Ever wondered how professional portraits have that dreamy, blurred background? The secret isn’t just a fancy camera! It’s the lens. Choosing the perfect lens is a big deal for taking amazing portraits. But picking the right one can feel confusing. Should you pick a prime lens or a zoom lens? What about the focal length? The choices seem endless!
This topic is super relevant because everyone wants to take better pictures of their loved ones. Many people struggle with this. They want beautiful portraits, but they get blurry shots or backgrounds that are distracting. This can be frustrating and make you feel like you’re not improving. You don’t want to waste money on the wrong gear.
In this post, we’ll break down the best lenses for portraits. You’ll learn about focal lengths, aperture, and other key features. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for. You’ll be able to choose a lens that helps you capture stunning portraits. Get ready to say goodbye to blurry photos and hello to beautiful pictures! Let’s dive in and find the perfect lens for you!
Our Top 5 Lens For Portraits Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Lens For Portraits Detailed Reviews
1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Rating: 9.0/10
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a popular lens for Canon cameras. It has a 50mm focal length and a wide f/1.8 aperture. This lens is good for many types of photos. You can use it for portraits, action shots, and taking pictures at night. The lens has a stepping motor (STM) for quiet focusing. It works well for both videos and still photos. This lens is a great choice for photographers of all levels.
What We Like:
- The f/1.8 aperture lets in a lot of light. This helps with low-light photography.
- It’s great for portraits, creating a blurry background.
- The STM motor makes focusing quiet and smooth.
- It’s a versatile lens, good for many types of photography.
- It’s a good value for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lens is made of plastic, so it may not be as durable as some other lenses.
- The autofocus can be a little slow in some situations.
Overall, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a fantastic lens for photographers. It’s a great way to improve your photos without spending a lot of money.
2. EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – MF for Canon EOS Rebel T8i/T7i/T7/T6i/T5/T3i/T3/T2i/XSi/XS/SL3/SL2/T100/90D/80D/70D/50D/5D Mark IV/6D II/7D II/1D X III II-Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lenses(EF/EF-S Mount)
Rating: 9.0/10
The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a manual focus lens for Canon EOS DSLR cameras. It is designed for photographers who want more control over their photos. This lens lets you create beautiful portraits with a dreamy background blur. It works with many Canon EOS cameras, from the Rebel series to professional models.
What We Like:
- Precise focus control gives you creative freedom.
- It has a durable and stable design.
- The lens creates high-quality images with a charming bokeh.
- It works with many Canon DSLR cameras.
- The company provides good after-sales support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lens requires manual focus, which takes practice.
- You must set the camera to manual mode.
This manual focus lens is a great option for photographers who want to improve their skills. It offers a unique shooting experience and helps you take stunning portraits.
3. 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – EF Lens for Canon
Rating: 9.2/10
The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is made for Canon cameras. It’s a manual focus lens, so you must adjust the focus yourself. This lens is great for portraits and close-up shots. It has a wide f/1.8 aperture for blurry backgrounds. This lens is compatible with many Canon DSLR cameras that use EF mounts.
What We Like:
- Great for portraits and street photography.
- The wide f/1.8 aperture creates beautiful background blur (bokeh).
- It’s compatible with many Canon EOS cameras.
- It’s good for taking half- and full-body shots.
What Could Be Improved:
- It does not have autofocus. You must focus manually.
- You need to set your camera to manual mode (M).
- There are no electronic contacts.
This manual focus lens is a good option for photographers who like to control their focus. If you are okay with manual focus, this lens offers great value for portrait photography.
4. Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Medium-Telephoto Portrait Lens Compatible with Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Cameras 5D Mark IV 6D Mark II
Rating: 9.3/10
The Meike 85mm F1.8 is a full-frame, autofocus lens. It’s made for Canon EOS EF mount cameras. This lens is a good choice for portrait, subject, architecture, and landscape photos. It has a wide f/1.8 aperture, which helps create a smooth, blurry background effect. The lens has a solid build with nine elements in six groups, designed to take sharp pictures. It works with both full-frame and APS-C Canon cameras. You can even update the lens software with a micro USB port.
What We Like:
- Sharp images with good clarity.
- Beautiful background blur (bokeh) due to the wide aperture and 9 diaphragm blades.
- It’s a versatile lens, good for portraits and more.
- Compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Canon cameras.
- Features a micro USB port for easy firmware updates.
What Could Be Improved:
- The build quality is decent, but it could be better.
- Autofocus performance may not be as fast as more expensive lenses.
In conclusion, the Meike 85mm F1.8 is a good lens. It’s a great option for photographers who want a budget-friendly lens that takes great pictures.
5. Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens
Rating: 8.8/10
The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM lens is a fantastic prime lens. It is made for Canon’s EOS R series mirrorless cameras. This lens is a great choice for photographers of all levels. It is small, light, and easy to carry. It’s perfect for taking photos and videos.
What We Like:
- This lens is small and light. You can easily take it with you.
- The wide F/1.8 aperture lets in a lot of light. This helps you take great pictures even in low light.
- It creates beautiful background blur. Your subject will stand out.
- The stepping motor (STM) makes focusing smooth and quiet. It works well for both photos and videos.
- The control ring lets you change settings quickly.
- The lens design helps reduce ghosting and flare.
- This lens works with many different EOS R series cameras.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is a prime lens, so you can’t zoom. You must move closer or further away to change the shot.
This Canon lens is a great value for the price. It is a good lens for anyone looking to improve their photography.
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Portrait Lenses
Choosing the right lens for portraits can feel tricky! This guide will help you find the perfect one. Let’s dive in and discover the best lens for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a portrait lens, keep these features in mind:
Focal Length: This is how “zoomed in” the lens is. For portraits, you often want a lens that is between 50mm and 135mm. A 50mm lens is great for headshots. A longer lens, like 85mm or 135mm, is good for portraits where you want to blur the background.
Aperture: This is the “hole” in the lens that lets light in. A wide aperture (a low f-number like f/1.8 or f/2.8) is important. It lets in lots of light. It also helps blur the background (bokeh). This makes your subject stand out.
Sharpness: You want a lens that takes sharp pictures! Look for reviews that talk about the lens’s sharpness. This is important for getting clear details in your photos.
Autofocus: Most modern lenses have autofocus. This helps the lens focus quickly and accurately on your subject. Make sure the lens has good autofocus, especially if you want to take photos of moving people.
Important Materials to Consider
Lenses are made with different materials. These materials affect the lens’s quality and how long it lasts.
Glass: The glass inside the lens is very important. High-quality glass produces clearer images. Look for lenses that use special types of glass, like “low dispersion” glass. This helps reduce problems like color fringing.
Metal vs. Plastic: Lenses often use metal or plastic for the body. Metal lenses are usually more durable. They might last longer. Plastic lenses can be lighter and more affordable.
Coatings: Lenses often have coatings on the glass. These coatings help reduce glare and improve contrast. This means your pictures will look better!
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors affect the quality of your portrait photos.
Aperture: A wider aperture is best for portraits. It helps blur the background. This makes your subject stand out.
Build Quality: A well-built lens will work better. It will last longer. It will also produce sharper images.
Image Stabilization: This helps reduce camera shake. It is helpful if you are taking pictures in low light or without a tripod.
Lens Design: The design of the lens affects how it performs. Some lenses are designed specifically for portrait photography. They will create beautiful images.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the lens matters a lot.
Ease of Use: A good portrait lens should be easy to use. It should have a smooth focus ring and clear markings.
Focusing: Fast and accurate focusing is important. Especially if you are photographing people.
Bokeh: Bokeh is the blur in the background. Portrait lenses create beautiful bokeh. This makes your subject look great!
Use Cases: Portrait lenses are great for many things. They are perfect for family photos, senior portraits, and headshots. You can also use them for events like weddings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best focal length for portraits?
A: The best focal length is usually between 50mm and 135mm. The 50mm lens is a good starting point, but the 85mm and 135mm lens are great for portraits.
Q: What is aperture, and why is it important?
A: Aperture is the opening in the lens. A wide aperture (low f-number) is important because it lets in more light and blurs the background.
Q: What does “bokeh” mean?
A: Bokeh is the blurry background effect you get with a portrait lens. It makes your subject stand out.
Q: Should I choose a prime or zoom lens for portraits?
A: Prime lenses (fixed focal length) usually have wider apertures and are sharper. Zoom lenses offer more flexibility, but might not have as wide an aperture.
Q: What are the benefits of a metal lens body?
A: A metal lens body is typically more durable and can withstand more wear and tear.
Q: What is image stabilization?
A: Image stabilization helps reduce camera shake. It is useful for taking sharp photos in low light.
Q: How do I clean my lens?
A: Use a lens cleaning cloth and a lens cleaning solution. Be gentle when cleaning the lens.
Q: What if my lens doesn’t have autofocus?
A: You can still take great portraits! You will need to focus manually, which can take some practice.
Q: Is a more expensive lens always better?
A: Not always! More expensive lenses often have better build quality and image quality, but you can still get excellent results with more affordable options.
Q: Where can I find reviews of lenses?
A: You can find reviews on photography websites, YouTube channels, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.