Sony A55/A33 - Very well done!!!

[fotomatix]

thx for the quick response

[DonSchap]

SONY has an AF 85mm f/1.4 lens ... it is Zeiss glass ($1300) and a truly worthwhile optic.

SIGMA has its new AF 85mm f/1.4 ($900) ... due out in November.

If you can tolerate Manual Focus, the very inexpensive Rokinon MF 85mm f/1.4 ($269) is capable of an equally sharp image. You just need sharp little eyes to make it sing.

Then, there is the new SONY 85mm f/2.8 lens which is very lightweight and delivers a good looking shot. It is not fantastically durable, but should be useful for the mere $249 it costs. If your high-ISO is not that noisy ... this may just be the way to go.

That's the selection for SONY

[fotomatix]

thanks again...appreciated

[SONYNUT]

with zeiss 135mm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLUJsenrEJM

direct to utube from camera..btw

[fotomatix]

that's pretty cool..

[Peekayoh]

The 18-55mm SAM is not at all bad for a "kit lens". It is sharp and pretty free from distortion, particularly at the 55mm end.

55mm is actually a rather good length for Portraits.
Take some shots at 55mm (you probably already did) and see if the results are what you are looking for in a Portrait.
If you feel that you have to stand too close to get the shot you want, then a longer lens will be appropriate.
An 85mm lens will give you 50% more working room, ie. a shot from 9ft will give you the same size image as at 6ft with the 55mm lens.

The problem with your kit lens is the small (f5.6) maximum aperture which renders it useless indoors unless you use flash.
Flash can be rendered less harsh and unnatural, but you need a new level of skill, perhaps a second flash, diffusers...
So, like Rooz said, a fast aperture Prime is probably most appropriate at this time.

Question: Is 55mm ok in terms of length?
If the answer is yes..
Sony - 50mm F1.8 SAM (DT)
Sony - 50mm F1.4

If the answer is no..
Sony - 85mm F2.8 SAM
Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di
Sony - 100mm F2.8 Macro

Personally, I think that anything over 50mm becomes a problem in a domestic environment.
Certainly with a 90mm or 100mm you simply have to stand too far away.
Outside or in a large room, no problem and the compressed perspective of the longer telephoto can be more flattering.

[fotomatix]

thanks for the very useful information..

I'll take more shots at 55mm and evaluate...

[sparkie1263]

Post some images.

Frank