Best Sony Camera For Portraits (2024 Updated)

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As a photographer, finding the best camera for portraits is essential to capture stunning images. Sony has a range of cameras that are perfect for portrait photography, with various features and specifications that cater to different needs. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one.

To help you make an informed decision, here are five key points to consider when looking for the best Sony camera for portraits:

1. Sensor Size: The larger the sensor, the better the camera's ability to capture more detail and produce higher quality images. Full-frame sensors are ideal for portrait photography, but they can be expensive.

2. Autofocus System: A good autofocus system is critical for portrait photography, as it helps to keep the subject in focus. Look for a camera with a fast and accurate autofocus system that can track moving subjects.

3. Image Stabilization: Image stabilization is beneficial for portrait photography, as it helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharp images.

4. Lens Selection: Sony has a range of lenses that are perfect for portrait photography. Consider the focal length and aperture of the lens when choosing the best one for your needs.

5. Price: Sony cameras range in price, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Consider your budget and what features are essential for your portrait photography needs.

In summary, when looking for the best Sony camera for portraits, consider the sensor size, autofocus system, image stabilization, lens selection, and price. By taking these factors into account, you'll be able to find the perfect camera to capture stunning portraits.

10 Best Sony Camera For Portraits

1. Sony – E 50mm F1.8 Oss Portrait Lens (Sel50f18/b), Black

The Sony – E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens (SEL50F18/B) in black is a versatile and high-quality lens that is perfect for portrait photography. It features built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization that reduces camera shake, resulting in sharp and clear images. The lens also has a 7-blade circular aperture that produces beautiful defocus effects, making it an excellent choice for portraits.

With a minimum focus distance of 1.28 ft (0.39 m) and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.16x, this lens is capable of capturing fine details with stunning clarity. The focal length of 50mm and filter diameter of 49mm make it a great choice for portrait photography, as it allows the subject to be captured with a natural-looking perspective.

The large F1.8 maximum aperture of this lens enables beautiful defocusing effects, making it easy to create stunning images with shallow depth of field. With an angle of view of 32° on APS-C cameras, this lens is perfect for capturing portraits in a variety of settings.

The Sony – E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens is also designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use. The exterior of the lens is made from elegant aluminum alloy, giving it a professional and stylish look.

In the box, the lens comes with a hood (ALC-SH116), a lens front cap, and a lens rear cap. These accessories help to protect the lens and keep it in excellent condition for years to come.

Overall, the Sony – E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens (SEL50F18/B) is an excellent choice for photographers who want to capture beautiful portraits with stunning detail and depth of field. Its high-quality construction and compact design make it a must-have in any photographer's kit.

2. 24mm F1.8 Auto-Focus E-Mount Prime Lens For Sony Full Frame Cameras.

The Auto-Focus E-Mount Prime Lens 24mm F1.8 is a high-quality lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras. It is a standard prime lens with a wide-angle large aperture, making it ideal for shooting landscapes, starry skies, architecture, and portraits.

This lens is compatible with a wide range of Sony E-mount cameras, including the A7, A7II, A7III, A7C, A7RII, A7RIII, A7RIV, A7SIII, A9, FX3, A5100, A6000, A6100, A6300, A6400, A6500, and A6600. It supports full-frame and APS-C frame cameras, providing versatile options for photographers.

With a 24mm focal length and F1.8 to F16 aperture range, this lens offers high resolution and soft bokeh effect. Its closest focusing distance is 0.3m, and its maximum magnification is 0.1x. These features make it an excellent choice for portrait photography.

The lens also supports full-frame, dual focusing mode (MF, AF), IS stabilization, EXIF information transmission, Type-C USB port for firmware upgrade, Sony eye auto-focus function, and electronic automatic iris adjustment. These features provide photographers with a wide range of options for shooting in different conditions.

The lens is equipped with 3 ED low dispersion lens, 3 high transparent lens, and 2 aspheric lens. It also features an STM+Lead Screw stepper motor, digital precise drive, and linear motion, making it capable of achieving quiet and accurate auto-focusing when shooting stationary subjects and movies.

The lens is mainly made of high-quality metal alloy with HD Nano multi-layer coating treatment, which effectively reduces ghosting and flare. It is also lightweight, precise, and has a robust metal structure, providing photographers with a pleasant experience of photo shooting.

