Best Lenses under €500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 16mm F/1.4 DC DN

89.4 Portrait Score
16mm f/1.4 Canon EF-M
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a wide-angle lens. Designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras, it offers a versatile 24mm equivalent focal length in a compact form. This lens is best for portrait photographers and content creators who need a bright, wide prime for environmental shots and indoor work.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical

82.4 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.4 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its 85mm focal length and f/1.4 maximum aperture provide excellent subject separation and low-light performance for portrait work. The lens is a budget-friendly alternative to first-party options, offering full-frame coverage and a solid metal build quality. This manual-focus lens is best for photographers on a budget who specialize in controlled studio or outdoor portrait sessions.

Read Full Review

IRIX EF 45mm f/1.4

81.1 Portrait Score
45mm f/1.4 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its manual focus design with a focus lock and a bright f/1.4 aperture provides precise control for creative portraiture. The optical construction, featuring aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements, prioritizes sharpness and aberration correction. This lens is best for studio portrait photographers who value deliberate, manual operation over autofocus speed.

Read Full Review

Brightin Star 35mm F0.95 Manual Focus Prime

74.2 Portrait Score
35mm f/0.95 Canon EOS-M
Why we recommend this

Its standout f/0.95 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for isolating subjects. The all-metal construction and 35mm focal length make it a versatile, durable choice for street and environmental portrait photographers. This lens is best for photographers using Canon EOS-M cameras who prioritize manual control for creative portraiture and low-light shooting over autofocus convenience.

Read Full Review

Sigma Art 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM

84.6 Portrait Score
24mm f/1.4 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and robust HSM autofocus system enable excellent low-light performance and sharpness. The lens's 24mm wide-angle focal length is particularly well-suited for environmental portraits and cinematic video work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who need a fast, wide prime for creative shallow depth-of-field shots.

Read Full Review

Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS

66.6 Portrait Score
16mm f/2 Canon EF-S
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.0 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light capability and shallow depth of field for a 16mm prime lens. The lens offers a 25.6mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras, making it a versatile wide-angle option. This lens is best for photographers seeking an affordable, fast prime for landscape or architectural work on Canon APS-C bodies.

Read Full Review

Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro

62.8 Portrait Score
60mm f/2.8 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its standout 2:1 magnification ratio and f/2.8 aperture enable extreme close-ups with excellent low-light capability. The robust build and 14-blade diaphragm contribute to precise manual control and smooth bokeh quality. This lens is best for dedicated macro photographers who need high magnification for subjects like insects or jewelry and are comfortable with manual focus.

Read Full Review

Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8

62 Portrait Score
14mm f/2.8 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a 14mm prime lens. The autofocus system is a key upgrade, offering convenience over the brand's traditional manual-focus offerings. This lens is best for landscape and astrophotography shooters who need a fast, ultra-wide angle on a budget.

Read Full Review

Sony Lightdow 55MM 0.43x High-Definition Wide Angle + Macro

42.8 Portrait Score
Canon EF-M, Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its 0.43x wide-angle conversion and built-in stabilization let you dramatically expand the field of view of your existing lens. The screw-on filter thread mount offers a uniquely versatile and affordable way to adapt multiple camera systems without needing a dedicated native lens. This accessory is best for wildlife and sports photographers needing a lightweight, adaptable solution to capture wider scenes from a fixed position.

Read Full Review

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.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under €900 for portrait

Best Pick

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 EF

83.7 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.4 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and inclusion of a hybrid aspherical element enable excellent subject isolation and sharpness for portrait work. The lens offers a compelling value for a fast 85mm prime with full-frame coverage on the Canon EF mount. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers seeking a classic focal length with a very shallow depth of field.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM

83.1 Portrait Score
18-35mm f/1.8 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/1.8 aperture across the 18-35mm zoom range provides exceptional low-light performance and background blur for a zoom lens. The robust Art-series build quality and sharp optics make it a reliable tool for demanding shoots. This lens is best for Canon DSLR photographers and videographers who need a versatile, fast prime-like zoom for portraits, events, or cinematic work.

