Capturing the ideal portrait can be difficult, especially without the right lens. Whether you’re photographing a family event or taking professional headshots, the lens you select plays a crucial role. If your images lack sharpness or visual appeal, it may be time to upgrade your equipment.
For Canon users, specific lenses are designed to elevate portrait photography, offering crisp details and beautifully blurred backgrounds that highlight your subject. In this article, we will explore the top Canon lenses, guiding you in selecting the best one to achieve striking and memorable photos.
- Sensor Compatibility: Opt for lenses that match your camera’s sensor size. Full-frame lenses offer superior quality but are heavier and more expensive; APS-C lenses are lighter and more budget-friendly.
- Focal Length: Select a focal length that complements your shooting style. While 50mm lenses mimic natural sight, ideal for varied portraits, 135mm lenses offer flattering compression for close-ups.
- Aperture: Choose a lens with a wide aperture, between f/1.2 and f/2.8, to allow more light for a blurred background and better low-light performance.
In this article, we highlight the best Canon lenses for portrait photography. For more insights, please check out our “Buying Guide”.
9 Best Canon Lenses For Portraits Table
| Best Canon Lenses for Portraits | Focal Length | Aperture | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF Portrait Lens 50mm f/1.8 STM | 50mm | f/1.8 | Check On Amazon |
| YONGNUO YN Portrait Lens 50mm | 50mm | f/1.8 | Check On Amazon |
| Canon EF Portrait Lens 85mm f/1.4 USM | 50mm | f/1.4 | Check On Amazon |
| Canon RF Portrait Lens 50mm F1.8 STM | 50mm | f/1.8 | Check On Amazon |
| Canon EF Portrait Lens 85mm f/1.8 USM | 85mm | f/1.8 | Check On Amazon |
| Lightdow Canon Portrait Lens 85mm | 85mm | f/1.8 | Check On Amazon |
| Rokinon Portrait Lens 85mm f/1.4 | 85mm | f/1.4 | Check On Amazon |
| Meike Portrait Lens 85mm f/1.8 | 85mm | f/1.8 | Check On Amazon |
| Canon EF-S Portrait Lens 18-135mm | 18-135mm | f/3.5-5.6 | Check On Amazon |
9 Best Canon Lenses For Portraits Reviews
1. Canon EF Portrait Lens 50mm f/1.8 STM
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a quintessential portrait lens, popular for its wide aperture and compact design. This lens delivers exceptionally sharp images even at its widest aperture, making it perfect for low-light conditions and creating a beautiful background blur that accentuates the subject. Its lightweight and small size make it an ideal everyday carry lens for photographers of all skill levels.
The stepping motor (STM) technology embedded within allows for smooth and near-silent focusing, which is particularly beneficial for videographers who need to maintain a quiet environment. The lens construction is designed to provide optimal light transmission and reduce aberrations, ensuring crisp, clear images with balanced color.
Despite its many advantages, the lens does have a plastic build that some might find less durable compared to higher-end models. However, for those entering the world of portrait photography or looking for a reliable, affordable lens, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM stands out as an excellent choice that promises great value for its price.
Specifications:
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Lens Construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 15 ft. (0.35m)
- Filter Size: 49mm
- Diagonal Angle Of View: 46°
- Stepping Motor (STM) for smooth AF
- Maximum Magnification: 21x
- Weight: 159g
- Full-time manual focus available
Pros:
- Excellent low-light performance due to wide aperture.
- Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry.
- Affordable price makes it accessible for beginners.
- Smooth and quiet autofocus suitable for video recording.
- Produces sharp images with beautiful background blur.
Cons:
- Plastic build feels less durable.
Customer Feedback: Users praise its sharpness and affordability, making it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned photographers; however, some mention the build quality feels a bit cheap.
2. YONGNUO YN Portrait Lens 50mm
The YN50mm f/1.8 from YONGNUO presents itself as an affordable lens option, ideal for budding photographers eager to dive into portrait photography without breaking the bank. With its wide f/1.8 aperture, it allows ample light to enter, making it suitable for low-light conditions while offering creative opportunities for shallow depth-of-field effects.