Overall, the Auto-Focus E-Mount Prime Lens 24mm F1.8 is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a high-quality lens that can deliver exceptional results in a wide range of shooting conditions. Its versatility, precision, and durability make it a valuable addition to any photographer's kit.

3. Sony Sel85f18 85mm F/1.8-22 Medium-Telephoto Fixed Prime Camera Lens, Black

The Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22 Medium-Telephoto Fixed Prime Camera Lens is a high-quality lens that offers a wide range of features for photographers looking to capture stunning images. The lens has a wide F1.8 maximum aperture, which enables beautiful defocusing effects and allows for low-light shooting. The lens also has a 9-blade circular aperture that creates beautiful round defocused bokeh, making it ideal for portrait and nature photography.

The Sony SEL85F18 also features an ED glass element that provides corner-to-corner sharpness, ensuring that every detail of the subject is captured with clarity. The lens also boasts a double linear motor system that offers fast, quiet, and precise focusing. This makes it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as athletes or wildlife.

The lens has a maximum magnification ratio of 0.13 and an angle of view of 29 degrees, making it ideal for capturing portraits, landscapes, and street scenes. The lens also features direct control with a customizable focus hold button and AF/MF switch, allowing photographers to quickly and easily adjust their settings to capture the perfect shot.

The Sony SEL85F18 has a 35 mm equivalent focal length of 127.5mm when used with an APS-C camera, making it an ideal lens for portrait photography. The lens is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and use on the go.

Overall, the Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22 Medium-Telephoto Fixed Prime Camera Lens is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a high-quality lens that offers a wide range of features. Its wide aperture, circular aperture, ED glass element, and double linear motor system make it a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of photography styles.

4. Meike 85mm F1.8 Af Stm Portrait Lens For Sony E-Mount Mirrorless Cameras.

The Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Medium Telephoto STM Stepping Motor Full Frame Portrait Lens is a reliable and versatile option for photographers who specialize in portrait, subject, architecture, and landscape photography. With a wide aperture of f1.8 and 9 diaphragm blades, this lens is designed to produce a super smooth round blur effect (bokeh) that will elevate the quality of your shots.

The Meike 85mm F1.8 is equipped with an STM stepping motor that enables you to experience silent and smooth focusing without any noise or vibration. The lens also features a micro USB firmware upgrade interface, which allows you to upgrade the lens online to ensure that you always have access to the latest features and improvements.

This lens supports AF, electronic aperture adjustment, and EXIF information transmission, which makes it easy to capture high-quality images and share them with others. Additionally, it is compatible with Sony E Mount Cameras A7 A7R A74 A7R4 A7III A7RII A7RIII A7SIII A9, as well as Sony APS-C frame cameras A6300 A6400 A6500 A6600. However, it is not compatible with Sony NEX Series APS-C Cameras.

The Meike 85mm F1.8 is a standard 85mm full frame lens that is perfect for capturing the essence of your subjects. Whether you are shooting portraits, architectural details, or landscape scenes, this lens will provide you with stunning results that are sure to impress. The wide aperture and smooth bokeh effect will give your images a professional and artistic flair that will set them apart from the rest.

Overall, the Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Medium Telephoto STM Stepping Motor Full Frame Portrait Lens is a top-of-the-line option for photographers who demand quality and versatility from their equipment. With its advanced features and smooth operation, this lens is sure to become a reliable and indispensable part of your photography kit.

5. Sony E-Mount 85mm F1.8 Af Portrait Lens For Full Frame Cameras.

The AF 85/1.8 II FE is a highly compatible, large aperture standard lens designed for E-mount cameras. This lens is perfect for portrait, animal, food, architecture, interior, and outdoor scenery photography. It is compatible with Sony a7 a7II a7III a7C a7R a7RII a7RIII a7RIV a7SIII a9 FX3 (support full frame) and Sony a5000 a5100 a6000 a6100 a6300 a6400 a6500 a6600 (support APS-C frame).

The lens features a 85mm focal length, which makes it easy to switch between half-length portrait and full-length portrait shooting. Its F1.8 large aperture offers ideal defocusing effects and highlights the subject, while also allowing for high-quality images in low-light scenarios.

