Top 5 Best Lenses for Portrait Photography

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Best Bang
Canon
RF50mm F 1.2L

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Major Takeaway
The Canon RF50mm F 1.2L USM Lens is a great lens for portraits. The depth of field and the bokeh effect are what make this lens so great for portraits, while its compact size makes it easy to carry around in your bag or on your camera at all times.
Pros
  • Canon RF Mount
  • Great in low light at f1.2
  • Fixed focal length
  • Lightweight, 2 lbs
Cons
  • needs an adapter to mount on EF bodies
Best VALUE
Canon
RF100mm F2.8 L Macro
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Major Takeaway
Canon's RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is a great portrait lens that can get you ultra close ups as a macro lens combined with its optical stabilization system (OS) and its USM motor.
Pros
  • The 100mm is a short telephoto, ideal for macro photography, but versatile enough for excellent portraits.
  • Hybrid IS Compensates for Angular and Shift Camera Shake during Macro Shooting
Cons
  • It's fast with a f/2.8 aperture but a f1.2 would be better for low light portraits
Best OVERALL
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens top angle
Canon
RF 85mm F1.2 L

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Major Takeaway
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens is a great portrait lens for people who are looking for a sharp, fast-aperture lens that has the ability to create a beautiful bokeh. It has an ultrasonic motor (USM) which enables the autofocus to be very fast and near silent.
Pros
  • Ideal for portraits
  • Great for video, super fast f1.2
  • The 85mm is known as the beauty lens
  • Lens compatible with Canon Mirrorless Full Frame Cameras (EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, EOS R6)
Cons
  • Minimum focusing distance of 2.79 ft. /0.85M
Best BUDGET
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
Canon
RF 70-200mm F2.8 L
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Major Takeaway
The RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens from Canon is one of the best telephoto lenses in the market. It is a perfect fit for those who want to take portraits or shoot sports or wildlife.
Pros
  • Telephoto, 70-200mm
  • f/2.8 aperture telephoto zoom RF L lens
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Optical image stabilization with up to 5 Stops of shake correction
  • Lens compatible with Canon Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras (EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, EOS R6)
Cons
  • Minimum focusing distance of 2.3 ft
 
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
Canon
RF 24-70mm F2.8 L
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Major Takeaway
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens is a great portrait lens, and it is also a telephoto lens. It has great optics and is lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around. It has an aperture of 2.8, which allows for more light to get into the camera.
Pros
  • f/2.8 aperture zoom RF L lens
  • Optical image stabilization of up to 5 Stops of shake correction
  • Fast and quiet autofocus with Nano USM
  • Min. Focusing distance of 0.69 ft by 0.21M (wide), 1.25 ft. by 0.38M (tele)
  • Lens compatible with Canon Mirorrless Cameras (EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, EOS R6)
Cons
  • It's fast with a f/2.8 aperture but a f1.2 would be better for low light portraits

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in a space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Buying Guide for

Top 5 Best Lenses for Portrait Photography

Trying to find the best lenses for portrait photography can be daunting. We've done all the leg work for you and created this list of the best Canon lens for portraits.

A portrait lens is a lens that is specialized in taking portraits. It has a wide aperture, which means that it can get a shallow depth of field in order to blur the background and focus on the subject. A portrait lens typically has a focal length of 50-200mm, which makes it great for headshots and full body shots.

Portrait lenses are usually compact, light weight and they have a solid build quality. They are great for low light photography because they can produce images with low noise and high contrast.

If it is on this top five list, it's safe to say it is one of the Top 5 Best Lenses for Portrait Photography on the market:

1. Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens
2. Canon RF50mm F 1.2L USM Lens
3. Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM
4. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
5. Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens

These are the best Canon lens for portraits.
photographer with a camera
Best portrait photography lenses FAQ

A portrait lens is a type of lens that's specifically designed to capture the face in focus, while blurring out the background. This creates the perfect environment for a photographer to get that perfect shot of their subject.

A portrait lens will be able to capture more light than your typical kit lens or zoom lens, making it easier for you to shoot in low light conditions. Portrait lenses are typically heavier than other lenses as well, which means that they're less likely to shake when you take pictures, but this can also make them more difficult to carry around with you all day.

Some of the things that a lens should have to be good for portraits are wide aperture, fast focus, and a large depth of field.

Wide aperture is important because it will allow you to take pictures of people in low-light situations without using flash. Fast focus is important because if you’re trying to take photos of children or pets, they are always moving around and you need your camera to be able to keep up with them. A large depth of field is important because it will allow you to blur the background in your photos which will make your subject pop out more.