This lens is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C cameras and features a 7-blade diaphragm that contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality, making it an excellent choice for portraits, street photography, and even night scenes. The autofocus is decent but might present some challenges in dim lighting, although it does compensate with its manual focus option which is smooth and precise.
While the YONGNUO YN50mm f/1.8 offers great optical performance for its price, the build quality reflects its affordability, primarily utilizing plastic materials. However, for those starting out or needing an economical secondary lens, this model provides a satisfactory balance between cost and capabilities.
Specifications:
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Lens Construction: 5 groups, 6 elements
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 48 ft. (0.45m)
- Filter Size: 52mm
- Angle Of View: Diagonal 46°
- Supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras
- Maximum Magnification: 15x
- Weight: 205g
- Multi-coated lens elements
Pros:
- Low price point makes it highly affordable.
- Good image quality with pleasing bokeh.
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Metal mount enhances durability.
- F/1.8 aperture is good for low light and depth of field control.
Cons:
- Autofocus can be slow and noisy.
Customer Feedback: Most find it offers great value for money with decent image quality, but the autofocus is noted as slow and occasionally unreliable in low light.
3. Canon EF Portrait Lens 50mm f/1.4 USM
Known for its exceptional performance in portrait photography, the EF 50mm f/1.4L IS USM from Canon is a professional-grade lens that truly stands out. Its f/1.4 aperture delivers an incredibly shallow depth of field, producing stunningly blurred backgrounds with crisp, sharp subjects. It’s the perfect choice for photographers aiming to create portraits with a striking bokeh effect.
Equipped with Canon’s renowned Ultrasonic Motor (USM), the autofocus is exceptionally fast and precise, which is crucial when trying to capture fleeting expressions or moments. Additionally, the lens features built-in image stabilization, a significant advantage when shooting in dynamic conditions or lower-light environments without a tripod.
The construction of the lens is robust, and made with high-quality materials to withstand the rigors of professional use. While it is on the pricier side, the investment is justified by its superior optical quality, reliability, and the inclusion of weather-sealing, making it a versatile companion for serious portrait photographers.
Specifications:
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Lens Construction: 8 elements in 6 groups
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 5 ft.
- Filter Size: 77mm
- Diagonal Angle Of View: 46°
- Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast, precise focusing
- Maximum Magnification: 12x
- Weight: 289g
- Full-time manual focus capability
Pros:
- Exceptional low-light capability with f/1.4 aperture.
- USM provides fast and silent autofocus.
- Outstanding image quality with minimal aberrations.
- Robust build quality suitable for professional use.
- Beautiful bokeh makes it ideal for portrait photography.
Cons:
- No built-in image stabilization.
Customer Feedback: Highly appreciated for its excellent image quality and bokeh, though its higher price and weight are points of consideration for potential buyers.
4. Canon RF Portrait Lens 50mm F1.8 STM
The 50mm F1.8 STM from Canon fits seamlessly into the EOS R system, providing a superb lightweight and versatile lens for photographers. The model is especially noteworthy for its effective focal length and wide aperture, making it ideal for low-light shooting and achieving shallow depth of field. Its compact design makes it a go-to for daily use, ensuring convenience and portability.
The lens utilizes a stepping motor for autofocus that is both smooth and quiet, which is ideal for shooting video as well as stills. The optical design includes a PMo aspherical lens that helps to reduce aberrations, ensuring sharp images with minimal distortion across the entire frame. It’s an excellent lens for photographers who value both performance and portability.
However, the construction does involve a considerable amount of plastic, which might not appeal to all users. But with its affordable price point, the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM lens represents a fantastic entry into the world of prime lenses for emerging photographers or those new to the EOS R series.
