Best Lenses under £400 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon EF Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Auto Focus Medium Telephoto High

85.7 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an 85mm f/1.8 design with an STM motor for silent, smooth autofocus and an 11-blade diaphragm for high-quality bokeh. The lens is further distinguished by a micro Type-C port for online firmware upgrades, enhancing its longevity and feature set. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers using Canon EF-mount DSLRs who prioritize smooth focus pulls and creamy background separation.

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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.

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Canon High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Zoom

22.1 Portrait Score
420-1600mm f/8.3 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 420-1600mm focal range, enabled by a built-in 2X teleconverter, delivers exceptional reach for distant subjects, all in a relatively compact 771g package. This makes it a uniquely portable option for ultra-long-distance photography compared to traditional super-telephoto primes. It is best for budget-conscious wildlife photographers or amateur astronomers who need extreme reach without the typical bulk or cost.

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Best Lenses under £800 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon L EF 16-35mm IS USM

56.2 Portrait Score
16-35mm f/4 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4 aperture and built-in Optical Image Stabilizer provide reliable performance for handheld shooting in varied lighting. The lens features a robust L-series build with a fluorine coating for durability and easier cleaning. This lens is best for landscape photographers and videographers who need a sharp, stabilized wide-angle zoom for environmental shots and cinematic b-roll.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon L EF 100mm Macro IS USM

69.9 Portrait Score
100mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 1:1 magnification and built-in Hybrid Image Stabilization make it a top choice for capturing fine details. The inclusion of an Ultra-Low Dispersion element and Super Spectra Coating ensures sharp, color-accurate images with minimal aberrations. This lens is best for photographers specializing in close-up product shots or detailed nature macro work.

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Canon EF 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Standard

66.8 Portrait Score
17-55mm f/2.8 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in optical image stabilization provide excellent low-light performance and sharpness for its EF-S mount. The inclusion of UD and aspherical lens elements ensures high optical quality, rivaling many full-frame zooms. This lens is best for Canon APS-C shooters needing a versatile, bright standard zoom for event photography or run-and-gun video work.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon L EF 35mm II USM

79.6 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.4 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and Blue Spectrum Refractive optics deliver exceptional sharpness and color accuracy, even in challenging light. The robust L-series construction, featuring two aspherical and one UD element, ensures professional-grade optical performance. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who prioritize image quality and low-light capability over portability.

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Canon EF EF 70-200mm IS III USM

68.2 Portrait Score
70-200mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.8 maximum aperture and advanced optics, including one fluorite and five UD elements, deliver exceptional sharpness and color fidelity. The lens is also built with a robust, professional-grade construction and features effective image stabilization for handheld shooting. This lens is best for professional event photographers and videographers who require reliable performance in controlled environments.

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Premium Lenses for portrait

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