The best lens for portrait photography should have:

  1. a wide aperture
  2. fast focus
  3. a large depth of field
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens open
The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L lens zoomed in
TopRec's Top 5 Best Lenses for Portrait Photography
Having looked at the top buying considerations, here's our selections for TopRec's Top 5 Best Lenses for Portrait Photography:
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens - Best Overall

The Canon RF 85mm f1.2L is one of the best lenses for portraits. It has an aperture of f1.2 which is best for shooting in low light, and it also has a fast autofocus which is perfect for shooting portraits.

It has a very fast aperture and is made with high-quality optics that will give you an excellent image quality even when shooting in dimly lit places.

The Canon RF 85mm f1.2l Lens is powerful in low light and has a nice bokeh effect.

Every 85mm lens is known as the beauty lens because it has a shallow depth of field, which means that it can blur the background and make a person’s face stand out. The 85mm lens is perfect for portraits, weddings, and events.

This lens is great for portraits, weddings, and events where you need to shoot in low light or have a lot of background blur.

Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens top angleCanon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens
The Canon RF 85mm f1.2L is a powerful portrait lens
Canon RF50mm F 1.2L USM Lens - Best Bang

The Canon RF50mm f1.2l is a great lens because of its size and weight. It's perfect for those who want a lightweight lens that can get the job done in low light situations. It also excels at portrait photography due to its large aperture and fast focus.

Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM - Best Value

Because it's great for portraits and macro photography the Canon Rf100, f2.8 L Marco is our Best Value selection for is extreme versatility. Excellent for jewelry shoots for switch from portraits to ultra close up macro photography. This is such a powerful lens, for sure it is one of the best Canon lens for portraits.

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens - Best Budget

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L is a great lens for portraits because of its compact size and light weight. It also performs great in low light and has a solid build quality.

It is an excellent choice for photographers who are looking for a lens that can shoot both wide and tight shots, with good quality in low light conditions.

The RF 70-200mm has advanced optical technologies that help it to deliver great images even when shooting at its maximum aperture. It also has a fast and accurate autofocus system, which is essential for those who shoot moving subjects.

Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens - Honorable Mention

The Canon RF 24-70mm is a great lens because it is compact, light weight, and has a solid portrait lens. It's great in low light and it can produce the same quality of image as other lenses in the same price range.

Best portrait photography lenses FAQ

To get the best results, it is important to use the right lens for the job. Below, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about portrait photography lenses so that you can make an informed decision when choosing one for your next shoot. We will discuss topics such as what type of lens works best for people photography, what features to look out for in a portrait lens, and which ones are best suited for different budgets. With this information in hand, you can be sure that you are getting the most out of your portrait photography experience.

Do I need a prime lens to shoot portraits?

Prime lenses are a great choice for portrait photography, as they offer a wide range of advantages to photographers. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, which means that the photographer has to physically move around the subject in order to achieve different framing and perspectives. This can help create more dynamic and interesting compositions. Prime lenses also tend to have wider maximum apertures than zoom lenses, which allows for better control over depth of field and background blur. Additionally, prime lenses are often sharper than zoom lenses, resulting in better image quality overall. If you're serious about shooting portraits, then investing in a good quality prime lens is definitely worth considering.

What is the best focal length for portraits?

There is no one answer for "what is the best focal length for portraits". A portrait photographer is an artist. Lens selection is part of the art form. Understanding how a specific lens will influence the image is part of the artists process.

The ideal focal length for portrait photography depends on several factors, such as the size of your subject, how close you want to be to them, and what kind of background you want in your photos. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about which focal length will work best for your portraits.

Is 50mm or 85mm better for portraits?

The 50mm lens is often referred to as the "nifty fifty" due to its versatility and affordability. It offers a relatively wide field of view, making it ideal for capturing full-body shots and environmental portraits. On the other hand, the 85mm lens provides a more compressed perspective which can be used to create beautiful headshots with shallow depth of field.

Ultimately, there is no definitive answer as to whether 50mm or 85mm is better for portraits - it all depends on the type of shot you are trying to capture and your personal preferences.

What size lens is best for portrait?

Generally, a lens with a focal length between 35-200mm is considered the best for portrait photography. This range allows you to get close enough to your subject while still capturing all the details in their face and body. A wide aperture also helps create a shallow depth of field which helps blur out the background and focus on your subject. With this range, you can also experiment with different angles and perspectives while still maintaining sharpness in your images.

Is 35mm or 50mm better for portraits?

The 35mm lens is great for capturing a wider field of view, making it ideal for environmental portraits. Whereas the 50mm lens gives a more natural perspective and can be used to capture more intimate shots. Both lenses also offer different levels of background blur, making them useful for different types of portraits. Ultimately, it all depends on what type of portrait you want to create and what kind of look you're going for.

How can I shoot portraits with the kit zoom lens that came with my camera?

