David C 
, Jan 29, 2010; 08:05 p.m.
Anyone have any opinions on a portrait lens for full frame? The only lens I have now for my 5D II is a 24-105mm L and the 50mm. I really need a portrait lens. That is what I really enjoy. I am not a pro but do not really care about the price. Thanks in advance. I am looking at the 85mm f/1.8, 100mm f/2, 100mm f/2.8 macro (dual purpose), and the 135mm f/2. I really don't want a zoom lens.
JDM von Weinberg 
, Jan 29, 2010; 08:38 p.m.
If price is no object, consider the EF 85mm f/1.2.
I personally think it's a little long, but an often overlooked lens for portrait work is the soft-focus EF 135mm f/2.8 lens (the soft-focus can be switched off, but could be very handy in portrait work).
Scott Ferris , Jan 29, 2010; 08:49 p.m.
David,
What don't you like about your 24-105? Have you looked in your exif at your favourite images? That is where your answers are.
Robert Chura 
, Jan 29, 2010; 09:01 p.m.
Depends on what kind of shots you like. For head shots I like the 100macro.It's very sharp,lightweight and easy to handhold. For full length I usually switch to my 70-200.
Peter J , Jan 29, 2010; 09:13 p.m.
Based on your choices, the 85mm f/1.8. You can maintain a comfortable 15 feet for head and torso shots. It's also affordable.
B G , Jan 29, 2010; 09:25 p.m.
If you like 100mm the 100 f2.0 is a superb lens. And not outrageously expensive.
Sheldon Nalos 
, Jan 29, 2010; 10:24 p.m.
Of that grouping, I'd pick the 85mm f/1.8 as the best value and most usable all around portrait focal length.
Philip Wilson 
, Jan 29, 2010; 10:41 p.m.
If you want a shallower DOF then the 85 F1.8 or 135 f2 will give the best results - I find the 135mm lens a bit on the long side for portraits personally. the 100 Macro will give better images than the zoom but does not give the very thin DOF of the faster lenses - that said for most shots it will work fine.
Gil Pruitt , Jan 29, 2010; 11:35 p.m.
Your 24-105mm is a very good to excellent portrait lens. At normal portrait length the 4.0 has reasonably shallow depth of focus. On the full frame I like the 100mm 2.0 best of the 85mm - 135mm range. Another much more versatile but larger portrait lens is one of the 70-200mm zooms. Try out your 24-105mm and see which length works best for you. Good luck!
Paul Youn , Jan 30, 2010; 12:13 a.m.
the best portrait lens? i would definitely vote for the 85.2. definitely all the names it has such as the cream machine, bokeh king, grapefruit, the keg, etc... are examples why it's a favorite for portrait photographers (and the size and weight too) but it's canon's gold standard. hope this helps!
