Best Lenses under £400 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2

75.1 Portrait Score
40mm f/2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its compact 170g build and bright f/2 aperture make it a highly portable prime lens for Nikon Z full-frame cameras. The inclusion of two aspherical elements and a Super Integrated Coating contributes to sharp image quality with reduced flare. This lens is best for photographers seeking a lightweight, affordable walk-around or portrait lens for everyday use.

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Best Lenses under £800 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S

89.7 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.8 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 85mm f/1.8 prime design delivers excellent sharpness and beautiful background blur for portrait work. The lens is also well-regarded for its solid build quality and optical performance within its price segment. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a dedicated, high-quality prime lens for Nikon Z-mount cameras.

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Great Alternatives

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

Nikon Meike 24mm F1.4 AF Ultra Wide Angle Large Aperture Auto Focus STM Full Frame

79 Portrait Score
24mm f/1.4 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and STM motor provide a bright, fast, and quiet focusing experience ideal for low-light and video work. The optical design, featuring three ED and three aspherical elements, promises high sharpness and controlled aberrations for its class. This lens is best for Nikon Z shooters prioritizing astrophotography or environmental portraits where a wide, bright prime is essential.

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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

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 Z 35mm f/1.2 S

91.3 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture delivers exceptionally shallow depth of field, creating a distinct separation between subject and background. The lens is engineered for exquisite bokeh quality, producing smooth, pleasing out-of-focus areas that enhance image depth. This prime lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a classic 35mm focal length with premium rendering and beautiful background blur.

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