Best Lenses under CA$700 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 2180 SLR Lenses AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

85.1 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.4 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 aperture and Super Integrated Coating deliver excellent low-light performance and sharp images with reduced flare. The Silent Wave Motor provides quick, quiet autofocus, making it highly responsive for candid shots. This lens is best for portrait photographers using Nikon DX-format DSLRs who need a lightweight, versatile prime for studio or environmental work.

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Nikon Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Portrait

75.5 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.8 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture with nine diaphragm blades is engineered for smooth bokeh, making it a strong portrait lens for Nikon shooters. The lens features a micro USB port for firmware updates, adding a layer of future-proofing uncommon at this price point. It's best for portrait photographers on a budget who want classic 85mm compression and soft background blur without a premium price tag.

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Best Lenses under CA$1,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED

78.2 Portrait Score
20mm f/1.8 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 maximum aperture and inclusion of two ED and two aspherical elements deliver sharp, low-light performance with minimal aberrations. The relatively lightweight 355g build and Nano Crystal Coatings enhance handling and reduce flare for a versatile prime. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing a wide, fast prime for Nikon F-mount full-frame cameras.

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Price CA$999
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED lens

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Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II

52 Portrait Score
75mm f/1.9 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.9 aperture and 15-bladed diaphragm produce exceptionally smooth, swirly bokeh that is highly prized for a classic portrait look. The lens uses high-quality Schott glass and a specialized optical design to create its unique, characterful rendering rather than clinical sharpness. This manual focus lens is best for portrait photographers and cinematographers deliberately seeking a distinct, vintage-inspired aesthetic with beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds.

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Best Lenses under CA$2,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED

83.8 Portrait Score
24mm f/1.4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and Nano Crystal Coating deliver exceptional sharpness and low-light performance with minimal flare. The lens construction, featuring two ED and two aspherical elements, ensures high optical quality with controlled distortion. This lens is best for portrait photographers and professionals who require a fast, wide-angle prime for environmental portraiture or indoor shoots.

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Price CA$1,917
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED lens

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Biotar 58mm f/1.5 II

63.8 Portrait Score
58mm f/1.5 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its standout f/1.5 maximum aperture and 14-blade diaphragm produce exceptionally smooth, swirly bokeh that is highly prized for characterful imagery. The robust, all-metal manual-focus construction prioritizes tactile control and durability over modern conveniences like autofocus. This lens is best for portrait photographers and cinematographers specifically seeking a unique, vintage-inspired look with modern full-frame coverage on Nikon F-mount cameras.

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Best Lenses under CA$3,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED

85.1 Portrait Score
105mm f/1.4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 105mm focal length create an exceptionally shallow depth of field for stunning subject isolation. The optical design, featuring three ED elements and a Nano Crystal Coating, delivers sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration and flare. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking the ultimate in bokeh quality and optical performance for studio or controlled outdoor work.

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Premium Lenses for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

62.4 Portrait Score
400mm f/2.8 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.8 maximum aperture and two fluorite elements deliver exceptional sharpness and light-gathering for a 400mm prime. The inclusion of Nano Crystal coatings effectively controls flare and ghosting for high-contrast images. This lens is best for professional sports and wildlife photographers who require fast autofocus and superb optical performance in demanding conditions.

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