Best Portrait Lenses Under £800 in 2026
Meike 85mm F1.4 Full Frame AF STM Stepping Motor
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Viltrox VILTROX 75mm f/1.2 F1.2 Pro Z-Mount Ultra Wide
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.2 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field, supported by a 16-element optical design for sharpness even wide open. The built-in STM motor delivers fast and quiet autofocus, making it suitable for both stills and video work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who need a fast, medium-telephoto prime with reliable autofocus for Nikon Z-mount cameras.
Nikon Nikkor Z 85 mm f/1.8 S Lens for Nikon Z
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.
Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens (Nikon Z)
Why we recommend this ▼
Its updated optical design and VXD linear motor deliver sharp, fast autofocus performance for a full-frame f/2.8 wide-angle zoom. The lens is notably lightweight at 454g, making it a portable option for its class. This lens is best for Nikon Z shooters needing a versatile, fast wide-angle for landscape or architectural photography.