10 Best Lenses for Bokeh in 2024

This article explores the 10 best lenses for bokeh, helping photographers achieve the perfect blurred background effect. Achieving the perfect bokeh effect can transform an image from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re shooting portrait, product, or food photography, a smooth bokeh adds a new level of artistry to your photography.

Our top pick is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, chosen for its wide aperture and exceptional sharpness, making it a standout choice for bokeh photography. But if that’s not the lens for you, we have nine more lenses for creating rich, dream-like bokeh.

Our Top 3 Lenses for Bokeh

Canon RF 50mm F/1.2L USM

Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM DS

Canon EF 85mm F/1.2L II USM

What Is the Best Lens for Bokeh?

To find the best lens for bokeh, aperture size, focal length, and lens quality are the three key features you need to consider.

Our list includes top picks from Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Sony, Fujifilm, and Panasonic, focusing on lenses that offer wide apertures and quality construction to produce smooth, out-of-focus backgrounds.

These lenses are chosen for their ability to isolate subjects and enhance images with beautiful bokeh, making them ideal for portrait and fine art photography.

Our Top Pick

Canon RF 50mm F/1.2L USM

Unmatched low-light shooting capabilities
Ideal for natural-looking portraits
Smooth, creamy bokeh effect
Durable, weather-sealed construction
Fast, accurate autofocus system

Best Canon RF Telephoto Lens

Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM DS

Flawless portraits with natural perspective
Superior low-light performance, wide aperture
Dreamy bokeh, ideal for subject isolation
Robust, weather-sealed for professional use
Fast, precise autofocus, perfect for events

Best Canon DSLR Lens

Canon EF 85mm F/1.2L II USM

Exceptional sharpness, perfect for detailed portraits
Creamy bokeh enhances subject isolation
Durable, weather-sealed L-series construction
Fast, accurate autofocus for critical moments
Wide f/1.2 aperture for low light mastery

Best Nikon Telephoto Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm F/1.8 S Plena

Unrivaled sharpness for detailed portraiture
Exceptional bokeh for artistic background blur
Robust, weather-sealed construction ensures durability
Fast, silent autofocus for discreet shooting
Ideal for low-light conditions with f/1.8 aperture

Best Nikon Low-Light Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm F/0.95 S Noct

Astounding f/0.95 aperture for unparalleled low light performance
Exquisite bokeh for standout subject isolation
Premium build quality, embodying Nikon's S-line excellence
Precise manual focus control for artistic precision
Ideal for creative, high-resolution portrait and night photography

Best Nikon DSLR Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 58mm F/1.4G

Unique 58mm focal length for versatile shooting
Exceptional low-light performance with f/1.4 aperture
Produces beautiful, natural bokeh for subject isolation
Solid build quality, designed for durability
Fast, accurate autofocus system for sharp images

Best Sigma Art Lens

Sigma 105mm F/1.4 DG HSM | A

Unparalleled f/1.4 aperture for stunning low-light shots
Exceptional bokeh, ideal for portrait photography
Robust build, part of Sigma's esteemed Art line
Fast and precise Hyper Sonic Motor autofocus
Superior optical performance with minimal aberrations

Shop 5 Versions

Best Sony Lens

Sony FE 50mm F/1.2 GM SEL50F12GM

Ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture for exceptional low light
Precise, fast autofocus with minimal noise
Compact, durable design for professional use
Exquisite bokeh for stunning portrait photography
G Master quality ensures superior optical performance

Best Fujifilm Lens

Fujifilm FUJINON XF 50mm F/1 R WR

Exceptional f/1 aperture for superior low-light shooting
Weather-resistant design for reliable outdoor use
Compact and lightweight for everyday photography
Produces stunning bokeh for creative portraits
Precision autofocus system for sharp, detailed images

Best Panasonic Lens

Panasonic LUMIX S Pro 50mm F/1.4

Outstanding f/1.4 aperture for low-light excellence
Razor-sharp image quality across the frame
Robust, weather-sealed construction for durability
Smooth, cinematic bokeh for portrait perfection
Precise, manual focus clutch for creative control

Our Favorite Lenses for Bokeh

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite lenses for bokeh. From the creamy blur of the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM to the dreamy background of the Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, there’s a lens here for every style and situation. Explore these options to find the perfect lens to elevate your photography with stunning bokeh.

1. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Our Top Pick

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 950 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.2
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 50 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is one of the best lenses for creating stunning bokeh. Its wide f/1.2 aperture allows for a super-shallow depth of field, helping to isolate subjects from their backgrounds. This result is a smooth, creamy bokeh that enhances portraits or product shots.

The lens’s design features a 10-blade circular diaphragm improves the quality of the out-of-focus areas even more. It gives you a richer blur with more clearly defined features.

However, the lens’s minimum focusing distance of 1.3 ft (40 cm) means it’s not the best for extreme close-up shots where exaggerated bokeh is desired. Compared to the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS, which offers a longer focal length and potentially more pronounced bokeh effects, the 50mm f/1.2 might seem less versatile in creating compression. Yet, its 50mm focal length is more adaptable for a variety of shooting scenarios, from portraits to everyday photography.

