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Best Canon Portrait Lens
Which Canon lens is the best Canon lens for portrait photography?
Considering the factors, including maximum aperture, focal length, weight, and price, is essential when choosing a lens for portrait photography.
Capturing portraits is, undeniably, the most admired photography skill which every photographer wishes to master.
And to make it less challenging, you only need three things – the right gear, passion, and a little knowledge.
When it’s about Canon portrait lenses, you get a myriad of options to promote your photography skills. Every Canon lens comes with unique tech specs to capture moments worth sharing.
So, let’s review the list of the best Canon lens for portrait photography.
12 Best Canon Lens for Portrait Photography
| Lens Name | Focal Length (max-min) | Maximum Aperture | Weight (grams) | Weather Sealing | Image Stabilizer (M=Magnification) | Closest Focusing Distance (meters) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | 24-70mm | f/2.8 | 805g | Yes | No | 0.38m |
| Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM | 100mm | f/2.8 | 625g | Yes | 4-stop 3-stop at 0.5x M 2-stop at 1.0x M | 0.3m |
| Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM | 200mm | f/2 | 2520g | Yes | 5-stops | 1.9m |
| Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM | 85mm | f/1.4 | 950g | Yes | 4-stop | 0.85m |
| Canon EF 85mm f/1.8L USM | 85mm | f/1.8 | 425g | Yes | No | 0.85m |
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM | 50mm | f/1.8 | 160g | Yes | No | 0.35m |
| Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM | 40mm | f/2.8 | 130g | Yes | No | 0.3m |
| Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM | 135mm | f/2 | 750g | Yes | No | 0.9m |
| Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM | 32mm | f/1.4 | 235g | Yes | No | 0.23m |
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM | 50mm | f/1.2 | 580g | Yes | No | 0.45m |
| Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM | 28-70mm | f/2 | 1430g | Yes | No | 0.39m |
| Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | 24-105mm | f/4 | 700g | Yes | 5-stop | 0.45m |
1. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Best Canon Lens for Portrait – Canon EF 24-70mm
Canon’s most popular and professional lens offers outstanding image quality.
The EF 24-70mm is known for its impressive features, including next-gen optical design, aspherical elements, precision autofocus, and more.
For those who love low-light shooting, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the real masterpiece for you.
It comes with a 24-70mm focal length and advanced optical features to get the most elegant image.
The constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range delivers maximum quality even in low light conditions.
The model f/2.8 L II USM has replaced the older version f/2.8L USM.
Now, there are some advanced tech features and traits to enhance portrait photography. The Canon EF 24-70 lens is our top pick for portrait photography. Here is why:
Tech Specs:
Next-gen optical design for superior image quality
3-aspherical elements make it a professional portrait lens
Ring-type ultrasonic motor for quick and silent focus
Override manual focus for accurate focus adjustment
L-series lens with the highest quality features
Weather sealed to make it dust and moisture resistant
9-blade diaphragm for smoother bokeh
Compatible with maximum Canon camera models
2. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM
Canon EF 100mm
With a macro magnification of ratio 1:1, this is one of the prime lenses by Canon. The camera sensor captures the same size of the subject as in real life, which makes it a professional portrait lens.
The EF 100mm f/2.8L is a remarkable choice for macro, portrait, and hand-held moviemaking. Hybrid Image Stabilization and versatile lens produce astounding results in portraits.
For crystal-clear macro results, Canon’s EF 100mm would be an excellent option.
The 100mm focal length, silent autofocus, and USM motor for rapid AF make this lens the best choice in this category.
With this lens, creating a blurred background while getting extremely close to the subject is quite easy. The image quality never gets affected due to its exceptional optical quality.
Tech Specs:
100mm focal length for superb close-up portraits
Hybrid Image Stabilization for beautiful images in low light
f/2.8 aperture to create the impression of distance
Ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements to remove chromatic aberration
Ring-type ultrasonic motor for quick and silent focus
L-series lens build quality with extra durability
Weather-sealed to make it dust and moisture-resistant
9-blade diaphragm circular aperture for excellent bokeh
Compatible with maximum Canon camera models
3. Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM
Best Canon Lens for Portrait
The Canon EF 200mm f/2L is a great choice for professionals who want a high-performing telephoto lens.
It’s a lens with an f/2 large aperture that delivers amazing results even in dark situations.
The 5-stop image stabilizer and max focal length of 200mm make it a perfect portrait photography lens.
Canon’s EF 200mm is an L-series lens with pro features and specs. The lens is from the Luxury class category and comes with precision-designed EF optics offering outstanding performance.
Also, the handling and material perfectly match the compelling portrait photography.
