Which Canon Lens?

[DougWilliams]

I haverecently got back into SLR cameras and now have an EOS 40D plus two zoom lenses. I want to buy a prime lens for general photography and family portraits.When I first got into photography (with an Olympus OM1n) it was generally accepted that a 135 lens was best for portraits. I am planning to get either a 1.4 50mm or 1.8 85mm. The 85 will give me the equivalent of a 135 and the 50 the equivalent of 80.The costs are about the same.
Does anybody have any advice, or experience of these lenses that would be helpful?
Regards
Doug

[AndyStevens]

I've got a Canon 300D (yes I need to upgrade!) and I use the 50mm f/1.8 - cheap as chips and sharp as nails. Ok, there are better lenses out there but this is a great lens at a great price - mind you, I also take portraits using my 100mm f/2.8 macro...

[chris-p]

It's personal preference. Me, I prefer the 85mm focal length for the extra perspective compression you get.

[Markulous]

As a general rule I'd recommend the 50mm as a good, cost effective, low weight portrait lens, as above - tho' I use my 105mm macro lens (and sold my 50mm as I never used it!)