9+ Best Lense For Portrait | Unrivaled Guide & Products Overview 2024

So in a nutshell what focal length should we go looking for on our lenses? My advice is to absolutely not go below 50mm, indeed to be precise, a telephoto lens between 50mm and 200mm is perfect for close-ups and busts.

When it comes to photographic equipment, good lenses are one of the best things you can spend your money on. An entry-level camera with a high-quality lens can take stunning photos, but the reverse isn't necessarily true. In other words, you get a lot more when you invest in a good lens than in a good body.

Very small focal lengths

I took very interesting portraits with a fisheye, taking care to keep the camera perfectly parallel to the ground and positioning the subject in the center, where the distortion introduced by the lens is minimal, but certainly, these are portraits, let's say, rather particular and not at all. canons.

Which aperture to choose?

Logically it is always better to have a bright lens. But what does it mean? The maximum aperture , so that it is also able to blur the background when needed to give greater depth to the photo. This effect when amplified is called the Bokeh effect .

But let's start looking at which are the best portrait lenses.

Best lens for portrait photography Wide angles

With a modest wide-angle, let's say a 24mm, we can take very dynamic and not at all trivial portraits - for example very suitable for some secondary shots in a wedding album.
If we choose to use a wide-angle, between 12mm and 35mm, remember that these lenses, the more their focal length is reduced and the more they introduce perspective distortions, which increase if we tilt the camera, shooting from above or below.
Let us also remember that, with a wide-angle, we are forced to shoot rather close to our subject, but if we get too close, we run the risk of making the subject's face more like a caricature and his body very close to a puppet, if Taken from above, the subject's head could be enormous compared to the body, while shooting from below, we would obtain the tragic “matchstick effect”, long and elusive legs and an insignificant head.
But if used judiciously, for example by composing carefully, wide angles can give us very dynamic and not at all obvious portraits.
Let us also remember that with a wide-angle the concept of "shallow depth of field" practically does not exist, so we compose our shot considering that all the elements will be in focus.

“Normal” objectives

Normals usually mean focal lengths around 50mm.
A 50mm still offers a fair chance to include a bit of environment and contemporary free from perspective distortions, typical of shorter focal lengths.
Personally, this focal length does not intrigue me, although it allows you to take a portrait with a certain simplicity. Let me explain: the 50mm, for my taste, does not offer a sufficiently shallow depth of field, but neither does it offer a shooting angle that includes enough environment. So, usually, I opt for a more radical choice, either I go down, and I use a wide-angle, or I go up, and fish between a moderate canvas or a real canvas,
However, this does not mean that 50mm are not suitable for our purposes, on the contrary, they are often the most valid solution, because perhaps the scene does not offer many possibilities of moving away from the subject, a necessary condition when using a tele.

The 85mm, the prince of portrait lenses

The 85mm deserves a paragraph all to itself. He is truly the prince, if not the king, of portrait lenses.
It offers results absolutely free of distortion or perspective crushing - purists say that by shooting at about 2m from the subject you get a portrait with a rendering very similar to that of looking at reflections in the mirror (seeing is believing).
If we then choose a quality model, the bokeh (the blur) could also reach a quality capable of taking your breath away.
If you intend to launch into portrait photography, you cannot own one.

Little practical tricks

For a canonical portrait, we try to use large apertures, which offer us a shallow depth of field and therefore produce portraits where the subject is well isolated from the background, for the focal length… let's re-read above - ha haha.

If we are dealing with more than one subject, we avoid using focal lengths greater than 50mm and try not to use apertures that are wider than f./8, so we will avoid having someone in focus and someone not.

If we are not shooting on a neutral background, we pay A LOT of attention to how much the framed environment hangs over the subject.

If we are not shooting for ourselves, but for the subject, we avoid small focal lengths and if we have an 85mm, let's mount it without hesitation and set an aperture between f./2.8 and f./5.6.

Pay attention to what we focus, the longer the focal length and the aperture open, the less things will be in focus. Often, with a 200mm at f./2.8, it is enough that the subject is placed by three quarters for the distant eye to be out of focus.

What is the Best lens size for portraits for value for money?

We all agree that having a set of lenses for every situation is very expensive, so the first one I am going to recommend is a lens that does not cost much, which is very bright and is one of my favorites. We find both the Nikon portrait lens and the Canon portrait lens.

It is true that a fixed lens is very bright, but it is also not very versatile, especially for the less experienced. For this reason, I also recommend an excellent middle ground with the 70-200mm that once again you can find from Canon and Nikon.

This line of lenses is also excellent for sports photography and all other photographic genres where you need a blurry background to be able to give more prominence to the subject in the foreground. In fact, if we look at the lenses for sports photos, we find many 70-200s.

