12 Best Canon Lens for Portrait Photography

What Canon lens for portrait photography is the best Canon lens? When choosing a lens for portrait photography, it is important to take into account variables, including maximum aperture, focal length, weight, and price. Undoubtedly, capturing portraits is the most admired photographic talent that any photographer wishes to master. And you just need three things to make it less challenging—the right gear, excitement, and a little information.

You get a myriad of options for promoting your photography skills when it comes to Canon portrait lenses. To capture moments worth sharing, every Canon lens comes with unique technology specs.

So, let’s go over the list of the best Canon portrait photography lenses.

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)
Price
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II 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 0.5x M
2-stop at 1.0x M
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 EF-M 32mm 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 common and professional lens, which provides excellent image quality. The EF 24-70mm is renowned for its outstanding features, including optical next-gen architecture, aspherical elements, autofocus precision, and more.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a true masterpiece for those who enjoy low-light shooting.

To get the most elegant shot, it comes with a 24-70 mm focal length and advanced optical features. Even in low light conditions, the constant f/2.8 aperture in the zoom range provides optimum efficiency.

The f/2.8 L II USM model has replaced the older f/2.8L USM version. Now, in order to develop portrait photography, there are some innovative technical features and characteristics.

Tech Specs:

  • Next-gen optical design for superior image quality
  • 3-aspherical elements to 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

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USMBest Canon Lens for Portrait – EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Best Canon Lens for Portrait

2. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM

With a ratio of 1:1 macro magnification, this is one of Canon’s prime lenses. The image sensor, which makes it a professional portrait lens, captures the same scale of the subject as in real life.

A remarkable option for macro, portrait, and hand-held filming is the EF 100mm f/2.8L. In portraits, hybrid image stabilization and flexible lens yield astounding results.

Canon’s EF 100mm will be an excellent choice for crystal-clear macro results. In this category, the 100mm focal length, silent autofocus, and USM motor for fast AF make this lens the best option.

With this lens, it is very easy to build a blurred background while getting extremely close to the subject. Because of its excellent optical consistency, the image quality never gets affected.

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

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USMBest Canon Lens for Portrait – EF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM
 Best Canon Lens for Portrait

3. Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM

The Canon EF 200mm f/2L is a perfect option for professionals who want a high-performing telephoto lens. It is an f/2 broad aperture lens that provides impressive results even in dark situations.

The 5-stop image stabiliser and 200mm max focal length make it a great lens for portrait photography.

The EF 200mm from Canon is an L-series lens with pro features and specs. The lens is from the Luxury class category and comes with outstanding performance from precision-designed EF optics.

The handling and content also complement the convincing portrait photography exactly.

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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

Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USMBest Canon Lens for Portrait – EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Portrait Lens
Best Canon Lens for Portrait

 

4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

In superb detail, the Canon EF 85mm lens provides sharp and transparent portrait images. It is one of the best lenses ever made by Canon, suitable for sensors with high resolution.

For portrait photography, a lens with a fast f/1.4 aperture and quick shutter speed is undeniably the best. In this lens, the vivid aperture gives extra attraction to the bokeh. Plus, even in low lighting, you get pleasing pictures as a result.

The 4-stop image stabilizer produces stunning results that overcome the shake of the camera. This extra image stabilization quality is appreciated by pro portrait photographers and moviemakers to get smooth and beautiful pictures.

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

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USMBest Canon Lens for Portrait – EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM – Portrait Lens
Best Canon Lens for Portrait

 

5. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Professionals definitely suggest the EF 85mm f/1.8 when it comes to taking portraits. In low-light conditions, the lens has a short telephoto focal length, high AF velocity, wide maximum aperture, and the ability to perform well.

The fast f/1.8 aperture makes it the best optical lens for shooting portraits in class. By providing depth-of-field data, the USM autofocus motor also delivers maximum output.

The color balance, sharpness, and contrast are taken care of by the coating on the lens sensor.

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

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USMBest Canon Lens for Portrait – EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
 Best Canon Lens for Portrait

6. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Ok, the lens that most portrait photographers admire is here. It is one of Canon’s rare and excellent lenses. This is the best you would have for low-light and regular photoshoots, great for capturing facial features and gestures.

