We all want a lens that effortlessly makes our subject shine. Preferably, in a way where that subject can’t smell what we ate for breakfast that morning or our choice of cologne. A lens that doesn’t cramp either the photographer or the model's style and allows enough room for both to work their magic. The perfect lens to achieve those goals: an 85mm prime lens.
It isn’t just the comfort factor for photographers who pick a lens of that focal length. It’s also the length that gives off the most aesthetically pleasing angle of the subject. You know, no double chins and that perfect jawline?
Perhaps I just exposed a photographers’ trick behind having ‘the natural gift’ (the lens). But in all seriousness, no matter if you are shooting on a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, the choice of lens does play a big part in portraiture and capturing the winning shot. Yes, you can achieve this on a 50mm but an 85mm just gives you the ideal working space.
Related: The best cheap DSLR cameras with super high resolutions
Another factor to keep in mind in portrait photography is your aperture. You want to pick a lens that has a quick aperture, giving you a small depth of field and that gorgeous spotlight on your subject. Ranging from 45mm to 85mm, these lenses are our top picks…
Best Canon lens for portraits
1 of 7Tamron F1.8 VC 45mm USD Lens for Canon
The Tamron F1.8 VC 45mm USD Lens is the best Canon lens for portraits for its optical stabilization. The standard prime with its vibration compensation allows you to reach unusually slower shutter speeds in low lit areas before the camera will decide to shake. This lens also has a great build and superb image quality. SpecsAperture: f/1.8, f/16Min focusing distance: 0.29mFocal length: 45mmDxL: 80.4 x 89.2mmWeight: 520 g
2 of 7Canon EF 50 mm 1.8 STM Lens
The Canon EF 50 mm 1.8 STM Lens is the best lens for portrait photography if you are on a budget. For the specs you get (faster f/1.8 aperture), this focal lens is very lightweight compared to its competitors. It also has a more elaborate autofocus system and great performance. SpecsAperture: f/1.8, f/22Min focusing distance:0.35mFocal length: 50mmDxL: 69.2 x 39.3mmWeight: 160 g
£129.00
3 of 7Canon EF 85 mm F/1.4L IS USM Lens
The Canon EF 85 mm F/1.4L IS USM Lens is the best portrait Canon lens for full-frame cameras and travelling. Very lightweight, quiet, and well-priced, the portrait lens has an improved aperture range with its ring-type ultrasonic autofocus. The sharpness at f/.8 would be my only concern, but it produces enough detail for portraits.SpecsAperture: f/1.4, f/22Min focusing distance: 0.85mFocal length: 85mmDxL: 88.6 x 105.4mmWeight: 950 g
4 of 7Sigma 321954 85 mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Canon Mount Lens
Sigma yet again has their impressive 85 mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Canon Mount Lens, great for Canon cameras. If you are okay with having a heavy, more expensive lens, this model has all the weather sealings (dust/splash-proof) and is fiercely sharp and accurate. SpecsAperture: f/1.4, f/16Min focusing distance: 0.85 mFocal length: 85mmDxL: 95x126mmWeight: Not specified
5 of 7Tamron 85 mm F1.8 VC USD Lens for Canon DSLR Camera
The Tamron 85 mm F1.8 VC USD Lens is known to be the best all-rounder portrait lens for Canon DSLR Cameras. More suited for the full-frame cameras, this lens has excellent image stabilization, average weight, and an additional vibration compensation system for low light conditions. SpecsAperture: f/1.8, f/16Min focusing distance: 0.80mFocal length: 85mmDxL: 85x91mmWeight: 700 g
6 of 7Canon EF 85 mm f/1.2L II USM Lens
The Canon EF 85 mm f/1.2L II USM Lens is another one of our favourites for full-frame Canon cameras. It's ultra-quiet, sharp and accurate with its ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system. And, is a value for money product for the specs that you get. SpecsAperture: f/1.2 Min focusing distance: 0.95mFocal length: 85mmDxL: 91.44 x 83.97mmWeight: 970.9 g
7 of 7Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM
Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM is a fine example of a Canon lens for portrait photography and EOS R-series cameras. If you know you can't afford the 85mm f/1.2 lens, this lens is a great replacement. It's got a 5-stop image stabilization and despite having a 1:2 reproduction, the 0.5x macro lens can certainly capture a quality portrait. SpecsAperture: f/2 0-29Min focusing distance: 0.50mFocal length: 85mmDxL: 78 x 90.5mmWeight: 500g
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Emily Farquhar is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Yours.co.uk, heatworld and Closer across beauty, tech, and lifestyle.
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