With 10 elements in 7 groups, including 1 ED lens and 4 short wave length and high transparent lenses, the AF 85/1.8 II FE achieves remarkable shooting vision with new optical technology. It uses nano multilayer crystal coating and new optical design, which effectively redresses dispersion/aberration and reduces ghosting/flare.

Additional features of the AF 85/1.8 II FE lens include fast and accurate auto-focus (AF), automatic iris adjustment, 9 aperture blades, inbuilt metal electronic contacts, EXIF information transmission, quiet STM stepper motor with a gear-type unit, and image stabilization (IS) function. The lens also supports eye focus to automatically track the subject.

The lens is carefully designed, with a weight of only 484g/1.06lb, size of Φ80×92mm(3.15×3.62in), and mainly made of robust metal alloy with surface plating treatment. Its precise structure and brass bayonet perfectly fit to the camera body. Additionally, it is designed with a micro USB port for firmware upgrades from the official website, allowing users to achieve the latest functions and bug fixes. The lens hood, lens cap, and rear cap are all included.

Overall, the AF 85/1.8 II FE lens is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a high-quality, versatile lens that provides exceptional image quality and a range of useful features. Its compatibility with a wide range of Sony E-mount cameras makes it a popular choice among photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.

6. Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Mark Ii Stm Af Full-Frame Portrait Lens For Sony E-Mount Cameras With Dust Blaster.

Viltrox has released a new version of their popular 85mm F1.8 lens, the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Mark II STM. This lens is designed for Sony E-mount cameras, including the A7Ⅲ, a7RⅢ, a9, a7SⅡ, a7RⅡ, a7Ⅱ, a7S, a7, a7R, a6400, and a6500. With a new lightweight design, the second generation lens is 142g (0.3lb) lighter than the original version.

The lens boasts a rounded 9-blade diaphragm and 10 elements in 7 groups, including 1 ED lens and 4 shortwave-length and high-transparency lenses. The HD Nano multilayer coating with water-resistant coating enhances the lens's durability and ensures that water droplets and dust do not adhere to the surface.

The Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Mark II STM features electronic aperture, internal autofocus, constant lens length, and supports Sony eye focus function and EXIF information transmission. This provides greater flexibility and convenience for photographers when shooting portraits or other subjects.

The lens also has an STM Step Mute Motor, which supports Sony eye focus function and improves eye focus performance with faster and more sticky response. The autofocus is precise and quiet, ensuring that the lens operates smoothly and without interruption.

With its excellent close-up shooting ability, the 85mm F1.8 has an image ratio of small object distance that can reach 1:8. This makes it ideal for capturing detailed photos of flowers, insects, and other small subjects.

The Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Mark II STM has a sturdy and durable all-metal mirror body structure with a new designed lens hood. The lotus shape design effectively prevents stray light from entering the lens, ensuring that the photos captured are well-lit.

Overall, the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Mark II STM is an excellent choice for photographers who want to capture stunning portraits and close-up shots with their Sony E-mount cameras. Its lightweight design, electronic aperture, internal autofocus, and excellent close-up shooting ability make it a versatile lens for a variety of shooting situations.

7. Viltrox 56mm F1.4 Stm Auto Focus Lens For Sony E-Mount Cameras, Ideal For Portraits. Compatible With A5100-A6600, Nex-6, A7 Series, And A9.

The Viltrox 56mm F1.4 STM Auto Focus APS-C Prime Lens is a high-quality portrait lens designed for Sony E mount cameras. It is compatible with a range of Sony camera models, including the A5100, A6000, A6100, A6300, A6400, A6500, A6600, NEX-6, A7S, A7C, A7, A7RⅢ, A7SⅢ, A7Ⅲ, A7RⅡ, A7Ⅱ, A7S, A7RⅣ, and A9.

The lens features an STM motor that enables quick, quiet, and precise autofocus and eye focus performance. This minimizes vibration and noise, making it ideal for both movies and stills. The 56mm focal length and electronic aperture capabilities of advanced E-mount bodies allow for capturing emotional portraits at excellent depth of field.

