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.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

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.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under €900 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 23mm f/1.4 DC DN

85.9 Portrait Score
23mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and fast internal focus system deliver excellent low-light performance and sharpness for a 35mm full-frame equivalent field of view. The compact 340g build and 52mm filter thread make it a portable, everyday prime for APS-C Sony cameras. This lens is best for portrait photographers and content creators needing a bright, versatile normal lens in a lightweight package.

Read Full Review

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.

Read Full Review

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.

Read Full Review

Premium Lenses for portrait

No lenses found for this category.