Best Lens for Portraits in 2023 (Top 28 Prime & Zoom Lenses)

Portrait photography is probably the only photography niche where you can use basically any lens and still have great results. But the lens you choose affects the mood and message of your image. That is why it is essential that you know which is the best lens for portraits.

In a competitive field, our top choice is the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 SLD Art EF HSM lens.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Lens For Portraits

Sigma 85mm F/1.4 EX DG HSM for Canon EF

Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F016 for Nikon F

Sigma 50mm F/1.4 DG HSM | A for Sony E

How to Choose the Best Lens for Portraits?

A portrait lens is not a term that defines one exact focal length, as it depends on the nature of portraiture. There is no rule that you should always use certain focal lengths and aperture values. Choose one that fits your style.

The closest focal length to the perspective of our eyes is the 50 mm lens. However, photographers, in general, consider a portrait lens from 85 mm up to 110 mm. These lenses give you significant background blur and a shallow depth of field. They also allow you to position your subject far away comfortably. They also have a perspective that is ideal for showing human faces and bodies.

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The Best Prime Lenses for DSLRs
The Best Zoom Lenses for DSLRs
The Best Prime Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras
The Best Zoom Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras

The Best DSLR Prime Lenses for Portraits

Best Sigma Prime for Portraits

Sigma 85mm F/1.4 EX DG HSM for Canon EF

Excellent optical quality
Great value at the price
Solid build quality
Smooth, attractive bokeh

Best Budget Prime Lens

Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F016 for Nikon F

Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture
Weather-sealed
Great price for a fast prime lens
3.5 stops IS

Best "Nifty-Fifty"

Sigma 50mm F/1.4 DG HSM | A for Sony E

Fast 1.4 maximum aperture
Exceptionally sharp wide open
Almost zero distortion
Solid construction

Best Value Nikon Prime Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm F/1.8G

Fast maximum aperture
Good bokeh at wider apertures
Sharp images at all apertures
Quite compact for an 85mm full frame lens

Best Canon Prime Lens

Canon EF 135mm F/2L USM

Fast maximum aperture
Smooth bokeh
Weather sealed
Ultra-quiet USM AF motor

Best Wide Angle Portrait Lens

Canon EF 35mm F/1.4L II USM

Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture
Whisper-quiet USM AF motor
Crisp, clear optics
Weather-sealed

Best Fast Prime Canon Lens

Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM

Super-fast f/1.2 aperture
Weather-sealed L series
Fast, silent USM AF motor
Super sharp even wide open

Best Value 35mm Prime Lens

Sigma 35mm F/1.4 DG HSM | A for Sony A

Super-quiet HSM AF motor
Great price for a fast prime lens
Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture
Other mounts available

Now let’s look in detail at those prime DSLR lenses and why we think they’re worth your consideration.

1. Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Brand	Brand Sigma
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF
Focal Range	Focal Range 85 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sigma Art line does not disappoint, providing exceptional speed and sharpness. Its relatively low price and outstanding quality raise it above its direct competition. You can buy versions compatible with Nikon, Canon, and Sony camera bodies.

2. Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD

Brand	Brand Tamron
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon F
Focal Range	Focal Range 85 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.8
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

85 mm lenses are one of the most popular focal lengths for taking portraits. Speed, sturdy build, and accurate focusing are trademark features of this lens. It also has weather-proof sealing that ensures smooth photoshoots, even in unfortunate circumstances.

3. Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM

Brand	Brand Sigma
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Sony E
Focal Range	Focal Range 50 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

This is another masterpiece Sigma Art lens. The f/1.4 aperture ensures that you get as much light into your camera as possible, even in low-light situations. The ultrasonic focus motor is another feature that helps you focus smoothly, quietly, and accurately.

4. Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon F
Focal Range	Focal Range 85 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.8
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

Even though it is a cheap lens, the Nikon 85 mm f/1.8 does not disappoint. It is a reliable and predictable piece of glass with a silent focus motor and fast focusing. If you are looking for a portrait lens that will create a decent background blur but does not break the bank, opt for this one.

5. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF
Focal Range	Focal Range 135 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.0
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

Many consider the 135 mm f/2 to be a favorite among portrait shooters. The 135 mm gives you a decent telephoto feature, which you can utilize in portrait or sports photography. The f/2.0 aperture creates excellent bokeh and is comfortable to use due to its fast and silent autofocus.

6. Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF
Focal Range	Focal Range 35 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

35 mm is a popular focal length for portrait photography. This Canon lens is an excellent addition to your gear if you are shooting environmental portraits, weddings, or other events. It gives you a wide field of view with a fast aperture and a silent autofocus motor. It is also part of Canon’s L series, which ensures that it is of high quality.

7. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF
Focal Range	Focal Range 50 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.2
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

This Canon is great competition to the other 50 mm lenses out there, as none of them features an f/1.2 aperture. This makes the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L suitable for any light situation. The weather-resistant sealing and the high-quality glass contribute to the standard that one would expect from a higher-end prime lens.

8. Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art

Brand	Brand Sigma
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Sony A
Focal Range	Focal Range 35 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

This is another lens from the Sigma Art series that conquers many other 35 mm lenses out there. The extra glass elements and the hypersonic focus motor make sure you bring your photography to the next level. If you aim to get into environmental or street portraits, definitely check this lens out.