Logically the depth of field is very limited, so to be able to use it in a prolific way a small photography course to review all the photographic techniques would not be bad at all.

Now let's see which close-up lens is right for you for the different manufacturers.

FAQs

What Type Of Lens Is Best For Portraits?

The type of lens that is best for portraits depends on a variety of factors, including the camera format, shooting distance, and personal preference. However, there are a few lens types that are commonly used for portrait photography:

1. 50mm prime lens: This is a popular choice for portrait photography as it offers a natural-looking perspective and a wide aperture that allows for shallow depth of field and attractive background blur.
2. 85mm prime lens: This lens is also popular for portrait photography, particularly for headshots and upper body shots, as it produces a flattering compression effect and a shallow depth of field.
3. 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens: This lens provides a versatile focal length range and allows for shooting at a distance while still producing attractive compression and background blur.
4. 35mm prime lens: While not as popular as the 50mm or 85mm for portrait photography, a 35mm prime lens can be a good choice for environmental portraits, where the subject is placed within a larger context, as it allows for a wider field of view.

Ultimately, the best lens for portraits will depend on the specific shooting situation and the photographer's artistic vision.

Is 50mm Or 85mm Better For Portraits?

Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are great choices for portrait photography, but they offer slightly different perspectives and have different strengths depending on the shooting situation and personal preference.

A 50mm lens is considered a "normal" lens, which means that it produces an image that is close to what the human eye sees. This makes it a good choice for capturing natural-looking portraits with a slightly wider field of view. Additionally, a 50mm lens typically has a wider maximum aperture, which allows for attractive background blur and shallow depth of field effects.

On the other hand, an 85mm lens is considered a "short telephoto" lens, which means that it produces a slightly more compressed perspective and can create a more flattering look for the subject. An 85mm lens also typically has a wider maximum aperture than a 50mm lens, which makes it ideal for low-light situations and creating a shallower depth of field.

Ultimately, the choice between a 50mm and 85mm lens for portraits depends on personal preference, shooting style, and the specific shooting situation. If you want a slightly wider perspective and prefer a lens that is more versatile for general use, a 50mm lens may be a better choice.

If you want a more compressed perspective and prefer a lens that is better for headshots and creating a shallower depth of field, an 85mm lens may be a better choice.

Is 35mm Or 50mm Better For Portraits?

Both 35mm and 50mm lenses are popular choices for portrait photography, and each offers its own unique benefits depending on the shooting situation and personal preference.

A 50mm lens is considered a "normal" lens and is a versatile option for portrait photography. It offers a natural-looking perspective and can produce attractive bokeh (blurred background) when shooting at wide apertures. A 50mm lens is also lightweight and relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for many photographers.

A 35mm lens, on the other hand, is slightly wider than a 50mm lens and offers a more expansive view. This can be beneficial for environmental portraits, where you want to capture more of the subject's surroundings. A 35mm lens can also be useful when shooting in tight spaces, as it allows you to capture more of the scene without having to move too far back from the subject.

In general, a 50mm lens is a better choice for traditional head-and-shoulders portraits, while a 35mm lens may be better for capturing a broader view of the subject's environment. However, it ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific shooting situation. Both lenses can produce excellent results, so it's worth experimenting with both to find the one that works best for your style and needs.

What Size Lens Is Best For Portraits?

What Is The Sharpest Portrait Lens?

There are many lenses available in the market that can produce sharp and detailed portrait images. Generally speaking, prime lenses (fixed focal length) are known to offer better sharpness and image quality than zoom lenses. Here are some examples of sharp portrait lenses:

1. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM - This lens is known for its outstanding sharpness and resolving power. It offers a wide maximum aperture of f/1.4 that helps in producing stunning portraits with attractive bokeh.
2. Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM - This lens is a favorite among portrait photographers for its exceptional sharpness and ability to produce beautiful bokeh. Its wide maximum aperture of f/1.2 allows for excellent low-light performance.
3. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED - This lens is known for its razor-sharpness and high-quality optics. It offers a wide maximum aperture of f/1.4 that allows for excellent subject isolation and beautiful bokeh.
4. Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R - This lens is a popular choice among Fujifilm users for its sharpness and image quality. Its wide maximum aperture of f/1.2 allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh.

Keep in mind that lens sharpness is not the only factor to consider when choosing a lens for portrait photography. Other factors such as aperture, focal length, and image stabilization can also play a significant role in the final image quality. It's important to consider your specific needs and shooting style when choosing a lens.

Is 35mm Or 85mm Better For Portraits?

Both 35mm and 85mm lenses can be great choices for portraits, depending on your shooting style and preferences.

A 35mm lens can be a good choice if you want to capture wider environmental portraits or if you are shooting in a small space where you cannot move back very far from your subject. With a wider angle of view, you can include more of the background in your composition, and the distortion can also add some creative flair to your portraits. However, with a wider angle of view, you may need to get closer to your subject to fill the frame, which can result in some distortion and may not be ideal for close-up portraits.

