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Best Canon Lenses For Portraits
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
#2
Canon
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM for Canon Full Frame Mirrorless RF Mount Cameras [EOS R, EOS RP, EOS R5, EOS R6](4515C002)
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#3
Canon
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens
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#4
Canon
Canon RF85mm F2 Macro is (4234C002)
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#5
Canon
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Normal Lens for EF Cameras
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#6
Canon
Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM Lens, Medium Telephoto Lens, Macro Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, Black
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#7
Canon
Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit with 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm Lenses Black
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#8
Canon
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Lens 2271C002
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#9
Canon
Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM Lens, Black
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#10
Canon
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L is USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras - White Box (Bulk Packaging)
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Buying Guide for the Best Canon Lenses For Portraits
Choosing the right lens for portrait photography is essential because the lens you use can dramatically affect how your subject looks and how the background appears. When picking a lens for portraits, you want to consider how it will render faces, how much of the background will be included, and how well it can blur the background to make your subject stand out. Understanding the key specifications will help you find a lens that matches your style and the types of portraits you want to create.Focal LengthFocal length is the number (measured in millimeters) that tells you how 'zoomed in' a lens is. For portraits, focal length is important because it affects how your subject looks and how much of the background is included. Shorter focal lengths (like 35mm or 50mm) show more of the scene and can make faces look a bit wider, which is good for environmental portraits where you want to include surroundings. Medium focal lengths (like 85mm or 100mm) are classic for portraits because they flatter facial features and give a natural look. Longer focal lengths (like 135mm or 200mm) compress the background and make it look closer, which can be very flattering and help isolate your subject. To pick the right one, think about whether you want close-up headshots (longer focal length) or portraits that include more of the body and environment (shorter focal length).
Maximum ApertureMaximum aperture is shown as an f-number (like f/1.8 or f/2.8) and tells you how wide the lens can open to let in light. A wider aperture (lower f-number) lets in more light and creates a blurrier background, which is often desirable in portraits to make your subject stand out. Lenses with very wide apertures (like f/1.2 or f/1.4) are great for low light and for getting that creamy background blur, but they can be more challenging to use because the focus area is very thin. Apertures like f/1.8 or f/2.8 are still very good for portraits and are easier to handle. If you love soft, dreamy backgrounds, go for a lens with a wide maximum aperture. If you prefer more of the scene in focus, a lens with a smaller maximum aperture will work.
Image StabilizationImage stabilization is a feature that helps reduce blur from camera shake, especially when shooting at slower shutter speeds. This is helpful if you often shoot portraits in low light without a tripod. Some lenses have built-in stabilization, which can make it easier to get sharp photos, especially with longer focal lengths. If you plan to shoot handheld in dim conditions, look for a lens with this feature. If you usually use a tripod or shoot in good light, it may not be as important.
Autofocus PerformanceAutofocus performance refers to how quickly and accurately the lens can focus on your subject. For portraits, especially with moving subjects like children or events, fast and reliable autofocus is important to make sure your subject is sharp. Some lenses have advanced motors for quiet and quick focusing, which is helpful if you want to capture spontaneous moments. If you mostly shoot posed portraits, autofocus speed is less critical, but for candid or action portraits, look for a lens known for good autofocus.
Lens Size and WeightThe size and weight of a lens can affect how comfortable it is to use, especially during long portrait sessions or when shooting on location. Larger, heavier lenses can be tiring to hold, but they sometimes offer better image quality or wider apertures. Smaller, lighter lenses are easier to carry and less intimidating for your subjects. Think about how much you’ll be carrying your gear and whether you prefer a more compact setup or don’t mind a heavier lens for the benefits it brings.
Bokeh QualityBokeh refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photo, especially the background blur. For portraits, pleasing bokeh can make your subject stand out and give your photos a professional look. Some lenses are designed to create smoother, creamier bokeh, while others might have more defined or busy blur. If you love soft, dreamy backgrounds, look for lenses known for good bokeh. You can often get a sense of this by looking at sample images or reviews.