Best portrait lenses for Canon EF: Top Picks

Our catalogue lists 61 portrait lenses for Canon EF. 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.

1. 

   1.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.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
2. 

   2.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.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
3. 

   3.Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

   85mm · f/85.0 · Canon EF

   A large-aperture f/1.2 portrait lens from Canon's L line, built for full-frame EF cameras. Very shallow depth of field.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 135mm F2L USM
4. 

   4.Canon EF 135mm F2L USM

   135mm · f/2.0 · Canon EF

   A fast 135mm telephoto prime, long known for sharpness and strong subject isolation. A favorite among Canon portrait and event photographers.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
5. 

   5.Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

   85mm · f/85.0 · Canon EF

   The EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is a fast, compact short telephoto that has been a staple Canon portrait lens since 1992. Ring-type USM focusing and full-frame coverage.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
6. 

   6.Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

   100mm · f/100.0 · Canon EF

   A 1:1 macro lens that doubles as a medium telephoto for portraits. No stabilization, but USM focusing and a comfortable working distance.

   Specs Compare with EF 100mm f/2 USM
7. 

   7.Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM

   100mm · f/2.0 · Canon EF

   A 1991 medium telephoto with a ring-type USM motor and full-time manual focus. It is the faster, lighter alternative to the 100mm macro for portrait work.

   Specs Compare with TS-E 90mm f/2.8
8. 

   8.Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8

   90mm · f/2.8 · Canon EF

   A short-telephoto tilt-shift lens with manual focus. Used for product work, controlled-focus-plane portraits and miniature-style effects.

   Specs Compare with 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF
9. 

   9.Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF

   85mm · f/1.4 · Canon EF

   A manual-focus 85mm portrait prime for full-frame DSLRs with an f/1.4 aperture. It delivers smooth background blur.

   Specs Compare with 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
10. 

    10.Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

    105mm · f/1.4 · Canon EF

    A very large 105mm f/1.4 portrait prime for DSLRs with a hypersonic motor. It has no optical stabilizer and is aimed at studio and fashion shooters.

    Specs Compare with 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
11. 

    11.Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

    85mm · f/1.4 · Canon EF

    A portrait prime from Sigma's Art line with an f/1.4 aperture and hypersonic motor. It is heavy and uses an 86mm filter thread.

    Specs Compare with 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro
12. 

    12.Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro

    105mm · f/2.8 · Canon EF

    A 1:1 macro lens with Optical Stabilizer and a hypersonic motor. It also works as a portrait lens.

    Specs