10 Best Lens For Portraits Canon (2024 Update)

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As a photography enthusiast, you know that choosing the right lens is crucial to capturing the perfect portrait. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which lens is best suited for your needs. If you are looking for a lens for portraits canon, there are a few key points that you should keep in mind to make an informed decision.

Firstly, consider the focal length of the lens. A focal length between 50mm and 85mm is ideal for portrait photography. This range allows you to capture the subject's face and upper body without distortion.

Secondly, aperture is an important factor to consider. A wide aperture such as f/1.8 or f/2.8 allows for a shallow depth of field, creating a blurred background effect that makes the subject stand out.

Thirdly, image stabilization is an essential feature to have, especially if you plan on shooting in low-light conditions. It helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.

Fourthly, consider the lens's bokeh quality. Bokeh is the quality of the blurred background, and a lens with good bokeh produces a smooth, creamy background that enhances the subject's focus.

Lastly, ensure that the lens is compatible with your camera body. Canon lenses are designed for Canon cameras and vice versa, so ensure that you choose a lens that is compatible with your camera body.

In summary, when looking for a lens for portraits canon, consider the focal length, aperture, image stabilization, bokeh quality and compatibility with your camera body. By keeping these key points in mind, you can choose the best lens for your portrait photography needs.

10 Best Lens For Portraits Canon

1. Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Manual Focus Portrait Lens For Canon Eos Full Frame Cameras.

The Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens is a high-performing lens designed for Canon EOS Rebel T8i T7i T7 T6 T3i T2i 4000D 2000D 1300D 850D 800D 600D 550D 90D 80D 77D 70D 50D 6D 5D and other compatible cameras. With its 8 circular aperture blades, smooth and large focus rings, internal focusing, hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP), and ultra multi-coating (UMC), this lens is an outstanding choice for portrait photography.

One important note is that this lens requires complete manual focus operation on the DSLR camera to align with the lens body. As such, it is not suitable for SLR beginners and is recommended for photographers with excellent experience in equipment. However, with its manual focus operation, this lens provides photographers with complete control over their shots, allowing them to achieve stunningly sharp images with a pleasing bokeh quality to further enhance shallow depth of field images.

The Lightdow 85mm F1.8 is compatible with Canon EOS Rebel T7, T7i, T6, T6i, T5, T5i, SL2, 80D, 77D, 700D, 70D, 60D, 50D, 5D, 6D, 7D, 600D, 550D, 200D, 150D, 100D, 1300D, 1400D, 1500D and other cameras. It is important to note that this is a manual focus lens with no electronic contacts, and your camera will not detect the lens when mounted. As such, it will show "NO LENS ATTACHED". To use this lens correctly, it is essential to switch to MF MODE. The following steps should be taken: 1) Set the mode dial to Manual (M). 2) Set the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu to Enable. 3) Set the Shutter lock option in the camera menu to Off: no lens.

In conclusion, the Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who desire complete control over their shots. With its large aperture and stunning bokeh quality, it is perfect for capturing beautiful portraits with a shallow depth of field. While it requires manual focus operation, it is a high-performing lens that is sure to deliver outstanding results with the right expertise.

2. Canon Ef 35mm F/1.4l Ii Usm Lens (International Model) No Warranty

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens (International Model) is a high-performance lens that offers an exceptional combination of speed, image quality, and versatility. This lens is designed for use with Canon EOS DSLR cameras and is ideal for a wide range of photographic applications, including portraiture, landscape, and documentary photography.

One of the key features of this lens is its 35mm focal length, which is ideal for capturing a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to portraits. The maximum aperture of f/1.4 allows for exceptional low-light performance and depth of field control, making it an ideal lens for shooting in challenging lighting conditions.

The lens construction consists of 14 elements in 11 groups, which helps to ensure exceptional image quality and sharpness. Additionally, the lens features a subwavelength coating (SWC) that helps to significantly reduce lens ghosting and flare, resulting in images that are sharp, clear, and free of distortion.

