Best Lenses under £400 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Art 135/1.8S 135mm F/1.8 DG HSM F/Sony 135mm

79.7 Portrait Score
135mmf/1.8Sony (E mount for NEX)IS
Why we recommend this

The f/1.8 aperture and specialized FLD/SLD glass elements deliver exceptional sharpness and subject isolation, making it a standout portrait lens. Its Hyper Sonic Motor provides fast, quiet autofocus, while the durable brass bayonet mount and TSC material ensure long-term reliability. This lens is best for portrait photographers who need uncompromising optical performance and smooth bokeh in a full-frame E-mount system.

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Best Lenses under £800 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM

92 Portrait Score
28mmf/1.4Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The f/1.4 maximum aperture and an optical design with three aspherical and five SLD/FLD elements deliver exceptional sharpness and contrast control for low-light scenes. Its weather-sealed, robust build and Super Multi-Layer Coating ensure reliable, flare-resistant performance in demanding conditions. This lens is best for professional landscape and street photographers needing a fast, wide-angle prime with uncompromising optical clarity.

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Great Alternatives

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

Sigma Contemporary 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN 10-18mm

85.5 Portrait Score
10-18mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 260g with a constant f/2.8 aperture, this 10-18mm zoom delivers an ultra-wide 15-27mm full-frame equivalent field of view in a weather-sealed, travel-ready body. The fast internal focus system and 117mm minimum focus distance enable dynamic close-ups with smooth bokeh from its 7-blade diaphragm. This lens is best for vloggers and landscape photographers using APS-C Sony E-mount cameras who need a lightweight, low-light capable ultrawide zoom.

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No Lenses under £1,000 yet. See our top picks under £2,000

Best Lenses under £2,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Art 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN 28-45mm

59.5 Portrait Score
28-45mmf/16Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Delivering a constant f/1.8 aperture across its 28-45mm zoom range, this lens eliminates the need for multiple fast primes in a kit. Its robust, weather-sealed build and de-clickable aperture ring make it equally suited for hybrid video work, while the HLA motor provides fast, quiet autofocus. This lens is best for event photographers and gimbal operators who need prime-level light gathering in a single, flexible zoom.

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No Lenses found in this category. See our top picks under £2,000