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM excels with edge-to-edge sharpness, even when wide open. This sharpness, combined with the lens’s ability to handle light and color accurately, ensures that subjects stand out against a beautifully blurred background.

2. Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS

Best Canon RF Telephoto Lens

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1195 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.2
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 85 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS is another fantastic Canon mirrorless lens for creating a beautiful bokeh.

The super-fast f/1.2 aperture plays a big part in it’s smooth bokeh effect, allowing you to achieve a razor-thin depth of field.

Its design also includes a specialist Defocus Smoothing (DS) element that softens the edges of out-of-focus areas, giving photos a dreamy quality that’s perfect for portraits.

However, the DS element reduces light transmission slightly, making it act more like an f/2 in terms of light intake. This could be a drawback in very low light but is often an advantage in bright conditions, preventing overexposure.

The lens’s 85mm focal length compresses the scene nicely, enhancing the bokeh effect. This is ideal for portrait photographers looking to isolate their subjects from distracting backgrounds.

With its heavy build and premium construction, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS is not the lightest lens around. This might make it less suitable for casual use or for photographers who prefer a lighter bag.

Despite this, its optical performance, including edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration, makes it a useful tool for professionals who demand the best image and bokeh quality.

See more similar lenses in our list of the best Canon lenses for portrait photography.

3. Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

Best Canon DSLR Lens

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1025 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.2
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 85 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM produces the best bokeh of any Canon DSLR lens. It’s a premium-quality lens that’s perfect for professional portrait, food, or fine art photography.

Its f/1.2 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, blurring the background smoothly and highlighting the subject. This lens’s design, including its rounded aperture blades, plays a crucial role in shaping the out-of-focus areas, giving images a deeper blur.

Its optical performance and low-light abilities give you incredible creative control. The lens’s ability to maintain sharpness at the center, even with a wide aperture, is essential for contrasting the sharp subject against a blurred background.

With a minimum focusing distance of 3.1 ft (95 cm), the lens is not ideal for extreme close-ups but excels in portrait photography. Its build quality and weather sealing make it durable for professional use, ensuring it can withstand tough outdoor conditions.

If you want to take your portraits or fine art shots to the next level, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM might be the lens you need.

4. Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena

Best Nikon Mirrorless Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 995 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 135 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is a true bokeh specialist. Thanks to its f/1.8 aperture and 135mm focal length, it stands out for its bokeh capabilities. This combination allows for a shallow depth of field, blurring the background beautifully and making subjects pop.

The lens’s optical design and its 11-blade circular diaphragm ensure out-of-focus areas are smooth and pleasing to the eye, which is crucial for pro-level portrait photography.

Its optical performance, including sharpness and the ability to control chromatic aberration, more than makes up for its weight. Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements ensure clear, distortion-free images at any aperture.

The minimum focusing distance of 82 cm offers flexibility in composing shots, adding to its versatility. It’s not a macro lens, but you can capture macro-style shots with a rich bokeh to give them a professional finish.

Weighing in at 995g, this lens is on the heavier side, which might make it less ideal for handheld shooting over long periods.

A true bokeh specialist, the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena has to be a top option for Nikon mirrorless users.

See more lenses like this one in the best Nikon lenses for portraits article.

5. Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct

Best Nikon Low-Light Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 2000 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 58 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is a prime example of Nikon’s optical engineering prowess. It’s designed for those who chase the ultimate in bokeh quality. Its ultra-fast aperture means it’s a low-light specialist and the best Nikon lens for night photography.

Its f/0.95 maximum aperture is a true feat of lens engineering. The light intake is incredible, but it also gives you a wafer-thin depth of field and the creamiest of bokeh blurs. This lens allows photographers to isolate subjects with a level of precision and softness in the background that few lenses can match, making it a dream for portrait and fine art photography.

Weighing about 4.4 lb (2 kg), the Noct is a beast in terms of size and weight, demanding a tripod for best results in many scenarios. However, its manual focus mechanism, while potentially challenging in fast-paced environments, offers the tactile precision that enthusiasts of classic photography crave.

The Noct’s construction is robust, featuring weather sealing that allows you to work outdoors without issue.

For after images with a magical bokeh, the Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is a testament to what is possible when technical boundaries are pushed to the limit. It’s a specialized tool that produces photographs at a uniquely artistic level.

6. Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4G

Best Nikon DSLR Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 385 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 58 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4G has a versatile focal length and creates stunning bokeh, making it a favorite among portrait and street photographers.

This lens’s unique focal length offers a slightly tighter view than the standard 50mm, providing a more intimate framing without compromising the natural perspective that’s crucial for flattering portraits.

Its f/1.4 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, blurring the background smoothly and clearly highlighting the subject.

Weighing 13.6 oz (385 g), this lens is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry and handle. Its solid construction and weather sealing protects against dust and moisture for outdoor use.

The manual focus override is a handy feature, allowing for precise focusing adjustments, a must-have for achieving a precise focus in portraits.

The Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4G is a great option for photographers who prioritize image quality, especially bokeh, and are willing to work with manual focus adjustments for critical sharpness. Its performance in low light and the quality of the out-of-focus areas it produces make it a valuable tool for creating images with a professional look and feel.

7. Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A

Best Sigma Art Lens

Shop 5 Versions

Brand	Brand Sigma
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1645 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 105 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A is a standout lens from Sigma’s Art series, creating exceptional bokeh in portraits and artistic photography.

Its f/1.4 aperture allows for low-light shooting and provides a shallow depth of field, essential for that smooth, out-of-focus background that makes subjects pop.

This lens’s focal length is perfect for portraits, offering a flattering compression and isolation of the subject from the background.

It’s a hefty piece of glass, which might be a consideration for those who prefer lighter gear. However, its optical performance, edge-to-edge sharpness, and minimal chromatic aberration make it a valuable tool for professional photographers.

The build quality is robust, featuring reliable weather sealing.

The Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A is highly recommended for portrait photographers and those looking to capture detailed shots with a beautiful bokeh effect.

8. Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM

Best Sony Lens

Brand	Brand Sony
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 778 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.2
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 50 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM lens is a powerhouse in creating stunning bokeh, making it a top choice for photographers aiming to achieve a smooth background blur.

A fast f/1.2 maximum aperture gives you a super-slim depth of field, blurring the background of your image for a rich bokeh effect.

Its 11-blade circular diaphragm ensures out-of-focus areas are rendered beautifully, contributing to its appeal for portrait and fine art photography. It delivers a smooth blur with well-defined bokeh shapes.

The lens’s sharpness, even wide open, is impressive. It provides crisp details where they matters while smoothly blurring the background. We have to credit the three Extreme Aspherical (XA) and the Nano AR coating for superior image quality, even in tough lighting conditions.

It balances well on Sony’s mirrorless bodies, offering a comfortable shooting experience despite its solid build. While it lacks built-in stabilization, its wide aperture and compatibility with Sony’s in-body stabilization mitigate this, allowing for sharp images in various conditions.

For those prioritizing bokeh and optical performance, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is a useful tool, blending high-end craftsmanship with exceptional image quality.

9. Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR

Best Fujifilm Lens

Brand	Brand Fujifilm
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 845 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 50 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

Thanks to its wide f/1 aperture, the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR has exceptional bokeh capabilities. This feature allows photographers to achieve a shallow depth of field, blurring the background smoothly and making the subject pop.

As an APS-C lens, its 50mm focal length is equivalent to 75mm on a full frame camera. That’s perfect for tightly composed portraits or product photography.

The lens’s optical performance is impressive, delivering sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion.

This lens has a solid build and features weather sealing for reliability in various shooting conditions. Despite its heft, it balances well on Fujifilm’s X-series cameras, providing a comfortable shooting experience.

The bokeh quality is particularly pleasing, with out-of-focus areas smoothly rendered, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the images. The Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR is the best Fujifilm lens for professional bokeh images.

10. Panasonic LUMIX S Pro 50mm f/1.4

Best Panasonic Lens

Brand	Brand Panasonic LUMIX
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 955 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 50 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Panasonic LUMIX S Pro 50mm f/1.4 is a standout lens for those seeking exceptional bokeh. Its f/1.4 aperture not only excels in low-light conditions but also provides a shallow depth of field, essential for that smooth, out-of-focus background that makes subjects pop.

This lens’s design includes an 11-blade circular diaphragm, which ensures out-of-focus areas are rendered beautifully and enhances the bokeh’s depth and smoothness.

Two aspherical and three ED elements do a great job of suppressing chromatic aberration and other types of lens distortion. The result is edge-to-edge clarity and sharpness.

While on the heavy side, it is incredibly robust. Not only is it dust and splash-proof also freeze-proof, allowing you to work in temperatures as cold as -10ºC.

A professional-standard prime lens, the Panasonic LUMIX S Pro 50mm f/1.4 is the best lens for bokeh if you’re using a Panasonic Lumix camera.

Conclusion: The Best Lenses for Bokeh

The article highlights the top lenses for bokeh, showcasing options that excel in creating smooth, out-of-focus backgrounds to make subjects stand out. We evaluated each lens based on important features like aperture, focal length, and optical quality that contribute to the bokeh effect. The selection covers a range of brands and focal lengths, catering to various photography styles and preferences.

Our top choice is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, standing out for its wide aperture and sharpness. While that’s our top pick, we’ve seen plenty of other lenses that give you incredible bokeh that will take your photography to new levels.

Our Top 3 Lenses for Bokeh

Canon RF 50mm F/1.2L USM

Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM DS

Canon EF 85mm F/1.2L II USM

What Is the Best Lens for Bokeh?

Our Favorite Lenses for Bokeh

1. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

2. Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS

3. Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

4. Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena

5. Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct

6. Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4G

7. Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A

8. Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM

9. Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR

10. Panasonic LUMIX S Pro 50mm f/1.4

Conclusion: The Best Lenses for Bokeh

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