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens also features a diagonal angle of view of 63°, which provides a natural-looking perspective that is ideal for a wide range of photographic applications. The lens also features AF with full-time manual focus, allowing for quick and easy adjustments to focus, even when shooting in challenging lighting conditions.

The closest focusing distance of the lens is 0.92 ft./0.28m, which allows for increased maximum magnification (0.21x) and expands the range of expression, especially when capturing close-up subjects. The lens also features a filter size of 2.8 in./72mm diameter, which is ideal for adding filters to the lens for additional creative control.

The lens has a max. Diameter x Length of 3.2 x 4.2 in., and weighs approximately 26.8 oz. / 80.4 x 105.5mm, approximately 760g. This lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry and use, even for extended periods of time.

Please note that this lens is an international model and does not come with a warranty. However, it is still an exceptional piece of equipment that is sure to provide years of reliable use and exceptional performance.

3. Canon Ef Lensbaby Velvet 85: Ideal For Velvety Bokeh And Creative Blurred Portraits And Macro Shots. 85mm Focal Length With Macro Magnification And 24cm Close Focus Limit.

The Lensbaby Velvet 85 Canon EF/Portrait and Macro Lens is a premium lens that offers photographers the ability to capture velvety portraits and artistic macro shots directly with their camera. The lens features a fixed focal length of 85 mm, an aperture value of f/1.8, and a close focus distance of 24 cm, making it ideal for capturing sharp details and blurring effects.

With the Lensbaby Velvet 85, photographers can be as creative as they want with velvety shimmers, radiant skin tones, and movie-like aesthetics. The lens has 12 aperture slats and manual focus, allowing photographers to have full creative control over their shots. The lens is also made from full metal material, making it durable and long-lasting. It weighs 530 g and measures 89 mm in length, making it easy to handle and use.

The Lensbaby Velvet 85 is specifically designed for Canon system cameras and SLR cameras. It comes with a lens cap, bayonet cap, and instruction manual, although it cannot be guaranteed that the instructions will be in English.

Overall, the Lensbaby Velvet 85 Canon EF/Portrait and Macro Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who want to capture velvety portraits and artistic macro shots. Its premium quality, creative capabilities, and ease of use make it a must-have for any photographer looking to expand their creative horizons.

4. Jintu 85mm F1.8 Manual Focus Telephoto Lens For Canon Eos Rebel Series And More.

The JINTU 85mm F1.8 Manual Focus Telephoto Portrait SLR Camera Lens for Canon EOS Rebel is an exceptional lens that is ideal for portraits and natural pictures. With a large F1.8 aperture and a virtual background, this lens makes taking photos more fun and enjoyable.

Constructed with six high-performance glass elements in six groups, the JINTU 85mm F1.8 lens is equipped with one Hybrid Aspherical (ASP) element that ensures superior image quality. All of its elements are Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC), which means that they are designed to significantly reduce glare and ghosting while providing the highest possible image quality.

This lens is compatible with a wide range of Canon Digital EOS Rebel cameras, including T1i, T2i, T3, T3i, T4i, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T6s, T7, T7i, T7s, T8i, SL1, SL2, SL3, EOS 90D, 80D, 77D, 70D, 60D, 6D Mark II, 6D, 5D Mark IV, 5D Mark III, 7D, 1300D, D, 1200D, 2000D, 200D, 250D, 4000D, 7D Mark II, 400D, 650D, 550D, 600D, 750D, 450D, and more.

It is important to note that this is a manual focus lens and does not have electronic contacts. Therefore, the camera will show "Lens not attached" when the lens is attached. To use this lens, users must switch to the MF MODE and set the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu to Enable.

With a focal length of 85 millimeters and a closest focusing distance of 3.2 feet, the JINTU 85mm F1.8 lens has an aperture range from f/1.8 to f/22, providing users with the flexibility to capture stunning images in a variety of lighting conditions.

In conclusion, the JINTU 85mm F1.8 Manual Focus Telephoto Portrait SLR Camera Lens for Canon EOS Rebel is an outstanding lens that is perfect for portraits and natural pictures. With its superior construction, compatibility with a wide range of Canon cameras, and exceptional features, this lens is a must-have for any photography enthusiast.

