Best Lenses under $500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS

84.7 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.8 Sony (E mount for NEX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture and built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization enable sharp, low-light shooting and smooth handheld video. The lens is remarkably compact at 206g and features a Linear Autofocus motor for quiet, precise focusing. This lens is best for Sony APS-C shooters prioritizing portability for street photography and run-and-gun video work.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Sony FE 35mm f/1.8

79.7 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a compact, lightweight prime lens. This lens is a strong, affordable option for Sony full-frame shooters prioritizing portability. It is best for street photographers and portrait shooters who value a natural 35mm perspective without a heavy kit.

Read Full Review

Sony 50mm f/1.4

72.2 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.4 Sony/Minolta Alpha IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and integrated Super SteadyShot stabilization enable sharp, low-light shooting with minimal blur. The lens is also notably compact and lightweight at just 221 grams, enhancing handling for extended use. This prime lens is best for portrait photographers who prioritize subject isolation and clarity in available-light conditions.

Read Full Review

Sony SEL50F18 Compact ILC Lenses 50mm f/1.8

71.2 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.8 Sony (E mount for NEX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its compact 206g design and built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization make it a highly portable option for handheld shooting. The fast f/1.8 aperture and linear autofocus motor contribute to smooth, quiet focusing ideal for video work. This lens is best for Sony E-mount videographers and street photographers who need a lightweight, stabilized prime lens for run-and-gun situations.

Read Full Review
Sony SEL50F18 Compact ILC Lenses 50mm f/1.8 lens
Price $398
Check Price at Amazon
Also available open box & refurbished:

Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8 Prime

70 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.8 Sony E-Mount IS
Why we recommend this

Its 35mm f/1.8 aperture excels in low light and creates a pleasing background blur, while its internal focus and linear motor ensure quiet, smooth operation for video. Weighing only 155g, it offers exceptional portability and a compact build for a fast prime lens. This lens is best for Sony APS-C shooters prioritizing run-and-gun video work or discreet street photography where silent autofocus is critical.

Read Full Review

Sony SEL2860 Full Frame E-Mount

47 Portrait Score
28-60mm Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its remarkably compact 167g build paired with a full-frame E-mount, delivering high-resolution image quality across its 28-60mm zoom range. The lens achieves sharp results and smooth bokeh using three aspherical elements, while its linear motor provides fast, quiet autofocus ideal for video. This lens is best for travel and everyday photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit without sacrificing full-frame sensor coverage.

Read Full Review

Sony SEL55210 Compact ILC Lenses

37.7 Portrait Score
10mm f/4 Sony (E mount for NEX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a versatile 55-210mm telephoto zoom range, paired with Optical SteadyShot stabilization for handheld shooting. The lens also incorporates ED glass elements to minimize color fringing and offers smooth, quiet internal autofocus. This is best for Sony APS-C mirrorless shooters needing an affordable, lightweight telephoto option for subjects like distant wildlife or sports on a budget.

Read Full Review

Sony SEL20F28 Alpha E-mount 20mm f/2.8 Prime

37.5 Portrait Score
20mm f/2.8
Why we recommend this

Its 20mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture make it a compact, wide-angle prime lens ideal for street photography and environmental portraits. The 30mm equivalent field of view on APS-C cameras offers a versatile perspective without the bulk of many other lenses. This lens is best for Sony APS-C shooters needing a discreet, everyday wide-angle for travel and documentary work.

Read Full Review

Sony SEL057FEC 16mm f/3.5-22 Fisheye Converter

35 Portrait Score
16mm f/3.5 Sony E
Why we recommend this

This fisheye converter transforms compatible 28mm lenses into a 16mm prime with a 180-degree angle of view for full-frame cameras, while transmitting EXIF data. Its built-in petal-type lens hood offers practical flare protection without adding bulk. This accessory is best for architectural or creative photographers looking to experiment with extreme perspective on their existing Sony E-mount lenses.

Read Full Review

Sony DSC-QX DSC-QX100 Smartphone Attachable

28.8 Portrait Score
100mm Other
Why we recommend this

Its 100mm prime lens attaches to a smartphone via NFC/Wi-Fi, enabling DSLR-like image quality through the phone's large LCD. This design offers a unique, modular alternative to a traditional camera by leveraging your existing smartphone. It's best for smartphone photographers seeking significantly improved optical reach and macro capability without carrying a separate dedicated camera body.

