Best Lenses under £400 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Macro

82.4 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.8 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout 0.5x macro magnification and 5-stop optical image stabilization make it a versatile prime lens for a 35mm focal length. The inclusion of a control ring and compact 306g design adds direct manual control and excellent portability. This lens is best for photographers who need a lightweight, stabilized option for close-up product or nature photography, not for dedicated portrait work.

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Best Lenses under £800 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM

84.6 Portrait Score
24mm f/1.8 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a fast f/1.8 aperture, providing excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a wide-angle prime lens. As an affordable entry into the RF system, it offers great value for expanding a mirrorless kit without sacrificing key optical performance. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers and videographers who need a versatile wide-angle for landscapes, street photography, and low-light scenarios.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for portrait

No lenses found Under £1,000 for this category.

Best Lenses under £2,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Canon RF VCM

91.1 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.4 Canon RF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and VCM autofocus system provide exceptionally fast, quiet operation ideal for video capture. The lens also features a dedicated iris ring for manual control and an Air Sphere Coating to reduce flare. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and videographers who need a fast, versatile prime with professional-grade control and minimal focus breathing.

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Great Alternatives

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

Canon L VCM

89.5 Portrait Score
24mm f/1.4 Canon RF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and advanced optics, including a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) and Nano USM system, enable exceptionally fast and quiet autofocus performance. The lens's bright aperture and 24mm focal length make it a versatile prime for both environmental portraits and low-light work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and event shooters who require reliable, high-speed focusing in challenging lighting conditions.

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Premium Lenses for portrait

Best Pick

Canon L RF 50mm USM

77.7 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.2 Canon RF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout f/1.2 maximum aperture delivers exceptional low-light performance and remarkable background blur for subject isolation. The lens incorporates high-quality aspherical and UD elements alongside a specialized Air Sphere Coating to minimize distortion, flare, and ghosting for clean images. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking ultimate sharpness and beautiful bokeh from a standard prime lens.

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