5/5 - (1 vote)

Capturing stunning portraits requires the right lens. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 lenses for portraits, featuring trusted brands like Canon and Nikon. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur, these lenses are guaranteed to take your portrait photography to the next level.

Our Top Picks

Detail Reviews Of Top 5 Best Lenses for Portraits

1. Best Overall: Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens

Specifications:

  • Focal Length: 85mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.85m
  • Filter Size: 58mm
  • Weight: 425g

Pros:

  • Excellent image quality
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Lightweight and compact design

Cons:

  • No image stabilization
  • Some chromatic aberration at wide apertures

Product Summary:

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is a standout lens for portrait photography. It delivers outstanding image quality, with sharp and detailed results even at wide apertures. The fast and accurate autofocus system makes it easy to capture sharp images, and the compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle. It doesn’t have image stabilization, but that’s not a deal-breaker for most portrait photographers. Overall, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is the best overall lens for portraits and is suitable for portrait photographers of all levels.

2. Best Value: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens

Specifications:

  • Focal Length: 35mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.3m
  • Filter Size: 52mm
  • Weight: 200g

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Excellent image quality
  • Lightweight and compact design

Cons:

  • No image stabilization
  • Some distortion at close focusing distances

Product Summary:

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is an affordable lens that delivers excellent image quality for the price. It’s a versatile lens that can be used for portraits, street photography, and more. The lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry around, and the fast f/1.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance. While it doesn’t have image stabilization, it’s still an excellent value for the price. Overall, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is the best value lens for portraits and is suitable for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

3. Best for Low Light: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

Specifications:

  • Focal Length: 85mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.85m
  • Filter Size: 86mm
  • Weight: 1.13kg

Pros:

  • Excellent low-light performance
  • Outstanding image quality
  • Durable build quality

Cons:

  • Heavy and bulky design
  • Expensive price tag

Product Summary:

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens is the best lens for low-light photography. It features an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture that allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field. The image quality is outstanding, with sharp and detailed results even at wide apertures. The durable build quality makes it a great investment for professional photographers. However, the heavy and bulky design can be a bit of a burden when carrying it around, and the high price tag may not be suitable for everyone. Overall, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens is the best choice for low-light photography and is suitable for professional photographers.

4. Best for Bokeh: Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens

Specifications:

  • Focal Length: 85mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 2.79 ft
  • Filter Thread: 77mm

Pros:

  • Outstanding bokeh performance
  • Excellent sharpness and contrast
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Weather-sealed construction

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other lenses in its category
  • Heavy and bulky

Product Summary:

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens is a premium quality lens that delivers exceptional performance, especially when it comes to bokeh. The lens is incredibly sharp and has excellent contrast, making it perfect for portraits and other applications where you want to isolate your subject from the background. The autofocus system is fast and accurate, ensuring that you can capture sharp images every time. The lens is also weather-sealed, making it suitable for use in a range of shooting conditions. Although it is expensive, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens is a worthwhile investment for serious photographers who want the best quality results.

5. Best for Portraits and Landscapes: Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens

Specifications:

  • Focal Length: 45mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 11.4 inches
  • Filter Thread: 67mm

Pros:

  • Excellent sharpness and clarity
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Vibration Compensation (VC) system for steady shots
  • Affordable price point

Cons:

  • Autofocus can be slow in low light
  • Some distortion in certain shooting conditions

Product Summary:

The Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens is a great option for photographers who want a high-quality lens that won’t break the bank. The lens is incredibly sharp and produces clear, vibrant images with excellent detail. It’s lightweight and compact, making it perfect for travel and other situations where you want to keep your gear to a minimum. The lens also features Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) system, which helps you take steady shots, even in low light. The autofocus system can be slow in certain shooting conditions, but overall the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who want a reliable lens for portraits and landscapes.

FAQs

Q: What makes a good portrait lens?

A: A good portrait lens typically has a focal length of around 85mm, a wide aperture of f/1.8 or wider, and produces pleasing bokeh. It should also be sharp and have good color and contrast.

Q: Can I use a kit lens for portraits?

A: While kit lenses can be used for portraits, they may not produce the best results. They often have a narrower aperture, which can make it difficult to achieve a shallow depth of field and pleasing bokeh. A dedicated portrait lens is a better option.

Q: Should I choose a prime or zoom lens for portraits?

A: Prime lenses are often preferred for portraits because they tend to have wider apertures, which allow for a shallower depth of field and better bokeh. However, zoom lenses can also work well, especially for capturing a range of shots in one session.

Final Thought

Investing in a high-quality lens can take your portrait photography to the next level. Consider your needs and budget when selecting a lens, and don’t be afraid to try different options to find the one that works best for you. With the right lens, you can capture stunning, timeless portraits that will be cherished for years to come.