Do you want to take breathtaking portraits that capture the true essence of your subjects? As any photographer knows, your lens can make all the difference in achieving the desired results.
Nobody appreciates blurry or unpleasant photos of themselves. When it comes to portraits, Canon offers a wide range of lenses to capture a perfect picture.
But with so many Canon lenses on the market, how do you choose the right one? Fear not! In this guide, we'll explore the brand’s top five lenses so you can find the best Canon lens for portraits.
Best Canon Lens for Portraits – Comparison Table
Best Canon Lens for Portraits – Reviews
The Canon RF35mm F1.8 is a lightweight and compact lens that offers versatility in wide-angle macro photography. Its 0.5x magnification ratio and close focusing distance of 0.56 ft. make it an excellent choice for capturing minute details.Â
The lens features optical image stabilization, providing up to five stops of shake correction. The RF 35mm F1.8 is compatible with Canon's Macro range of Speedlite flashes, making it ideal for studio and macro photography.Â
The fast communication system of this lens delivers reliable autofocus and image stabilization.Â
Its maximum magnification ratio of 0.5x makes it an excellent choice for walk-around and macro use, and it comes with a lens cap and dust cap to protect your investment. You also won’t need to break the bank to get your hands on this.Â
- Compact and lightweight design
- Budget-friendly
- Maximum magnification ratio of 0.5x for versatile use
- Fixed focal length may not suit all shooting scenarios
- No weather-sealing, so may not be suitable for outdoor use in inclement weather
- No distance scale on the lens barrel for manual focusing
If you’re looking forward to buying a lens for capturing portraits on a budget, this is your best shot.
The Canon EF 17-40mm F4L ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is a powerful addition to any photographer's toolkit.Â
This wide-angle zoom lens allows users to broaden their perspective and capture stunning shots, thanks to its aspherical lens elements and Super UD glass element that create superior optics in all conditions.
The lens also features fast, silent autofocus and full-time manual focus, making it ideal for nature and wedding photography. The weather-resistant construction and dust-resistant design allow for tackling various conditions.Â
The Canon EF 17-40mm also supports screw-in 77mm filters or up to three gel filters, and its rounded seven-blade diaphragm creates a pleasing out-of-focus quality ideal for shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.Â
- Ultra-wide-angle zoom lens provides a broad perspective
- Superior optics with three aspherical lens elements and a Super UD glass element
- Fast and silent autofocus with ring-type ultrasonic monitor (USM)
- Constant F4 maximum aperture
- Supports screw-in 77mm filters or up to 3 gel filters
- Comes with a lens hood and case
- 1-year warranty
- Option for free damage protection when purchased within a specific time frame
- Maximum aperture of F4 may not be ideal for low-light conditions
- Relatively heavy and bulky compared to some other lenses
The Canon EF 17-40mm F4L ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is an affordable choice for those who want to broaden the range with high-quality optics without breaking the bank.
The RF 24-70mm F2.8 is a truly remarkable and versatile lens that has been specifically designed to meet the demands of Canon mirrorless camera users.Â
Boasting an impressive F2.8 aperture and a standard focal length zoom range, this lens is perfect for a wide variety of photography genres, including portraits, landscapes, travel photography, and everyday moments.
One of the standout features of this lens is its optical image stabilization, which provides up to 5 stops of shake correction, ensuring that your images are always sharp and clear.Â
The fast communication system also ensures reliable autofocus and image stabilization, allowing you to easily capture even the most fleeting moments.
The lens also includes a convenient control ring that allows for easy and intuitive operation, making it perfect for experienced photographers and those just starting out.Â
Additionally, the weather-resistant construction of this lens allows you to use it in various weather conditions without worrying about damaging your equipment.
- Optical image stabilization of up to 5 stops of shake correction
- High speed and smooth autofocus with Nano USM
- Compatible with Canon Mirrorless Cameras (EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, EOS R6)
- Dust and weather-resistant construction with a fluorine coating
- Quite heavy and bulky compared to other standard zoom lenses
- The control ring may take some time to get used to for new users
The RF 24-70mm F2.8 lens is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality, versatile lens to go with Canon mirrorless cameras that provide reliable performance.
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L is a premium lens designed specifically for portrait and wedding photography and is compatible with the Canon EOS R system cameras.Â
This lens offers a remarkable F1.2 maximum aperture and a fixed 85mm focal length, making it an excellent choice for capturing breathtaking portraits with beautiful soft backgrounds and low-light photography.
What's truly impressive about this lens is its construction. It's built with 13 elements in nine groups, including one aspherical element and one UD lens, greatly reducing distortion and aberrations.Â
Additionally, the autofocus speed is breakneck, and the control ring allows for quick and easy setting adjustments.
