Find the best portrait lens in 2025
Essential features for portrait lenses:
- Wide Aperture - f/2.8 or faster for shallow depth of field
- Flattering Focal Length - 50-135mm range ideal
- Beautiful Bokeh - Smooth, creamy background blur
- Sharp at Wide Apertures - Critical for professional results
Best lenses under $500 for portrait
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Why we recommend this â–¼
The 'nifty fifty' from Canon offers incredible value with sharp optics and a fast f/1.8 aperture. Lightweight and affordable, it's the perfect introduction to prime lenses for Canon EF mount users.
Best lenses under $1000 for portrait
Nikon S-Line NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Why we recommend this â–¼
Nikon's affordable 50mm f/1.8 delivers excellent image quality at a fraction of the price of f/1.4 alternatives. Sharp wide open with beautiful bokeh, it's the perfect first prime lens for Z-mount users.
Alternatives:
Zeiss Classic Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZF.2
Why we recommend this â–¼
The legendary Zeiss Planar design delivers stunning image quality with classic rendering. This manual focus lens offers exceptional build quality and that famous Zeiss 3D pop, making it a favorite among photographers who value craftsmanship.
Best lenses under $1500 for portrait
Sony G Master FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS
Why we recommend this â–¼
The 'Bokeh Master' delivers incredibly smooth background blur with its unique STF (Smooth Trans Focus) apodization element. This manual focus lens creates dreamy portraits with unmatched bokeh quality that no other lens can replicate.
Alternatives:
Olympus PRO M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO
Why we recommend this â–¼
Olympus's professional telephoto zoom delivers 600mm equivalent reach in a remarkably compact package. The f/2.8 aperture throughout the range and excellent stabilization make it perfect for wildlife and sports on Micro Four Thirds.
Best lenses under $2500 for portrait
Sony G Master FE 50mm f/1.2 GM
Why we recommend this â–¼
Sony's premium 50mm f/1.2 G Master lens delivers stunning bokeh and exceptional sharpness wide open. The ultra-fast aperture combined with advanced optics makes it the ultimate portrait lens for Sony shooters.
Alternatives:
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
Why we recommend this â–¼
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is a game-changing zoom that covers portrait focal lengths with fast apertures. This unique range eliminates the need for multiple primes, making it perfect for wedding and event photographers.
