By Tati Taylor 10 days ago, Cameras & Lenses
What are the best cheap Canon lenses for shooting portraits?
At first, shooting portraits may seem easy, but this job is very interesting and challenging. The lenses you choose have a serious impact on the result you will get. So, it is very important to use a proper camera lens for portraits.
A lens defines the quality of the picture and the impression it makes. Thus, be careful to purchase a Canon lens for portraits with proper characteristics and features to obtain the best result.
If you are a proud owner of one of the best Canon cameras for portraits, take a look at the list of the best Canon portrait lenses. I have ranged them according to the level, from beginner to advanced, pointing at their main features, advantages and disadvantages. Use this list to choose the best option which will bring your photographs to a new level.
Mount: Canon RF | Diaphragm blades: 9 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.39 m | Max magnification: 0.18x | Filter thread: 95 mm | Dimensions (WxL): 103.8x139.8 mm | Weight: 1430 g
⊕ Perfect image quality
⊕ Excellent sharpness
⊕ Great result in low-light conditions
⊕ Quiet autofocusing
⊕ User-friendly control
⊖ No image stabilization
The RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM is a brand-new Canon lens for portrait photography, which is perfectly compatible with a mirrorless camera by the same brand. It performs exceptionally well when paired with Canon cameras utilizing the EOS R system.
With this lens, you will be absolutely satisfied with the image quality it delivers and with its reliable solid build. The lens is universal, as it’s comparable to 28 mm, 50 mm and 70 mm prime lenses.
With the maximal aperture of f/2, this Canon zoom lens for portraits was the first full-frame autofocus zoom model to have such a feature.
An in-built control ring allows adjusting various settings, such as shutter speed or aperture size. Also, the lens is dust-resistant and waterproof, which makes it a perfect option for any weather conditions.
Mount: Canon EF | Diaphragm blades: 9 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.27 m | Max magnification: 0.2x | Filter thread: 82 mm | Dimensions (WxL): 91.4x114.9 mm | Weight: 1130 g
⊕ Impressive optical resolution
⊕ Powerful Hyper Sonic Motor
⊕ Weather-sealed
⊕ Low chromatic aberrations
⊖ Heavy
The Sigma 135mm is a decent camera lens for portraits compatible with a full-frame or APS-C DSLR models. It produces excellent portrait shots, even when the focus distance is minimal.
The lens delivers impressive sharpness and a nice bokeh effect. However, you might notice some aberrations. Even in low-light conditions, the lens allows capturing fast-moving objects thanks to the f/1.8 aperture, which accounts for excellent and sharp photographs.
Another attractive feature of this Sigma camera lens for portraits is a powerful Hyper Sonic motor, ensuring fast and silent autofocusing, although a manual focus is also available. There is a special floating focus system to deliver the best quality across the whole focus distance range.
Mount: Canon EF | Diaphragm blades: 8 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.85 m | Max magnification: 0.13x | Filter thread: 58 mm | Dimensions (WxL): 75x71.5 mm | Weight: 425 g
⊕ Reasonable price
⊕ Great spectra coating
⊕ Fast and silent autofocusing
⊕ Ring-type ultrasonic motor
⊕ Comfortable weight
⊖ Lack of weather-sealing
The EF 85mm f/1.8 is an impressive Canon lens for portrait photography. With the focal length of 85mm, you can shoot from a further distance than with a 50mm lens, and the background will be nicely blurred.
The optical elements have a special Super Spectra coating, ensuring realistic colors, amazing contrast, minimal reflection, flare or ghosting effects. The ring-type ultrasonic motor makes an autofocus super-fast and extremely quiet, also it is possible to switch to a manual focusing mode.
You can achieve spectacular results even in low-light conditions with the aperture of f/1.8. Another advantage of this Canon lens is its lightweight design, which makes it a good option for travel. The EF 85mm f/1.8 can be considered the best Canon lens for portraits at this price range.
Mount: Canon EF | Diaphragm blades: 7 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.35 m | Max magnification: 0.21x | Filter thread: 49 mm | Dimensions (WxL): 69.2x39.3 mm | Weight: 160 g
⊕ Portable design
⊕ Outstanding picture quality
⊕ Sturdy build
⊕ Excellent aperture
⊖ Lack of focus distance scale
The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is one of the best Canon portrait lenses that comes at a reasonable price. With this lens, you can take outstanding portraits that will satisfy even the most demanding clients. It can be used on a full-frame DSLR camera, with the focal length of 50mm. For an APS-C camera, the focal length will be equal to an 80mm.
The Canon’s Stepper Motor accounts for smooth and quiet autofocus. A special brand-new coating on the optical element allows it to produce vivid colors, minimize flare and ghosting effects. The brightest aperture guarantees excellent shots even in low-light conditions.
Considering these features and its price, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a great lens for many portrait photographers.
Mount: Canon RF | Diaphragm blades: 8 | Autofocus: No | Min focus distance: 1.0 m | Max magnification: 0.09x | Filter thread: 72 mm | Dimensions (WxL): 78x74.7 mm | Weight: 540 g
⊕ Impressive aperture
⊕ Nice bokeh
⊕ Selective focus
⊕ Weather-proof
⊕ Detachable lens hood
⊖ Lack of autofocus
The Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 can be considered the best Canon lens for portraits with manual focusing. It comes with a Canon RF mount. The focal length of 85mm is ideal for portrait photographs.
