Best Lenses under £400 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Art 85mm f/1.2 DG 85mm

82.9 Portrait Score
85mm f/1.2 L-Mount
Why we recommend this

Featuring an f/1.2 maximum aperture and dual HLA-driven autofocus, this 85mm prime lens delivers razor-thin depth of field and fast, silent focusing for L-Mount portraits. Its 14-element optical design maintains sharpness wide open, with a 9-blade diaphragm rendering smooth bokeh. Portrait photographers seeking uncompromising subject isolation will find it ideal, though the 1130g weight limits travel use.

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Sigma MC-11

54.2 Portrait Score
Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

The Sigma MC-11 enables Canon EF lenses to retain autofocus, image stabilization, and EXIF metadata when used on Sony E-mount cameras. Its firmware-updatable design and solid metal build ensure reliable performance with a broad selection of Sigma and Canon optics. This converter is best for portrait shooters adapting EF glass to E-mount and willing to trade macro precision for dependable autofocus at a budget-friendly price point.

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Sigma Contemporary 20mm f/2 DG 20mm

40.2 Portrait Score
20mm 22 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 370g with a weather-sealed all-metal build, this 20mm f/2 prime delivers ultra-wide composition and fast aperture in a compact L-mount package. The STM autofocus enables smooth video pulls, while three aspherical and two ED elements minimize distortion and aberrations across the frame. Best for travel and landscape photographers who need a lightweight, durable wide-angle lens with decent low-light capability for handheld shooting.

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Best Lenses under £800 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN 56mm

89.3 Portrait Score
56mm f/1.4 Canon EF-M Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN delivers exceptional sharpness with its f/1.4 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm, plus weather sealing for durability. At just 73g, it's remarkably portable while scoring 93/100 for portraits and 93.9/100 for street photography. Best for APS-C shooters needing a fast, lightweight portrait lens with reliable autofocus and low-light capability.

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Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art 28mm

89.1 Portrait Score
28mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 constant aperture and 17-element optical design with 5 ED and 3 aspherical elements produce crisp, low-light shots with suppressed chromatic aberration. A weather-sealed, splash-proof body pairs with a bundled kit including a 128GB card, filters, and flexible tripod for immediate field readiness. This lens is best for portrait and studio professionals needing a fast 28mm prime with robust build and precise depth-of-field control.

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Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN for L-Mount

61.1 Portrait Score
f/2.8 leica_l
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 470g with a constant f/2.8 aperture, this lens stands out as the lightest and most compact option in its class for L-mount, aided by superb build quality and internal focusing. Its Nano Porous Coating effectively suppresses flare and ghosting, while the 67mm filter thread keeps accessory costs low. This is best for travel and portrait photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit without sacrificing low-light performance or sharpness.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS 400mm

79.8 Portrait Score
100-400mm f/5 Sony E IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 142g, this 100-400mm f/5-6.3 zoom pairs a 4-stop stabilizer and stepping-motor AF with full weather sealing on Sony E-mount. Its brass bayonet mount, rounded 9-blade diaphragm, and anti-flare coatings add ruggedness and smooth bokeh in a portable form. Landscape and wildlife photographers who prioritize lightweight handheld reach will find it ideal, though it struggles for macro.

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Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4 DG DN 50mm

54.2 Portrait Score
50mm 16 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 14-element optical design with three aspherical elements and an f/1.4 aperture delivers sharp, aberration-free images with a fast, silent VCM autofocus motor and full weather sealing. The 11-blade rounded diaphragm produces smooth bokeh, and the bundled 72mm filter kit and case add practical value. This lens is best for portrait photographers and low-light shooters on Sony E-mount who need precise autofocus and rugged, weather-sealed build quality.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Art 135mm f/1.4 DG 135mm

91.7 Portrait Score
135mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The f/1.4 maximum aperture and full-frame Sony E mount deliver razor-thin depth of field, backed by fast HLA autofocus. Weather sealing and a 13-blade diaphragm ensure reliable field use with exceptionally smooth bokeh, despite the substantial 2,130g build. This lens suits portrait photographers who prioritize optical rendering over portability, given its travel score of just 37/100.

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Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS 70-200mm

53.3 Portrait Score
70-200mm 22 Sony E IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports combines a constant f/2.8 aperture with dual HLA motors for fast autofocus and up to 7.5 stops of stabilization via the OS2 algorithm. Its weather-sealed build and Super Multi-Layer Coating with water- and oil-repellent layers ensure reliable outdoor performance without sacrificing portability at just 212g. Best for landscape and travel photographers who need a lightweight telephoto zoom with excellent stabilization for handheld shooting in variable conditions.

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Premium Lenses for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Sports 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports 600mm

74.2 Portrait Score
60-600mm f/4.5 L-Mount IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 10x zoom range from 60mm to 600mm, 7-stop optical stabilization, and dustproof/splashproof construction make it a uniquely versatile all-in-one telephoto for Sony E mount. The lens supports a 1:2.4 maximum magnification for close-up details, and its f/4.5-6.3 aperture remains effective in bright light without requiring a lens swap. This is best for travel and outdoor photographers who need one robust lens to cover landscapes through super-telephoto wildlife without changing glass in dusty conditions.

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