5. Canon Ef 50mm F/1.4 Usm Standard And Medium Telephoto Lens For Canon Slr Cameras, Fixed

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard and Medium Telephoto Lens is a must-have for photographers seeking a versatile lens that delivers high-quality images. This lens is ideal for day-to-day shooting and can be used in a multitude of shooting situations.

Featuring a standard focal length of 50 millimeters, this lens is effective in producing clear and sharp images. Its f/1.4 maximum aperture provides clear imaging in low light situations and shallow depth of field, making it a great choice for portrait and street photography. The lens also has superior peripheral brightness even at the maximum aperture.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens is equipped with an Ultrasonic autofocus motor (USM) that ensures fast, smooth, and virtually silent operation. This feature is especially useful for capturing candid shots or when shooting in quiet environments.

The lens construction comprises 8 elements in 6 groups, with 2 high-refraction lens elements and new Gaussian optics that eliminate astigmatism and suppress astigmatic difference. The optimum optical design and molded glass aspherical lens elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations, including coma aberration, resulting in superior optical performance.

Additionally, the lens is optimized for digital cameras, with a super multi-layer coating that minimizes flare and ghosting – a common problem of digital cameras. This ensures that images are sharp and clear, even in bright lighting conditions.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens also features full-time manual focusing capability, allowing photographers to switch from autofocus to manual focus without having to change settings. The Hypersonic Motor (HSM) ensures silent, high-speed auto-focusing, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.

In conclusion, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard and Medium Telephoto Lens is a versatile lens that delivers high-quality images. Its fast autofocus, superior optics, and optimized design for digital cameras make it a great choice for photographers seeking a reliable lens that can handle a variety of shooting situations.

6. Rokinon Cine Ds Portrait Lens Bundle, 35mm T1.5, 50mm T1.5, 85mm T1.5 For Canon

The Rokinon Cine DS Portrait Lens Bundle is a valuable kit for any professional photographer or videographer who is looking to capture stunning portraits. The bundle includes three lenses: the Rokinon 35mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens, the Rokinon 50mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens, and the Rokinon 85mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens, all of which are designed specifically for Canon EF mounts.

The Rokinon 35mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens is a wide-angle lens that is perfect for capturing landscapes and group shots. The lens features 12 elements in 10 groups, and its aspherical lens elements help to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortions. The lens also has a fast T1.5 maximum aperture, which means that it is ideal for shooting in low light conditions.

The Rokinon 50mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens is a versatile lens that can be used for a wide range of shooting scenarios. The lens features 9 elements in 6 groups, and its aspherical lens elements help to reduce distortions and aberrations. The lens also has a fast T1.5 maximum aperture, which makes it ideal for shooting in low light conditions.

The Rokinon 85mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens is a portrait lens that is perfect for capturing stunning images of people. The lens features 9 elements in 7 groups, and its aspherical lens elements help to reduce distortions and aberrations. The lens also has a fast T1.5 maximum aperture, which means that it is ideal for shooting in low light conditions.

All three lenses in the Rokinon Cine DS Portrait Lens Bundle are part of Rokinon's Cine DS series, which means that they are designed specifically for use in video and film productions. The lenses have a de-clicked aperture and focus gear rings, which make them perfect for use with follow focus systems. The lenses also feature a uniform color and focus gear position, which means that they can be easily swapped out without having to adjust the position of the follow focus.

In addition to the three lenses, the Rokinon Cine DS Portrait Lens Bundle also includes front and rear lens caps, a removable petal-style lens hood, and a soft case. The lenses also come with a Rokinon 1 Year Limited USA Warranty, which means that you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.