The broad f/1.8 aperture puts the subject in real focus, providing a beautifully blurred background. Among portrait-pro photographers, the lens is widely popular.

The focal length of 50 mm also makes it possible to catch the living moment from a pleasant distance. This one is the best bet because of its compact size and extraordinary results.

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 much affordable price

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STMBest Canon Lens for Portrait – EF 50mm f/1.8 STM – Portrait Lens
Best Canon Lens for Portrait

7. Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM

To make your next travel tour a memorable one, the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake size lens is here. A fast f/2.8 aperture with smooth and silent autofocus that allows low-light shooting.

When traveling, the lightweight and portable nature makes it easy to carry gear. An adjustable focal length of 40mm offers amazing picture quality. This lens has it all, from portraits and landscapes to interior and architectural photography.

The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 uses Stepping Motor software to make it happen for you. Most portrait lovers ask for quick and precise autofocus.

Tech Specs:

  • Pancake compact size makes it easy to carry
  • Perfect for low light and dark conditions
  • f/2.8-22 aperture for sharp focus and 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

Best Canon Lens for PortraitBest Canon Lens for Portrait

Best Canon Lens for Portrait

8. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM

The EF 135mm f/2L USM has its name printed on the top when it comes to CLASSIC portrait lenses by Canon. It is one of Canon’s most popular lightweight lenses ever made.

Ask a pro, particularly when it comes to portrait photography, and without a second thought, you will head to this specific lens.

The wide f/2 aperture provides sharp and colorful images, even without a flash in low light conditions. The lens belongs to the L-series of Canon, which is Canon’s Luxury line, so there is nothing to worry about efficiency and quality.

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

Canon EF 135mm f/2L USMCanon EF 135mm f/2L USM – Lens for Portrait
Best Canon Lens for Portrait

9. Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM

The EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM is an excellent mirrorless standard lens, although there are plenty of prime and zoom lenses by Canon. In order to make portraits stunning, it comes with premium features, including high optical quality and composition.

The right choice for portraits, candidates, interior, and architectural imagery is this high-quality lens. Similar to 51mm, its 32mm focal length enables the perfect capture of a wide area even in low lighting.

In this lens, the brilliance considerations are the STM autofocus and f/1.4 maximum aperture, offering 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

Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STMCanon Lens for Portrait – EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM
Best Canon Lens for Portrait

10. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM

The EF 50mm f/1.2L is the supreme low-light performer, one of the jewels of the Canon portrait lenses. In order to develop their talent, most innovative portrait photographers with expert knowledge of candidates go for this lens.

In low light conditions, a wide f/1.2 maximum aperture provides great speed. A beautifully blurred backdrop with shallow field depth can also be done by pros.

The lens belongs to the luxury L-series by Canon, which protects it from 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

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USMCanon Lens for Portrait – EF 50mm f/1.2L USM –
Best Canon Lens for Portrait

11. Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Another regular zoom lens, the Canon RF 28-70mm, is suitable for portrait photographers due to its rapid aperture and excellent image quality.

It is an advanced zoom lens of the L-series with some outstanding features to improve skills in portrait photography. Thanks to the full aperture and USM autofocus, the sort of image quality this lens offers is something exceptional.

The build quality of Canon’s L-series adds extra features to its durability. The USM autofocus engine also helps to concentrate easily and in almost 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

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USMBest Canon Lens for Portrait RF 28-70mm f/2L USM
Best Canon Lens for Portrait

12. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

The RF 24-105mm is what you need for everyone, whether you’re a portrait, landscape, or interior pro camera shooter. This masterpiece, known as the highly flexible zoom lens, enables you to achieve optimum image quality with perfect sharpness and contrast.

To get it all in a single portrait, the 24-105mm focal length covers the wide-angle area. In low light, a 5-stop image stabilizer guarantees optimum efficiency and sharpness.

In order to get sharp and transparent portraits, it is the first choice for most pro photographers. For superior efficiency, the maximum aperture remains constant across the zoom range.

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

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USMBest Canon  Lens for Portrait – RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM –
Best Canon Lens for Portrait

The portraits are everywhere, whether it be any social media site, online portfolios, or photography business. That’s just because individuals are the primary focus in this category. Portrait photography has become a way for people to identify and mark themselves during the age of this self-centered social media period. A large number of individuals respect their personal social presence more than their real presence.

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