The Best DSLR Zoom Lenses for Portraits

Here’s a summary of the zoom lenses we recommend for DSLRs.

Best Budget Long Zoom for Nikon

Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD IF Macro A001 for Nikon F

Constant, fast f/2.8 maximum aperture
Moisture-proof
Up to 4 stops of IS
Ultra-sonic AF motor

Best Canon Mid-Range Zoom Lens

Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM

Fast and silent USM AF motor
Sharp across all apertures
Weather-sealed construction
Great contrast

Best Nikon Long Zoom

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm F/2.8G ED VR II

Fast constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
Weather-sealed
Up to 4 stops IS
Switchable VR (IS) for action photography

Best Budget Wide Zoom

Sigma 24-35mm F/2 DG HSM | A for Canon EF

Two of the most popular focal lengths
Fast f/2 at all focal lengths
Premium low dispersion glass
Super-quiet AF motor

Best Nikon Mid-Zoom

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Exceptional sharpness
Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
Nano-crystal coating to reduce flare
Whisper-quiet AF

Now let’s look at those recommendations in more detail.

1. Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC

Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Zoom Lens for Nikon F-Mount

If there was ever a staple to the portrait photographer’s kit, this is it. Tamron’s version is much less expensive but a very comparable alternative to the original Nikon and Canon 70-200. The wide aperture combined with the long focal length gives you an exceptionally smooth background.

2. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF
Focal Range	Focal Range 24-70 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

This lens’s focal length starts at a wide angle and works its way up to short telephoto. The wide aperture allows you to utilize it in any lighting condition. It is handy for event and wedding photography, as it covers the whole scene and can be zoomed into a tighter frame.

3. Nikon AF-S FX 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR II

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon F
Focal Range	Focal Range 70-200 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

This lens allows you to get further away from your subjects so that you can capture a candid and personal shot. A very useful feature is image stabilization, which helps you reduce camera shake even at the longest focal length. The lens is also weather-sealed, allowing you to take portraits in any condition.

4. Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM A

Brand	Brand Sigma
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF
Focal Range	Focal Range 24-35 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.0
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

If you want to keep the 35 mm around included in a telephoto lens, we recommend this Sigma 24-35 mm. This lens has one of the shortest zoom ranges we have ever seen, making it the middle ground between primes and zooms. We recommend it for its image quality and fast aperture.

5. Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Nikon AF-S FX 24-70mm f/2.8 ED Zoom Lens

This reliable lens is an all-time favorite of many professional photographers. The autofocus is fast, quiet, and accurate, giving you the chance to bring the most out of your portrait photography. The enhanced optical performance ensures exceptional sharpness and contrast.

The Best Portrait Prime Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras

First of all, this is a summary table of the best prime lenses for mirrorless cameras.

Best for Low-Light Photography

Sony FE 85mm F/1.4 GM SEL85F14GM

Fast and sharp f/1.4 lens
Fast and silent Autofocus
Handy focus-lock button
Aperture ring (with or without clicks)

Best Nikon Standard Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm F/1.8 S

Zero distortion
Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture
5-axis IS with Z cameras
Beautiful bokeh

Best Sony 85mm Lens

Sony FE 85mm f/1.8-22 Prime Lens

Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture
ED element for reduced chromatic aberration
Edge-to-edge shaepness
Exceptional bokeh

Great Value Canon Lens

Canon RF 400mm F/2.8L IS USM

Up to 5 stops IS
Fast f/2 maximum aperture
1:2 magnification
Compact and lightweight

Best Quality 50mm Lens

Canon RF 50mm F/1.2L USM

Ultra-sharp at all apertures
No distortion
10-blade diaphragm
Exceptional bokeh

Best Micro Four Thirds Lens

Panasonic Lumix Leica DG 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH

Fast maximum aperture
85mm full frame equivalent
In-lens optical IS
Made by Leica

Best Standard Lens for X-mount

Fujifilm FUJINON XF 35mm F/1.4 R

Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture
One aspherical element
Superb bokeh
All-metal construction

Best E-Mount Lens

Sony FE Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 55mm F/1.8 ZA SEL55F18Z

Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture
Edge-to-edge sharpness
Super bokeh
Distortion-free

Best Micro Four Thirds Telephoto Prime

Olympus ED 75mm f/1.8 Prime Lens for Micro 4/3

150mm full frame equivalent
Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture
All-metal construction
Impressively sharp at all apertures

Best Value E-mount Lens

Sigma 30mm F/1.4 DC DN | C for Sony E

Great value
Fast f/1.4 aperture
Nice bokeh
Quiet AF motor

Now let’s look at those choices in detail.

1. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM

Brand	Brand Sony
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Sony E
Focal Range	Focal Range 85 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

This Sony lens provides a wider aperture than most of its 85 mm competitors. The f/1.4 will ensure that you can take stunning photos in any low-light condition. The Super Sonic Wave Motor allows you to focus fast and accurately. The Extra-low Dispersion glass reduces flare and chromatic aberration.

2. Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon Z
Focal Range	Focal Range 50 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.8
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

Due to the standard focal length of this lens, it has zero distortion, which makes it highly suitable for portraits. It is compact, lightweight, and provides gorgeous bokeh alongside its superior low-light performance. Although it has no in-lens IS, with Z cameras, it gives up to three stops IS.

3. Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

Brand	Brand Sony
Focal Range	Focal Range 85 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.8
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization