8 Best Lenses for Headshots in 2024

Choosing the best lenses for headshots is key to capturing professional and flattering portraits. Whether you’re shooting headshots for resumes, social media, or an actor’s portfolio, the best lens gives your portraits a new level of professionalism.

Our top choice is the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM, chosen for its exceptional sharpness and bokeh quality. It stands out as the best option for detailed and professional-looking headshots. But if that’s not the lens for you, we have seven more fantastic lenses for headshot portrait photography.

Our Top 3 Lenses for Headshots

Canon RF 135mm F/1.8L IS USM

Canon EF 85mm F/1.4L IS USM

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm F/1.2 S

What Is the Best Lens for Headshot Portrait Photography?

When selecting the best lens for headshot portrait photography, you need to consider focal length, aperture, and optical quality.

Brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma, Fujifilm, and Panasonic offer lenses that excel in creating sharp, detailed portraits with beautiful background blur. These lenses were chosen for their ability to capture natural-looking shots with edge-to-edge clarity.

Our Top Pick

Canon RF 135mm F/1.8L IS USM

Superior optical quality for sharp, detailed headshots
Wide f/1.8 aperture for beautiful bokeh effects
Robust, weather-sealed construction for durability
Fast, accurate autofocus with Nano USM motor
Effective image stabilization for handheld shooting

Best Canon DSLR Lens

Canon EF 85mm F/1.4L IS USM

Flattering 85mm focal length for perfect portraits
f/1.4 aperture for low light and soft bokeh
Image stabilization enhances handheld shooting versatility
Durable, weather-sealed build for outdoor reliability
Fast, silent autofocus ideal for discreet shooting

Best Nikon Mirrorless Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm F/1.2 S

Exceptional f/1.2 aperture for unmatched low-light performance
Superior optical design ensures edge-to-edge sharpness
Fast, precise autofocus ideal for dynamic portraits
Robust build quality with professional-grade durability
Creates stunning bokeh, enhancing subject isolation

Best Nikon DSLR Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm F/1.4E ED

Unrivaled f/1.4 aperture for stunning low-light shots
Exceptional sharpness ideal for high-resolution photography
Minimal chromatic aberration enhances image clarity
Beautiful, creamy bokeh for subject-background separation
Durable, weather-sealed build for outdoor reliability

Best Sony Lens

Sony FE 85mm F/1.4 GM SEL85F14GM

f/1.4 aperture for exceptional low-light performance
G Master optics ensure unparalleled image sharpness
Beautiful bokeh enhances portrait subject isolation
Fast, silent autofocus perfect for video and stills
Durable design with dust and moisture resistance

Best Sigma Art Lens

Sigma 85mm F/1.4 DG HSM | A

Art series quality ensures exceptional image sharpness
f/1.4 aperture for superior low-light performance
Fast and accurate Hyper Sonic Motor autofocus
Pleasing bokeh for standout portrait photography
Durable build with weather-resistant features

Shop 5 Versions

Best Fujifilm Lens

Fujifilm FUJINON XF 90mm F/2 R LM WR

Fast f/2 aperture for excellent low-light performance
Quad linear motor ensures quick, silent autofocus
Weather-resistant build for reliable outdoor shooting
Exceptional sharpness and clarity across the frame
Compact and lightweight design enhances portability

Best Panasonic Lens

Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F/1.8

Bright f/1.8 aperture for beautiful bokeh effects
Compact, lightweight design for easy portability
Fast, accurate autofocus for crisp imagery
Durable construction with dust and moisture resistance
Ideal for portraits with natural, flattering compression

Our Favorite Lenses for Headshots

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite lenses for headshots. From the creamy bokeh of the Canon RF 135mm to the sharpness of the Sigma 85mm, there’s a lens here for any portrait photographer.

1. Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM

Our Top Pick

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 935 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 135 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM is a superb lens for choice for headshot portrait photography, thanks to its 135mm focal length. This focal length is ideal as it offers a flattering compression and perspective, making it perfect for capturing detailed and natural-looking headshots.

The wide f/1.8 aperture is another big advantage, helping you achieve a shallow depth of field. This isolates the subject from the background by creating a blurred bokeh effect, keeping attention on your subject’s face.

Featuring three ultra-low dispersion elements that minimize chromatic aberrations, the lens impresses with its edge-to-edge sharpness. These specialist elements ensure images are clear and detailed, with minimal color fringing around high-contrast edges.

Outer glass elements also have an Air Sphere Coating (ASC) that reduces lens flare and ghosting. This is especially useful if you’re using studio lighting and light modifiers, which is common in headshot photography.

The lens’s weight (2 lb / 935 g) might be a consideration for photographers who prefer lighter gear for handheld shooting. Its minimum focusing distance of 2.3 ft (70 cm) is quite good for tight portraits but not ideal for very close-up work.

While the image stabilization isn’t much use when shooting headshots with a tripod, it is handy when shooting more dynamic portraits from hand. Offering five stops of compensation, you get sharper results in lower light.

You probably won’t need the super-fast USM autofocus support, but it adds to the versatility and overall performance on the lens.

The Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM is a beautiful lens that will take your heatshot portrait photography to the next level.

If you’re a Canon user, you should also see our list of the best Canon lenses for portrait photography.

2. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

Best Canon DSLR Lens

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 950 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 85 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is the best lens for headshot portrait photography if you have a Canon DSLR camera. Its 85mm focal length hits the sweet spot, offering a natural look without distorting facial features. This is key for capturing the essence of a subject.

The f/1.4 aperture gives you exceptional exposure control, even delivering bright shots in low light. But the main appeal for headshot photographers is the ultra-shallow depth of field it creates. You get a rich and smooth bokeh background, leaving your model in perfect focus.

This lens is sharp from center to edge, ensuring details like the eyes are crisply captured. Thanks to special molded aspherical elements, it also handles chromatic aberrations well, removing distortion and color fringing in high-contrast areas.

It’s a bit heavy at about 2.09 lb (950 g), which might be a downside for some. But it is weather-sealed, allowing you to capture high-quality portraits when shooting on location.

Its image stabilization is a big plus, helping to keep shots steady and sharp, even at slower shutter speeds. This makes it very useful for handheld shooting in various lighting conditions.

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is an exceptional portrait lens and a must-have for headshots with a Canon camera.

3. Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S

Best Nikon Mirrorless Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1160 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.2
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 85 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a lens for Nikon mirrorless cameras that excels in headshot portrait photography. Its 85mm focal length offers a flattering perspective, minimizing distortion and ensuring subjects look natural.

Sharpness is key in portrait photography, and this lens delivers. Images are crisp and detailed. The lens’s optical design includes low dispersion elements and reduces chromatic aberrations. This means colors are accurate and there’s no distracting fringing in high-contrast areas.

The wide f/1.2 aperture is a standout feature, allowing for beautiful background blur that makes the subject pop. This aperture also performs well in low light, capturing clear images without needing high ISO settings or artificial lighting.

Weighing 2.55lb (1160g), it’s heavier than some alternatives. This might be a factor for photographers who shoot for long periods. But, its build quality is solid, offering durability and weather resistance for outdoor shoots. While it lacks built-in image stabilization, when used with Nikon’s Z-series cameras that feature IBIS, it still ensures steady shots in various conditions.

For Nikon mirrorless users, the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is the best lens for professional headshots.

If you’re a Nikon photographer, see our full list of the best Nikon lenses for portraits.

4. Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED

Best Nikon DSLR Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 985 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 105 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED is perfect for headshot portrait photography with its telephoto 105mm focal length. This lens offers a flattering compression of facial features and a comfortable working distance. It also creates a natural separation between your subject and the background, making models stand out.

Its f/1.4 aperture is perfect for creating a shallow depth of field, creating beautifully blurred backgrounds that give headshots a professional touch. This wide aperture also ensures excellent performance in low light, allowing photographers to capture detailed shots without increasing the ISO.

Sharpness is a crucial aspect of this lens, delivering crispness across the frame. Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements reduce distortion and aberrations, and a Nano Crystal coating combats glare, which is why the image quality is so clear.

Despite its weight of about 2.17lb (985g), the build quality is robust, featuring weather sealing for durability in various shooting conditions. However, it lacks image stabilization, a minor drawback given its fast aperture and intended use in controlled environments.

The Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED is a top choice for professionals seeking exceptional optical performance for portrait photography. Its ability to isolate subjects with a pleasing bokeh and maintain image quality in low light makes it a valuable tool for high-quality headshots.

5. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM

Best Sony Lens

Brand	Brand Sony
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 820 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 85 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is a beautiful prime lens that’s perfect for headshot portrait photography. Its 85mm focal length offers a flattering perspective, ideal for capturing detailed and natural-looking portraits.

The f/1.4 aperture allows for shooting in low light and achieving a shallow depth of field, which beautifully isolates the subject from the background.

