Best Canon Portrait Lens
Which Canon lens is best for portrait photography? When choosing a lens to use for portrait photography, it is important to consider the following factors: maximum aperture, focal length, and weight. Portrait photography is a skill that every photographer wants to be able to capture. To make it easier, you only need the right gear, passion, knowledge, and a little bit of luck.
Canon portrait lenses offer a wide range of opportunities to enhance your photography skills. Each Canon lens has unique tech specs that capture memorable moments.
Let’s now look at the top Canon lenses for portrait photography.
12 Best Canon Lens for Portrait Photography
| Lens Name | Focal Length (maximum-min) | Maximum Picture | Weight in grams | Weather sealing | Image Stabilizer (M=Magnification). |
The closest focus distance (Meters) |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM | 24-70mm | f/2.8 | 805g | Yes | No | 0.38m | Check Price |
| Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO is USM | 100mm | f/2.8 | 625g | Yes | 4-stop 3-stop at 0.5xM 2-stop at 1.0xM |
0.3m | Check Price |
| Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM | 200mm | f/2 | 2520g | Yes | 5-stops | 1.9m | Check Price |
| Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM | 85mm | f/1.4 | 950g | Yes | 4-stop | 0.85m | Check Price |
| Canon EF 85mm f/1.8L USM | 85mm | f/1.8 | 425g | Yes | No | 0.85m | Check Price |
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM | 50mm | f/1.8 | 160g | Yes | No | 0.35m | Check Price |
| Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM | 40mm | f/2.8 | 130g | Yes | No | 0.3m | Check Price |
| Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM | 135mm | f/2 | 750g | Yes | No | 0.9m | Check Price |
| Canon EF32mm f/1.4 STM | 32mm | f/1.4 | 235g | Yes | No | 0.23m | Check Price |
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM | 50mm | f/1.2 | 580g | Yes | No | 0.45m | Check Price |
| Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM | 28-70mm | f/2 | 1430g | Yes | No | 0.39m | Check Price |
| Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | 24-105mm | f/4 | 700g | Yes | 5-stop | 0.45m | Check Price |
1. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Canon’s most preferred and professional lens, with outstanding image quality. The EF 24-70mm is renowned for its outstanding features, which include next-generation optical design, precision autofocus, and aspherical elements.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM is the perfect choice for those who enjoy low-light photography.
The focal length is 24-70mm and the advanced optical features allow for elegant images. You can get the best quality in low-light situations thanks to the constant f/2.8 aperture.
The older model f/2.8 L USM has been replaced by the newer version f/2.8 L USM. There are now advanced tech traits and features to enhance portrait photography. Our top choice for portrait photography is the Canon EF 24-70 lens. Here’s why:
Tech Specs:
- Next-gen optical design for superior image quality
- It can be used as a professional portrait lens with three aspherical elements
- Ultrasonic motor with ring-type for silent and quick focus
- For precise focus adjustment, you can override the manual focus
- L-series lenses with the best quality features
- It is weather-sealed to resist moisture and dust.
- Smoother bokeh with a 9-blade diaphragm
- Compatible with all Canon camera models
2. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM
This prime lens by Canon has a macro magnification ratio of 1:1. It captures the same size subject as it would in real life. This makes it a professional portrait lens.
The EF 100mm f/2.8L is a stunning choice for macro, portrait, and hand-held moviemaking. Amazing results are achieved with portraits using Hybrid Image Stabilization.
Canon’s EF 100mm is a great choice for macro images that are crystal clear. This lens is the best in its category due to its 100mm focal length, quiet autofocus, and USM motor that allows for quick AF.
This lens is great for blurring the background and getting very close to your subject. Its exceptional optical quality ensures that the image quality is never compromised.
Tech Specs:
- 100mm focal length is ideal for close-up portraits
- Hybrid image stabilization to create beautiful images even in low light
- To create the illusion of distance, use f/2.8 aperture
- To remove chromatic aberrations, Ultra-Low dispersion (UD), elements are used
- Ultrasonic motor with ring-type for silent and quick focus
- L-series lenses have extra durability and build quality.
- It is weather-sealed to resist moisture and dust.
- For excellent bokeh, 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm diaphragm
- Compatible with all Canon camera models
3. Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM
The Canon EF 200mm f/2L is a top-rated telephoto lens for professionals. This lens has a large aperture of f/2 that produces amazing results in all lighting conditions.
It is a great lens for portrait photography due to its 5-stop image stabilizer and maximum focal length of 200mm.