With a large aperture of F1.4, the lens can deliver high corner-to-corner resolution and afford low-light environments. The minimum focus distance of 0.6m and maximum magnification of 0.1x, along with a 9-blade circular aperture, make it possible to shoot impressive close-ups with beautiful bokeh highlights.

The lens construction features 10 elements in 9 groups, including 1 ED element and 1 HRI element for suppressing chromatic aberration. A Nano Coating is applied, and a sealed design provides extra protection and ensures reliable operation in challenging environments. The lens also features easy manual/auto focus switching and an aperture ring for direct, intuitive aperture control.

Weighing just 280g (9.8 oz), the Viltrox 56mm F1.4 STM Auto Focus APS-C Prime Lens has a full metal body and hard brass mount structures. It is lightweight and compact, making it excellent for mobility and handling. The lens also supports EXIF information transmission, and a USB port allows for compatibility with the newest camera models.

Overall, the Viltrox 56mm F1.4 STM Auto Focus APS-C Prime Lens is an excellent choice for portrait photographers looking for a high-quality lens that can deliver stunning results in a range of shooting conditions.

8. Westcott Fj Wireless 2-Light Portrait Flash Kit For Sony Cameras – Fj400 & Fj200 Strobe Combo.

The Westcott FJ Wireless 2-Light Portable Portrait Flash Kit with FJ-X3 S Wireless Trigger is a high-performance backpack kit designed for professional photographers. It includes the FJ400 Strobe with AC/DC Battery, FJ200 with Battery, FJ-X3 S Universal Wireless Trigger (compatible with Sony cameras), FJ400 Magnetic Gels, FJ200 Grid & Gels, FJ400 Rapid Box Switch Insert, and Lite Traveler Backpack.

The FJ400 Strobe is a 400Ws AC/DC strobe with a 0.05 to 0.9s recycle time and 480+ full-power flashes per charge. It is designed for optimal performance and reliability, making it ideal for portrait, fashion, or corporate work. The FJ200 Strobe is a 200Ws strobe with an industry-leading 0.05 to 1.3s recycle time and 450+ full-power flashes per charge.

The included FJ-X3 S wireless trigger is compatible with many Sony cameras (see compatibility chart). This 2.4 GHz wireless radio trigger allows for remote control of the flash, providing photographers with greater flexibility and versatility in their work.

The kit also includes versatile softboxes and accessories, such as the Rapid Box Insert Rings, which allow for the connection of a large variety of Rapid Box Switch modifiers with neutral diffusion fabric, ideal for portraits, fashion, or corporate work.

The FJ Wireless 2-Light Portable Portrait Flash Kit offers a range of shooting options, including Manual & TTL Modes, High-Speed Sync to 1/8000s, Freeze Sync to 1/19000s, Continuous Capture to 20fps, Mask Function, Auto Memory Recall, Freeze Sync, Front & Rear Curtain Sync, 6 Groups, 16 Wireless Channels, and Group Exposure Compensation.

Shop with confidence when you purchase with Westcott. This product includes a full 1-year warranty, as well as lifetime support and US-based customer service from Westcott. The Westcott FJ Wireless 2-Light Portable Portrait Flash Kit with FJ-X3 S Wireless Trigger is a reliable and versatile option for professional photographers looking to enhance their photography and off-camera flash lighting capabilities.

9. Renewed Sony A6000 Mirrorless Camera Bundle With 16-50mm And 55-210mm Lenses, 32gb Card, And Case.

The Sony a6000 mirrorless camera bundle is a high-quality product that is perfect for photography enthusiasts who want to take their skills to the next level. This bundle includes the a6000 camera body (ILCE-6000) as well as two lenses: the 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 lens (SEL1650) and the 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 lens (SEL55210).

The 16-50mm lens is perfect for capturing stunning landscape and portrait shots, while the 55-210mm lens is ideal for capturing distant subjects with ease. With these two lenses in hand, users can capture a wide range of subjects and settings with ease.

In addition to the two lenses, this bundle also includes a camera case (LCS-U21) to protect the camera and lenses during transport. The case is designed to fit the a6000 camera body, both lenses, and other accessories with ease.

This bundle also comes with a rechargeable battery (NP-FW50), AC adaptor (AC-UB10), shoulder strap, eyepiece cup, and micro USB cable. This ensures that users have everything they need to start using the camera right out of the box.