Specifications:
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Lens Construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 98 ft. (0.30m)
- Filter Size: 43mm
- Stepping Motor (STM) for quiet AF
- Maximum Magnification: 25x
- Weight: 160g
- Diagonal Angle Of View: 46°
- Control Ring for direct setting changes
Pros:
- Affordable entry into the RF lens system.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Smooth and quiet autofocus suitable for video.
- Control ring adds customizable control for settings.
- Excellent sharpness and color rendition.
Cons:
- Slight barrel distortion at wide apertures.
Customer Feedback: Users appreciate its compact size and performance, ideal for everyday use; some critique its plastic build and manual focus ring size.
5. Canon EF Portrait Lens 85mm f/1.8 USM
The EF 85mm f/1.8 USM from Canon is highly regarded by portrait photographers, thanks to its ideal focal length and impressive aperture range. Offering superb control over depth of field, this lens delivers striking subject-background separation, while the f/1.8 aperture creates stunning bokeh that enhances the overall visual appeal.
The lens features an ultrasonic motor (USM) that provides fast, accurate, and silent autofocus, making it suitable for both still photography and video. Its relatively lightweight and compact size makes it comfortable for handheld shooting, ideal for weddings, events, and studio work. The optical quality is sharp across the image, with minimal aberrations, thanks to advanced lens elements and coatings.
While the lens does not include image stabilization, which may be a drawback for some, its fast aperture and excellent light-gathering capabilities compensate effectively in most shooting scenarios. The build quality is robust, ensuring that the lens can endure the demands of professional use, although some might find the plastic exterior less premium compared to other L-series lenses.
Specifications:
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Lens Construction: 9 elements in 7 groups
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 8 ft. (0.85m)
- Filter Size: 58mm
- Diagonal Angle Of View: 28° 30′
- Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast autofocus
- Maximum Magnification: 13x
- Weight: 425g
- Full-time manual focus available
Pros:
- Fast and silent autofocus with USM.
- Excellent for low-light shooting with a wide aperture.
- Produces beautiful bokeh, ideal for portraits.
- Lightweight and relatively compact for a telephoto lens.
- Good value for the performance it offers.
Cons:
- No image stabilization.
Customer Feedback: Loved for its fast autofocus and beautiful bokeh; however, a few users noted chromatic aberration in high-contrast scenes.
6. Lightdow Canon Portrait Lens 85mm
The 85mm F/1.8 lens from Lightdow is a fantastic option for photographers interested in portraits, combining an accessible price with a manual focus system that encourages a more interactive approach to image making. Its f/1.8 aperture is well-suited for low-light scenarios and helps achieve a shallow depth of field, which is ideal for producing beautiful bokeh in portrait shots. The lens design focuses on providing detailed manual control for enhanced precision and tactile feedback.
This lens is particularly suited for those who are comfortable with or looking to improve their manual focusing skills, as it lacks the automation features like autofocus found in more expensive lenses. The optical quality is sufficient for amateur to intermediate photographers who wish to expand their creative capabilities without breaking the bank. Its compatibility with a wide range of Canon DSLRs makes it a versatile choice for those shooting on both full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras.
However, the all-manual operation may deter some users, and the build quality, while solid, does not match up to more premium models. There might be some optical limitations such as vignetting and chromatic aberrations at wider apertures, which are common in lenses at this price range. Nonetheless, for those on a budget or learning the intricacies of portrait photography, the Lightdow 85mm offers a cost-effective way to delve deeper into the art form.
Specifications:
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Lens Construction: 6 elements in 6 groups
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 95 ft. (0.9m)
- Filter Size: 72mm
- Manual focus only
- Weight: 500g
Pros:
- Affordable option for an 85mm lens.
- Large aperture is good for depth of field control.
- Decent build quality for the price.
- Can produce sharp images when focus is accurate.
- Good for learning manual focus techniques.
Cons:
- No autofocus capability.
Customer Feedback: Generally praised for its affordability and manual control, but criticized for lack of autofocus and lower image sharpness at wide apertures.
