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Best Lens For Headshots

Photography has become a hobby for millions of people around the globe. Whether you’re taking pictures for fun or professionally, choosing the right equipment is critical.

Best Lens For Headshots

What kind of camera lens should you get for your next photography project? The answer depends on whether you want to shoot portraits or landscapes.

With landscapes, you're much more likely to want to get something that has a wide-angle lens, as this will help you capture the entire scene in one shot.

On the other hand, if you are going to be shooting portraits then it is best to go with a zoom lens instead of a fixed focal length lens.

So let's say you're looking for the best lens you can find for headshots. Something that will allow you to take striking, perhaps detailed portraits.

If so, we have an excellent list of recommendations below that you should check out today. We've included our top picks based on their image quality and the overall quality of the lens.

So much about choosing a lens has to do with finding something that is right for your own goals as a photographer, so we've also made sure to include an extensive buyers guide that will help guide you through everything you'll need to know regarding.

So without further ado, check out our list below!

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Best Lens For Headshots – Comparison Table

Best Lens For Headshots – Reviews

Best For Street Portraiture
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens (Renewed)
Our rating:

First up we have the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens from Canon. When it comes to photography equipment, Canon is about as close as you can get to a safe bet.

Since the company's inception in 1987, they have been producing some of the most reliable cameras and accessories ever created.

This particular model is no exception.

It features a fast maximum aperture of 1.8 which allows you to create beautifully blurred backgrounds and shallow depth of field – two techniques that can create real focus on headshots and allow you to capture details without distracting the viewer with anything going on in the background.

It's mostly a lens that will allow you to focus on nighttime, sports, or portraiture.

We personally think this lens would be a great fit for a street photographer who likes to focus on portraits.

Its optical design incorporates two extra-low dispersion elements (ED) to reduce chromatic aberrations and three UD glass elements to improve light transmission.

The result is sharp images with minimal distortion throughout its range. A floating element ensures smooth focusing performance over the full working distance.

An internal mechanism prevents dust and moisture from entering the front of the lens.

Pros
  • Aperture Speed: Fast maximum aperture of 1.08
  • Materials and Durability: Good build quality that feels sturdy and easy to attach.
  • Protection: Mostly against dirt, dust, and moisture due to an internal mechanism in the lens.
  • Price: Affordable at $299.99.
Cons
  • Waterproof: This is not weatherproofed which makes it not as suitable for difficult climates.

Best Detail
Panasonic LUMIX S Series Camera Lens, 50mm F1.8 L-Mount Interchangeable Lens for Mirrorless Full Frame Digital Cameras, S-S50 Black
Our rating:

Next up we have the Panasonic Lumix S Series Camera Lens, 50mm. This is a lens that is going to give you unparalleled clarity.

It offers a maximum aperture of 1.8, making it perfect for low-light situations such as nighttime photos or when you want to blur the background.

It has a good weight to it and feels solid in the hands.

This is also a lens that allows you to have a lot of versatility. The large aperture lens allows a wide variety of inspiring choices that you're able to make, specifically for portraiture.

If you're looking for something where you'll be able to hone in on small details of a face, that will completely transform the look, mood, and emotion of your portrait, then this is a great lens for you to try.

Pros
  • 5x zoom capability: You can use this lens from a very short focal length all the way up to 200mm. This means that you can take shots of people from really far away, all the way up to being able to shoot them up close.
  • Video Recording: Perfect if you're a photographer who also dabbles in film.
  • Resolution: Very impressive resolution that makes it great for both film and photography headshots.
Cons
  • Size: A slightly heavier and bulkier lens than others on this list.

Best Lightweight
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Our rating:

This list wouldn't be complete without a Nikon Lens. Ever since the company was first founded in 1917, they've been known for its lenses.

They are one of the most popular brands in the world, and they continue to produce some of the best lenses available today.

Their 50mm f/1.4D is a prime lens that is designed to be used by professionals and enthusiasts alike.

It has a maximum aperture of 1:4.0, allowing you to get beautiful bokeh effects and blur backgrounds.

Its autofocus system is quick and responsive, and it focuses accurately even under dim lighting conditions.

