Quote:
Originally posted by Soundy
Remember too that too long a lens will make your subject look too "flat". As I recall, the rule of thumb for 35mm cameras was a 100mm lens for "typical" portraits... something in 70-80mm should be about right for 1.5X-1.6X crop factor DSLRs. Your kits lens is a little too short too get past the "barrel distortion" for most portrait work (unless you're going for that effect, of course).
Best lens recommendation for you is Canon L-series... like this: http://tinyurl.com/yn4kbl
Of course, you get what you pay for... L-series glass AIN'T CHEAP. $1500 for that 24-105mm!
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Portraits at 200mm don't look flat. The bokeh off of the photograph is amazing and the ability to really focus on the eyes are great. LIGHTING makes your portrait look flat. If you don't have good lighting the photograph looks 2 dimensional.
85mm - 100mm are great portrait lenses for a couple of reasons: You can be closer to your subject and maintain good conversation to loosen them up. And they remove the barrel distortion that you have with lenses that are 50mm or so.
200mm are also excellent portrait lenses BUT the ability to maintain good conversation and instructions diminish due to the distance you have to be away from your subject. In loud places it can be quite difficult. The other problem that can arise is your ability to hand hold steadily. Typically a tripod may be needed to hold the lens steady enough so that you don't see blur or slight fuzzyness due to your motion.