7. Rokinon Portrait Lens 85mm f/1.4
For those who prioritize creative control and superior image quality, Rokinon’s 85mm offering, paired with an f/1.4 aperture, is a compelling manual focus option. The wide aperture ensures impressive low-light capabilities and a beautifully shallow depth of field, which works particularly well in portrait photography. The manual focus mechanism is designed with a smooth, tactile ring that allows for precise fine-tuning.
Constructed with high-quality optical elements, the Rokinon 85mm minimizes chromatic aberrations and ensures sharp, clear images even at wider apertures. The build quality is robust, with a solid feel that suggests durability and reliability in various shooting conditions. This lens is particularly well-suited for portrait photographers who are comfortable with manual focusing and seek to capture more expressive and nuanced images.
Despite its many strengths, the lack of autofocus might be a drawback for those used to more automated shooting styles. Additionally, the lens’s significant weight could be a consideration for those who prefer lighter gear or who frequently shoot hand-held. Yet, for those willing to embrace its manual features, the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 offers superb optical performance at a competitive price point.
Specifications:
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Lens Construction: 9 elements in 7 groups
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 3 ft. (1.0m)
- Filter Size: 72mm
- Manual focus only
- Diagonal Angle Of View: 3°
- Weight: 540g
- No electronics for autofocus or aperture control
Pros:
- Extremely wide aperture allows for excellent low light performance.
- Delivers very sharp images with beautiful bokeh.
- Solid build quality gives it a durable feel.
- Attractive price point for a fast prime lens.
- Manual focus encourages precise control over focusing.
Cons:
- Requires practice to master manual focusing techniques.
Customer Feedback: Enthusiasts enjoy the image quality and bokeh, but the manual focus is not for everyone and it’s noted to be heavy.
8. Meike Portrait Lens 85mm f/1.8
The 85mm f/1.8 lens from Meike is a compelling choice for portrait photographers who want to balance performance and affordability. With its USB port for firmware updates—an uncommon feature at this price range—it ensures compatibility with newer camera bodies and systems. Its f/1.8 aperture is perfect for creating shallow depth of field and delivering the coveted bokeh effect in portrait photography.
The autofocus of the Meike 85mm, while present, is noted for being somewhat slower and noisier than higher-end models, though it is generally effective for most portrait scenarios. The build quality is adequate for the price, with a mostly plastic construction that keeps the lens lightweight and manageable. This lens offers an excellent opportunity for emerging photographers to experiment with portrait photography without making a substantial financial investment.
However, some users may find the autofocus performance less than ideal for fast-paced or spontaneous shooting conditions. The lens does not include weather sealing, limiting its utility in adverse environmental conditions. Despite these limitations, the Meike 85mm f/1.8 provides great value for those looking to enhance their portrait photography with a fast, yet affordable, lens.
Specifications:
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Lens Construction: 9 elements in 6 groups
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 79 ft. (0.85m)
- Filter Size: 67mm
- Autofocus capability
- USB port for firmware updates
- Weight: 420g
- Diagonal Angle Of View: 5°
- Electronic contacts for communication with camera
Pros:
- Inexpensive for an 85mm lens with autofocus.
- USB port allows for future firmware updates.
- Generally good optical performance with minimal aberrations.
- Lightweight and compact, making it easy to handle.
- Autofocus, while noisy, is reasonably effective.
Cons:
- Autofocus motor is slow and can be noisy.
Customer Feedback: Affordable and functional with firmware upgradeability, though the autofocus is slow and noisy which some users find frustrating.
9. Canon EF-S Portrait Lens 18-135mm
With a versatile zoom range from wide-angle to telephoto, the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens from Canon’s EF-S series stands out as an excellent all-around choice for travel and everyday photography. The lens is equipped with image stabilization to minimize camera shake, especially when shooting at longer focal lengths, making it a reliable option in low-light conditions. Its autofocus system is both fast and precise, suitable for capturing everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed portraits.
