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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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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Best Lenses under $1,000 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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Price $910
Check Price at Newegg
Also available open box & refurbished:
Sigma Art 85mm f/1.4 DG DN lens

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Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A1

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

Its f/1.4 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field, supported by a complex 13-element optical design. The lens scores highest for portrait photography, achieving a 77.1/100 rating in that category. This prime lens is best for portrait photographers and professionals who prioritize sharpness and bokeh quality in a versatile 35mm focal length.

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Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A1 lens
Price $810

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 $1,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM

63 Portrait Score
24mm f/1.4
Why we recommend this

Its 24mm f/1.4 aperture excels in low-light and provides a wide field of view ideal for environmental portraits. It scores highest for portrait photography, indicating strong optical performance for that specific use. This lens is best for Canon EF-mount photographers specializing in portrait and available-light work who prioritize a fast, wide prime.

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Sigma Contemporary

36.8 Portrait Score
150-600mm f/5 Sigma SA
Why we recommend this

Its 150-600mm zoom range and built-in Optical Stabilizer provide extensive reach for handheld wildlife and action photography. The inclusion of FLD and SLD glass elements controls aberrations for sharp images, while the HSM ensures quiet, fast autofocus. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers needing a versatile super-telephoto for birds or sports.

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 $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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Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS

70.8 Portrait Score
200mm f/2.8 L-Mount IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and high-response linear actuator AF system deliver fast, reliable performance for capturing action and portraits. The lens is built as a robust, dedicated sports optic with an Optical Stabilizer featuring an OS2 algorithm for handheld shooting. This lens is best for sports and wildlife photographers who need a fast, telephoto zoom for Sony E-mount or L-Mount cameras.

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

51.6 Portrait Score
70-200mm f/2.8 Sony/Minolta Alpha IS
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in 4-stop image stabilization, making it a versatile tool for low-light shooting. Its ring-type ultrasonic AF motor provides fast, quiet autofocus, which is a significant advantage for event and wedding photographers. This lens is best for photographers needing a reliable, stabilized telephoto zoom for portraits and sports, especially those on a budget compared to first-party options.

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Premium Lenses for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Sports 200mm f/2 DG OS

77.9 Portrait Score
200mm f/2 Sony E IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2 maximum aperture and 6.5-stop optical stabilization allow for exceptional low-light performance and handheld shooting with a 200mm focal length. The HLA-driven autofocus motor provides notably fast and quiet focusing, which is a significant advantage for video work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who require a fast, stabilized medium telephoto prime for controlled environments, given its substantial 1814g weight.

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Sigma AF Cine 28-105mm T3 FF Cine

46.7 Portrait Score
105mm L-Mount
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a constant T3 aperture across its 28-105mm zoom range, paired with a 12-blade iris for exceptionally smooth bokeh. This lens uniquely combines cine-style focus marks and a manual/autofocus switch with the convenience of native autofocus for L-mount cameras. It is best for solo filmmakers and documentarians who need a versatile, all-in-one zoom for run-and-gun shooting with a cinematic look.

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Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM

39.2 Portrait Score
150-600mm f/5 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its 150-600mm zoom range and built-in optical stabilization, offering significant reach in a relatively lightweight and compact body. Its water and oil repellent coating on the front element makes for easier maintenance in the field. It is best for wildlife photographers and outdoor sports shooters who need a portable super-telephoto option.

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Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens
Price $2,800

Sigma 28-105mm T3 FF Cine

34.3 Portrait Score
105mm Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its T3 constant aperture and 12-blade iris deliver consistent exposure and soft bokeh across its 28-105mm zoom range, ideal for run-and-gun cinematography. The inclusion of a selectable autofocus/manual switch provides a unique hybrid workflow, blending the speed of AF with the precision of manual cine control. This lens is best for independent filmmakers and documentary shooters who need a versatile, all-in-one zoom for Sony full-frame cameras.

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