This lens is also built to withstand the toughest conditions. It’s weather-resistant and shock-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor shoots.Â
Also, it's easy to clean, ensuring it remains in top condition for every shoot.Â
- Easy cleaning
- Wide F1.2 maximum aperture for beautiful, soft backgrounds and low-light photography
- Fast autofocus, especially when paired with the Eye Detection AF feature on EOS R System cameras
- Blue spectrum refractive optics (BR) reduce chromatic aberration
- Air Sphere Coating (ASC) minimizes lens flare and ghosting
- Minimum focusing distance of 2.79 ft./0.85M for close-up shots
- A high price point may not be affordable for all photographers
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L is an excellent investment for any professional photographer looking to capture stunning portraits and weddings with unparalleled clarity and precision.
The RF 50mm F1.2L lens from Canon is a top-tier choice for professional photographers who prioritize both versatility and image quality.Â
This lens is specifically designed for the Canon EOS R system and boasts a bright F1.2 aperture, making it an ideal option for low-light situations.
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 1.31 ft./0.40M and is equipped with three aspherical elements and one UD element, ensuring exceptional image quality even when shooting wide open.Â
Photographers can count on a consistent, impressive performance with a shallow depth of field, and the lens has a 77mm filter size to accommodate a wide range of shooting scenarios.
In addition to its remarkable performance, this lens is well-built and weather-sealed to withstand even the toughest conditions. It also has built-in Wi-Fi technology, making sharing photos and videos with clients and colleagues easy.
- Built-in Wi-Fi technology for easy sharing of images
- Versatile focal length suitable for a wide range of photography genres
- High image quality with minimal distortion thanks to three aspherical elements and one UD element
- Minimum focusing distance of 1.31 ft./0.40M for sharp images at close range
- 12-pin communication system for fast and reliable communication with the camera body
- Heavy and bulky, which may not be suitable for those who prefer lighter gear
- Limited zoom capabilities due to its fixed focal length, requiring the photographer to move to adjust the framing of the shot physically
- Requires a Canon EOS R system camera body, limiting compatibility with other camera brands or models.
The Canon RF 50mm F1.2L is a professional-grade lens with exceptional image quality, versatility, and durability. For photographers looking to elevate their craft and capture stunning images, this lens is a valuable investment that will provide consistent and reliable performance for years to come.
Buyer's Guide
Best Canon Lens for Portraits
When it comes to choosing the best lens for portrait photography, there are a few key factors to consider. One of the most important is focal length.
Lenses with longer focal lengths (such as 85mm or 135mm) are better suited for portraits, as they allow you to achieve a more flattering perspective and blur the background for a creamy bokeh effect.
However, shorter focal lengths (like 50mm) can also work well if you shoot in a small space or want a wider field of view.
Additionally, you'll want to consider the lens's aperture, as wider apertures (like F1.8 or F1.4) will allow for more light to enter your camera, giving you a shallower depth of field and more control over focus.
Some lenses are designed specifically for full-frame sensors, while others are optimized for APS-C or micro four-thirds sensors. The lens's autofocus capabilities are also worth considering, as some are faster and more accurate than others.
Canon does a great job producing camera lenses and has been doing so for quite some time. All these years of research and experience have allowed them to improve their products, and now they produce some of the best lenses in the world.
If you’re looking for the best Canon lens for portraits, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and shooting style. Still, considering the factors discussed above, you can make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is image stabilization, and do I need it for portrait photography?
Image stabilization helps reduce camera shake and blur in photos. While it may not be necessary for portrait photography if you're using a tripod or shooting in good lighting conditions, it can be helpful in low-light situations or when shooting handheld.
What is the ideal focal length for a Canon lens for portraits?
The ideal focal length for a Canon lens for portraits is typically between 50mm and 85mm, as this range offers a flattering perspective for the subject.
What is the best aperture for a Canon lens for portraits?
The best aperture for a Canon lens for portraits depends on the effect you want to achieve. A wide aperture such as F1.8 or F1.4 is ideal for a shallow depth of field and bokeh. For more depth of field, a narrower aperture, such as F2.8 or F4, may be better.
Final Word
Choosing the right lens is crucial when it comes to portrait photography. With so many options on the market, finding the perfect one that fits your needs can be challenging.Â
If you’re looking for the best Canon lens for portraits, this guide has provided a list of the top five to help you make an informed decision.
Each lens has its own unique features and benefits. It's up to you to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. So, get started and capture stunning portraits that showcase the true essence of your subjects.