Best Portrait Lenses Under CA$700 in 2026
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/0.95 maximum aperture delivers exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds lens. The manual focus design and solid metal construction provide a tactile, deliberate shooting experience. This lens is best for portrait and studio photographers seeking a unique, character-rich look on their MFT cameras.
Panasonic Meike 35mm f0.95 Large Aperture Manual Focus APS-C
Why we recommend this ▼
Its exceptionally fast f/0.95 aperture enables extreme background blur and low-light shooting on Micro Four Thirds cameras. The lens is also broadly compatible with a wide range of Panasonic and Olympus bodies, offering a manual alternative to native autofocus options. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers on a budget who prioritize shallow depth of field and don't mind manual focusing.
Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/0.95 maximum aperture provides an ultra-fast, wide-angle 36mm full-frame equivalent field of view for exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field. The manual focus design and robust build quality prioritize precise control for photographers who value a tactile shooting experience. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers using Micro Four Thirds systems who prioritize creative bokeh and low-light capability over autofocus convenience.
Brightin Star 50mm F0.95 f/0.95 APS-C Mirrorless Camera
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/0.95 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light capability and a very shallow depth of field for dramatic portraits. The lens features a solid, all-metal construction with a one-piece retractable lens hood for flare control. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers on Micro Four Thirds systems who prioritize extreme bokeh and low-light performance over portability.
TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4
Why we recommend this ▼
Its fast f/1.4 aperture and compact 247g metal build make it a standout for its price, offering excellent low-light capability and a solid feel. The lens provides a versatile 34mm equivalent focal length and a smooth 10-blade diaphragm for pleasing bokeh, though it lacks autofocus and weather sealing. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters seeking a manual, affordable prime for environmental portraits and street photography where its character and speed are assets.
Panasonic LUMIX G G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH.
Why we recommend this ▼
With its fast f/1.7 maximum aperture and 50mm-equivalent focal length, this lens excels at creating sharp portraits with smooth background blur. Its inclusion of two aspherical elements helps control optical aberrations for strong image quality at a very accessible price point. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers seeking an affordable, lightweight prime for everyday shooting and portraiture.
7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 Mark II
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.2 maximum aperture provides exceptional light gathering and shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds lens. The compact 218g build and manual aperture ring offer a tactile, portable shooting experience. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers prioritizing portability and creative bokeh in portrait or low-light street photography.
AstrHori 50mm F1.4 Large Aperture Full Frame Manual 2-in-1 Tilt Portrait
Why we recommend this ▼
Its tilt-shift mechanism allows photographers to manipulate the focal plane and create miniature-scale effects, while its f/1.4 aperture provides strong background blur for portraits. The all-metal build and included filter slot contribute to a durable, versatile manual-focus experience. This lens is best for photographers and hobbyists specifically interested in learning tilt-shift techniques or experimenting with creative, selective-focus imagery.
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 II
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 25mm focal length offers a versatile 50mm full-frame equivalent, ideal for street photography and general use. The fast f/1.8 aperture provides solid low-light performance and subject separation at a lightweight 156g. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters needing a compact, everyday prime for stills and video.
Yongnuo YN25mm F1.7M Auto Focus Standard
Why we recommend this ▼
Its fast f/1.7 aperture and built-in image stabilization make it a capable low-light performer for Micro Four Thirds systems. The lens is distinguished by its compact 150g weight and a high-precision STM motor for quiet, fast autofocus. This prime is best for Micro Four Thirds videographers and street photographers who prioritize a lightweight, stabilized setup for handheld shooting.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2
Why we recommend this ▼
Its fast f/2.0 aperture and compact 12mm focal length make it a sharp, versatile prime lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The inclusion of two aspherical elements helps control optical aberrations, contributing to its strong performance for portraits. This lens is best suited for Micro Four Thirds photographers seeking a high-quality, wide-angle prime for environmental portraits and street photography.
Bower 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS
Why we recommend this ▼
Its fast f/2.0 maximum aperture and 32mm equivalent focal length make it a versatile prime for low-light and general-purpose photography on Four Thirds cameras. The lens is notably heavy at 581g, which provides a solid, premium feel but impacts portability. This lens is best for photographers who prioritize a bright, standard-angle prime for everyday use and occasional close-up work, given its strong macro score.
Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 2:1 maximum magnification and 8-inch minimum focusing distance allow for extreme close-up work beyond typical macro lenses. The 90mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture also make it a capable portrait lens, offering a versatile dual-purpose design. This lens is best for photographers specializing in extreme macro photography who also want a single lens for detailed portraiture.
7Artisans Fujinon GF 6mm F2.0 APS-C Fisheye Ultra Wide Angle 220° Manual Focus Prime
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is an exceptionally wide 220° field of view, paired with a bright f/2.0 aperture for low-light and astrophotography. The lens is built from durable full-metal construction and offers a very close 0.1m minimum focus distance for exaggerated, creative close-ups. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters specializing in experimental astrophotography, immersive vlogging, or capturing dramatic, distorted perspectives in tight spaces.
Laowa Zero-D 6mm f/2
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 6mm focal length and f/2 aperture provide an exceptionally wide 121.9-degree field of view with strong low-light performance in a remarkably compact 187g package. The Zero-D design ensures minimal distortion for true-to-life architectural and landscape shots, while its 9cm minimum focus distance enables creative close-ups. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters and FPV drone pilots who need an ultra-wide, lightweight prime for dynamic environmental and adventure photography.