Valentine's Day2025🌹What are The Best Lenses for Studio Photography
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- For Portraits: Prime Lens vs. Zoom Lens
- Recommended Canon Portrait Lens
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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
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- 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
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Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S Lens
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Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S ED VR II
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- Recommended Sigma Portraits Lens
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- Sigma 35mm DG HSM f/1.4 Art
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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?
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.
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 35mm f/1.4 II USM |
Focal Length：35mm Maximum Aperture: f/1.4 Wide Angel for Full-body |
$1,999 |
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM | Focal Length：50mm Sharp, High-resolution Images Specializes in Bokeh | $349 |
| 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 70 - 200mm f/2.8L IS II USM (For Large Studio) | Focal Length: 70-200 mm Nano Crystal Coat Superior Autofocus | $1,796 |
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 II USM
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The EF 35mm lens boasts a wide angle;
- Offering BR optical elements and reliable chromatic aberration correction features;
- Get the desired results regardless of your studio setting;
- But be ready to part away with close to $2,000 for this gadget.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
- An essential standard lens;
- A 50mm type that doesn’t distort facial features;
- Ensures you maintain superior sharpness & excellent color balance;
- Results in high quality through its superior focus and natural blurring convenience.
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 70 - 200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
- A powerful precision zoom & clarity;
- Has great sharpness for professional shoots at large ceremonies or sporting events;
- Can use it for full-body to close-up shots;
- Need a strong tripod for support due to its heavy weight.
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) |
|---|---|---|
| AF-S 35mm f/1.4G | Focal Length：35mm Maximum Aperture: f/1.4 Wide Angel for Full-body | $1,546 |
| AF-S 85mm f/1.4G | Focal Length: 85 mm M/A focus Mode Switch Larger Aperture | $1,500+ |
| AF-S 50mm f/1.8G | Focal Length: 50 mm Silent Wave Motor Super Integrated Coating | $199.95 |
| Nikon 58mm f/1.4G | Focal Length：58mm Sharp, High-resolution Images Specializes in Bokeh | $798 |
| 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 AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G
- A wide-angle prime lens, perfect for environmental portrait photography;
- Offers sharp and accurate photo results;
- The Nikon gadget specializes in capturing larger backgrounds & environments;
- Ideal for full-frame body shots;
- Be able to separate your subject nicely from your background.
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G
- One of Nikon's best portrait lenses;
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Compatible with a smaller nature and is very affordable;
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Perfect performance, offering fast and accurate results while on the field or in studio;
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Helps display the foreground clearly while it excels in blurring your background.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G
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The most classical Nikon portrait lens;
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Extremely cheap, with light weight, but still offers great performance;
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A similar view as the human eye, guaranteeing no distortion aspects;
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Easy functionality, thus suitable for beginners in portrait photography.
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 58mm f/1.4G
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Your solution if you want a unique image;
- Specializes in bokeh and can make the subject appear more three-dimensional;
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More than just achieve gorgeous pictures with this lens.
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
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A premium lens with easy composition, and delivers stunning compression effects, even when close to the photo subject；
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Its compression effect shines in both close-ups and full-length;
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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:
| Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 DI VC USD for Canon and Nikon |
| Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2R |
| Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS |
| Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7 |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8G OSS |
| Olympus Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 |
| Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 |
| ... |
Depending on your preference and budget, you can get your preferred portrait lens. The three main brands discussed offer Greta options, ensuring everyone gets a quality lens. The Canon option seems to thrive, and is an excellent premium option. Alternatively, check the list provided for third-pick choices.
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