Tech Specs:
L-series precision design EF optics for superior performance
Superlative handling with dust and moisture-resistant qualities
Large maximum aperture of f/2 for shooting in low light conditions
5-stop image stabilizer to avoid image blur
Super Spectra coating to reduce flare and ghosting
Astonishing lens coating for accurate color balance and contrast
Fluorite and UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) elements to minimize chromatic aberration
Ring-type ultrasonic motor for quick and silent focus
Weather-sealed to make it dust and moisture-resistant
4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Canon EF 85mm
The Canon EF 85mm lens delivers sharp and clear portrait images in superb detail. It is one of the best Canon lenses ever made, ideal for high-resolution sensors.
A lens with a fast f/1.4 aperture and rapid shutter speed is undoubtedly the best for portrait photography.
The bright aperture in this lens adds extra appeal to the bokeh. Plus, you get pleasing images as a result, even in low light.
The 4-stop image stabilizer produces amazing results, counteracting the camera shake.
Pro portrait photographers and moviemakers appreciate this extra image stabilization quality to get smooth and beautiful images.
Tech Specs:
Advanced AF technology for utmost speed and accuracy
f/1.4 fast aperture for rapid shutter speed
Sharp focus even in low light for pleasing portrait results
4-stop image stabilizer to avoid camera shake
Ring-type ultrasonic motor for quick and silent focus
L-series lens that guarantees top performance
Fluorine coating on the lens to reduce flare and ghosting
Weather-sealed to make it dust and moisture-resistant
Compatible with maximum Canon camera models
5. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Best Canon Lens for Portrait – Canon EF 85mm f-1.8 USM
When it comes to shooting portraitures, professionals recommend the EF 85mm f/1.8 for sure.
The lens has a short telephoto focal length, rapid AF speed, large maximum aperture, and the ability to perform well in low-light conditions.
The fast f/1.8 aperture makes it the best in the class optical lens for shooting portraits. The USM autofocus motor also delivers maximum performance by providing depth-of-field to details.
The coating on the lens sensor takes care of color balance, sharpness, and contrast.
Tech Specs:
Next-gen optical design for superior image quality
Large f/1.8 aperture for hand-held and low light conditions
Short telephoto lens to enhance facial features and get beautiful results
Ring-type ultrasonic motor for quick and near-silent focus
Full-time manual override focus available to adjust focus in AF mode
Super Spectra coating to reduce flare and ghosting
Weather-sealed to make it dust and moisture-resistant
Lens coating to ensure color balance and image contrast
6. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Best Canon Lens for Portrait – Canon EF 50mm f-1.8 STM
Well, here is the lens most portrait photographers admire. It is one of Canon’s exceptional lenses.
Perfect for capturing facial features and expressions, this is the best you can have for low-light and everyday photoshoots.
The large f/1.8 aperture brings the subject into actual focus, making a beautifully blurred background. The lens is widely popular among portrait pro photographers.
Also, the focal length of 50mm allows capturing that living moment from a nice distance. Due to its compact size and extraordinary performance, this one is the best bet.
Tech Specs:
Perfect for low light, dark conditions, interiors, and more
Large f/1.8 aperture for sharp focus and amazing blurred background
f/1.8 aperture to capture the moment in low lights
50mm focal length to shoot from a comfortable distance
The compact size makes it easy to carry
Near silent Stepping motor (STM) for quick focus
Robust build material makes it easy to carry when traveling
Stunning photo quality at a much more affordable price
7. Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 40mm f-2.8 STM
The pancake-size lens, Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM, is here to make your next travel tour memorable. A fast f/2.8 aperture that allows low-light shooting with smooth and quiet autofocus.
The compact and portable design makes it easy to carry gear when traveling. An adjustable 40mm focal length delivers astonishing image quality.
This lens has everything from portrait and landscape to interior and architecture photography.
Most portrait lovers ask for quick and accurate autofocus; the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 uses Stepping Motor tech to make it happen for you.
Tech Specs:
Pancake’s compact size makes it easy to carry
Perfect for low light and dark conditions
f/2.8-22 aperture for sharp focus and an amazing blurred background
40mm focal length to shoot portrait and landscape
Stepping Motor (STM) technology for smooth and quiet autofocus
Robust build material makes it portable for traveling
Fast maximum aperture for hand-held shooting
8. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
Best Canon Lens for Portrait – Canon EF 135mm f-2L USM
When it comes to CLASSIC portrait lenses by Canon, the EF 135mm f/2L USM has its name printed on the top. It is one of the most popular lightweight lenses ever made by Canon.
Especially when it is about portrait photography, ask a pro, and you will head to this particular lens without a second thought.