Overall, the Rokinon Cine DS Portrait Lens Bundle is a valuable kit for any professional photographer or videographer who is looking to capture stunning portraits. The bundle includes three high-quality lenses that are designed specifically for use in video and film productions, and they all have a fast T1.5 maximum aperture, which makes them ideal for shooting in low light conditions. With the included accessories and warranty, this bundle is a great investment for any professional who needs reliable and versatile lenses for their work.

7. Canon Ef 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6l Is Usm Telephoto Zoom Lens For Canon Slr Cameras

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens is designed to provide exceptional image quality for Canon SLR cameras. With a maximum aperture of f/4.5, this lens is capable of capturing far-off action or close-in portraits with ease. The lens features two Image Stabilizer modes that make it easy to capture crisp and clear images, even when shooting handheld.

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens is constructed with a combination of Flourite and Super UD-glass elements that largely eliminate secondary spectrum, resulting in exceptional image quality. These elements are also designed to reduce chromatic aberration, which helps to produce clear and sharp images.

The lens is also compatible with extenders 1.4x II and 2x II, which allows you to extend the focal length of the lens and capture even more detail. Additionally, the lens has a close focusing distance of 5.9 feet, ensuring that you can capture stunning close-up shots.

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens measures 3.6 inches in diameter and 7.4 inches long, making it compact and easy to transport. The lens is also backed by a 1-year warranty, providing you with peace of mind that you are investing in a high-quality product.

In conclusion, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to capture stunning images with their Canon SLR camera. With its exceptional image quality, versatile focal length range, and compatibility with extenders, this lens is an investment that is sure to pay off for years to come.

8. 85mm F2.8 Macro Tilt Lens For Canon Rf Mirrorless Cameras

The AstrHori 85mm F2.8 Macro & Tilt & Medium Telephoto 3-in-1 Manual Full Frame Insect Jewel Portrait Lens is designed for professional photographers who are looking for a versatile lens that can help them solve photography problems and explore new possibilities.

This lens is a manual prime focus lens that offers exceptional image quality and is suitable for a range of photography styles, including insect and jewel portraits. It is compatible with Canon RF mount mirrorless cameras, including the EOS RP, EOS R5, EOS R6, and EOS R3.

One of the key features of this lens is its tilt-shift capability, which allows photographers to tilt and shift the lens to control the focus and perspective of their shots. This feature is particularly useful for landscape and architectural photography, as well as for creating unique bokeh effects.

The lens also has a macro capability, allowing photographers to capture stunning close-up shots of insects, flowers, and other small subjects. With a maximum magnification of 1:1, this lens is perfect for capturing the intricate details of these subjects.

In addition, the AstrHori 85mm F2.8 lens has a medium telephoto focal length, making it ideal for portraits and other types of photography where a narrower field of view is desired. The lens is constructed with high-quality materials and features a durable, black finish that is both stylish and functional.

Overall, the AstrHori 85mm F2.8 Macro & Tilt & Medium Telephoto 3-in-1 Manual Full Frame Insect Jewel Portrait Lens is a versatile and high-quality lens that is perfect for professional photographers who are looking to expand their creative possibilities. With its tilt-shift capability, macro capability, and medium telephoto focal length, this lens is sure to become a favorite among photographers who demand the best from their equipment.

9. 18-35mm F1.8 Art Dc Hsm Lens For Canon Dslr Cameras With Portrait Bundle And Lens Pouch (13 Items)

The Digital Village 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras (210101) is an impressive lens bundle that offers a range of accessories to enhance the user's photography experience. The bundle includes the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras, a padded lens pouch, lens cleaning kit, lens dust blower, lens pen, and 6-slot memory card wallet.

This lens is part of Sigma's DG line, which is specifically designed to deliver optimal performance on full-frame digital SLRs. The lens also maximizes the abilities of 35mm SLR cameras and APS-C size DSLRs. The wide-to-normal zoom lens is designed for APS-C-format Canon EF-mount cameras and provides a 28.8-56mm equivalent focal length range.

The lens's impressively bright constant f/1.8 maximum aperture is well-suited for working in low-light conditions and also provides greater control over the focus position when using shallow depth of field techniques. The lens also features five Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements in its optical design, which help to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for improved clarity and color accuracy.

