I am just in love with this lens. Takes some getting used to tho. but it came in well under the price of the other Macros for this focal length (keep in mind no VR). And even came in under the 85 1.8 I have been eyeing. I think this will do very well as a portrait lens. And the Macro ability?....well we know i will like that. Plus the DCR 250 fits on it!!
It's sharp as a tack. But it is not a constant 2.8. Depending on how close you are to your subject it automatically changes the F stop. No biggie really. Just something to get used to.