Valentine's Day2025🌹Top Portrait Photography Lenses in 2025: Canon, Nikon, Sigma
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- For Portraits: Prime Lens vs. Zoom Lens
-
Recommended Canon Portrait Lens
-
Canon EF 85mm f1.2 USMCanon EF 85mm f1.8 USMCanon RF 50mm F1.2L USMCanon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USMCanon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM II
-
-
Recommended Nikon Portrait Lens
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Nikon Z 50mm f1.8 S LensNikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8
-
Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S Lens
-
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S ED VR II
-
-
Recommended Sigma Portraits Lens
- Sigma 35mm DG HSM f/1.4 Art
-
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN
- Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art
- More Recommended Lenses for Portrait Photography
- Conclusion
What are The Best Lenses for Portrait Photography?
If you are a pro or just a novice, the idea is always the same: get the shot in its truest form. And the best way to achieve this is through the best lens. But how do you even ensure that you are making the right choice when it comes to portrait photography lenses when there’s an endless supply in the market?
Don’t worry, this article aims to ease the process of getting the ideal portrait lens, making it much smoother for you. We will evaluate top portrait lenses in terms of their focal length, aperture and image resolution.
Let’s begin!
Portrait Lenses
For All Round Usage
[ This review is concerned with not only scientific lens scores and statistics, but also actual usage and a balanced opinion as to which portrait lenses are top for all-around usage. ]
First, let’s figure out some basic information:
Which Is the Best: Prime Lens vs. Zoom Lens
Portraits mainly utilize Prime Lens & Zoom Lens.
- Prime lens: Usually, this type has a fixed focal length.
- Zoom lens: Unlike the prime lens, the zoom variety has a wide range of focal lengths for you to choose from.
Prime Lens Features
‘Low Light Performance’
The larger maximum aperture leads to better results in low-light photography.
‘Blur Features’
Also, the larger aperture has a shallow depth in images. Therefore, the background can be out of focus and automatically blurred.
‘Fast Focus’
The fast focus is great, though it makes the lens more expensive.
Zoom Lens Features
‘Changeable Focal Length’
Allows room for different creative results.
‘Faster Zooms’
Note that zoom lenses are better in bigger studios or outdoor situations. You might not utilize all the focal lengths in a small shooting space. Normally a 24mm-70mm is enough.
| 'More Expensive' |
More expensive than the Prime lens.
So which are the best lens variations in the market? Check below for more information.
Best Lens Brands for PortraitsWe'll look at different lens brands and what they offer for your portrait purposes.
Canon Portrait Lens:
| Lens | Details | Price＄ (for reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 USM |
Focal Length：85mm Maximum Aperture: f/1.2 Closest focusing distance: 0.95mm |
$2,099 - $2,299
|
| Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM | Focal Length：50mm Maximum Aperture: f/1.2 Closest focusing distance: 0.4mm |
$2,299 - $2,399
|
| Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | Focal length: 24-70mm Fast F2.8 constant maximum aperture 0.38m closest focus, 0.19x magnification For Canon SLRs of all formats | $1,899 |
| Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM | Focal Length: 85 mm Silent Wave Motor Super Integrated Coating | $499 |
| Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM | Focal Length: 135mm Maximum Aperture: 0.7m |
$2,599 - $2,699
|
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 USM
-
85mm focal length, f/1.2 max aperture, excellent bokeh;
-
Ideal for creating clear portraits with impressive depth of field.
- But be ready to part away with close to $2,099 for this gadget.
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
- 50mm focal length, f/1.2 aperture, 0.95m closest focusing distance.
-
Exceptional for low-light photography, delivering excellent shots even in challenging conditions.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- One of the most versatile focal ranges;
- Allows for a great deal of diversity and via the wide to close-up angle variations;
- Has superior imaging capability, enhanced durability, and usability;
- Includes in low-light situations and the creation of excellent blurs.
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
- Provides great close-up results closeness without showing any distortion;
- Has an excellent color outlook and reliable subject isolation;
- Very affordable.
Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM
- 135mm focal length, f/1.8 aperture, 0.26x magnification & clarity;
- Ideal for long-range photography, featuring image stabilization for enhanced stability and clarity.
