Find the best portrait lens in 2026
Essential features for portrait lenses:
- Wide Aperture - f/2.8 or faster for shallow depth of field
- Flattering Focal Length - 50-135mm range ideal
- Beautiful Bokeh - Smooth, creamy background blur
- Sharp at Wide Apertures - Critical for professional results
Best Lenses under £500 for portrait
Sigma Meike 35mm F1.8 Full Frame Wide Angle AF STM Lens
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Meike 25mm f0.95 Manual Focus APS-C Lens for
Why we recommend this ▼
Its ultra-fast f/0.95 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and the ability to create a very shallow depth of field. The lens offers broad compatibility with Micro Four Thirds camera bodies from Panasonic and Olympus, making it a versatile manual option for that ecosystem. This lens is best for portrait and low-light photographers using MFT cameras who prioritize maximum light gathering and artistic bokeh over autofocus convenience.
TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 Lens for Leica L (Black)
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 10-blade diaphragm provide excellent low-light capability and smooth bokeh for a compact 247g lens. The 25.5mm full-frame equivalent focal length makes it a versatile wide-angle prime for everyday use. This lens is best for street photographers and portrait shooters using APS-C L-mount cameras who prioritize a bright, lightweight optic.
Leica AstrHori 6mm F2.8 220° Ultra Wide Circular Fisheye
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 220° circular fisheye field of view and F2.8 aperture enable exaggerated distortion and creative low-light shooting. The lens features a robust full-metal body and an exceptionally close 0.08m focusing distance for unique macro effects. This specialized lens is best for experimental photographers and videographers seeking to create surreal, sci-fi style imagery with extreme perspective distortion.
Best Lenses under £1,000 for portrait
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Leica L
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Laowa Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 2:1 maximum magnification allows for extreme close-up detail capture, supported by two low dispersion elements for sharp, color-accurate macro work. The lens is a dedicated tool for its niche, offering a robust f/2.8 to f/22 aperture range and a 13-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh in a relatively compact 635g build. This lens is best for dedicated macro photographers and product detail specialists who require life-size or greater reproduction ratios without using extension tubes.
Sirui SIRUI Astra 50mm 1.33X Full Frame Auto Focus
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 1.33x constant squeeze and fast T1.8 aperture deliver a professional cinematic look with excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field. The dual flare options provide distinctive visual character, while the autofocus and built-in stabilization support modern filmmaking workflows. This lens is best for independent filmmakers and content creators seeking an authentic anamorphic look without needing extensive post-production.
Best Lenses under £1,500 for portrait
Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens (Leica L)
Best Lenses under £2,500 for portrait
Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art Lens (L-Mount)