Best Lenses under €500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN

90.7 Portrait Score
16mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its large f/1.4 aperture delivers superb low-light performance and a shallow depth of field, while its compact 404g build makes it highly portable for a lens of this speed. It fully accommodates Sony's Fast Hybrid AF system, ensuring reliable autofocus for both stills and video. This lens is best for Sony E-mount shooters needing a fast, wide prime for environmental portraits or handheld vlogging in challenging light.

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Great Alternatives

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Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 DG DN

87.7 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and complex optical formula with SLD, FLD, and aspherical elements deliver exceptional sharpness and bokeh. The robust build and premium coatings provide reliable performance for demanding use. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize optical quality over portability for their Sony full-frame cameras.

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Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM

75.1 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.4 Nikon F (FX)
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for portraiture. The ring-type ultrasonic AF motor offers fast, quiet autofocus with the convenience of full-time manual override. This lens is best for Nikon DSLR shooters seeking a classic portrait focal length with professional-grade optics on a budget.

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Sigma APO EX DG HSM OS FLD 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom

50.9 Portrait Score
70-200mm f/2.8 Sigma SA Bayonet IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 4-stop image stabilization provide excellent low-light performance and sharp handheld shots. The ring-type ultrasonic AF motor offers fast, quiet autofocus with full-time manual override, a valuable feature for still photographers. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers needing a versatile telephoto for portraits or indoor sports, where its weight makes it less ideal for extended travel.

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Best Lenses under €900 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN

89.6 Portrait Score
16mm f/1.4 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 24mm full-frame equivalent focal length deliver excellent low-light performance and a versatile wide-angle perspective for APS-C Nikon Z cameras. The lens features a stepping motor for quiet, smooth autofocus, making it well-suited for both stills and video capture. This lens is best for portrait photographers and content creators on APS-C platforms who need a bright, fast prime for environmental portraits and vlogging.

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Great Alternatives

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Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN for L-Mount

47.4 Portrait Score
f/2.8 leica_l
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and lightweight 470g body make it a versatile, portable standard zoom for L-Mount cameras. The lens is distinguished by its superb build quality, internal focusing, and a focus mode switch for reliable handling. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers who prioritize a compact, fast-aperture zoom for everyday shooting.

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Sigma Sports 150-600mm 5-6.3 DG OS HSM

31.9 Portrait Score
150-600mm Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 150-600mm super-telephoto zoom range and built-in optical stabilization make it a capable tool for distant subjects. The inclusion of four FLD glass elements helps control chromatic aberration for improved image clarity. This lens is best for wildlife or sports photographers on a budget who need significant reach without the cost of first-party options.

Best Lenses under €1,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Art 85mm f/1.4 DG DN

90.3 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture delivers exceptional background blur and low-light performance, ideal for isolating subjects. The lens is built with a complex 15-element optical formula designed to minimize aberrations and produce sharp, high-contrast images. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize creamy bokeh and optical clarity over portability or weather sealing.

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Great Alternatives

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

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM

66.8 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.4 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and molded glass aspherical element deliver sharp images with high contrast while effectively correcting coma aberration for superior peripheral brightness. The super multi-layer lens coating also minimizes flare and ghosting, enhancing image purity. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a classic 50mm focal length with excellent sharpness and bokeh at a relatively affordable price point.

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Best Lenses under €2,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Art 135mm f/1.4 DG

94.3 Portrait Score
135mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its 135mm f/1.4 aperture and 13-blade rounded diaphragm deliver exceptional background separation and smooth bokeh for professional portraiture. The HLA-driven autofocus motor provides fast and quiet focusing performance, making it suitable for both photo and video work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize ultimate subject isolation and optical quality in a studio or controlled environment.

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Premium Lenses for portrait

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