Best portrait lenses: Top Picks
Our catalogue lists 519 portrait lenses. Short-telephoto primes between 70mm and 135mm, the classic portrait range.
How these were picked. Lenses are ranked using only data in our catalogue: those with editorial notes first, then those with a photo and a buying link, newer release years where known, and faster maximum apertures as a tie-breaker. This is a data-based shortlist, not a hands-on test ranking.
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1.Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS
100mm · f/2.8 · Sony E
A G Master macro lens for full-frame E-mount reaching 1.4x magnification, with Optical SteadyShot. Sony lists 2.8x with the 2x teleconverter.
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2.Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
85mm · f/1.4 · Sony E
The second-generation 85mm f/1.4 G Master portrait prime for E-mount. It adds an aperture ring and is lighter than the original, at about 642 g.
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3.Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
135mm · f/1.8 · Canon RF
The RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM is a telephoto prime for Canon RF full-frame cameras with image stabilization, suited to portrait and event work.
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4.Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM
100mm · f/2.8 · Canon RF
A macro lens for Canon RF full-frame cameras reaching 1.4x magnification, with a spherical aberration control ring and hybrid stabilization.
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5.Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S
105mm · f/2.8 · Nikon Z
The Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S is a 1:1 macro lens for Nikon Z full-frame cameras with vibration reduction. It doubles as a medium-telephoto portrait lens.
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6.Canon RF 85mm F2.0 Macro IS STM
85mm · f/2.0 · Canon RF
A portrait prime for Canon RF full-frame cameras with 0.5x macro capability and stabilization.
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7.Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
85mm · f/1.4 · Canon EF
The L-series 85mm f/1.4 with in-lens image stabilization and weather sealing, aimed at portrait and event work on full-frame EF bodies.
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8.Sony FE 85mm F1.8
85mm · f/1.8 · Sony E
An 85mm portrait prime for full-frame E-mount with an f/1.8 aperture, weighing about 371 g. It uses a 67mm filter thread.
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9.Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM
85mm · f/1.4 · Sony E
A G Master portrait prime for full-frame E-mount with an f/1.4 aperture. It has a dust and moisture resistant design and weighs about 848 g.
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10.Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
90mm · f/2.8 · Sony E
A 1:1 macro lens for full-frame E-mount with Optical SteadyShot. At 90mm it doubles as a medium-telephoto portrait lens.
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11.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G
85mm · f/1.8 · Nikon F
A fast, relatively compact portrait prime for Nikon FX cameras with a silent-wave motor. It also works on DX cameras as a longer lens.
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12.Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
100mm · f/2.8 · Canon EF
The EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is a 1:1 macro lens with a hybrid image stabilizer that compensates for shift as well as angular motion. Weather-sealed and usable as a medium portrait lens.