Best Lenses under €500 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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Great Alternatives

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

Nikon Meike 35mm F1.8 Pro Wide Angle Auto Focus STM Full Frame High Resolution

81.1 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.8 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture and STM motor provide fast, quiet autofocus for both stills and video, supported by a robust optical design with three ED elements. The lens offers a versatile 35mm focal length, ideal for street photography and environmental portraits, with a Type-C port for convenient firmware updates. This lens is best for Nikon Z-mount shooters needing a capable, affordable prime for everyday photography and run-and-gun video work.

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Best Lenses under €900 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S

46.2 Portrait Score
24-70mm f/4 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4 aperture and new optical formula deliver extreme sharpness with virtually no distortion across the entire zoom range. This versatile 24-70mm zoom is a compact and lightweight kit lens option for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. It's best for budget-conscious photographers and travelers seeking a high-quality, all-purpose walkaround lens for general photography.

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Best Lenses under €1,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

85.7 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture enables exceptional subject isolation and low-light performance for portraiture. The lens features Nano Crystal and Super Integrated coatings to effectively suppress flare and ghosting. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking classic compression and a very shallow depth of field.

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Best Lenses under €2,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Optical Zoom

71.8 Portrait Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and multi-focusing system deliver sharp, aberration-free images across its 24-70mm zoom range. The lens is also built with robust weather sealing and specialized coatings that effectively suppress flare and ghosting. This lens is best for event and wedding photographers who need reliable, high-quality performance in varied lighting conditions.

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Premium Lenses for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR

39.2 Portrait Score
500mm f/5.6 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its Phase Fresnel element and three ED glass elements deliver sharp 500mm reach in a remarkably lightweight 1.46kg package for a super-telephoto lens. The f/5.6 maximum aperture and built-in VR stabilization make it a practical handheld option for wildlife and action photography. This lens is best for birders and sports photographers who require long focal lengths but prioritize portability over maximum light gathering.

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