Portrait photography is all about capturing those subtle details, playing with light, and yes, having the right gear. I totally get it – choosing the perfect lens can feel overwhelming with all the choices out there. So, what are the best camera lenses for portraits?
Whether you’re looking for versatile prime lenses or zoom options that offer stunning bokeh, today I’m excited to share with you the seven lenses that could take your portrait work to new heights.
You’ll also find handy tips on how to pick the perfect lens, along with some friendly advice on portrait photography in general.
QUICK TAKE
- My top choice is the budget-friendly Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM for its exceptional performance.
- Another great option is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8. I love how it creates beautiful bokeh while preserving the sharpness of the focused details.
Top 7 Best Camera Lenses for Portraits
Here are the 7 camera lenses for portraits that I recommend:
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM – My Choice
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Aperture: f/1.8
- Type: Prime Lens
- 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8
- Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography; Angle of view (horizontal,...
- Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meter) and a maximum magnification of...
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, often referred to as the “Nifty Fifty,” is a budget-friendly prime lens that’s ideal for portrait photography.
Its wide aperture allows for beautiful background blur and excellent low-light performance. This lens is perfect for capturing sharp and detailed portraits with a natural perspective.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Aperture: f/1.4
- Type: Prime Lens
- Fast aperture medium telephoto lens
- Internal focus, focal length: 85 millimeter, minimum focus range: 0.80 meter
- Silent wave motor (SWM). Number of diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded diaphragm opening)
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is a superb portrait lens known for its exceptional sharpness and stunning bokeh.
With a slightly longer focal length, it’s fantastic for headshots and creating a pleasing compression effect that flatters your subjects.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM
- Focal Length: 24-70mm
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Type: Zoom Lens
For photographers who seek versatility, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM is a high-quality zoom lens that covers a range of focal lengths.
It’s an excellent choice for portrait photographers who want the flexibility to switch between various compositions and styles.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Aperture: f/1.4
- Type: Prime Lens
- High speed with large aperture
- HSM (Hypersonic motor) and inner focusing system
- Accessories include: Lens Hood (LH730-03), carrying case
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens offers exceptional image quality and sharpness.
It’s favored by photographers who appreciate a slightly wider perspective for environmental portraits while still achieving creamy background bokeh.
More Sigma lenses: Sigma RF Lenses: The Best Third-Party Lens for Canon EOS R.
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
- Focal Length: 70-200mm
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Type: Zoom Lens
- VC performance is 5 Stops (VC mode 3) and offers three modes optimized for different...
- Mod reduced to 37. 4". Optical construction: 23 elements in 17 groups
- Lightweight and easy-to-hold tripod mount is compatible with an Arce-Swiss style...
Tamron’s SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that excels in portrait photography.
It provides stunning background blur and allows photographers to capture subjects at a distance while maintaining image quality.
More Tamron lenses: Tamron RF Lens Canon: Everything You Need to Know.
Fuji XF 56mm f/1.2 R
- Focal Length: 56mm
- Aperture: f/1.2
- Type: Prime Lens
- Engineered for portrait perfection The high-resolution stage is set and XF56mmF1.2 R...
- Exceptional image quality, frame after frame Every aspect of XF56mmF1.2 R WR has been...
- Circular aperture delivers beautiful bokeh XF56mmF1.2 R WR is the first X Mount lens...
Fujifilm’s XF 56mm f/1.2 R lens is designed for their X-series mirrorless cameras. It’s a portrait powerhouse, offering remarkable sharpness and a wide aperture for dreamy background separation.
Perfect for creating captivating portraits with Fujifilm’s unique color rendition.
Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8
- Focal Length: 45mm
- Aperture: f/1.8
- Type: Prime Lens
- Fast portrait lens. Rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing booked...
- Minimum focusing distance: 0.20M, focal length: 45mm
- Maximum f/1.8 aperture, great for low light shooting, f/1.8 maximum aperture delivers...
