Portrait photography is not only a powerful art form that presents the opportunity to capture the essence of a person or group of people, but also a genre of photography that can be as diverse as it is intriguing, encompassing everything from intimate, close-up shots to wide-ranging environmental portraits.
Regardless of the style of portrait, the lens you choose to use can make or break the portrait and with this guide, we go identify the five lens that we think every portrait photographer should have in their gear bag.
It’s important to know that portrait lenses come in many shapes and sizes, with each offering unique characteristics and advantages.
Ranging from wide-angle lenses that capture a broad scene to telephoto lenses that bring far-off subjects into sharp focus, the choice of lens can dramatically impact the outcome of a portrait.
So, with that being said, here are the five lenses that we think stand out as being the most well-suited to portrait photography.
The 85mm – The Quintessential Portrait Lens
The 85mm lens is unanimously hailed as the definitive lens for portrait photography thanks to a focal length that ideally suits the task of capturing flattering portraits.
With this lens, facial features are subtly flattened, which complements almost any subject, and the lens’s sharpness, even at its widest aperture, helps to ensure that subjects in-focus elements are rendered with exceptional clarity.
Of course, one of the most sought after features of this lens is that at it’s widest aperture it produces some really impressive bokeh, creating a soft, pleasing blur in the out-of-focus background.
This can be especially beneficial for isolating subjects and eliminating distracting background elements.
Key Features of the 85mm
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Available Apertures: f/1.2 | f/1.4 | f/1.8
- Diagonal Angle of View: Varies by model, approximately 28° – 12°
- Focus Adjustment: Usually autofocus with manual override option
- Closest Focusing Distance: Varies by model, generally around 0.85m / 2.8 ft.
The 35mm – The Wide-Angle Workhorse
While perhaps not traditionally associated with portraiture, using a 35mm lens can not only offer a unique perspective, but also add a dynamic edge to your shots.
When shooting with this wide-angle focal length, you will be able to capture more of the surrounding environment in your portraits, helping to create a sense of place, while adding additional context that can enhance the storytelling aspect of the image.
Despite it’s wide-angle designation, the 35mm lens is more than capable of delivering a pleasingly shallow depth of field when open to its maximum aperture.
It’s wide-angle, combined with its inherently sharp optics, makes it an extremely versatile lens capable of handling a broad range of portrait scenarios.
Key Features of the 35mm
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Available Apertures: f/1.4 | f/1.8 | f/4.0
- Diagonal Angle of View: Varies by model, approximately 63°
- Focus Adjustment: Autofocus with manual override option
- Closest Focusing Distance: Varies by model, generally around 0.3m / 1 ft.
The “Nifty Fifty” 50mm – The “Budget-Friendly” Portrait Lens
The 50mm is affectionately known as the “nifty fifty,” and is a very popular choice among portrait photographers for many reasons.
For one, its focal length is the closest to the field of view of the human eye, producing images that feel inherently natural and relatable.
Its wide aperture also allows for excellent low-light performance (almost eliminating the need for flash in some situations) and a shallow depth of field, making it an ideal lens for creating striking portraits.
Additionally, for those looking for the most bang for their buck, the 50mm f/1.8 lens specifically, is usually one of the most affordable lenses in a manufacturer’s lineup.
Its compact size and lightweight design make it an extremely versatile lens that can be carried just about anywhere, making it a great choice for both photographers on a budget or those just starting out in photography.
Key Features of the 50mm
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Available Apertures: f/1.2| f/1.4 | f/1.8 f/2.0 | f/2.5
- Diagonal Angle of View: Varies by model, approximately 47°
- Focus Adjustment: Autofocus with manual override option
- Closest Focusing Distance: Varies by model, generally around 0.45m / 1.5 ft.
The 70-200mm f/2.8 – The Far-Reaching Portrait Lens
For portraits, the value of adding the versatility of a zoom lens to your lens arsenal cannot be understated, and the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens specifically, is the ideal portrait zoom.
Offering a variable focal length that can easily adapt to a wide variety of shooting situations, it is ideally suited to capturing portraits from a distance at weddings and other events.
The long 70-200mm focal length can produce a flattering compression effect, making the subject appear closer to the background and isolating them more effectively.
Also, its fast f/2.8 aperture, allows for excellent low-light performance and a shallow depth of field, making it a versatile portrait lens over a wide range of portrait scenarios.
Key Features of the 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens
- Focal Length Range: 70-200mm
- Available Apertures: f/2.8 | f/4.0
- Diagonal Angle of View: Approximately 34° – 12°
- Focus Adjustment: Autofocus with manual override option
- Closest Focusing Distance: Varies by model, generally around 1.2m / 4 ft.
The 24-70mm f/2.8 – The Flexible Zoom Lens
The 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is a versatile zoom lens that’s perfect for capturing a broad range of portraits and makes a great addition to your portrait lens arsenal.
From close-ups to broader environmental portraits, a 24-70mm lens offers a wide focal range making it a versatile choice for various portrait situations and its fast f/2.8 aperture, allows for excellent low-light performance and a shallow depth of field.
Also, the flexibility of the zoom range allows photographers to adjust the composition and framing without having to change their position making it a versatile portrait lens over a wide range of portrait scenarios.
Key Features of the 24-70mm Lens
- Focal Length Range: 24-70mm
- Available Apertures: f/2.8 | f/4.0
- Diagonal Angle of View: Varies by model, approximately 84° – 34°’
- Focus Adjustment: Autofocus with manual override option
- Closest Focusing Distance: Varies by model, generally around 0.38m / 1.25 ft.
Conclusion
When choosing the right lens for portrait photography it’s important to remember that the best portrait lens isn’t necessarily the most expensive one — it’s the lens that allows you to capture your vision and tell your subject’s story in the most compelling way.
While the 85mm and 50mm lenses are often considered the go-to choices for portrait photography, other lenses with focal lengths such as 70-200mm, 35mm, and 24-70mm can offer unique perspectives and greater flexibility.
Finally, experimenting with different lenses and ultimately understanding their unique characteristics can help you find the perfect lens for your portrait photography.