An 85mm lens, on the other hand, can be a good choice for producing more traditional and flattering portraits with a narrow depth of field and a pleasing bokeh. With its longer focal length, an 85mm lens allows you to stand farther away from your subject and still fill the frame, which can be helpful in producing a more natural perspective and minimizing distortion. An 85mm lens can also help you isolate your subject from the background and create a more intimate connection with the viewer.

Ultimately, the choice between a 35mm or 85mm lens for portraits depends on your personal shooting style and preferences, as well as the specific shooting situation. Both lenses can produce beautiful portraits, so it's worth experimenting with both to see which one works best for you.

Is 85mm Sharper Than 50mm?

What Mm Is Best For Full Body Portraits?

The best mm for full-body portraits depends on several factors, including the photographer's shooting style, the camera's sensor size, the distance between the subject and the camera, and the desired composition.

In general, focal lengths between 50mm and 85mm are popular choices for full-body portraits because they provide a flattering perspective without significant distortion. For full-body portraits, wider focal lengths such as 35mm or 24mm may be used, but they can introduce distortion, which may be unflattering to the subject's body proportions.

However, the best mm for full-body portraits ultimately depends on the photographer's preferences and shooting style, as well as the specific situation and desired results.

Which Is Better 85mm Or 70 200?

Why Is 35mm So Popular?

The 35mm lens is a popular choice among photographers for several reasons:

1. Versatility: The 35mm lens has a versatile focal length that can be used for a wide range of photography genres, including street, landscape, portrait, and documentary photography. It is also a great option for shooting in low light conditions due to its wide maximum aperture.
2. Perspective: The 35mm lens provides a natural perspective that closely resembles the human eye, making it great for storytelling and capturing candid moments.
3. Size and weight: The 35mm lens is usually compact and lightweight, making it an excellent option for travel and street photography.
4. Price: Compared to other lenses, the 35mm lens is often more affordable, making it a popular choice for beginner photographers or those on a budget.

Overall, the 35mm lens is a versatile, affordable, and practical choice for many photographers, which is why it has become so popular in the industry.

Is 35mm Too Wide For Portraits?

Is 50mm Good For Full Body Portraits?

A 50mm lens can be a good option for full-body portraits, especially if you have limited space to work with. It is also a versatile lens that can be used for other types of portraits and even for other genres of photography. A 50mm lens on a full-frame camera can give a natural perspective and produce a pleasing depth of field.

However, it's important to consider your distance from the subject and the specific effect you want to achieve with the portrait. Depending on your preferences and the specific situation, other lens options like 85mm or even wider lenses may be better suited for full-body portraits.

Which Is Better 35mm Or 85mm?

The choice between a 35mm and an 85mm lens depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer. A 35mm lens is wider and generally better suited for environmental portraits or full-body shots, as it can capture more of the surroundings and create a sense of context. It can also be great for low-light situations as it typically has a wider maximum aperture.

On the other hand, an 85mm lens is ideal for headshots and tighter portraits, as it compresses the background and produces a shallower depth of field, which can create a more pleasing separation between the subject and the background. Additionally, 85mm lenses often have wider maximum apertures, allowing for even more shallow depth of field effects. So, both lenses are good, but the choice between them ultimately depends on the intended use and creative vision of the photographer.

What F Stop Is Best For Portraits?

The best aperture or f-stop for portraits depends on the specific look that the photographer is trying to achieve. Generally, a wide aperture (low f-stop number) is preferred for portraits as it can produce a shallow depth of field, which can create a pleasing separation between the subject and the background, and blur distracting elements. A wide aperture also allows for more light to enter the camera, which is helpful for low-light situations.

An aperture between f/1.8 to f/5.6 is a common range for portrait photography. However, the exact f-stop setting will depend on various factors such as the lens being used, the distance from the subject, and the desired depth of field.

A wider aperture such as f/1.8 to f/2.8 is usually preferred for tighter portraits and headshots, while an aperture around f/4 to f/5.6 may be better for environmental portraits or full-body shots where more of the scene is in focus. Ultimately, the best aperture for portraits depends on the photographer's creative vision and the specific situation.

What Image Quality Is Best For Portraits?

The image quality that is best for portraits typically involves having a high resolution, good dynamic range, and low noise or high ISO performance. Generally, cameras with larger sensors will have better image quality for portraits, as they can capture more detail and produce images with less noise. Additionally, having a lens with a wide aperture (e.g. f/1.4, f/1.8, or f/2) can help create a shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh, which can make portraits look more pleasing to the eye. However, the ideal image quality can also depend on personal preference and the intended use of the portraits (e.g. print vs. digital).