The large f/2 aperture delivers sharp and colorful images, even in low light conditions, without a flash.
The lens belongs to Canon’s L-series, which is the Luxury range by Canon, so there is nothing to worry about in terms of quality and performance.
Tech Specs:
Lightweight and high-quality telephoto lens for outstanding portraits
Maximum f/2 aperture for perfect results in low light conditions
L-series construction to make it an ideal portable lens
Optimal flash metering with E-TTL II flash system
Super Spectra coating for proper color balance and contrast
Ring-type ultrasonic motor to make autofocus quick and silent
Lens coating to avoid flare and ghosting
Compact and specially designed for pro portrait photographers
9. Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM
Canon EF 135mm f-4 STM
While there are plenty of prime and zoom lenses by Canon, the EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM is an impressive mirrorless standard lens.
It comes with premium features, including high optical quality and compositions, to make portraits beautiful.
This high-quality lens is the right choice for portraits, candids, interior, and architecture photography.
The 32mm focal length it comes with, similar to 51mm, allows capturing wide area ideally even in low lights.
The STM autofocus and f/1.4 maximum aperture are the factors of brilliance in this lens, providing flexibility and uniqueness in one.
Tech Specs:
Lightweight and durable with the metal lens mount
Maximum f/1.4 aperture for perfect results in low light conditions
STM autofocus to capture stills and movies in maximum quality
Super Spectra coating for proper color balance and contrast
Compatible with maximum Canon cameras
Lens coating to avoid flare and ghosting
Compact and specially designed for pro portrait photographers
10. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Best Canon Lens for Portrait – Canon EF 50mm f1.2L USM
One of the gems of Canon portrait lenses, the EF 50mm f/1.2L is the supreme low-light performer.
Most creative portrait photographers with expert knowledge in candids go for this lens to enhance their skills.
A large f/1.2 maximum aperture delivers great speed in low-light situations. Pros can also achieve a beautifully blurred background with a shallow depth of field.
The lens belongs to Canon’s luxury L-series, which protects it against dust and moisture.
Tech Specs:
Fast maximum aperture for superb speed in low lights
Circular aperture diaphragm for smooth focus and blurred background
L-series quality with precision-designed EF optics
Ring-type ultrasonic motor for a rapid and near-silent autofocus
Full-time manual override to adjust focus in AF mode, too
Super Spectra coating for proper color balance and enhanced contrast
Lens coating also reduces flare and ghosting due to light bouncing
Optimal flash metering with E-TTL II flash system
11. Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM
The Canon RF 28-70mm is another standard zoom lens that’s ideal for portrait photographers due to its fast aperture and exceptional image quality.
It is an advanced L-series zoom lens with some impressive features to enhance portrait photography skills.
The kind of image quality this lens delivers is something extraordinary, thanks to the maximum aperture and USM autofocus.
Canon’s L-series build quality adds extra feathers to its reliability. The USM autofocus motor also helps to focus quickly and in near-silence.
Tech Specs:
Faster shutter speed with f/2 aperture for brilliant low-light conditions
f/2 aperture to focus even pin-sized objects
9-blade aperture for high-performing images
USM motor for quick and silent focus
Advanced lens coating for color balance and enhanced contrast
L-series weatherproofing to make it dust and moisture-resistant
39m minimum focus to a distance for sharp and bright image results
12. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Best Canon Lens for Portrait – Canon RF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
Whether you are a portrait, landscape, or interior pro camera shooter, the RF 24-105mm is what you need for all.
Known as the extremely versatile zoom lens, this masterpiece allows you to get maximum image quality with perfect sharpness and contrast.
The 24-105mm focal length covers the wide-angle area to get it all in a single portrait. A 5-stop image stabilizer ensures maximum quality and sharpness in low light.
It is the first choice for most professional photographers to get sharp and clear portraits. The maximum aperture remains constant throughout the zoom range for superior performance.
Tech Specs:
Faster shutter speed with f/4 maximum aperture
Top-notch performance, even in low light conditions
Aspherical and UD lens elements for maximum sharpness
Nano USM technology for quick and silent autofocus
9-blade aperture for high-performing images
5-stop image stabilizer for hand-held shooting in low lights
Tough L-series weatherproofing that makes it dust and moisture resistant
45m minimum focus for sharp and bright image results
Best Canon Lens for Portrait Photography – Conclusion
Be it any social media platform, online portfolios, or photography business, portraits are everywhere. That’s only because the primary subject in this category is – people.
In this self-centered social media era, portrait photography has become a way for people to identify and brand themselves.
There are a good number of people who value their social presence more than their actual presence.
Marketing yourself as a brand requires some advanced tools and a portrait lens is no exception to this rule.
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