You will take high-quality pictures even in low light thanks to a quick f/1.4 aperture. Also, you will enjoy fast shutter speed capture and accurate selective focusing. Among other features, it’s worth mentioning the metal chassis, weather sealing, anti-slip matte aperture control ring and a detachable lens hood.
Mount: Canon EF | Diaphragm blades: 9 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.29 m | Max magnification: 0.3x | Filter thread: 67 mm | Dimensions (WxL): 80.4x91.7 mm | Weight: 520 g
⊕ Quick aperture
⊕ Dynamic focusing
⊕ Quick autofocus with USD
⊕ Vibration control
⊕ Perfect build quality
⊖ Some distortion
The Tamron 45mm f/1.8 is a decent camera lens for portraits, which comes with a matte waterproof body made of metal. If you choose this lens, you will get an f/1.8 max aperture. The eBAND and BBAR lens coatings ensure minimal ghosting and flare. There is also a moisture-repellent fluorine coating.
The vibration is minimized thanks to the Vibration Compensation technology. A ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system will make your experience smooth and comfortable. The Tamron 45mm f/1.8 delivers excellent image quality and has a solid build.
Mount: Canon EF | Diaphragm blades: 9 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.4 m | Max magnification: 0.18x | Filter thread: 77 mm | Dimensions (WxL): 85.4x100mm | Weight: 815 g
⊕ Impressive resolution
⊕ Wide aperture
⊕ Perfectly balanced picture
⊕ Nice bokeh
⊕ Quick and silent autofocus
⊖ Lack of image stabilization
The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is a camera lens for portraits, perfectly compatible with a full-frame DSLR camera. It comes with a Hyper Sonic motor and optimized AF, which ensures quiet, smooth and quick autofocusing.
Chromatic aberrations are minimized through the whole focusing range thanks to a special lens design, which includes three SLD glass elements. Optical elements are covered by a super multi-layer coating, which reduces flare and ghosting effects. This lens delivers pictures with impressive contrast and vivid colors even in low-light conditions.
Mount: Canon EF | Diaphragm blades: 9 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.85 m | Max magnification: 0.12x | Filter thread: 86 mm | Dimensions (WxL): 94.7x126.2 mm | Weight: 1130 g
⊕ Top-quality pictures
⊕ Nice bokeh
⊕ Excellent sharpness
⊕ Tulip-shaped lens hood
⊕ Dust-sealed and waterproof
⊖ Large and heavy
The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is the best Canon lens for portraits, which offers one of the best speeds, if you compare it to its competitors. However, it’s heavy and not compact. The lens is securely protected from unfavorable weather conditions.
The autofocusing system will surprise you with its great speed and extreme preciseness. The Hyper Sonic AF motor accounts for high speed. If you prefer to switch to manual focusing, there is a big focusing ring for more precise settings.
The optical elements are multi-coated to minimize ghosting and flare. You can use this lens even in low light, thanks to an aperture of f/1.4. Thanks to an 85mm focal length, this lens allows you to shoot really outstanding portraits.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Canon 28-70mm f/2L
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE→ | |
 |
Sigma 135mm f/1.8
Full Frame |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8
Lightweight |
CHECK PRICE → |
The choice depends on the conditions you work in. If you are taking portraits outside, take a wide-angle portrait lens. If it is a headshot, I recommend a telephoto lens.
In general, the focal length range of 85-135mm is perfect for taking portrait photos. However, the final choice is up to a photographer. Some professionals utilize wider focal lengths and take full-body portraits at 50mm or group pictures at 24mm.
It is important to consider the size of the camera body and the sensor, as they will influence the focal length of the lens. If you take, for example, a 50mm camera lens for portraits and use it on a full-frame device, the result will be optimal. If you use it with a crop-sensor camera, this lens will be similar to the 80mm model.
If you are using a Canon camera, its lens has an integrated image stabilization system. In low-light conditions, you IS should be excellent to control blurring caused by camera shake. For travelers, image stabilization is even more important.
The bokeh effect appears thanks to a wide aperture. The wider it is, the more visible effect you will get. I recommend you taking photos at a wide aperture, such as f/2.8, f1.8, f/1.2, if you are interested in bokeh. It will also help you take better images when shooting in low light.
The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L is one of the sharpest models.
A camera lens for portraits is a lens with the right focal length and aperture. It can be a telephoto, prime, zoom or kit lens.
To shoot waist-level and full-length portraits, the 50mm lens is an ideal solution. It has a wide field of view, which allows you to take photos from up close.
I recommend the range f/2.8-f/5.6, which ensures the shallow depth of field and blurred background.
The ideal focal length for Canon portrait lenses typically falls within the range of 85mm to 135mm. This range offers a flattering perspective and allows for comfortable shooting distances, resulting in captivating portraits.
Both prime and zoom lenses have their merits, but prime lenses with wide apertures are favored for their ability to create exquisite bokeh and sharp subject isolation. Canon zoom lenses provide flexibility but may have narrower apertures.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is an excellent choice for beginners. It's budget-friendly, versatile, and features a wide aperture for producing stunning portraits with a natural and appealing look.