One of the standout features of this lens is its aspherical lens complex, which allows freedom of design, improved performance, a reduced number of component lenses, and a compact size. This feature is particularly useful for those who value portability and convenience in their photography equipment.

The lens is also part of Sigma's Art line, which is engineered for those who see photography as a critical expression of self. This line offers sophisticated optical performance and abundant expressive power to deliver faithfully on the user's artistic vision.

Overall, the Digital Village 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras (210101) bundle offers a range of accessories and features that are sure to enhance the user's photography experience. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, this lens bundle is a great investment for capturing stunning and expressive images.

Best Lens For Portraits Canon FAQs

Can a zoom lens be used for portrait photography with a Canon camera?

Yes, a zoom lens can be used for portrait photography with a Canon camera. In fact, many professional photographers use zoom lenses for portraits as they offer versatility in framing and composition. A zoom lens allows the photographer to adjust the focal length and zoom in or out to get the desired composition. Additionally, many modern zoom lenses have wide apertures, which allow for a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh, making them great for portraits. However, it's worth noting that prime lenses (non-zoom lenses with a fixed focal length) are often preferred by portrait photographers as they tend to have wider apertures and produce sharper images. But, a zoom lens can certainly be used for portrait photography with excellent results, especially if it has a wide aperture and a high-quality build.

How does the aperture of a lens affect portrait photography with a Canon camera?

As a lens aperture affects the depth of field, it plays a crucial role in portrait photography with a Canon camera. A wider aperture (smaller f-number) results in a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and keeping the subject in focus. This effect draws attention to the subject and creates a more dramatic portrait. A smaller aperture (larger f-number) results in a deeper depth of field, bringing more of the scene into focus. This can be useful for environmental portraits, where the background is important to the story. However, it can also result in a distracting background that takes away from the subject. In summary, the aperture setting should be chosen based on the desired effect and the story the photographer wants to tell with the portrait.

What are the advantages of using a prime lens for portrait photography with a Canon camera?

Using a prime lens for portrait photography with a Canon camera has several advantages. Firstly, prime lenses have a wider aperture, which allows for a shallower depth of field and a more blurred background, which can help to isolate the subject and create a more aesthetically pleasing image. Secondly, prime lenses are generally sharper than zoom lenses, allowing for crisp and detailed portraits. Thirdly, prime lenses are often smaller and lighter than zoom lenses, making them easier to carry and handle during a photoshoot. Finally, prime lenses tend to be less expensive than zoom lenses, which can be beneficial for photographers on a budget. Overall, using a prime lens can help to produce high-quality portraits that are sharp, detailed, and visually striking.

What are the best Canon lenses for portrait photography?

For full-frame Canon cameras, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM is an excellent choice for portraits due to its wide aperture, which allows for a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is another great option, providing a versatile focal range and excellent image stabilization.

For crop sensor cameras, the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM is a popular choice due to its sharpness and ability to capture fine details in portraits. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is also a budget-friendly option that produces stunning portraits with its wide aperture and sharp focus.

Ultimately, the best Canon lens for portrait photography will depend on the photographer's style and specific needs. However, any of these lenses would make a great addition to a portrait photographer's kit.

What is the ideal focal length for a portrait lens on a Canon camera?

The ideal focal length for a portrait lens on a Canon camera can vary depending on the photographer's preference and the type of portrait being taken. However, many photographers consider a focal length of 85mm to be the sweet spot for portrait photography on a full-frame camera. This focal length allows for a flattering compression of features and a shallow depth of field, which can help to isolate the subject from the background and create a more dramatic effect.

On a crop-sensor camera, the ideal focal length for portrait photography can be slightly shorter, around 50mm. This is because the smaller sensor size effectively magnifies the field of view, making it appear as if the lens has a longer focal length.

Ultimately, the ideal portrait lens for a Canon camera will depend on the photographer's personal style and the specific needs of the shoot. It's always a good idea to experiment with different lens options and find what works best for your individual needs.

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