrade your body, and, you would be closer to the center of the zoom's focal range when you want to shoot a portrait. That said, if you want to seriously get into portrait photography, you might consider researching the EF 85mm F/1.8 lens http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_171482_-1 or the EF 100 F/2 lens http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_171478_-1 as these are prime (not zoom) lenses with a focal length area that would be for portrait photography, but not exceptionally great for carry around for day to day photography. If you are serious about portrait photography (and I am not) I would suggest that you look long and hard at what other portrait photographers are shooting with, and why. Also, I think you will find that many of the portrait guys are shooting with 'L' glass, and for good reason. The price though, is way above your current choices.

Good luck with your choice. BTW.... Originally from Pittsburgh (Westmoreland County - last, Allegheny (Turtle Creek) before that).

Sinbad Loc: South Wales Coastal

Canon Macro Lens EF 100 mm 1:2.8L IS USM is a great lens for lots of jobs

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Check out the "50 or 85mm Lens" thread that's been going on for a few days. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-89066-1.html

Two other questions. What do you mean by "portrait", head shot, full-length? How much room do you have to work with? 85mm or longer is the choice of pros, but can you get far enough away from your subject (inside) to get full benefit from the longer length?

Frank T Loc: New York, NY

Here goes another can of worms!. "Best" lens questions usually lead to an ongoing discussion with very few people agreeing.
I've seen people swear that a 50mm is the way to go even though I absolutely hate it for portraiture.
My opinion and yes, it's just an opinion is a 70-200 mm. 2.8 racked out to 200 mm and wide open.
Love the way it looks and love that I don't have to crowd the model.
But then again. That's just my opinion.

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

hit the nail on the head.

James F. Loc: Pennsylvania

Ok thanks. This was very helpful. I'm going to look into the 85mm. Thank you everyone for taking the time. I'm new at this & still learning a lot every day. I found out very quickly that this can get expensive real fast, but I think it's something I want to stick with.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I love the 28-135, but the question is what are you going to shoot?

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

People ask for what is the "best" something and then reply that they cannot afford the answer. Also, the answer to "best portrait lens" requires a knowledge of the environment in which it will be used.

Having qualified all that, I think the best, most versatile lens for portrait work is the 70-200 f2.8. However, one can make a case, given a specific situation, in which a 24mm, or 50mm, or 400mm would be the "best" lens.

I know a LOT of excellent portrait photographers and 100% of them use the 70-200 the most.

I have seen here where many people seem to think a good portrait lens should be a prime. Baloney. A prime lens does have some features that are great in specific situations, but one loses a lot of flexibility.

James F. Loc: Pennsylvania

I just want a quality lens for stuff like senior pics, Faimly photo's. Indoor & outdoor shooting.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Just for you or are you shooting professionally?

It makes a difference - professional work requires professional equipment. Stuff for friends and family....not so much.

James F. Loc: Pennsylvania

For other people. I'm not exactly professional. I'm only 15. Most people can't tell. I extremely passionate about photography. Hope I don't get kicked off for lying about my age. I take photo's that are just as good as some people on here & understand more than the average person my age.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I think it is great and welcome!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

An up an coming Joey L?
http://youmeandcharlie.com/see/joey-l-photographing-shadow-and-light/#&panel1-1

Get this book:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/photographing-shadow-and-light-joey-l/1110870593?cm_mmc=googlepla-_-book-_-q000000633-_-9780817400149&cm_mmca2=pla&ean=9780817400149&isbn=9780817400149&r=1

He shot promo photos for the Twilight movie when he was 18. Skipped classes in high school to shoot commersial jobs.

James F. Loc: Pennsylvania

When did u all get into photography?