best size/focal length of lens for portrait photography and for sports photography

will be buying a new camera, my main focus will be portrait photography, so a smaller lens is needed but will also be doing sports and action photography as well so a longer lens. any recommendation on what lengths for portrait photography (fixed prime lens perhaps?) and also a zoom lens for the sports photography, and if anyone know of an all in one with great image quality that would cover both fields please let me know. will prob be buying tamron or canon lenses. To go with a sony nex6 or canon Eos rebel SL1. thanks!

Easy one



Canon 200 f2.0 is l

Great for both



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Canon EF 70-200 F4 IS.

For outdoor sports the 70-200/4 IS and non IS will work. For indoors sports, you are going to want a prime 85/1.8, 100/2 or 135/2 or a fast 2.8 zoom like a 70-200/2.8 or the Sigma 50-150/2.8 OS. All of these 2.8 zooms are going to feel as off balanced as a Honda Civic hauling a rail road car on that tiny body though.

thanks guys! so jitteringjr, even on the canon eos rebel sL1 the zoom will seem huge? I assume it will be a better balanced fit than on the nex 6 though? another poster showed me comparison photos. am really leaning towards this canon.

+1 for the Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 APO EX DC HSM OS.

Held properly (with left hand, palm up under the zoom ring) you will have no problem controlling it. Lenses of that size does not balance on one hand, you grab the camera with your right hand and the lens with the left. Easy enough when you're used to it.

It makes every camera look small, even my 7D with a grip.

85mm 1.8. Currently on sale at B&H. Relatively lightweight, fast, and cheap. You can't go wrong.

jitteringjr said:

All of these 2.8 zooms are going to feel as off balanced as a Honda Civic hauling a rail road car on that tiny body though.

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So you are not planning for an A7 then?