Read Full Review

Sony SEL16F28 Compact ILC Lenses 16mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle

11.2 Portrait Score
16mm f/28 Sony (E mount for NEX)
Why we recommend this

Its ultra-compact pancake design makes it just 22mm long, ideal for pairing with mirrorless bodies for a pocketable setup. The fast f/2.8 aperture and 16mm focal length (24mm equivalent) provide a versatile wide-angle perspective. This lens is best for street photographers and travel vloggers who prioritize a minimal, lightweight kit over specialized features like weather sealing.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under $1,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Sony G E 15mm f/1.4

84.3 Portrait Score
15mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 22.5mm full-frame equivalent focal length make it exceptionally fast and wide for an APS-C prime. The lens is remarkably compact at 218g, and its optical design uses Super ED and aspherical elements for high sharpness. This lens is best for street photographers who need a fast, lightweight prime for low-light and environmental shooting.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G

84 Portrait Score
16mm f/1.8 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 maximum aperture and 107° angle of view provide excellent low-light performance for ultra-wide shots like nightscapes and astrophotography. The lens is notably compact and lightweight at 303g, making it highly portable for travel and gimbal use. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers who need a bright, wide prime that is easy to carry.

Read Full Review

Sony E 11mm f/1.8

76.8 Portrait Score
11mm f/1.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 11mm focal length and large f/1.8 aperture enable dynamic, low-light shooting in an exceptionally compact and lightweight design. The lens also delivers fast, precise autofocus that is ideal for capturing spontaneous moments. This prime is best for travel and street photographers using APS-C cameras who prioritize portability and a unique, ultra-wide perspective.

Read Full Review

Sony SEL24F18Z Compact ILC Lenses Carl Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 Wide-Angle

69.5 Portrait Score
24mm f/1.8 Sony (E mount for NEX)
Why we recommend this

Its Carl Zeiss Sonnar optics and large f/1.8 aperture deliver exceptional sharpness and beautiful background blur, even in low light. The compact 224g design and smooth, quiet autofocus make it highly portable and ideal for video work. This lens is best for street photographers and videographers using Sony APS-C cameras who prioritize optical quality and discreet handling in a lightweight package.

Read Full Review

Sony 20mm F1.4 Art DG HSM for E

67.9 Portrait Score
20mm f/1.4 Sony E, Sony FE
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture at a 20mm focal length is a unique combination, offering exceptional light gathering for a wide-angle prime lens. As part of Sigma's Art series, it employs high-grade FLD, SLD, and aspherical glass elements for sharp, corrected image quality. This lens is best for astrophotographers and landscape shooters who require both a wide field of view and very fast aperture performance in low light.

Read Full Review

Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T DT SAL1680Z Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5

49.3 Portrait Score
16-80mm f/3.5 Sony/Minolta Alpha
Why we recommend this

Its 16-80mm focal range, designed for APS-C sensors, provides a versatile 5x zoom equivalent to 24-120mm. The lens incorporates two glass-molded aspherical elements for sharpness and features a solid, wide manual focus ring with an auto-clutch mechanism. This lens is best for photographers seeking a sharp, all-in-one zoom for travel and landscapes on a Sony APS-C DSLR, thanks to its balanced performance from wide to telephoto.

Read Full Review
Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T DT SAL1680Z Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 lens
Price $855

Sony APSARA LUMIERE APSARA LUMIERE T1.4 Super Speed 4

48.9 Portrait Score
24mm Interchangeable Mount with Included Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its T1.4 maximum aperture and 12-blade iris enable an ultra-shallow depth of field with a painterly, vintage-inspired look characterized by organic rendering and controlled flares. The lens is built for manual cinema use with a 270-degree focus rotation, 0.8 MOD gears, and a soft, low-profile focus mark light for precise operation. This lens is best for cinematographers and filmmakers seeking a specific, characterful optical signature for narrative or commercial projects.

Read Full Review

Sony SEL1018 10-18mm Wide-Angle

23.1 Portrait Score
10-18mm
Why we recommend this

Its 10-18mm focal range makes it a versatile, ultra-wide-angle zoom for APS-C cameras. As a certified refurbished unit, it offers reliable performance at a lower cost. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers looking to expand into landscapes or architectural shots.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under $1,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sony G Master FE 50mm f/1.4

91.7 Portrait Score
50mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and G Master design with 14 elements deliver exceptional sharpness and beautiful bokeh, even wide open. The lens is further distinguished by its fast, quiet autofocus system powered by two XD Linear motors and an internal focus design that maintains balance. This lens is best for portrait photographers and hybrid shooters who demand both high-resolution stills and smooth, reliable focus for video work.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Sony FE SEL35F14Z ZEISS Distagon T* 35mm F1.4 ZA Full-frame Wide Angle

85 Portrait Score
35mm f/1.4 Sony E (Full-Frame) Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and Zeiss T* coating deliver exceptional sharpness and contrast for low-light and portrait work. The lens's robust construction and Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF system provide reliable, quiet focusing performance. This lens is best for Sony full-frame photographers prioritizing ultimate image quality in controlled environments like studio portraiture.

Read Full Review

Sony G E 16-55mm f/2.8

67.7 Portrait Score
16-55mm f/2.8 Sony E (APS-C) Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and advanced aspherical elements deliver outstanding corner-to-corner sharpness and suppress aberrations. The lens is further defined by its XD linear motor, which provides fast, precise, and quiet autofocus for both photos and video. This is an ideal primary zoom for Sony APS-C shooters who prioritize optical performance and a bright aperture for everyday photography and controlled-depth-of-field work.

