In this range the Tamron SP AF 90mm macro is regarded one of the best. I believe it possible to focus this manually. Other than that any lens can be a portrait lens. 70mm - 120mm is fine because you get limited Depth of Field (DOF) and you get a comfortable distance to the subject while phptpgraphing.
If you want razor-sharp images, a macro lens is the best. If you want high all-'round image quality, get a dedicated 85mm, a K 2.8 105mm or a K 2.5 135mm. You may get either one below 140USD, I believe. Some people like the Pentax M 2.0/85mm for portraits. I didn't - I sold mine. The important thing about a portrait lens is that it's can make razor sharp pictures at lager apertures (shallow DOF). I guess it takes a lot of effort/knowlegde/technological know-how etc. to make a lens like this, which is why they are expensive or rare. mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hjem.get2net.dk/bladt -----Oprindelig meddelelse----- Fra: Cotty [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 24. marts 2005 23:29 Til: pentax list Emne: K Mount Portrait Lens Hey Listers, I'm looking out for a budget lens for a friend. She wants a prime lens for her Ricoh, a portrait lens. She saw my wife's Tokina AT-X 90mm f/2.5 macro and was impressed. Can anyone recommend a lens (Pentax or otherwise) of 80 to 100mm (not a zoom) with a decent max aperture, and can be had reasonable money (say about 70 GBP / 140 USD). It would be useful if it was an A lens. Thought appreciated. Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=====| http://www.cottysnaps.com _____________________________