Pros
  • Fast Autofocus System: Very responsive autofocus system works well in almost any situation.
  • Maximum Aperture: Great for low-light situations like nighttime and shooting indoors.
  • Weight: Lightweight and portable.
Cons
  • Price: Quite expensive compared to other options.

Sony - FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens (SEL50F18F/2)
Our rating:

SONY is the last of the photography kings that we just had to include on this list, and their FE 50mm F1.8 Lens is a great example of why they are so well renowned within the photography world for both their lenses and cameras.

This large aperture 50mm prime lens is going to be a great addition to anyone who is looking for something that will capture high definition images.

It's got a maximum aperture of 1/2.3, which gives you an extremely shallow depth of field, meaning that everything in front of your subject will appear sharp while your subject will remain soft and blurred.

It's also got a fast autofocus system, which helps with capturing crisp images in low light.

Pros
  • Light Weight: Extremely lightweight and easy to carry around.
  • Shallow Depth Of Field: This allows you to focus on your subjects' eyes or other features and not their entire faces.
  • Aperture: 7 Blade Aperture allows you to easily defocus.
Cons
  • Detail: Less detail than some of the larger, more expensive lenses on this list. This lens compares more to the Nikon AF-S and the Canon EF. 

Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon
Our rating:

Finally we have a great attachment to any Canon camera made by Sigma. This is a lens that will allow you to create beautiful portraits and landscapes.

The Sigma 50mm f/1,4 Art DG HSM lens uses three aspherical elements to help reduce chromatic aberration and distortion.

It also features seven rounded diaphragm blades that control the amount of light entering the lens.

This lens is ideal for landscape and portrait photographers because of its ability to make out-of-focus areas look natural, so if you’re looking for something truly versatile, this is a great choice for you.

It's also got an incredible build quality and feels sturdy enough to withstand heavy usage.

Pros
  • Build Quality: Sturdy and durable.
  • Autofocus: Fast and accurate autofocus.
  • Image Quality: High quality optics that deliver stunning results.
Cons
  • Size: Slightly larger than other lenses on this list.

Buyer's Guide

Now that we've taken you 5 of the best lenses for headshots on the market, we're going to take some time to explain why we made the choices that we did.

We're going to break this down into several different categories for you to see, taking a closer look at specific features of lenses that are vital for taking the best headshots that you can. So, let's get into it!

Size/Weight

This is one of the first things you're going to want to think about when considering whether or not to buy a lens. How much space do you have available? Do you need to bring along extra equipment?

Are you planning on using this lens often? These are all questions that you'll need to answer before making a decision on what lens to buy.

If you don't already own a tripod, then you may want to consider getting one. You can use a monopod if you prefer, but tripods tend to offer better stability.

Maximum Aperture

This is another important feature that you should consider when choosing a lens. What does it mean to have a wide aperture?

Well, it means that you can shoot in low light conditions without having to worry too much about overexposure.

When photographing people, especially headshots, you'll want to choose a lens that has a small maximum aperture.

This way, you can blur out the background behind your subject and still maintain a nice amount of contrast between the subject and the background.

Autofocus Speed

This is yet another thing that you'll want to keep in mind when deciding which lens to purchase.

Some lenses are designed specifically for shooting action shots, while others are built to be used for more general purposes.

If you're planning on shooting many different types of photos, then you might want to invest in a lens that offers you faster autofocus speeds.

Image Quality

This is probably the most important category that we'll discuss today. All of these lenses are designed to produce excellent image quality.

However, there are certain features that each lens offers that set them apart from the rest. Let's take a closer look at how they differ.

Brand

In this section we're going to be talking a little about some of the most reputable brands and why people tend to choose them over others.

