Best Pick

Canon L VCM

96.4 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.4 Canon RF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 85mm f/1.4 aperture and Voice Coil Motor AF system deliver exceptionally fast, quiet autofocus ideal for capturing fleeting moments. The lens features a de-clickable manual aperture ring for precise, silent control during video work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and hybrid shooters who prioritize speed and smooth manual operation in a dedicated portrait-length prime.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO

92.5 Portrait Score
25mm f/1.2 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds lens. The internal focusing design and manual focus clutch offer precise control for professional workflows. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers who prioritize a fast, classic 50mm-equivalent focal length.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO lens
Price CA$1,799

Panasonic G LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm / F1.2

92.4 Portrait Score
43mm f/1.2 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture excels in low-light portrait situations, allowing for excellent subject isolation. The lens's advanced nano surface coating effectively reduces ghosting and flare for cleaner images. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a fast prime with exceptional rendering and bokeh quality.

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

Canon RF VCM

91.1 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.4 Canon RF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and VCM autofocus system provide exceptionally fast, quiet operation ideal for video capture. The lens also features a dedicated iris ring for manual control and an Air Sphere Coating to reduce flare. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and videographers who need a fast, versatile prime with professional-grade control and minimal focus breathing.

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Canon RF VCM lens
Price CA$1,999

Sigma Art 50mm f/1.2 DG DN

90.1 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.2 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its standout f/1.2 maximum aperture enables exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for portraiture. The lens also features a high-response linear autofocus motor and four aspherical elements for fast, accurate focusing and sharp image quality. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize creamy bokeh and excellent subject isolation in their work.

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Sigma Art 50mm f/1.2 DG DN lens
Price CA$1,969

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

Sirui Sniper Autofocus

81.8 Portrait Score
23mm f/1.2 E Mount IS
Why we recommend this

This set offers a uniquely affordable trio of f/1.2 autofocus primes, providing exceptional low-light capability and shallow depth of field for Sony E-mount cameras. Its swift STM autofocus with eye-tracking and a lightweight yet sturdy aluminum body make it highly practical for handheld shooting. These lenses are best for portrait photographers and indie filmmakers who need cinematic bokeh and consistent color rendering across focal lengths without a high-end budget.

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KIPON Ibelux Ibelux 40mm f/0.85 Mark III

80.7 Portrait Score
40mm f/0.85 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its

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Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE

80.1 Portrait Score
16mm f/1.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a fast f/1.8 aperture on an ultra-wide 16mm prime, enabling sharp astrophotography and creative shallow depth-of-field effects. The lens offers a robust build quality and a quiet STM autofocus motor that is well-suited for video work. This lens is best for Sony shooters specializing in landscape, architecture, or night-sky photography who need a bright, wide-angle lens.

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Meike Zero-D 85mm f/1.8 Full Frame AF

80 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.8 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

This lens offers a specialized +/- 11mm of shift and 360° rotation for perspective control, paired with a 15mm focal length for full-frame cameras. Its build includes two aspherical elements for sharpness and a 14-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. It is best for architectural and real estate photographers needing to correct converging lines without digital post-processing.

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Meike Zero-D 85mm f/1.8 Full Frame AF lens
Price CA$1,646

Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.0 Aspherical

79 Portrait Score
50mm f/1 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.0 maximum aperture offers exceptional light-gathering capability and a uniquely shallow depth of field for a full-frame lens. The manual focus design and compact, retro styling provide a distinct, tactile shooting experience. This lens is best for portrait photographers and cinematographers who prioritize creative bokeh and low-light performance over autofocus convenience.

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Tamron Di III 35-150mm f/2-2.8 VXD

76.6 Portrait Score
35-150mm f/2 Sony E
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its exceptionally fast f/2-2.8 variable aperture across its 35-150mm zoom range, providing consistent shallow depth-of-field and low-light performance. Its VXD linear motor focus mechanism ensures quick, quiet autofocus, which is a key asset for dynamic shooting. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who need a versatile, fast-aperture zoom to work in changing light without switching lenses.

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Tamron Di III 35-150mm f/2-2.8 VXD lens
Price CA$1,999

Rokinon AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 AF

75.5 Portrait Score
35-150mm f/2 L-Mount Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an exceptionally fast f/2.0-2.8 aperture across its 35-150mm zoom range, paired with robust weather sealing across 11 points for reliability in tough conditions. The lens offers extensive customization with programmable buttons and switches, making it highly adaptable for different shooting scenarios. This lens is best for hybrid creators and event photographers who need a single, versatile lens for both photo and video work in variable environments.

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