Portrait Photography: The Best Lenses for Perfecting Your Shots

Portrait Photography: The Best Lenses for Perfecting Your Shots

Alright, so you’ve got your camera, your subject, and maybe a cool location, but the one thing that can really elevate your portrait shots is the lens. Trust me, choosing the right lens for portrait photography can be a game changer. You don’t have to be a pro to know that the lens you use can totally transform the way your photo turns out. So, if you’re ready to take your portrait shots to the next level, let’s chat about the best lenses for perfecting those portraits!

Why Does the Right Lens Matter?

Before we dive into the lens recommendations, let’s talk about why the right lens is so crucial in portrait photography. Imagine this: You’ve got the perfect lighting, an amazing subject, and a beautiful backdrop—but if the lens isn’t right, the image might just feel off. It could look too sharp, too soft, or even have some weird distortion that doesn’t flatter your subject.

The right lens helps you control the background blur (aka bokeh), how much of the scene is in focus, and how your subject’s features appear in the frame. It also allows you to decide how much of the scene you want to include—do you want a headshot, a full-body portrait, or maybe something more creative that includes the surroundings? All of that depends on the lens you choose.

Prime Lenses: The Classic Choice for Portraits

When it comes to portrait photography, prime lenses are often the first recommendation from pros. These lenses have a fixed focal length (you can’t zoom in or out), which means they’re usually sharper and have wider apertures, making them perfect for portraits.

1. 50mm f/1.8 – The "Nifty Fifty"

Okay, let’s start with the classic “Nifty Fifty.” The 50mm f/1.8 lens is probably one of the most popular choices for portrait photographers, and for good reason. It’s affordable, lightweight, and super sharp. Plus, the f/1.8 aperture allows you to get that beautiful background blur (bokeh) that really makes your subject pop.

I personally used a 50mm f/1.8 when I first started shooting portraits. I remember photographing a friend in a local park, and I just couldn’t get over how the lens blurred the background, making her stand out so much more. The way the light hit her hair and the dreamy background just felt magical. It’s one of those lenses that makes even beginner photographers look like they know what they’re doing!

The 50mm lens also gives you a natural, everyday perspective—kind of like how we see the world with our own eyes. That’s why it’s so flattering for most types of portraiture.

2. 85mm f/1.4 – The Portrait King

If you’re looking for something a bit more professional, the 85mm f/1.4 is like the portrait photographer’s holy grail. This lens is a bit more expensive than the 50mm, but oh man, is it worth it.

I took the plunge and bought an 85mm lens a while back, and it completely changed how I approached portraiture. The longer focal length allows you to stand further back from your subject, which is great for creating more space between you and the person you’re photographing. This distance helps you capture natural expressions without making your subject feel cramped or awkward.

The bokeh on an 85mm f/1.4 lens is insane. Seriously. The background blur is creamy and smooth, making your subject look like they’re straight out of a high-fashion magazine. I’ve shot everything from family portraits to professional headshots with this lens, and every time, I’m impressed with how flattering it is. Plus, the sharpness is just mind-blowing.

Zoom Lenses: Versatility on the Go

Now, if you want something a bit more versatile, zoom lenses can be a great option. With a zoom lens, you can change focal lengths on the fly, which is especially useful if you’re moving around a lot, shooting in different environments, or working with a subject that can’t stay in one spot.

3. 24-70mm f/2.8 – The All-Rounder

The 24-70mm f/2.8 is a favorite among many portrait photographers, and it’s easy to see why. This lens lets you zoom in from wide to mid-range, which makes it super flexible for a variety of shots. Need to capture a full-body portrait at 24mm? No problem. Want to zoom in for a close-up headshot at 70mm? Done. The f/2.8 aperture gives you nice background blur, though it’s not as creamy as the f/1.4 lenses, it still does a solid job at isolating your subject.

I took my 24-70mm lens on a trip to a wedding shoot last year, and it was a lifesaver. I didn’t have to switch lenses constantly, which is a huge plus when you’re dealing with fast-moving events like weddings. Plus, I could quickly go from wide shots of the ceremony to close-ups of the couple without missing a beat.

It’s the type of lens you can use for more than just portraits too, making it a solid investment if you’re looking for versatility in your kit.

4. 70-200mm f/2.8 – For Compression and Beautiful Detail

The 70-200mm f/2.8 is another zoom lens that’s a beast when it comes to portraiture, especially if you’re shooting from a distance. This lens is ideal for achieving beautiful compression, where your subject looks nice and sharp, but the background seems to “squish” together. It’s a look that can add a lot of drama to your shots.

I shot an outdoor event once with a 70-200mm, and I was able to stand far enough away from my subject while still capturing amazing details. It was like the lens was pulling my subject out of the background and making them look more prominent, while the surroundings turned into this soft, blurred sea of color.

While this lens is typically associated with sports and wildlife photography, it can absolutely work for portraits too—especially if you love that longer, more editorial feel.

When to Use a Wide-Angle Lens for Portraits?

Okay, here’s a curveball for you: wide-angle lenses can also be used for portraits, but it’s all about how you use them. A 35mm or 24mm lens can give you a fun, creative twist on traditional portraiture. The key is to shoot from a slightly different angle or up close to your subject. This can create an exaggerated perspective, where the subject’s face might look a bit bigger, and the background stretches out. This is especially cool if you’re going for a more artistic, editorial vibe.

I remember using a 24mm lens for a creative shoot once, and the effect was amazing. The subject’s eyes looked huge, and the background was this cool blur of color. It’s definitely a unique style that doesn’t work for every shot, but when it does work, it really makes the portrait stand out.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Lens for You

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all lens for portrait photography. It’s all about what works best for you and your style. Whether you go for a sharp, classic 50mm or invest in a fancy 85mm for those dreamy background effects, the right lens can make a world of difference.

If you’re just starting out, I’d suggest going with something like the 50mm f/1.8. It’s affordable, versatile, and will give you a lot of room to experiment. As you get more comfortable and start figuring out what type of portraits you love to shoot, you can always expand your kit with lenses like the 85mm or 24-70mm.

So, grab your camera, pick the lens that suits your vibe, and get out there shooting. There’s a whole world of portraits waiting to be captured—and with the right lens, you’ll make sure they’re ones people won’t forget. Happy shooting!