Bought a Canon EOS 550D with EF 18-135/3,5-5.6 from the 7D basic set.
My first own dslr after using my schools 7D for ages
Need some tips with lenses etc, thinking about buying a good lens for portraits. Any tips etc?

Congratulations!
Well if you want to buy a lens for that camera you may will have to consider one of those more expensive ones because you will need a sharp and high performing lens to get most out of the 18 mpixel sensor.
If you are looking for a zoom then I'd suggest either EF-s 17-55 f2.8 IS USM or 24-70 f2.8L USM. Both are great for portraits. Maybe later on you can add a 35mm f1.4L or a 50L

Thanks for the reply. Hah, I'll remember those to when I've saved up some money again after going bankrupt buying this one. Just for the sake of ruining my happiness - Do you think I should've gone with a better lens instead of spending money on the 18-135 3.5, or should it be okay for now with that one?

I really don't know much about that lens but I have heard it's not that great. I guess you have to see for yourself and if you can, compare it with some of the better lenses out there.
IMO lenses are much more important than bodies and cost alot more too if you want high quality ones
but be warned once you have used a high quality lens you may not want to use those cheaper lenses anymore
some people call it gear whoring

This post was edited by Futurama on May 2 2010 06:08pm

Gratz on the Camera purchase. The T2i is a very solid camera!

As for a portrait lens. What's the budget?

From least expensive to most expensive.. these are all excellent portrait lenses.

• 85/1.8
• 100/2.8 Macro (Beware- Ultra sharp- Will show every imperfection on skin)
• Sigma 50/1.4
• Canon 135/2L
• Canon 100/2.8L IS Macro
• Canon 85/1.2L
• Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS MKII

I prefer to take portrait with a mid/ telephoto lens just because of this.

http://stepheneastwood.com/tutorials/Tutorials_Lens_Perspective.htm

Agree with these hree. 50 mm or 85 mm are great for portraits.