Best Portrait Lenses Under £400 in 2026
Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Laowa Venus Optics Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO Lens
Why we recommend this ▼
Its exceptionally fast f/0.95 aperture and APO (Achromatic) design promise excellent sharpness and bokeh, aided by specialized ED and aspherical elements. The lens is a manual-focus specialist built for Nikon Z-mount APS-C cameras, offering a classic 50mm equivalent field of view. This lens is best for portrait photographers and filmmakers who prioritize ultimate control over depth of field and optical character over autofocus convenience.
Viltrox VILTROX 56mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Nikon Z Mount,
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 56mm f/1.7 aperture offers a classic 85mm-equivalent portrait focal length, delivering sharp images with smooth, pleasing bokeh from its nine-blade design. The lens is remarkably lightweight at 171g and features a silent STM motor for reliable eye and face autofocus. This lens is best for portrait photographers and content creators who need a compact, fast prime for Nikon Z cameras, particularly for low-light shooting and video work.
TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 Manual Focus Lens for Nikon Z
Why we recommend this ▼
With its bright f/1.4 aperture and 12-blade diaphragm, this lens is designed to produce a smooth, pleasing bokeh ideal for portraits. Its optical construction, featuring one ED and one aspherical element, helps control aberrations for sharp results. This manual focus prime is best for portrait photographers and filmmakers who prioritize creative control and image character over autofocus speed.
