Best Lenses under €500 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR 40mm

78.3 Portrait Score
18-140mmf/3.5Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

Its 18–140mm focal range (27–210mm equivalent) pairs with 4-stop Vibration Reduction and a Silent Wave Motor for sharp, quiet autofocus across wide-angle to mid-telephoto. Super Integrated Coating and one extra-low dispersion element cut flare and color fringing, delivering high contrast in a compact 490g build. This all-in-one zoom suits DX shooters who need one grab-and-go lens for events, portraits, and close-up details without swapping glass.

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Best Lenses under €900 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR

81.9 Portrait Score
16-80mmf/2.8Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

A 16-80mm zoom range with f/2.8 at the wide end and Vibration Reduction delivers flexible, stabilized shooting for Nikon DX bodies. The bundled UV filter and cleaning kit provide immediate protection and maintenance right out of the box. Portrait and travel photographers using APS-C cameras will find this a practical, single-lens solution for varied handheld conditions.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Nikon 20052

41.3 Portrait Score
24-70mmf/22Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/2.8 aperture and internal zoom mechanism, a first for its class, maintain the lens's center of gravity for stable gimbal use while its Nano Crystal Coat and ED elements suppress flare and ghosting. Its optical formula delivers sharpness and pleasing bokeh in a weather-sealed, 900g body that is smaller and lighter than typical 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses. This lens is best for landscape photographers and video shooters who need a durable, stabilized workhorse zoom with silent, fast autofocus.

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Best Lenses under €1,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon 2177

77.9 Portrait Score
60mmf/2.8Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

Delivering true 1:1 reproduction with edge-to-edge sharpness, its optical formula includes one ED and two aspherical elements alongside Nano Crystal Coat to suppress flare and chromatic aberration. The internal focusing design and silent wave motor provide fast, quiet autofocus without a rotating front element, making filter use straightforward. This lens is best for Nikon DSLR shooters who need a precise, lightweight macro lens for detailed close-up work and copy stand reproduction.

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Best Lenses under €2,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G 58mm

79.6 Portrait Score
58mmf/1.4Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and two aspherical elements deliver sharp subject isolation with a distinct, smooth bokeh inspired by the legendary Noct NIKKOR. At just 385g, this lens combines a fast Silent Wave Motor with Nano Crystal Coatings for flare-resistant, high-contrast rendering in a portable build. It is best for portrait photographers who prioritize three-dimensional rendering and character over clinical sharpness.

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Premium Lenses for portrait

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 20082 500mm

31.1 Portrait Score
500mmf/32Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A Phase Fresnel element and magnesium alloy build shrink this 500mm prime to just 3.2 lbs, enabling handheld shooting with 4-stop Vibration Reduction. Its Nano Crystal Coat and three ED elements deliver high contrast and sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/5.6. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a lightweight, full-frame super-telephoto for extended field use.

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