Read Full Review

Biotar 58mm f/1.5 II

63.9 Portrait Score
58mm f/1.5 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.5 maximum aperture and 14-blade diaphragm produce exceptionally smooth bokeh and sharp, characterful images. The manual focus design and substantial 1329g metal build prioritize tactile, deliberate control over speed or portability. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a specific, classic rendering and who value a premium, hands-on shooting experience.

Read Full Review

Sony E Alpha ZV-E10 APS-C Interchangeable

53.9 Portrait Score
11mm f/1.8 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its 11mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture provide a dynamic, wide-angle perspective ideal for vloggers and content creators. The lens is exceptionally compact and lightweight, making it a perfect match for portable Sony APS-C camera bodies. This prime is best for vloggers and creators who need a wide, bright lens for handheld shooting in tight spaces.

Read Full Review

Sony SEL70200G 70-200mm Telephoto

26.4 Portrait Score
70-200mm f/4.0
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4.0 aperture provides reliable performance across its 70-200mm telephoto zoom range, making it a versatile choice. The included lens hood and cap add practical value for photographers on the move. This lens is best for budget-conscious shooters prioritizing general telephoto needs over specialized macro or extreme low-light work.

Read Full Review
Sony SEL70200G 70-200mm Telephoto lens
Price $1,460

Sony SEL16F28 Alpha ZV-E10 APS-C Interchangeable

7.9 Portrait Score
16mm f/28 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its 24.2MP APS-C sensor and BIONZ X processor enable oversampled 4K video from 6K data with full pixel readout, ensuring high detail. A dedicated Product Showcase Setting automatically shifts focus between a presenter's face and a held object, ideal for hands-on tutorials. This camera is best for content creators and vloggers who need reliable, automated focus transitions for product reviews or educational videos.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under $2,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sony G Master FE 85mm f/1.4 II

97.5 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 11-blade circular design enable exceptional low-light performance and smooth bokeh. The lens offers a lightweight yet durable build and remarkably fast, precise autofocus for its class. This lens is best for portrait photographers who require reliable focus tracking and beautiful subject separation in both studio and environmental settings.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

68.3 Portrait Score
1mm f/1 Sony Alpha
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its 200-600mm super-telephoto zoom range and built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, making it ideal for distant subjects. Its G-series designation promises robust build quality and sharp optics, a hallmark of Sony's professional lens lineup. This lens is best for wildlife photographers and sports shooters who need reliable, long-reach performance on Sony E-mount cameras.

Sony RF Blazar

31.4 Portrait Score
85mm Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its 1.5x anamorphic squeeze and fast T1.8 to T2.8 apertures deliver a classic cinematic look with signature silver flares and oval bokeh. The three-lens set covers a versatile 33mm, 50mm, and 85mm range for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and the 16-blade iris contributes to smooth out-of-focus rendering. This kit is best for independent filmmakers and cinematographers seeking an accessible anamorphic lens set to achieve a distinct, widescreen aesthetic.

Read Full Review

Premium Lenses for portrait

Best Pick

Sony G Master FE 50-150mm f/2

88.6 Portrait Score
50-150mm f/2 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2 constant aperture and 150mm portrait-length reach provide exceptional subject isolation and background compression. The lens features four XD Linear AF motors for rapid, quiet focusing, along with professional switches for aperture control. This lens is best for portrait photographers and event shooters on Sony full-frame cameras who prioritize optical speed and precise handling over portability.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Sony FE

45.4 Portrait Score
28-135mm f/4 Sony E (Full Frame) IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4 aperture and built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) provide consistent exposure and sharp stabilization, which is essential for handheld video work. The lens's smooth, quiet power zoom mechanism is a key differentiator for professional filmmakers needing precise focal length changes during recording. This lens is best for videographers using Sony E-mount cameras who require a versatile, cinema-focused zoom for documentary or event filming.

Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro

43.1 Portrait Score
100mm f/2.8 Sony/Minolta Alpha IS
Why we recommend this

Its 100mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture provide excellent working distance and subject isolation for true 1:1 macro photography. The built-in stabilization and focus range limiter are practical features that significantly improve handheld shooting and autofocus speed in the field. This lens is best for photographers specializing in detailed insect, botanical, or product macro work where high contrast and resolution are critical.

Read Full Review

Sony G

40.3 Portrait Score
18-110mm f/4 Sony E (APS-C) IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4 aperture and internal power zoom mechanism provide reliable exposure and smooth focal length changes ideal for video work. The lens incorporates Sony's SMO technology and internal focus to minimize focus breathing and optical shift, which is critical for professional cinematography. This lens is best for filmmakers using Sony APS-C cameras who require a versatile, parfocal zoom for documentary or event videography.