Reply to Best portrait lens for $500?

elliotsuhr posted a reply:

I have both the 50mm 1.8 and the tamron 17-50mm 2.8. If you want a nice walk around lense, the 17-50mm is probably a good choice. It gives you great optical quality, but only decent portraits. I use the 50mm 1.8 for 90% of my portraits, not just for the nicer out of focus effect, but also for the superb optical quality.



So if you want a nice walk around lense that goes from wide angle to decent portrait, go with the 17-50mm 2.8 ($400)

Or if you want a designated portrait lense, go with the 50mm 1.8 or the 85mm 1.8. (85mm 1.4 if you can find it used)