Best Lenses under CA$700 for portrait

Best Pick

Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS

84.7 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.8 Sony (E mount for NEX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture and built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization enable sharp, low-light shooting and smooth handheld video. The lens is remarkably compact at 206g and features a Linear Autofocus motor for quiet, precise focusing. This lens is best for Sony APS-C shooters prioritizing portability for street photography and run-and-gun video work.

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Sony FE 35mm f/1.8

79.7 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a compact, lightweight prime lens. This lens is a strong, affordable option for Sony full-frame shooters prioritizing portability. It is best for street photographers and portrait shooters who value a natural 35mm perspective without a heavy kit.

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Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 lens
Price CA$700

Sony SEL50F18 Compact ILC Lenses 50mm f/1.8

71.2 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.8 Sony (E mount for NEX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its compact 206g design and built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization make it a highly portable option for handheld shooting. The fast f/1.8 aperture and linear autofocus motor contribute to smooth, quiet focusing ideal for video work. This lens is best for Sony E-mount videographers and street photographers who need a lightweight, stabilized prime lens for run-and-gun situations.

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Sony VCLECF2 10-13mm f/2.8-22 Fisheye

59.1 Portrait Score
10-13mm f/2 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2 aperture provides excellent low-light performance for a fisheye lens, paired with a lightweight 295g build. This lens offers a unique, adaptable fisheye perspective that changes focal length based on the attached converter lens. It's best for budget-conscious Sony Alpha shooters seeking creative, exaggerated distortion effects for urban or experimental photography.

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Sony G E PZ 18-105mm f/4.0 OSS Power Zoom

50.8 Portrait Score
18-105mm f/4 Sony E-Mount IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4 aperture and built-in Optical SteadyShot provide reliable performance for both stills and video across its versatile 27-158mm equivalent zoom range. The lens is relatively compact for its focal range, making it a practical all-in-one option for Sony APS-C camera users. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and videographers who need a stabilized, power-zooming lens for documentary or travel content.

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Sony SEL2860 Full Frame E-Mount

47 Portrait Score
28-60mm Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its remarkably compact 167g build paired with a full-frame E-mount, delivering high-resolution image quality across its 28-60mm zoom range. The lens achieves sharp results and smooth bokeh using three aspherical elements, while its linear motor provides fast, quiet autofocus ideal for video. This lens is best for travel and everyday photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit without sacrificing full-frame sensor coverage.

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Sony SEL55210 Compact ILC Lenses

37.7 Portrait Score
10mm f/4 Sony (E mount for NEX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a versatile 55-210mm telephoto zoom range, paired with Optical SteadyShot stabilization for handheld shooting. The lens also incorporates ED glass elements to minimize color fringing and offers smooth, quiet internal autofocus. This is best for Sony APS-C mirrorless shooters needing an affordable, lightweight telephoto option for subjects like distant wildlife or sports on a budget.

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Sony SEL057FEC 16mm f/3.5-22 Fisheye Converter

35 Portrait Score
16mm f/3.5 Sony E
Why we recommend this

This fisheye converter transforms compatible 28mm lenses into a 16mm prime with a 180-degree angle of view for full-frame cameras, while transmitting EXIF data. Its built-in petal-type lens hood offers practical flare protection without adding bulk. This accessory is best for architectural or creative photographers looking to experiment with extreme perspective on their existing Sony E-mount lenses.

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Sony SEL16F28 Compact ILC Lenses 16mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle

11.2 Portrait Score
16mm f/28 Sony (E mount for NEX)
Why we recommend this

Its ultra-compact pancake design makes it just 22mm long, ideal for pairing with mirrorless bodies for a pocketable setup. The fast f/2.8 aperture and 16mm focal length (24mm equivalent) provide a versatile wide-angle perspective. This lens is best for street photographers and travel vloggers who prioritize a minimal, lightweight kit over specialized features like weather sealing.

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Best Lenses under CA$1,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sony FE SEL35F14Z ZEISS Distagon T* 35mm F1.4 ZA Full-frame Wide Angle

85 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.4 Sony E (Full-Frame) Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and Zeiss T* coating deliver exceptional sharpness and contrast for low-light and portrait work. The lens's robust construction and Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF system provide reliable, quiet focusing performance. This lens is best for Sony full-frame photographers prioritizing ultimate image quality in controlled environments like studio portraiture.

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Sony G E 15mm F1.4 APS-C Large-Aperture Wide-Angle

76.7 Portrait Score
15mm f/1.4 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and dual linear motors deliver exceptional low-light performance and impressively fast, quiet autofocus for both stills and video. The compact, constant-length design and dedicated aperture ring with a de-click switch offer professional handling ideal for run-and-gun filmmaking. This lens is best for APS-C hybrid shooters who need a fast, wide prime for vlogging, documentary work, or astrophotography.

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Sony SEL24F18Z Compact ILC Lenses Carl Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 Wide-Angle

69.5 Portrait Score
24mm f/1.8 Sony (E mount for NEX)
Why we recommend this

Its Carl Zeiss Sonnar optics and large f/1.8 aperture deliver exceptional sharpness and beautiful background blur, even in low light. The compact 224g design and smooth, quiet autofocus make it highly portable and ideal for video work. This lens is best for street photographers and videographers using Sony APS-C cameras who prioritize optical quality and discreet handling in a lightweight package.