Canon’s EF200mm lens is part of the L-series. It has pro specs and features. This lens comes from the Luxury category. It features precision-designed EF optics that offer outstanding performance.
The handling and material are perfect for captivating portrait photography.
Tech Specs:
- L-series precision design EF optics for superior performance
- Superior handling, dust and moisture resistance
- For low light photography, a large maximum aperture of f/2
- Image stabilizer 5-stop to prevent image blurring
- To reduce ghosting and flare, Super Spectra coating
- Amazing lens coating that accurately balances color and contrast
- Fluorite and Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) elements are used to reduce chromatic aberrations
- Ultrasonic motor with ring-type for silent and quick focus
- It is weather-sealed to resist moisture and dust.
4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Canon EF 85mm lenses produce sharp portrait images with amazing detail. This lens is one of the most beautiful Canon lenses, and it’s ideal for high-resolution cameras.
Portrait photography is best done with a fast f/1.4 aperture lens and a rapid shutter speed. This lens has a bright aperture that adds an extra level of appeal to the bokeh. You can also get beautiful images even at low light levels.
The amazing 4-stop image stabilizer produces incredible results to counteract camera shake. This image stabilization feature is appreciated by professional portrait photographers and moviemakers to produce smooth, beautiful images.
Tech Specs:
- Advanced AF technology to ensure the highest speed and accuracy
- Fast shutter speed with f/1.4 aperture
- For pleasing portrait results, sharp focus is possible even in low lighting
- 4-stop image stabilizer to avoid camera shake
- Ultrasonic motor with ring-type for silent and quick focus
- L-series lenses that guarantee top performance
- To reduce ghosting and flare, the lens has a fluorine coating
- It is weather-sealed to resist moisture and dust.
- Compatible with all Canon camera models
5. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Professionals recommend the EF85mm f/1.8 when it comes to portraiture. This lens is a good choice for portraiture because of its short telephoto focal length and high AF speed. It also has a large maximum aperture and can perform well in low light conditions.
Its fast aperture of f/1.8 makes it one of the most popular optical lenses for portrait photography. USM’s autofocus motor delivers the best performance, providing detail-rich depth-of-field.
The lens sensor coating controls the color balance, sharpness, and contrast.
Tech Specs:
- Next-gen optical design for superior image quality
- Large aperture f/1.8 for low light and hand-held applications
- Telephoto lens for short focal length to enhance facial features.
- Ultrasonic motor with ring-type for fast and almost-silent focus
- Manual override of focus is available for full-time adjustment in AF mode
- To reduce ghosting and flare, Super Spectra coating
- It is weather-sealed to resist moisture and dust.
- Lens coating to maintain color balance and contrast
6. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
This lens is what most portrait photographers love. This is one of Canon’s most unique and extraordinary lenses. This lens is perfect for capturing facial expressions and facial features.
The large aperture of f/1.8 brings the subject into focus and blurs the background. This lens is very popular with portrait photographers.
The focal length of 50mm also allows you to capture that live moment from a distance. This one is your best choice because of its small size and exceptional performance.
Tech Specs:
- Ideal for interiors and low light conditions.
- Large aperture at f/1.8 for amazing blurred background and sharp focus
- Low light photography with an f/1.8 aperture
- To shoot at a comfortable distance, 50mm focal length
- Its compact size makes it easy for you to transport
- Fast focus with a near-silent Stepping motor (STM).
- It is lightweight and easy to transport when on the move thanks to its robust build.
- Amazing photo quality at a very affordable price
7. Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is a pancake-sized lens that will make your next trip memorable. The fast f/2.8 aperture allows for low-light photography with quiet and smooth autofocus.
It is compact and portable, making it easy to transport gear while on the road. Amazing image quality is achieved with an adjustable focal length of 40mm. This lens can be used for portrait, landscape, interior, and architecture photography.
Portrait lovers are looking for fast and accurate autofocus. The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 utilizes Stepping Motor technology to do this.
Tech Specs:
- Easy to transport pancakes in a compact size
- Ideal for dark and low-light conditions
- Affinity f/2.8-22 for amazing blurred background and sharp focus
- Portrait and Landscape Photography: 40mm focal length
- Stepping Motor (STM), technology to achieve quiet and smooth autofocus
- It is lightweight and portable thanks to its robust construction.
- Hand-held photography: Fast maximum aperture
8. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
Canon’s CLASSIC portrait lenses, the EF 135mm f/2L USM is the most popular. It has its name inscribed on the top. It is one of the most loved lightweight lenses Canon has ever produced.
Ask a professional, especially if you are interested in portrait photography. You will be able to use this lens with no hesitation.
