I would suggest as you find lenses you like visit this site and check the reviews. Most times, at least with the canon lenses, they always have shots taken by a good photog and they always have very in depth reviews.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...s-Reviews.aspx
When i find lenses i put in google , for example 50mm 1.4 samples and their site always pops up or lens name the digital picture. Good to have a visual reference, maybe open a few tabs with each lens and flip back and forth.