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Sony 20mm F1.4 Art DG HSM for E

67.9 Portrait Score
20mm f/1.4 Sony E, Sony FE
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture at a 20mm focal length is a unique combination, offering exceptional light gathering for a wide-angle prime lens. As part of Sigma's Art series, it employs high-grade FLD, SLD, and aspherical glass elements for sharp, corrected image quality. This lens is best for astrophotographers and landscape shooters who require both a wide field of view and very fast aperture performance in low light.

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Best Lenses under CA$2,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Sony G Master FE 50mm f/1.4

91.7 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and G Master design with 14 elements deliver exceptional sharpness and beautiful bokeh, even wide open. The lens is further distinguished by its fast, quiet autofocus system powered by two XD Linear motors and an internal focus design that maintains balance. This lens is best for portrait photographers and hybrid shooters who demand both high-resolution stills and smooth, reliable focus for video work.

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Price CA$1,987
Sony G Master FE 50mm f/1.4 lens

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Sony FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G

73.6 Portrait Score
16-25mm f/2.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 408g weight make it a remarkably compact and portable standard zoom lens for travel. The lens delivers outstanding G Lens image quality with high resolution across its 16-25mm range, supported by a fast and quiet dual Linear Motor AF system. This lens is best for travel and street photographers who prioritize a lightweight, high-performance zoom in their camera bag.

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Sony FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G lens
Price CA$1,598

Biotar 58mm f/1.5 II

63.9 Portrait Score
58mm f/1.5 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.5 maximum aperture and 14-blade diaphragm produce exceptionally smooth bokeh and sharp, characterful images. The manual focus design and substantial 1329g metal build prioritize tactile, deliberate control over speed or portability. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a specific, classic rendering and who value a premium, hands-on shooting experience.

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Best Lenses under CA$3,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sony G Master FE 85mm f/1.4 II

97.5 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 11-blade circular design enable exceptional low-light performance and smooth bokeh. The lens offers a lightweight yet durable build and remarkably fast, precise autofocus for its class. This lens is best for portrait photographers who require reliable focus tracking and beautiful subject separation in both studio and environmental settings.

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Price CA$2,498
Sony G Master FE 85mm f/1.4 II lens

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Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II

53.8 Portrait Score
70-200mm f/4 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its constant 0.5x maximum magnification across the entire 70-200mm zoom range, offering true macro capability in a telephoto zoom. Its internal focus and floating elements design ensure sharp performance at all distances while maintaining a compact, 771g build. It is best for photographers who need a versatile telephoto for both portraiture and close-up product or nature macro work.

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Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II lens
Price CA$2,110

Sony RF Blazar

31.4 Portrait Score
85mm Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its 1.5x anamorphic squeeze and fast T1.8 to T2.8 apertures deliver a classic cinematic look with signature silver flares and oval bokeh. The three-lens set covers a versatile 33mm, 50mm, and 85mm range for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and the 16-blade iris contributes to smooth out-of-focus rendering. This kit is best for independent filmmakers and cinematographers seeking an accessible anamorphic lens set to achieve a distinct, widescreen aesthetic.

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Sony RF Blazar lens
Price CA$3,426

Premium Lenses for portrait

Best Pick

Sony G Master FE 50-150mm f/2

88.6 Portrait Score
50-150mm f/2 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2 constant aperture and 150mm portrait-length reach provide exceptional subject isolation and background compression. The lens features four XD Linear AF motors for rapid, quiet focusing, along with professional switches for aperture control. This lens is best for portrait photographers and event shooters on Sony full-frame cameras who prioritize optical speed and precise handling over portability.

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Sony APSARA LUMIERE APSARA LUMIERE T1.4 Super Speed 4

48.9 Portrait Score
24mm Interchangeable Mount with Included Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its T1.4 maximum aperture and 12-blade iris enable an ultra-shallow depth of field with a painterly, vintage-inspired look characterized by organic rendering and controlled flares. The lens is built for manual cinema use with a 270-degree focus rotation, 0.8 MOD gears, and a soft, low-profile focus mark light for precise operation. This lens is best for cinematographers and filmmakers seeking a specific, characterful optical signature for narrative or commercial projects.

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Sony Blazar

41.8 Portrait Score
25mm Interchangeable Mount with Included Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its 1.33x anamorphic squeeze and consistent T2.0-T3.2 aperture across a six-lens kit deliver a signature cinematic look with oval bokeh and amber flares. The 14-blade iris and 0.8 MOD gearing provide precise, professional-grade focus control and visual character. This set is best for filmmakers building a full-frame anamorphic workflow who prioritize a cohesive aesthetic across multiple focal lengths.

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Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS

41.6 Portrait Score
400-800mm f/6.3 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an exceptionally long 400-800mm zoom range with a constant f/6.3 aperture, offering full-frame coverage in a relatively compact internal zoom design. The lens is built for professional use with dual linear motors for fast autofocus and a focus limiter switch for responsive tracking. It is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need extreme reach without the bulk of traditional super-telephoto primes.

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Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens
Price CA$4,100