What if you could take portraits that capture the essence of a person with just one click? A great portrait lens can do just that. It can make your subject look their best, bring out their personality, and add a touch of flair to your images. But with so many lenses on the market, how do you choose the right one for your portrait photography?
We’ve rounded up the top portrait lenses that will help you come up with stunning images that capture the true essence of any subject you’re going to shoot. Let’s find out why these lenses are still kings among others in the world of portrait photography.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
In short, this lens is perfect for capturing stunning close-up shots of your subjects. This Canon lens, with its seamless wide aperture of f/1.8, basically allows you to create elegant blurred backgrounds that make your subjects simply pop. This not only adds depth and dimension to your images but also draws attention directly to the face you are photographing. The lens also boasts a smooth and quiet autofocus system, making it ideal for both photo shoots and video recordings where silence is key.
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S
If you’re a portrait photographer looking for a lens that can capture faces with absolute flair, then the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S might just be your perfect match. This lens is renowned for its ability to produce stunningly sharp images with beautiful bokeh, making it a favorite among professional photographers. With its wide aperture of f/1.8, the Nikon 85mm allows you to create that sought-after shallow depth of field effect, better isolating your subject and drawing attention to their face in the most captivating way. The fast autofocus system ensures that you never miss an important moment while also delivering accurate and precise results.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM
With its wide aperture of f/1.4, this lens also allows for beautiful background separation and creamy bokeh that will make your subject truly stand out. One of the standout features of the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM lens is its exceptional sharpness and detail rendition, even at wider apertures. This means that every freckle, wrinkle, or expression on your subject’s face can be captured with utmost precision. Not only does this lens excel in image quality, but it also boasts fast and accurate autofocus performance.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
Thanks to its smooth, wide aperture of f/1.4, this Sigma lens allows for stunning depth of field and beautiful bokeh in your portraits. The focal length of 35mm is ideal for capturing natural-looking images without distortion. Not only does this lens excel in image quality, but it also performs well in low-light situations due to its large maximum aperture. This means you can confidently shoot indoors or during golden hour without worrying about grainy or blurry photos. If you’re looking for a versatile lens that produces outstanding results in portrait photography, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art should be at the top of your list.
Final Notes
When hitting online commerce or camera stores for a lens for portrait photography, consider factors such as focal length preference, desired background separation capabilities, budget constraints, and camera compatibility before making your decision. Remember that while these lenses are highly recommended by professionals across different brands, they may not be suitable for everyone’s specific shooting style or requirements.