Read Full Review

Lensbaby EF Velvet 56mm f/1.6

72.1 Portrait Score
56mm f/1.6 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its standout f/1.6 aperture and unique singlet-doublet-singlet optical design produce a signature soft, glowing effect at wide apertures. The 56mm focal length and 1:2 magnification offer versatility for both portraiture and close-up work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and creative artists seeking a distinct, ethereal look that standard optics cannot replicate.

Read Full Review

Canon EF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

58.3 Portrait Score
18-135mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

This lens offers a versatile 18-135mm zoom range, equivalent to 28.8-216mm on APS-C cameras, making it a practical all-in-one option for travel and general photography. Its inclusion of a UD and an aspherical element helps control aberrations for improved image quality across its focal range. It is best for Canon APS-C camera owners seeking a single, lightweight walk-around lens for everyday shooting and travel.

Read Full Review

Canon L 8806A002 EF 17-40mm USM Ultra-Wide

44.1 Portrait Score
17-40mm f/4 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4 aperture and inclusion of a Super UD and three aspherical elements deliver sharp, controlled images across its ultra-wide to standard zoom range. This L-series lens provides robust build quality and reliable autofocus at a notably accessible price point for its class. It is best for Canon full-frame photographers seeking a durable, versatile wide-angle zoom for landscape and architectural work without requiring image stabilization.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under €1,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon L EF 24mm II USM

77.5 Portrait Score
24mm f/1.4 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and inclusion of two aspherical and two UD elements deliver exceptional sharpness and control over spherical aberrations. The Sub Wavelength Coating effectively minimizes ghosting and flare for high-contrast images even in challenging light. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who require a fast, wide-angle prime with superb optical quality for environmental shots.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Zeiss Planar Classic ZE T* 50mm f/1.4 Standard Camera

75.7 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.4 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and nine-blade diaphragm produce exceptionally smooth, circular bokeh ideal for subject separation. The lens is distinguished by its precise manual focus ring and ZEISS T* coating for superior flare control and brilliance. This is a top choice for portrait photographers and cinematographers prioritizing beautiful out-of-focus rendering and tactile manual operation.

Read Full Review

Sigma Art 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM

69 Portrait Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and robust build quality, featuring three SLD and four aspherical elements, deliver sharp, aberration-free images. The inclusion of optical stabilization makes it a versatile choice for handheld shooting in varied lighting. This lens is best for full-frame Canon photographers who need a reliable, high-performance standard zoom for professional portraits and event work.

Read Full Review

IRIX EF 15mm f/2.4 Firefly

68.6 Portrait Score
15mm f/2.4 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its 15mm focal length and bright f/2.4 aperture provide an ultra-wide perspective with good low-light capability for a full-frame Canon EF system. The optical design incorporates two aspherical and five special glass elements to control distortion and aberrations. This lens is best for architectural and interior photographers needing a sharp, rectilinear wide-angle prime.

Read Full Review

Lensbaby EF Velvet 28mm f/2.5

66.8 Portrait Score
28mm f/2.5 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a soft, glowing effect at wide apertures like f/2.5, enabled by its 8-element optics and 12-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. It also offers true 1:2 macro capability with a very short 2-inch working distance, making it unusually versatile for a specialty lens. This lens is best for photographers seeking a distinct, ethereal look in fine-art portraiture and creative close-up work.

Read Full Review

Samyang XP 10mm f/3.5

42.7 Portrait Score
10mm f/3.5 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its 10mm focal length and f/3.5 aperture provide an exceptionally wide field of view for full-frame Canon EF cameras, supported by specialized aspherical and ED elements to control distortion. The lens's robust 731g build and Ultra Multi-Coating ensure durable performance with reduced flare, though it lacks image stabilization. This lens is best for real estate and architectural photographers needing maximum width in a single shot on a budget.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under €2,500 for portrait

No lenses found Under €2,500 for this category.

Premium Lenses for portrait

No lenses found for this category.