The a6000 camera body features a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, which delivers high-quality images with stunning detail and clarity. It also has a fast autofocus system with 179 focus points, allowing users to capture fast-moving subjects with ease.

The camera also features a 3-inch tilting LCD screen, which makes it easy to compose shots from different angles. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, which allows users to share their photos and videos with ease.

Overall, the Sony a6000 mirrorless camera bundle is a high-quality product that offers exceptional value for money. With its two lenses, camera case, and other accessories, users can start capturing stunning photos and videos right away. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, this bundle is sure to meet all of your needs.

Best Sony Camera For Portraits FAQs

Are there any specific lenses that are recommended for Sony cameras when shooting portraits?

There are several lenses recommended for Sony cameras when shooting portraits. The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM lens is a popular choice among professional photographers for its sharpness and ability to create a shallow depth of field. The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens is another great option, especially for outdoor portrait sessions where a longer focal length is needed. The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens is a more affordable option that still produces excellent image quality and is versatile for both indoor and outdoor portraits. Ultimately, the choice of lens will depend on the photographer's personal style and the specific needs of the portrait session. It's also important to consider factors such as aperture, focal length, and image stabilization when selecting a lens for portrait photography.

What are the best Sony cameras for capturing portraits?

Sony offers a range of cameras suitable for portrait photography. The Sony A7R III is a popular choice among professional photographers for its high resolution, fast autofocus, and excellent low-light performance. The Sony A9 II is another top pick that offers fast shooting speeds, advanced autofocus, and impressive image quality. For those on a budget, the Sony A6400 is a great option with its compact size, fast autofocus, and flip-out screen. The Sony A6600 is another budget-friendly option that offers great image quality and improved autofocus. When it comes to lenses, the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM is a popular choice for portrait photography due to its sharpness, bokeh, and low-light performance. Overall, Sony offers a variety of cameras and lenses that are suitable for capturing stunning portrait photos.

What are the key features to look for in a Sony camera for portrait photography?

When looking for a Sony camera for portrait photography, there are several key features to consider. First, a high-resolution sensor is important for capturing fine details and producing sharp images. Additionally, a camera with a wide aperture lens can create a shallow depth of field, making the subject stand out from the background. Another important feature is a good autofocus system, which can help ensure that the subject is in focus and sharp. Other features to consider include image stabilization, which can help prevent blur when shooting in low light or with slower shutter speeds, and a tilting or swiveling LCD screen, which can make it easier to compose shots from different angles. Finally, it's important to consider the overall ergonomics and ease of use of the camera, as well as its compatibility with different lenses and accessories.

Which Sony camera offers the best autofocus system for capturing sharp portraits?

The Sony a7 III camera offers the best autofocus system for capturing sharp portraits. It has a 693-point AF system that covers about 93% of the frame and includes both phase-detection and contrast-detection points. The camera also has Eye AF technology, which is particularly useful for portrait photography as it can detect and focus on the subject's eyes even when they are in motion. Additionally, the camera has a real-time tracking system that allows for continuous focus on the subject, ensuring that they remain in focus throughout the shoot. The a7 III also has a high-resolution sensor, which captures fine details with exceptional clarity, making it an excellent choice for portrait photography. Overall, the Sony a7 III's advanced autofocus system, Eye AF technology, and high-resolution sensor make it the best choice for capturing sharp portraits.

Which Sony camera offers the best image quality and resolution for portrait photography?

Sony's A7R IV is the best camera for portrait photography in terms of image quality and resolution. It features a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor that captures stunning detail and clarity, making it ideal for portrait photography. The camera's advanced autofocus system with 567 phase-detection points covers 74% of the frame, ensuring sharp focus on the subject's eyes. Additionally, the A7R IV has a high dynamic range, producing vibrant colors and contrast in portraits. The camera's 5-axis in-body image stabilization reduces camera shake, resulting in sharper images. Furthermore, the A7R IV has a fast burst rate of up to 10 frames per second and can shoot 4K video. Its ergonomic design and customizable controls make it easy to use in a variety of portrait photography settings. Overall, the Sony A7R IV is the best camera for portrait photography, offering outstanding image quality and resolution.

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