Shooting portraits with the kit zoom lens that came with your camera can be a great way to get creative and capture beautiful images. With some practice, you can learn how to choose good lighting, compose the image, and capture an interesting moment that will make your portrait stand out.

Is a DSLR or mirrorless camera better for portraits?

When it comes to taking portrait photographs, both DSLR and mirrorless cameras are great options. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it ultimately comes down to the photographer's preference and budget. DSLRs offer larger sensors and more control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc., whereas mirrorless cameras are more lightweight and offer more advanced features like autofocus tracking. Additionally, some mirrorless cameras have higher resolution sensors than their DSLR counterparts. Ultimately, it comes down to the photographer's style and preferences when deciding between a DSLR or a mirrorless camera for portraits.

Best Type of Lens for Portraits

When it comes to portrait photography, the right lens can make all the difference. Different lenses have different properties that can affect the look and feel of a portrait. Some lenses are better suited for close-up shots, while others are great for wide shots. By understanding the characteristics of each type of lens, you can choose one that will help you capture stunning portraits.

Things to consider when buying a lens for portraits

When it comes to buying a lens for portrait photography, there are three main factors to consider: focal length, aperture and image stabilization. Focal length affects the field of view and how much background blur you can get in your photos. Aperture affects the amount of light that can enter the lens, which is important for controlling depth of field. Finally, image stabilization helps reduce camera shake when using longer shutter speeds, which is important for capturing sharp portraits. By considering these three factors when selecting a lens for portraits, you can ensure that you get the best results from your photography.

Best Lens for Portraits

Taking the perfect portrait requires more than just a great camera and lighting. The lens you use is also an important factor in creating a stunning image. The best lenses for portraits have several common features that make them ideal for capturing stunning portraits. These include fast maximum aperture, low distortion, high image quality, and wide focal length range. Additionally, they are usually lightweight and durable to ensure that you can take them with you wherever you go. With the right lens in hand, you can create beautiful portraits that will last a lifetime!

Best Lens for Portraits (People Photography)

People photography is a popular form of photography that requires the right lens to capture the best results. Having the best lens for portraits can help you create beautiful and memorable images that will last a lifetime. Here are three reasons why it is important to have the best lens for portraits:

Firstly, having the right lens will enable you to capture sharp and detailed images with accurate colors. This will ensure that your photos look professional and stand out from others. Secondly, having the right lens for people photography will allow you to take advantage of different focal lengths, which can be extremely useful when shooting in tight spaces or capturing group shots. Lastly, having the right lens for portraits can help you achieve creative effects such as shallow depth of field or bokeh effects which can make your photos stand out from others.

Best Lenses for Portrait Photography – CANON

Sony is known for making some of the best lenses for portrait photography. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, Sony lenses offer a wide range of options that can help you capture stunning portraits. From wide-angle to telephoto lenses, Sony has something for everyone.

Best Canon RF Lenses for Portraits

Best Canon EF Lenses for Portraits

Best Lenses for Portrait Photography – FUJIFILM

FUJIFILM has an impressive range of lenses for portrait photography. Whether you’re a professional or amateur photographer, these lenses can help you capture stunning portraits with vibrant colors and sharp details. From wide-angle to telephoto lenses, FUJIFILM has something for every type of portrait photographer. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best lenses that FUJIFILM offers for portrait photography. These lenses will help you capture stunning portraits with ease:

Best Lenses for Portrait Photography – NIKON

Nikon lenses are among the best lenses for portrait photography. They offer a wide range of features and capabilities that can help you take stunning portraits. From wide-angle to telephoto, Nikon lenses provide you with the flexibility to capture different perspectives and angles. Whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors, these lenses will help you create beautiful images that will stand out from the crowd. With their advanced autofocus systems, they are ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects and ensuring sharpness in every shot. With a wide selection of prime and zoom lenses available, Nikon has something for everyone who loves taking portrait photos.

Best Lenses for Portrait Photography – SONY

Sony is known for making some of the best lenses for portrait photography. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, Sony lenses offer a wide range of options that can help you capture stunning portraits. From wide-angle to telephoto lenses, Sony has something for everyone.

Good Portrait Lenses

There are many good portrait lenses on the market. In reality you can use any lens to take a portrait. Each lens option will have an effect on the portrait. Know which effect you want and when to use it is the work of a seasoned portrait photographer. Getting to that knowledge and experience takes time. Start with a traditional portrait lens, the 85mm lens, then try a 50mm lens and compare how the lens change influences the outcome.

