Help finding a good lens

[LensBaby]

Ok so this is my problem. I need a good Canon "L" lens. I need something that is for portraits. Do any of you Canon users know of a good place to purchase one at?

[dkippen]

Sue - B&H photovideo has an excellent reputation for both new and used lenses as well as KEH for used. As for lens, I've heard both the 50mm and 85mm are good. That's about all I can tell you for portrait. Good luck in your search.

[jerryph]

Sue, I do not think that there is such a thing as a bad Canon "L" lens... lol

From all that I can tell, Nikon and Canon have similar quality ranges for lenses, and when it comes to the top of the line stuff, I feel that the differences are so close as to not be worth discussing.

I was again looking at some of Ingrid's pictures with her 85mm and just about 20 minutes ago went for what I think will be my best portrait lens for my current and future cameras. I bought an 85mm F/1.4 Nikkor lens (something I've been looking at for about 6 months now). I know you are looking for Canon L glass, and quite honestly, their equivalent 85mm is awesome.

http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/files/1/0/0/0/nikkor85mm14.jpg

I could have bought the F/1.8 version and saved over $500, but hey, what the heck, some things are just worth it when you go for the gusto. (lol)

I ordered/bought mine through B&H Photo (www.bhphoto.com) for a couple of reasons... they are VERY reputable, service was pleasant, they've done me well in the past, too. Though at $1025+taxes+shipping, the deal was no more or less better than their equivalent Canadian competition, but it was a fair market price.

Whatever you do, don't forget to slap on a GOOD quality UV filter. Mine was an additional $250 and again, for me, worth every penny to protect that huge 77mm front element.

Oh, I also ordered a Botero 5 X 7 dark gray foldable backdrop. If we are going to do portraiture, let's do some protraiture! :D :D

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/303021.jpg

Edit:
- The shipment arrives this Friday, and I am very excited!
- I just read that this lens may be discontinued (Nikon Australia lists it as discontinued already), so I am doubly glad I picked it up now as this lens has a reputation that is near legendary! :D

[LensBaby]

Hmmmm I am going to have to check into that. Looks nice! Thanks for the info.

[jerryph]

Psstt... Sue... your Orangutang avatar is checking out the backdrop! ;)

(LOL!)

[LensBaby]

I see that. It looks like he is wondering if he should buy it or not. :D