If you’re into Micro Four Thirds photography, the Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 is a compact yet highly capable portrait lens.
It produces beautiful background blur and is ideal for capturing striking portraits with Olympus and Panasonic cameras.
Lens Basics for Portraits
In this section, we’ll delve into the fundamental concepts of lenses as they relate to portrait photography.
Focal Length
Focal length is one of the most critical aspects of a lens for portrait photography. It determines how much of the scene the lens can capture and influences the perspective and compression of your subject.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Wide-Angle Lenses (e.g., 24mm to 35mm): These lenses capture a broader scene but may distort facial features when used up close. They are best suited for environmental portraits or group shots.
- Standard Lenses (e.g., 50mm): Often considered the gold standard for portraits, 50mm lenses provide a natural perspective and minimal distortion. They are great for headshots and single-subject portraits.
- Short Telephoto Lenses (e.g., 85mm to 105mm): These lenses offer a flattering compression effect, making them ideal for headshots and isolating subjects from the background.
- Long Telephoto Lenses (e.g., 135mm and above): Long telephoto lenses create a pronounced background blur (bokeh) and are perfect for tightly framed portraits and candid shots from a distance.
Aperture
The aperture of a lens determines its ability to control light and create a shallow depth of field. In portrait photography, a wide aperture (small f-number, e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8) is often preferred because it allows you to:
- Blur the Background: A wide aperture creates a creamy, blurred background (bokeh) that makes your subject stand out.
- Isolate the Subject: It helps isolate the subject from distracting backgrounds, emphasizing facial details and expressions.
- Work in Low Light: Wide apertures are excellent for shooting in low-light conditions without sacrificing image quality.
Prime vs. Zoom Lenses
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, meaning you cannot zoom in or out. They are known for their sharpness, wide apertures, and ability to produce stunning portraits with beautiful background blur. Prime lenses encourage photographers to move around and find the best composition.
Zoom lenses, on the other hand, offer versatility by allowing you to zoom in and out, making them suitable for various shooting scenarios. While some zoom lenses have wide apertures, they may not provide the same level of background blur as prime lenses.
Lens Compatibility
Before investing in a lens for your portrait photography, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s compatible with your camera body. Different camera brands may have their own lens mounts, so double-check compatibility to avoid any compatibility issues.
Types of The Best Camera Lenses for Portraits
In this section, we’ll explore the common types of the best camera lenses for portraits and their suitability for different portrait photography styles.
Prime Lenses
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and don’t zoom. They are known for their wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8), which allow for excellent sharpness and image quality.
Prime lenses are ideal for creating beautiful background blur (bokeh) and are often favored for headshots and close-up portraits. They shine in studio and controlled lighting environments, helping photographers achieve a distinct and artistic look with a shallow depth of field.
Examples of prime lenses include the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G, and Sony FE 85mm f/1.8.
Zoom Lenses
Zoom lenses offer variable focal lengths (e.g., 24-70mm, 70-200mm) and are versatile for a range of compositions and styles. They may have wide apertures or variable apertures (e.g., f/2.8-4) and are typically larger and heavier than prime lenses.
Zoom lenses are best suited for environmental portraits where you want to include more of the background, outdoor and location shoots with varying subject distances, and for photographers who prefer flexibility and fewer lens changes.
Check out:
- 5 Must-Have Zoom Lenses for Nikon Cameras
- 5 Best Zoom Lenses for Sony E Mount
- 7 Best Zoom Lenses for Sony A7III
- APS-C Lenses Sony: The Best E-Mount Zooms and Primes
- Best Zoom Lens For Canon Rebel t7
Examples of zoom lenses include the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR, and Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art.
Telephoto Lenses
Telephoto lenses have longer focal lengths (e.g., 85mm, 135mm) and are known for their pronounced background blur and compression effect.
They are ideal for isolating subjects from their surroundings and are often larger and heavier, making them suitable for portraits from a distance. Telephoto lenses excel at headshots and tightly framed portraits, candid photography from a distance, and creating dramatic and visually striking images.