35mm Lenses for Portraits

A 35mm lens is a popular choice for portrait photography due to its wide angle of view and the ability to capture more of the environment. This type of lens gives photographers a unique perspective when shooting portraits, allowing them to capture more of the subject's surroundings and create interesting compositions. Additionally, the wide angle of view allows photographers to get closer to their subject while still capturing an entire scene in one shot. The 35mm lens also creates a shallow depth-of-field, which helps to blur out distracting background elements and draw attention to the subject's face. With this combination of features, a 35mm lens can be used to create stunning portrait images that capture both the person and their environment in one frame.

50mm Lenses for Portraits

A 50mm lens is often considered the go-to choice for portrait photography. It produces a natural perspective that mimics what the human eye sees, making it an ideal choice for capturing people and their emotions. The 50mm focal length also allows photographers to get close to their subjects without distorting their features, resulting in beautiful and natural portraits. Furthermore, the shallow depth of field produced by a 50mm lens gives your images an attractive blurred background, helping to draw attention to your subject. With its versatility and ability to capture stunning portraits, the 50mm lens is an essential tool for any photographer looking to create beautiful images.

85mm Lenses for Portraits

Often referred to as the beauty lens, an 85mm lens is a popular choice for portrait photography. It creates beautiful, natural-looking portraits with a pleasing background blur. This type of lens allows photographers to capture their subject in the most flattering way possible, as it creates a natural perspective and is perfect for shooting close-up shots. The 85mm lens also allows photographers to capture more details in the background while still keeping the focus on the subject. With this type of lens, photographers can create stunning and unique portraits that stand out from the crowd.

105mm Lenses for Portraits

The 105mm lens is a popular choice for portrait photography as it has the ability to create a shallow depth of field, which helps to blur the background and draw attention to the subject. This lens also has an advantage when shooting in low light conditions as it can produce sharp images with minimal noise. Additionally, the 105mm lens provides natural-looking distortion that can enhance facial features, making portraits look more pleasing and professional.

135mm Lenses for Portraits

The 135mm lens is an ideal choice for portrait photography as it offers a natural perspective and a shallow depth of field. It also produces a unique look with its flattering compression, making it a great choice for capturing stunning portraits. With the 135mm lens, you can create images with beautiful background blur and focus on the subject's face. This lens is perfect for capturing tight headshots, which can be used to create an intimate connection between the photographer and their subject. Additionally, this lens allows you to capture full-length shots from further away without compromising image quality. The 135mm lens is an essential tool for any portrait photographer who wants to capture beautiful images of their subjects.

200mm Lenses for Portraits

For portrait photography, a 200mm lens can be an invaluable tool for creating stunning images. This type of lens allows photographers to capture more detail and depth in their shots, resulting in a greater sense of intimacy and emotion. With the right lighting and composition, a 200mm lens can create beautiful portraits that draw viewers in with their close-up perspective. By controlling the depth of field, this type of lens can also isolate subjects from distracting backgrounds or foregrounds. With its unique capabilities, a 200mm lens is an essential part of any photographer's kit for creating captivating portrait shots.

Closing Thought

You can't go wrong with any of these options. Any one of these are a good toaster oven. Really, each of these options is among the best portrait lense. Choose the one that fits your budget, space and pairs well with your other photography needs.

Our Top Recs

Best Bang for the Buck
Canon RF50mm F 1.2L USM Lens
Bottom Line
The Canon RF 50mm F1.2L is a portrait lens that is designed to deliver the best possible bokeh for portraits, and it does a wonderful job at this. It’s also an excellent lens for street photography as well. It’s not cheap, but it gives you the ability to create some really stunning images with a lot of drama and emotion.

This lens is an excellent choice for photographers who want to create portraits with beautiful bokeh and are willing to invest in a high-end lens.
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Best Value
Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM
Bottom Line
The Canon RF100mm F2.8 L is a portrait lens that offers a focal length of 100mm. It is perfect for taking portraits and offers a maximum aperture of 2.8, which allows the photographer to take photos in low-light situations without using an external flash. The lens also has an image stabilizer that helps reduce camera shake, making it easier to get sharp photographs without having to use a tripod or other additional equipment.

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Best Overall
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens
Bottom Line
The RF 85mm f1.2 L is arguably the best Canon lens for portraits. Canon's RF 85mm is one of the best portrait lens that provides a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. It is also compatible with the Canon EOS R system, which means that it can be used in both video and still photography.

The bottom line about the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L is that it is a great lens for portrait photography because it has a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh.
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Best Budget
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
Bottom Line
The Cuisinart TOA-1010 toaster oven is a powerful kitchen appliance that can cook your food evenly and quickly. The most important thing to know about the Cuisinart TOA-1010 toaster oven is that it is a powerful kitchen appliance with 1800 watts of power that can cook your food evenly and quickly. It has a timer, so you can set it and forget it, as well as convection cooking for more delicious meals.

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