I love taking portraits and close ups and the clarity is astounding

The lens is very light weight so with this and a travel zoom (Tamron 16-300) I could cover most situations on a recent vacation, from fast and sharp portrait/landscape/low light macro situations with this lens to moderate wide to tele with the zoom

It's pretty fast (F2.8 at infinity focus, F3.2 at 1 foot, F3.5 at 7 inches, F4.2 at minimum focus 1:1) for most circumstances and has a very pleasing bokeh and therefore makes for a very nice portrait lens

The 50mm 1.8 is a great portrait lens, but does not do macro

My newborn looks great and it takes fantastic portraits!

I have shot great macros, portraits, street scenes, long exposures, and landscapes with this lens

The portraits it has produced, and also macro work it has produced, is STUNNING

Also does a great shot a close portrait.

Sweeping landscapes, detail-rich macros, crisp portraits

Also takes great portrait and landscape shots

Not to mention its ability to take great portraits as well is amazing.

Amazing portrait lense

it's great for larger objects like flowers or product shots, as well as it's general prime use, and much easier to carry than a 105.

I was excited when I ordered this and felt I couldn't wait for it to come in, and much to my surprise when I placed my order on Amazon, the vendor just happened to be offering free next day shipping, I ordered the lens late morning Friday and it came before noon Saturday, (yes, not only free next day shipping but free Saturday delivery as well) just as they promised, and in well padded packaging