  • Canon: this is always a good sign. Canon have been making cameras since 1987 and have become known for their reliability and durability. They're also known to produce high quality products.
  • Sigma: Sigma is a relatively new brand, but they've quickly gained popularity among professional photographers. Their lenses are well-regarded and are known for producing sharp images.
  • Nikon: Nikon is another popular brand that produces reliable products. They're also known for being able to produce lenses with fast autofocus speeds. In addition, Nikon lenses are usually smaller than those produced by other manufacturers.
  • Olympus: Olympus is another company that makes a variety of different products including cameras, lenses, and camcorders. They're known for producing very affordable products that perform extremely well.
  • Tamron: Tamron is an American manufacturer that specializes in optical components such as zoom lenses, primes, and binoculars. They're known for being able to manufacture lenses that are both compact and lightweight.
  • Sony: Sony is renowned for more than just its camera equipment, but that's not to say they don't make some of the best stuff around. Sony is well known for its high-quality lenses and cameras.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, those were the top 5 best lenses for headshots. We hope that this article has helped you to find something that suits your style or current experimentation as a photographer.

t's always worth doing some additional research before committing to a purpose, but we think that a good starting point is with some of the most renowned camera and lens manufacturers.

If you're looking for the answers to some other questions about headshots and photography, keep reading for our FAQ section.

Best of luck on your next photography project!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are Some Cameras Better Than Others At Taking Photos Of People?

There are a number of reasons why some cameras are better at taking photos of people than others. One reason is that they have larger sensors.

These sensors collect more light than smaller ones, allowing them to take sharper pictures even under dim lighting conditions.

Another reason is that these cameras tend to be built with higher quality optics. This allows them to capture sharp images even when you're shooting from far away.

Finally, some cameras are designed to be used with specific lenses. When you attach a lens to your camera, you're essentially telling it how to interpret the image information coming from the sensor.

This means that you can choose to use a wide-angle lens for landscapes or a telephoto lens for close-ups.

The most important thing to remember about any camera is that there's no perfect solution. It all depends on your personal preferences.

What Is An Optic?

An optic is simply a piece of glass that has been shaped into a certain shape. Most lenses have multiple elements that act together to focus light onto your subject.

Each element works independently of the others, but they work together to create a single image.

The type of lens you get will depend on whether you need a standard zoom lens, a prime lens (a fixed focal length lens), or a macro lens.

Can I Use My DSLR With A Tripod?

You absolutely can! Many DSLRs come equipped with a tripod socket. This means that you should be able to mount your camera to a tripod using this socket.

However, not all tripods have a compatible socket. Check the specifications of your tripod to see if it does. Also, make sure that it doesn't interfere with other accessories on your camera.

How Much Should I Spend On A Good Digital SLR?

The answer to this question really depends on what you plan on doing with your camera. If you're going to be shooting lots of portraits, then you'll probably want to spend less on your camera.

However, if you're going to be traveling frequently, then you may want to invest a little bit more money in your gear.

In general, though, we recommend starting off with a budget of $500 and working your way up as you become more comfortable with your new equipment.

Is There Any Way To Improve My Camera Without Spending Too Much Money?

Yes, there are many ways to improve your camera without breaking the bank. Here are just a few options:

  • Try different types of memory cards: Memory cards store digital data so you can save your photos and videos. They also hold a lot of information, which means that they're expensive. Therefore, you might want to try out different brands.
  • Get an external flash: External flashes are useful because they allow you to control the amount of light hitting your subject. This makes it easier to shoot indoors and in low-light situations.
  • Consider getting a compact camera: Compact cameras are smaller than full-size models. However, they still offer similar features like interchangeable lenses and high megapixel counts. You can find great deals on these models online.
  • Look into buying a secondhand body: Buying a used model is a great option if you don't mind spending a little extra cash. These cameras usually have lower prices compared to brand-new ones.

Are DSLRs Better Than Point And Shoots?

DSLRs are better suited for professional photography. However, point and shoots are easy to use and affordable. Both types of cameras have their pros and cons.

DSLRs are generally larger and heavier than point and shoots. They also cost more money. Point and shoots are typically cheaper, but they lack the power of a DSLR.

What Is A Lens Hood?

A lens hood protects your lens from dust, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. It also helps prevent flare when you're taking pictures outside.

Some lenses come with built-in lens hoods, while others require a separate one.

How Can I Take Great Pictures Using Only One Lens?

If you only own one lens, then you're limited to how much depth of field you can achieve. Depth of field refers to the distance between objects in focus versus those that aren't.

The closer two objects are to each other, the greater the difference in focus will be. As a result, the background will appear blurry.

With a wide aperture (small number), you can get a shallow depth of field.

This allows you to blur the background behind your main subject.

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