The build quality of the lens is solid, providing a good balance of durability and weight, which makes it easy to carry for extended periods. The optical performance is commendable, with good sharpness and color rendition throughout the zoom range. This lens is particularly appealing to those who use APS-C cameras and wish to minimize the number of lenses they carry without sacrificing functionality.
While the aperture range is not particularly wide, which may limit its performance in very low light, the lens’s versatility in focal length and reliable image stabilization make it a worthy investment for hobbyists and semi-professionals alike. The lack of a weather-sealed design is a drawback for outdoor enthusiasts, but for general use, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm delivers excellent performance and value.
Specifications:
- Focal Length: 18-135mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/3.5-5.6
- Lens Construction: 16 elements in 12 groups
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Autofocus System: Inner focusing system
- Diagonal Angle Of View: 74° 20′ – 11° 30′
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 5 ft. (0.45m)
- Filter Size: 67mm
- Weight: 480g
- Zoom Lock Switch: No
Pros:
- Versatile zoom range suitable for various types of photography.
- Image stabilization helps in reducing camera shake.
- Reasonably priced for the features it offers.
- Good image quality across most of the zoom range.
- Relatively lightweight for its zoom range.
Cons:
- Build quality is decent but not as rugged as L-series lenses.
Customer Feedback: Users love its versatility and image stabilization for a range of shooting scenarios, but mention some distortion at wide angles and softness at full zoom.
Factors To Consider While Buying Canon Lenses For Portrait
1. Sensor Compatibility
Canon cameras come with either full-frame or crop sensors, which affects the lens choice significantly.
- Full-Frame Cameras: These sensors are larger and typically offer superior performance in low light. When using a full-frame camera, it’s important to choose lenses designed for full-frame sensors to fully utilize the sensor’s capabilities.
- Crop-Sensor Cameras: These have a smaller sensor size, leading to a multiplication effect on the focal length. For example, a 50mm lens on a crop sensor camera effectively becomes an 80mm lens. Therefore, lenses that are compatible with crop sensors or are specifically designed for them are essential to get the intended framing and image quality.
2. Focal Length
The focal length of a lens determines its angle of view and influences the level of intimacy and detail you can capture in your portraits.
- 85mm: Often considered the ideal focal length for portrait photography, it offers a flattering compression and perspective, reducing distortion and emphasizing the subject.
- 50mm: This focal length is versatile and mimics the natural field of view of the human eye, making it suitable for more environmental portraits where you want to include some background.
- 135mm: A longer focal length for portraits that allows for greater subject isolation and compression, ideal for tight shots with a blurred background.
3. Aperture
The aperture of a lens affects the depth of field, which is critical in controlling the focus in portrait photography.
- Wide Apertures (f/1.2, f/1.4, f/1.8): These allow for more light to enter the lens, which is ideal for creating a shallow depth of field. This blurs the background and focuses attention on the subject, which is highly desirable in portrait shots.
- Aperture Range: Lenses with a wide range of aperture settings provide more flexibility under varying lighting conditions.
4. Image Quality
Image quality is influenced by the lens’s ability to render details, colors, and contrasts.
- Sharpness: Look for lenses that offer crisp, clear details without aberrations, especially around the edges of the frame.
- Bokeh: This refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas in the background. A lens that produces smooth, pleasing bokeh enhances the aesthetic appeal of portraits.
- Color Rendition: Good lenses should accurately capture colors and contrast, preserving the natural skin tones of the subject.
5. Autofocus Speed And Accuracy
Autofocus performance is crucial for capturing sharp images, especially in dynamic or unpredictable settings.
- Speed: A lens with fast autofocus is essential for keeping up with moving subjects or capturing fleeting expressions.
- Accuracy: Reliable autofocus ensures that the focus is consistently on the intended part of the scene, particularly important when using wide apertures with shallow depth of fields.
6. Build Quality
The construction of the lens affects its durability and performance, particularly in different shooting environments.
