Buying a New Canon Lens: Which Is Best for Capturing Portraits

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best canon lens for portraits

Canon has a wide range of lenses to choose from, each designed for a specific purpose. When it comes to capturing portraits, a lens with a large aperture and shallow depth of field is ideal. This helps to separate the subject from the background, creating a beautiful and natural bokeh effect. When buying a new Canon lens for portrait photography, it is important to consider factors such as focal length, aperture, and image stabilization. In this article, we will explore some of the best Canon lens for portraits photography to help you make an informed decision.

Different Lens Types for Portraits

There are many types of lenses. Some of them are are given below.

Standard Lenses

A standard lens, also known as a normal lens, has a focal length of around 50mm and is considered a versatile option for portrait photography. They offer a natural perspective, which is close to what the human eye sees. This type of lens is often compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. Standard lenses are a great option for photographers who are just starting out in portrait photography and want a lens that is easy to use and versatile.

Telephoto Lenses

Telephoto lenses have a longer focal length than standard lenses and are often used in portrait photography to compress the background and create a shallow depth of field. This helps to separate the subject from the background, making it easier to draw attention to the subject. Telephoto lenses are available in a range of lengths, from 70mm to 300mm, and are often more heavy and bulky than standard lenses. They are ideal for outdoor portraits or for capturing images from a distance.

Macro Lenses

Macro lenses are designed for close-up photography and have a high magnification ratio, allowing for detailed images of small objects. Although not traditionally used for portrait photography, macro lenses can be used to create unique and interesting portraits with a shallow depth of field and a dramatic perspective. Macro lenses are often heavy and have a relatively short focal length, making them less versatile than other types of lenses.

Lensbaby Lenses

Lensbaby lenses are a unique type of lens that are specifically designed to create a dreamy, selective focus effect. Lenses are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each one creates a different effect. They are a great option for photographers who want to experiment with different techniques and styles.

best canon lens for portraits

Canon’s Prime Lenses for Portraits

Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a popular and affordable option in canon lens for portraits photography. Its large aperture of f/1.8 allows for a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh, which helps to separate the subject from the background. This lens also has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around.

Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens

The Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM lens is a popular choice for portrait photographers who want a longer focal length and a shallow depth of field. The 85mm focal length provides a more flattering perspective for portraits, and the large aperture of f/1.8 allows for a beautiful bokeh effect. This lens also has image stabilization, making it easier to capture sharp images, even in low light conditions. The 85mm f/1.8 USM lens is a great option for photographers who want a versatile and high-quality lens for portrait photography.

Canon 135mm f/2.0L USM Lens

The Canon 135mm f/2.0L USM lens is a professional-level lens that is ideal for portraits. The 135mm focal length provides a flattering perspective for portraits and the large aperture of f/2.0 allows for a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. This lens also has image stabilization, making it easier to capture sharp images, even in low light conditions. The 135mm f/2.0L USM lens is a great option for photographers who want a high-quality lens for portrait photography and are willing to invest in a professional-level lens.

Zoom Lenses for Capturing Portraits

Zoom lenses are essential tools for photographers and videographers. They provide versatility and flexibility, especially when capturing portraits. This type of lens allows you to change the focal length, making it possible to zoom in or out, while keeping your subject in focus.

Advantages of Zoom Lenses for Portraits

  • Versatility: Zoom lenses provide the flexibility to capture portraits in different environments and at different distances, making it easy to switch from wide-angle to telephoto without changing lenses.
  • Convenience: With a zoom lens, you can adjust the focal length without having to physically move closer or further from your subject, which is especially useful when photographing shy or skittish subjects.
  • Depth of Field Control: The ability to zoom in or out on your subject enables you to control the depth of field, which is the area of the image that appears in focus. This can be useful in creating portraits with a shallow depth of field to blur the background and draw attention to the subject.

Types of Zoom Lenses for Portraits

  • Standard Zoom Lenses: These lenses typically have a focal length range of 18-55mm and are ideal for everyday photography. They are versatile, lightweight, and affordable.
  • Telephoto Zoom Lenses: These lenses have a longer focal length, ranging from 70-300mm, and are great for capturing portraits from a distance. They produce sharp and detailed images, making them ideal for portrait photographers.
  • Telephoto Zoom Lenses with Image Stabilization: These lenses have built-in image stabilization technology to reduce camera shake and blur in low-light conditions, making them ideal for portrait photography in challenging lighting situations.
best canon lens for portraits

Factors to Consider When Comparing Lenses

When comparing lenses, there are several factors to consider to determine which lens is best suited for your needs. Some of these factors include:

  1. Focal length: The focal length of a lens determines its magnification and the field of view. A longer focal length will produce a higher magnification and a narrower field of view, while a shorter focal length will produce a lower magnification and a wider field of view.
  2. Aperture: The aperture of a lens refers to the size of the opening through which light passes to reach the camera’s sensor. A larger aperture allows more light to pass through, resulting in better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field.
  3. Image stabilization: Image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake, especially when shooting in low-light conditions or with long exposures.
  4. Autofocus: Autofocus allows the camera to automatically adjust the focus of the lens, making it easier to take sharp, in-focus shots. Some lenses have faster or more precise autofocus systems than others.
  5. Build quality and durability: The build quality and durability of a lens is important, especially if you plan to use it in challenging environments or travel frequently. Consider factors such as weather sealing, materials used in construction, and the overall design of the lens.
  6. Compatibility: Make sure the lens you choose is compatible with your camera body, as different camera systems use different lens mounts.
  7. Price: The price of a lens is a major consideration, as lenses can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It’s important to weigh the cost against the features and performance you need.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when comparing lenses and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Conclusion

When buying the best canon lens for portraits, it’s important to consider the factors discussed above to make an informed decision. A lens with a longer focal length and a wide aperture, such as the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 or the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8, will provide a more shallow depth of field and allow you to separate your subject from the background, making it ideal for portraits. Image stabilization and fast autofocus systems are also important for capturing sharp, in-focus shots.

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