HI,
new to osp, but loving the info I'm getting just reading all the posts. I have been using a canon L lens 28-70 for shooting portraits, it's done me good, fellow osp photographer suggested using a fixed 85mm 1.8, wondering what the benefits might be looking for other suggestions. Guy at local camera store suggested 100mm, really confused me.

Any help appreciated,
Thanks Danielle

I personally have always liked the 85 focal length. No matter what camera I've had, I've always had the 85 equivalent in a prime. 6x6 was a 150, 645 was a 135, 10D/20 is 50. I also love the 85 on the 1.6 crop to make it a 135. Next year I will probably switch to primes 24/85/135L's with full frame 5D replacement is the plan.
Cory

Welcome to OSP Danielle!

I love the 28-70 for portraits. It's for sure my workhorse lense. Sometimes I have to work at not using it for the whole wedding. Sounds like what you've got is great.

I love the 85 mm, but it took some work to really figure out how to take advantage of it. Still think the 28-70 is great for portraits. Hope that helps!

I call the 85 1.8 my "magic" portrait lens.

The important thing here is if you feel like you need a better portrait lens. Canon has the awesome 85 1.8 with soft focus control to give a really great effect for portraits but your lens is cerntaly awesome as well. if you don't feel you need it then don't spend. I'd suggest saving for the 70-200 f/2.8 IS L. It's an absolutely amazing lens and is just superb. If you don't need it then don't buy it but if you feel you need it then get it. I hope this helps a little!

My next lens is definitely the 85 1.8, to go with my 50 1.8 and 28 2.8, which has far as I know are the three least expensive primes you can get. Fortunately neither is low on quality

Hi, Danielle, and welcome to OSP!!

I also use the 28-70L and have no need for anything else, though I do think the 85 would be an awesome lens to play with.

For me it's my Canon 50 1.4

I'm Nikon, but my 85 1.4, by far is my favorite Portrait Lense.

for portraits the 85mm length is the best on the 5D. we have the 85 1.2L and love it. But for covering the rest of a wedding, we love the 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 IS on 5D's.

+1

Oh...and I also like to break out my 70-200 2.8 IS. Used it almost exclusively for a recent bridal shoot and it definitely didn't disappoint!

I do like my 85 1.8, I use my 24-70 L for most things, but I think the 50 2.5 macro is an underated lens. The bokeh and sharpness is beautiful and it comes out close to an 80 with factoring at 1.6

+1

In studio, it's usually the 24-120 VR. Outside, it's often the 85. The 50 is also very nice on small-sensor cameras.

I love my canon 85 for portraits. I love that it makes you move...
Also you don't have to worry about any kind of distortion.