What is a good lens for taking Portraits and Landscape?

[sky76]

Hi all, I am getting the Canon 5D Mark II body and was thinking what's the best lens to go along with it, any suggestions?

I thought of getting a EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM but too expensive so maybe a EF 50mm f/1.4 USM for taking portrait and EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM for landscape.

 

[FOCUS45]

Since 5D MII is a FF, the best choice of lens for landscape is definitely 14mm f2.8 L MII if price is not an issue, otherwise, 16-35mm
f2.8 L MII is the second choice, or last option is 17-40mm f4 L. As for portrait, I think 85mm f1.8 should be fine. Just a suggestion.

 

[pplneedthelord]

85 f/1.8

affordable and a superb piece of glass..

 

[dinotech]

I've just gotten my 5d mkii not too long ago.. I wld say that if you can't decide on any then get it with the kit lens. it works very well and is beautiful for both potraits and landscapes. Overall is a good combination for an all round use.. especially if you're one who travels quite a fair bit and don't want to have the need to carry so many lenses. Furthermore it's got IS!

 

[sky76]

looks like many people are suggesting the 85mm f1.8 for portraits...worth considering then ! thanks guys

 

[Russ]

looks like many people are suggesting the 85mm f1.8 for portraits...worth considering then ! thanks guys

I have one and it is a beauty ..... fantastic lens you won't regret buying if you do portraits.

 

[ahbian]

Portait ah? 135L :devil:

 

[Rubber_Duck]

Portraits for indoor I think will be better to get 16-35mm MII and also work outdoor too.

As for 17-40mm F4 will be good for outdoor and decent lighting for indoor.
if there isn't any decent lighting 17-40mm F4 will not be that good compare to F2.8.
and you need a flash to support on your shot.

so is still up to you to decide.. which is better for you.

 

[Snoweagle]

Hi all, I am getting the Canon 5D Mark II body and was thinking what's the best lens to go along with it, any suggestions?

I thought of getting a EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM but too expensive so maybe a EF 50mm f/1.4 USM for taking portrait and EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM for landscape.

Portraits - 50 or 85 f/1.2L, else 50 f/1.4 or 85 f/1.8.
Landscape - 17-40 f/4L, 16-35 f/2.8L II.

 

[charlesleong]

hate to be a party pooper here... but... you're buying a high-end camera and have no idea what lenses to use?

what's your current set-up?

 

[lennyl]

hate to be a party pooper here... but... you're buying a high-end camera and have no idea what lenses to use?

what's your current set-up?

That was my thought too.

If you're as inexperienced as the first post comes across, I'd suggest getting it with the 24-105L kit lens. It is a very good lens and it gives you the flexibility of a zoom - unless you have other lenses already. A 85mm is not a good choice for landscape.

 

[Snoweagle]

That was my thought too.

If you're as inexperienced as the first post comes across, I'd suggest getting it with the 24-105L kit lens. It is a very good lens and it gives you the flexibility of a zoom - unless you have other lenses already. A 85mm is not a good choice for landscape.

I've to agree with u. If one really ain't certain, get the kit first.

 

[Snoweagle]

Portait ah? 135L :devil:

To tele for portraits in general. But that's just me.

 

[ahbian]

To tele for portraits in general. But that's just me.

Yah, I find it just nice on a full frame camera. But you are right, different preferences for different people. Which actually is the main point the TS should realise.

 

[Snoweagle]

Yah, I find it just nice on a full frame camera. But you are right, different preferences for different people. Which actually is the main point the TS should realise.

The most impt is that the consumer should be satisfied with the result.

 

[FOCUS45]

Canon 16-35 f2.8 L MII has it advantage taking both landscape and indoor event or group photo. But how's about 14 f2.8 L MII for landscape or dynamic effects? :think: Not many members talk about it, I guess it is not one of the favourable lens among us. May I know why? Too expensive? Picture distortion? Can't fit with any special filter? Or...? Care to comment? :sweat:

 

[pplneedthelord]

Canon 16-35 f2.8 L MII has it advantage taking both landscape and indoor event or group photo. But how's about 14 f2.8 L MII for landscape or dynamic effects? :think: Not many members talk about it, I guess it is not one of the favourable lens among us. May I know why? Too expensive? Picture distortion? Can't fit with any special filter? Or...? Care to comment? :sweat:

its rather expensive? perhaps..

 

[Snoweagle]

its rather expensive? perhaps..

Or too wide on a FF too?

 

[KangS]

Or too wide on a FF too?

Actually, there really isn't such a thing as 'too wide' in landscape! :bsmilie:

But unless you're very specialised, the 14mm f/2.8 L is way, way overpriced. The net returns would be very little if you use it only occasionally. I would think the 17-40 f/4L would suit most people's needs. However, for about the same (slightly less) money, you can go the Ultra-wide on a FF.... the Sigma 12-24mm EX DG HSM! :bigeyes: Allows for some very nice alternative perspectives picture framing I never thought possible! :lovegrin:

To round it off, if you don't want to spend too much money, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. Very good value for the sharpness. But if budget is not an issue, for a general purpose lens, the 24-105mm f/4 IS USM L or the 24-70mm f/2.8 L. With the right technique, they both can produce great portraits!

 

[engrmariano]

Hi all, I am getting the Canon 5D Mark II body and was thinking what's the best lens to go along with it, any suggestions?

I thought of getting a EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM but too expensive so maybe a EF 50mm f/1.4 USM for taking portrait and EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM for landscape.

easy, 24-105 is all you need!

landscape: 24mm f/8

portrait: 105mm f/4