Best Lenses under CA$700 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon EF Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Auto Focus Medium Telephoto High

85.7 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an 85mm f/1.8 design with an STM motor for silent, smooth autofocus and an 11-blade diaphragm for high-quality bokeh. The lens is further distinguished by a micro Type-C port for online firmware upgrades, enhancing its longevity and feature set. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers using Canon EF-mount DSLRs who prioritize smooth focus pulls and creamy background separation.

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Canon Meike 12mm F/2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Manual Foucs Prime

42.4 Portrait Score
12mm f/2.8 Canon EF-M
Why we recommend this

Its 12mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture provide an expansive field of view suitable for capturing dramatic landscapes and architecture. The robust, all-metal construction and included lens hood contribute to its solid build quality and flare resistance. This lens is best for photographers seeking an affordable, manual ultra-wide option for static scenes on compatible mirrorless systems.

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Canon RF FotoZ 49MM 0.75x HD Wide

39.3 Portrait Score
24mm Canon EF-M, Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout 10X macro magnification capability and 0.75x wide-angle conversion offer significant versatility for close-up and wider shots. The lens is further distinguished by its broad compatibility with Canon RF-S, EF-M, and even select Panasonic and Ricoh cameras via adapters. This accessory is best for Canon mirrorless users on a budget who want to experiment with macro photography and wider focal lengths without investing in dedicated prime lenses.

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Best Lenses under CA$1,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon EF 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Standard

66.8 Portrait Score
17-55mm f/2.8 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in optical image stabilization provide excellent low-light performance and sharpness for its EF-S mount. The inclusion of UD and aspherical lens elements ensures high optical quality, rivaling many full-frame zooms. This lens is best for Canon APS-C shooters needing a versatile, bright standard zoom for event photography or run-and-gun video work.

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Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II

52 Portrait Score
75mm f/1.9 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the unique optical design with Schott glass and a 15-blade aperture, which produces exceptionally smooth bokeh and a distinct "swirly" rendering at f/1.9. The lens prioritizes character over clinical sharpness, making it a specialized tool for creative portraiture rather than a general-purpose optic. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a specific, vintage-inspired look with beautiful out-of-focus transitions.

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Best Lenses under CA$2,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon L EF 35mm II USM

79.6 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.4 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and Blue Spectrum Refractive optics deliver exceptional sharpness and color accuracy, even in challenging light. The robust L-series construction, featuring two aspherical and one UD element, ensures professional-grade optical performance. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who prioritize image quality and low-light capability over portability.

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Price CA$1,985
Canon L EF 35mm II USM lens

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Biotar 58mm f/1.5 II

63.4 Portrait Score
58mm f/1.5 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.5 maximum aperture and 14-blade diaphragm enable exceptionally smooth bokeh and a classic three-dimensional rendering. The manual focus design and 1.3kg weight prioritize deliberate, tactile control over speed and portability. This lens is best for portrait photographers specifically seeking a distinct, vintage optical character for studio or controlled location work.

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Best Lenses under CA$3,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon EF EF 70-200mm IS III USM

68.2 Portrait Score
70-200mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.8 maximum aperture and advanced optics, including one fluorite and five UD elements, deliver exceptional sharpness and color fidelity. The lens is also built with a robust, professional-grade construction and features effective image stabilization for handheld shooting. This lens is best for professional event photographers and videographers who require reliable performance in controlled environments.

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Price CA$3,292
Canon EF EF 70-200mm IS III USM lens

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Canon TS-E 50mm f/2.8L Macro Tilt-Shift

62.2 Portrait Score
50mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 50mm f/2.8L tilt-shift design offers precise perspective control and a 1:2 macro capability, ideal for architectural detail shots and product photography. The inclusion of UD and aspherical elements with specialized coatings ensures high sharpness and reduced flare. This lens is best for architectural photographers and product shooters needing to correct perspective distortion while capturing fine details.

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Canon TS-E 50mm f/2.8L Macro Tilt-Shift lens
Price CA$3,430

Premium Lenses for portrait

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