The last lens brand is the ever-reliable Nikon industry. Check out the lineup below for the best Nikon Prime and Zoom lenses:
Nikon Portrait Lens:
| Lens | Details | Price＄ (for reference) |
|---|---|---|
|
Nikon Z 50mm f1.8 S Lens
|
Focal Length：50mm Maximum Aperture: f/1.8 Wide Angel for Full-body | $599 - $699 |
|
AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
|
Focal Length: 85 mm Maximum Aperture:f/1.8 |
$499 - $599
|
|
AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED
|
Focal Length: 105mm Magnification:0.13x |
$2,096 - $2,196
|
|
Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens
|
Focal Length：85mm Closest focusing distance:1.0m |
$799 - $899
|
| Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f2.8 | Focal Length：24-70mm Zoom Lens Aperture: f/2.8 | $1,600+ |
| AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 (For Large Studio) | Focal Length: 70-200 mm Nano Crystal Coat Superior Autofocus | $1,700+ |
Nikon Z 50mm f1.8 S Lens
- Offers a moderate 50mm focal length, ideal for versatile shooting;
- The aperture of f/1.8 delivers great performance in low light and offers a shallow depth of field;
-
Has a 0.15x magnification ratio, providing a reasonable level of close-up detail.
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G
- Features an 85mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture.
-
Offers a 0.15x magnification ratio for detailed portraits with excellent background separation.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED
- 105mm focal length, f/1.4 aperture, 0.13x magnification.
- Ideal for street, nature, and travel photography, offering portrait perfection with deep field focus.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8
- Creates brilliant image;
- More opportunities to try different focal length. You can find your best style;
- 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR boasts superior optical performance;
- Better resolution & more natural blur.
Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S Lens
-
A compact yet practical lens, offering a versatile 85mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture.
- Delivers excellent performance both indoors and outdoors, with a 0.13x maximum magnification;
-
Provides sharp details and beautiful bokeh.
The Sigma lens offers a great alternative due to its affordability. Follow below for the best Sigma gadgets for your portrait projects.
Sigma Portraits Lens:
| Lens | Details | Price＄ (for reference) |
|---|---|---|
| 35mm DG HSM f/1.4 Art | Focal Length：35mm Maximum Aperture: f/1.4 Wide Angel for Full-body | $519 |
| 85mm f/1.4 DG DN | Focal Length: 85mm Max Constant Aperture: f/1.4 Closest Focusing Distance: 0.85m | $1,199 - $1,299 |
| 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art | Focal Length: 135 mm Silent Wave Motor Super Integrated Coating |
$1,399
|
Sigma 35mm DG HSM f/1.4 Art
- An affordable option offering some other best portrait shots;
- Accurate and sharper photos and reliable focus;
-
Versatile due to its portability
Sigma 85mm F/1.4 DG DN | Art
- Premium portrait lens with sharpness and natural perspective.
- Beautiful bokeh in both close-ups and full-length shots.
- f/1.4 aperture excels in low light and background blur.
- Versatile for indoor and outdoor shoots with reliable build quality.
Sigma 135mm f/1.8 HSM Art
-
A premium lens with easy composition, and delivers stunning compression effects, even when close to the photo subject；
-
Its compression effect shines in both close-ups and full-length;
-
Offers an excellent bokeh feature when working on outdoor shoots.
Alternative Portrait Lens Options
If you have these gadgets or would rather try other brands, here are some of the options to choose from:
| Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II |
| Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM |
| Fujifilm XF 56mm F1.2 R WR |
| Fujifilm GF 80mm 1.7 R WR |
| Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II |
| Leica Summicron-M 35mm F/2 |
| Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM |
| ... |
The amount of lenses available for purchase has created a challenge for many photographers. Basically, it’s hard to find which one is best suited for portrait photography.
Fortunately, this article has delved into some selected lenses for Canon, Nikon and Sigma, explaining the main aspects and advantages of each of them to the user. Knowing the parameters discussed above, you will be able to choose the right lens for your photos and this will help you to get the portraits that you want without any stress.
So go ahead and make your choice and start taking portraits that you are proud to show off!
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