- Weather-Sealing: For outdoor portrait shoots, a lens with weather-sealing is preferable as it provides protection against dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.
- Materials: High-quality materials like metal barrels and robust mechanical components contribute to the longevity and overall tactile feel of the lens.
FAQs:
Prime lenses (fixed focal length) generally offer superior image quality and faster apertures, making them ideal for portraits. However, zoom lenses provide more versatility, allowing you to adjust the focal length without changing lenses. The best choice depends on your shooting style and priorities.
While there is no definitive answer, focal lengths between 85mm and 135mm are generally considered ideal for portrait photography. These lengths provide a flattering perspective and allow for a good separation between the subject and the background. However, other focal lengths like 50mm and 35mm can also be used effectively depending on your desired style and composition.
While both macro and portrait lenses can be used for close-up shots, macro lenses are specifically designed for extreme close-ups and have a much higher magnification ratio. Portrait lenses, on the other hand, are optimized for capturing people from a distance and typically have a wider aperture for shallow depth of field.
Tilt-shift lenses offer greater control over perspective and depth of field, making them ideal for architectural photography. However, they can also be used creatively for portraits to achieve unique effects like miniature photography. If you’re interested in experimenting with perspective and depth of field, a tilt-shift lens might be worth considering.
Consider your preferred shooting style and subject matter. If you primarily shoot environmental portraits, a zoom lens might be more versatile. For studio portraits with a focus on shallow depth of field, a prime lens with a wide aperture is ideal. Experiment with different lenses to find the one that best suits your creative vision.
Weather sealing protects the lens from moisture, dust, and other elements, making it suitable for outdoor shooting in challenging conditions. If you frequently shoot portraits in rain or other inclement weather, a weather-sealed lens is a valuable investment.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see new innovations in portrait lenses, such as improved autofocus systems, higher image quality, and more specialized features. Keep an eye on the latest developments to stay informed about emerging trends.
Manual focus lenses require the photographer to adjust the focus manually using a ring on the lens. Autofocus lenses automatically adjust the focus based on the subject’s distance. While autofocus is generally more convenient, manual focus can offer greater precision and control in certain situations.
The aperture affects the depth of field in your image. A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.4) creates a shallower depth of field, isolating the subject from the background. A narrower aperture (e.g., f/8) creates a deeper depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus. Choose the aperture based on your desired effect and the specific elements you want to emphasize.
A lens hood helps to prevent lens flare, which can occur when direct sunlight enters the lens and causes unwanted reflections. Additionally, a lens hood provides physical protection for the front element of your lens.
Camera shake can blur your images, especially when shooting in low light or using longer focal lengths. To minimize camera shake, use a tripod, activate your camera’s image stabilization feature, or shoot in burst mode.
A full-frame camera has a larger sensor, which allows for better low-light performance, wider dynamic range, and shallower depth of field. A crop-sensor camera is smaller and more affordable, but it has a narrower field of view, which can be a consideration for portrait photography.
Eye contact is a powerful tool for connecting with your subject and creating a more engaging portrait. Ensure that your subject’s eyes are in focus and that they are looking directly at the camera.
Conclusion
Overall, the Canon lenses reviewed offer a mix of affordability, performance, and versatility. Whether you need something lightweight for everyday shooting or a lens with a fast aperture for professional work, there is something here for everyone. Consider what you value most in your photography gear as you make your choice.
Top 3 Recommendations
- For Beginners: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: This lens is an excellent start for those new to photography. It’s affordable and offers great image quality, making it a popular choice for learning the basics of portrait shooting.
- For Hobbyists: Canon EF-S 18-135mm: With its versatile zoom range and image stabilization, this lens is ideal for hobbyists who enjoy shooting a variety of subjects from portraits to landscapes.
- For Professionals: Canon EF 50mm f/1.4L USM: For professionals looking for top-notch image quality and beautiful bokeh, this lens is a superb choice. Its wide aperture and durable build are perfect for high-end portrait work.