Even in low-light situations without a flash, the large aperture of f/2 produces sharp, colorful images. This lens is part of Canon’s L series, which is Canon’s Luxury range. It is therefore high quality and performs well.
Tech Specs:
- The telephoto lens captures exceptional portraits. Lightweight and high quality.
- Maximum aperture f/2 for best results in low light conditions
- It is constructed in the L-series to be a perfect portable lens
- Optimal flash metering using E-TTL II flash systems
- For perfect color balance and contrast, Super Spectra coating is recommended
- Autofocus is quick and quiet with the ring-type ultrasonic motor
- Lens coating to prevent ghosting and flare
- Pro portrait photographers will appreciate the compact design.
9. Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM
There are many prime and zoom Canon lenses, but the EF-M32mm f/1.4 STM mirrorless standard lens is a great choice. The lens has premium features such as high optical quality and beautiful compositions that make portraits look great.
This lens is a great choice for architecture, portrait, candids, interior, and architecture photography. The 32mm focal length is similar to 51mm and allows for wide coverage even under low light conditions.
This lens is a unique combination of flexibility and uniqueness thanks to its STM autofocus and a maximum aperture of f/1.4.
Tech Specs:
- The metal lens mount is lightweight and durable.
- Maximum aperture f/1.4 for best results in low light conditions
- STM autofocus allows you to capture movies and stills in the highest quality
- For perfect color balance and contrast, Super Spectra coating is recommended
- Compatible with all Canon cameras
- Lens coating to prevent ghosting and flare
- Pro portrait photographers will appreciate the compact design.
10. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L portrait lens is a gem. It’s the best low-light performer. This lens is a favorite of creative portrait photographers who have mastered candid photography.
In low light conditions, a large aperture of f/1.2 is a great choice. Pros can create a beautifully blurred background and shallow depth of field.
This lens is part of Canon’s luxurious L-series which protects it from dust and moisture.
Tech Specs:
- For low light speed, fast maximum aperture allows for incredible speed
- Circular aperture diaphragm to blur the background and smooth focus
- L-series quality with precision-designed EF opticals
- For fast and silent autofocus, use a ring-type ultrasonic motor
- Full-time manual control to adjust the focus in AF mode.
- Super Spectra coating to achieve a perfect color balance and increased contrast
- Lens coating reduces ghosting and flares due to light bouncing.
- Optimal flash metering using E-TTL II flash systems
11. Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM
Canon RF 28-70mm Standard Zoom Lens is another great choice for portrait photographers. It has a fast aperture and excellent image quality.
This advanced L-series zoom lens features impressive features that will enhance your portrait photography skills. This lens produces extraordinary image quality thanks to its maximum aperture and USM autofocus.
Canon’s L series build quality adds feathers to its reliability. The USM autofocus motor helps you focus quickly and with near-silence.
Tech Specs:
- For brilliant low-light conditions, faster shutter speed with f/2 aperture
- Focus even tiny objects with the f/2 aperture
- High-performing images with a 9-blade aperture
- USM motor for silent and quick focus
- Advanced lens coating for enhanced color balance and contrast
- Weatherproofing for L-series to make it water and dust resistant
- For sharp and bright images, a minimum focus distance of 39m is required
12. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
The RF 24-105mm is the perfect lens for any pro-camera shooter. This versatile zoom lens is known for its ability to capture stunning images with sharpness and contrast.
The focal length of 24-105mm covers the large-angle area needed to capture it all in one portrait. The 5-stop image stabilizer guarantees sharpness and quality in low-light.
Pro photographers use it to capture sharp portraits. Superior performance is possible by keeping the maximum aperture constant across the entire zoom range.
Tech Specs:
- With f/4 maximum aperture, you get a faster shutter speed
- Even in low light conditions, the performance is top-notch
- For maximum sharpness, use UD and aspherical lens elements
- Nano USM technology allows for silent and quick autofocus
- High-performing images with a 9-blade aperture
- Image stabilizer 5-stop for hand-held photography in low light
- Weatherproofing of the L-series that is dust and water-resistant
- For sharp, bright images, a minimum focus of 45m is required
Best Canon Lens for Portrait Photography – Conclusion
Portraits are everywhere, whether you’re using social media, online portfolios or a photography business. This is because people are the main subject of this category. Portrait photography is a popular way for people to identify and brand themselves in the age of self-centered social media. A lot of people value their social media presence more than their actual physical presence. Market yourself as a brand requires advanced tools, and the portrait lens is no exception.