Picture sharpness is another strength of this lens. That’s thanks to the Extreme Aspherical and ED elements within the barrel, eliminating issues like chromatic aberration. A Nano AR coating also reduces glare and vignetting.

It weighs around 1.8 lb (820g), which is manageable for most photographers. The build quality is solid, featuring weather sealing for durability when working outdoors. Despite its weight, the lens balances well on Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions.

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is a top choice for professionals seeking exceptional optical performance for portrait photography.

See all the best Sony lenses for portrait photography in this article.

6. Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A

Best Sigma Art Lens

Shop 5 Versions

Brand	Brand Sigma
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1130 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 85 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A‘s exceptional performance makes it an ideal lens for headshot portrait photography. Its 85mm focal length is perfect for headshot photographers, allowing them to tightly frame the model’s face without invading their personal space.

The f/1.4 aperture not only excels in low light conditions but also provides a shallow depth of field, creating a beautifully bokeh background.

This lens is known for its edge-to-edge sharpness, ensuring every detail, especially the eyes, is captured with clarity.

Constructed as part of Sigma’s Art line, this lens is built with high-quality materials, weighing about 2.5 lb (1.1 kg). Its robust design includes weather sealing, making it reliable in various shooting environments. Despite its weight, the lens balances well on most camera bodies, offering a comfortable shooting experience.

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A stands out for its optical excellence and build quality. Available for Canon EF and Nikon F cameras, it’s a versatile lens for headshot portraits.

7. Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR

Best Fujifilm Lens

Brand	Brand Fujifilm
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 540 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 90 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR is the best Fujifilm lens for headshot portrait photography. As an APS-C lens, its 90mm focal length is equivalent to 137mm on a full frame camera, which is ideal for tightly framed portraits.

The f/2 aperture not only allows for shooting in lower light conditions but also contributes to the lens’s ability to produce a beautifully blurred background, drawing attention to the subject’s eyes.

Eleven pristine glass elements, including three ED elements, give you exceptional image quality. There’s no detectable chromatic aberration, and every image is sharp from corner to corner.

Weighing 1.2 lb (540 g), this lens is relatively lightweight, making it comfortable for prolonged shooting sessions. Its weather-sealing adds a layer of durability, ensuring photographers work outside without issue.

Despite lacking image stabilization, the fast aperture and sharpness make it a powerful tool for portrait photographers.

The Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR is a standout choice for those seeking exceptional image quality and performance in a portrait lens. Its optical design minimizes aberrations, ensuring images are crisp and clear, with pleasing bokeh that enhances the aesthetic quality of portraits.

8. Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8

Best Panasonic Lens

Brand	Brand Panasonic LUMIX
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 355 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 85 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8 is the best option for Panasonic users shooting headshot portrait photography. With sharp optics and a fast aperture, you can complete creative control for professional headshots.

Its optical design features two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements, effectively reducing chromatic aberrations and delivering images with excellent color fidelity and contrast. That’s why this lens is particularly good at capturing the intricate details of the subject’s face with remarkable clarity.

The f/1.8 aperture allows for beautiful background blur, making the subject stand out sharply against a soft backdrop. This lens is particularly good at capturing the intricate details of the subject’s face, especially the eyes, with remarkable clarity.

This lens is lightweight (12.5 oz / 355 g) and easy to handle, making it a comfortable choice for long photoshoots. Despite its plastic construction, it feels sturdy and is equipped with weather-sealing, offering reliability in various shooting conditions.

The Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8 is a valuable tool for portrait photographers looking for a blend of portability, image quality, and performance. While it lacks built-in image stabilization, its wide aperture and fast autofocus make it a strong contender for those shooting with L-mount cameras.

Conclusion: The Best Lenses for Headshots

Headshot portraits are a great way for photographers to master portrait photography and earn some money. That’s why finding the best lenses for headshot photography is so important. With the right lens, you can capture a model’s face with tack-sharp resolution against a soft bokeh background.

The Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM is our top choice due to its telephoto focal length, fast aperture, and built-in image stabilization. It’s simply the best for detailed, natural portraits. However, as we’ve seen, there are plenty of excellent lenses for headshot portrait photography.

Our Top 3 Lenses for Headshots

Canon RF 135mm F/1.8L IS USM

Canon EF 85mm F/1.4L IS USM

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm F/1.2 S

What Is the Best Lens for Headshot Portrait Photography?

Our Favorite Lenses for Headshots

1. Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM

2. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

3. Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S

4. Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED

5. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM

6. Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A

7. Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR

8. Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8

Conclusion: The Best Lenses for Headshots

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