Examples of telephoto lenses include the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM, Nikon AF DC-NIKKOR 105mm f/2D, and Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM.
Macro Lenses
Macro lenses are designed for extreme close-up photography and are known for their exceptional sharpness and detail. They typically have narrow apertures (e.g., f/2.8, f/4) and are often used for capturing fine facial details and textures.
Macro lenses excel at extreme close-ups of eyes, lips, and other facial features, as well as capturing intricate details in jewelry, clothing, or accessories. They are commonly used in studio or controlled lighting environments where you can control focus and lighting.
Examples of macro lenses include the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro, and Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR.
Tips for Portrait Photography
Whether you’re capturing candid moments, formal headshots, or environmental portraits, these tips will help you enhance your portrait photography skills and create stunning, memorable images.
Focus on the Eyes
The eyes are often referred to as the “window to the soul.” Ensure they are in sharp focus, as this establishes a strong connection between the subject and the viewer.
Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8) to create a shallow depth of field and make the eyes pop. If you’re shooting with a shallow depth of field, use single-point autofocus to precisely lock onto the eyes.
Mind Your Composition
Pay attention to composition principles such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create unique and engaging compositions.
Don’t be afraid to break the rules when it serves your creative vision, but make sure you understand them first.
Choose the Right Lens
Select a lens that complements your subject and style. Prime lenses with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8) are excellent for achieving creamy background blur (bokeh) and isolating subjects.
Zoom lenses offer flexibility, while telephoto lenses create stunning compression and background separation. Your choice of lens will significantly influence the mood and look of your portraits.
Control Your Lighting
Mastering lighting is essential in portrait photography. In natural light, aim for soft, diffused light, which can be achieved during the “golden hours” shortly after sunrise or before sunset.
In the studio, experiment with various lighting setups, such as key lights, fill lights, and hair lights, to control shadows and highlights. Reflectors and diffusers can help modify and soften harsh light.
Consider the Background
Pay attention to the background and make sure it complements your subject rather than distracts from it. A blurred background (achieved with a wide aperture) can help separate the subject from cluttered backgrounds.
For environmental portraits, choose backgrounds that add context and storytelling to the image.
Direct Your Subject
Communication is key to capturing authentic expressions and emotions. Give clear directions to your subject, whether it’s a professional model or a friend.
Encourage natural, relaxed poses, and be patient. Capture candid moments in between poses, as these often yield the most genuine and memorable shots.
Use Props and Accessories
Props can add personality and storytelling elements to your portraits. Consider using items that reflect your subject’s interests or character.
Accessories like hats, scarves, or jewelry can also enhance the visual appeal of your portraits and add a touch of style.
Post-Processing and Retouching
Editing plays a vital role in enhancing your portraits. Use editing software to fine-tune exposure, color balance, and sharpness.
Retouching can help smooth skin, remove blemishes, and make subtle adjustments. However, be mindful not to overdo it; natural beauty should shine through.
Experiment and Learn
Don’t be afraid to experiment with new techniques and styles. Learn from your mistakes and successes. Study the work of other portrait photographers to gain inspiration and insights. Continuous learning and practice will help you refine your skills and develop your unique style.
Build a Connection with Your Subjects
Establishing a rapport and making your subjects feel comfortable is essential. Building trust and a positive atmosphere during the photoshoot can lead to more natural and expressive portraits. Engage in conversation, be respectful, and genuinely connect with your subjects.
Which Are The Best Camera Lenses For Portraits?
Two lenses, in particular, have found their way into the hearts of many portrait photographers, myself including.
One is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM. Affectionately known as the “Nifty Fifty,” this lens is my favorite option for its budget-friendly price and exceptional performance.
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is another great option. With its 85mm focal length and wide f/1.8 aperture, it delivers stunning bokeh and sharpness, making it ideal for headshots and close-up portraits.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you learn about some of the best camera lenses for portraits 🙂
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