Best Pick

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM 85mm

89.2 Portrait Score
85mmf/1.8Canon EF
Why we recommend this

The f/1.8 aperture and ring-type USM motor deliver fast, quiet autofocus and strong subject isolation in a lightweight 425g body. Its Super Spectra coating effectively suppresses flare and ghosting while maintaining high contrast, and the lens offers full-time manual focus override. This is best for portrait photographers on the Canon EF system who need a flattering short-telephoto perspective without the cost or weight of an f/1.2 lens.

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Great Alternatives

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

Laowa Zero-D 9mm f/2.8

72.6 Portrait Score
9mmf/2.8Canon EF-MWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 9mm f/2.8 optics yield a 113° angle of view with near-zero distortion, using 15 elements including 2 aspherical and 3 ED glass. At just 215g and weather-sealed, it’s remarkably portable for an ultra-wide prime, and the manual focus design allows precise control. Landscape and astrophotography shooters on Canon EF-M will value its fast f/2.8 aperture and compact build for low-light, distortion-free shots.

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Sigma Art 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro 105mm

72.1 Portrait Score
105mmf/2.8Canon EFIS
Why we recommend this

With optical stabilization and a fast f/2.8 aperture, this 105mm macro lens delivers sharp 1:1 close-ups and portraits while two SLD elements and Super Multi-Layer Coating minimize flare. It ships as a bundle with a monopod, three-piece filter kit, and cleaning tools, providing a complete starter package at a budget-friendly price. This lens best suits portrait photographers and macro newcomers who need a stabilized telephoto with full accessories, though it struggles in landscape scenarios.

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Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF 28mm

69.3 Portrait Score
16-28mmf/2.8Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 15-element optical design prioritize high contrast and rich color gradation, making it particularly suited for landscape and black-and-white work on full-frame DSLRs. The focus ring’s rotation direction matches proprietary Canon and Nikon lenses, while the 939g build features a balanced, slim housing for confident handling. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers using Canon or Nikon full-frame DSLRs who need high contrast and precise control, but not for travel due to its weight.

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Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM 18-135mm

81.6 Portrait Score
18-135mmf/3.5Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this

A 7.5x zoom range (29–216mm equivalent) and 4-stop image stabilization make this lightweight 454g lens a versatile choice for Canon APS-C cameras. The optical formula with one aspherical and one ED element provides sharp results at a budget price, and the STM motor enables quiet, smooth autofocus for video. It’s best suited for hobbyists and content creators who need a single, affordable lens for everything from travel vlogs to family portraits.

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Canon Portrait and Travel Two 50mm

78.9 Portrait Score
50mmf/1.8Canon EFIS
Why we recommend this

The kit pairs the 50mm f/1.8 STM's bright f/1.8 aperture for low-light portraits with the 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM's stabilized ultra-wide view equivalent to 16mm for expansive travel scenes. The 50mm's metal mount and 7-blade circular aperture add durability and smooth bokeh, while both lenses' STM motors provide silent autofocus for video recording. Best for budget-conscious APS-C Canon DSLR shooters needing a lightweight two-lens setup for everyday portrait and landscape work.

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Tamron Di A037 17-35mm

66 Portrait Score
17-35mmf/2.8Canon EFISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture across a 17-35mm zoom range in a 460g body makes this lens stand out for its blend of speed and extreme portability. Its silent OSD autofocus, fluorine-coated front element, and weather sealing provide practical, discreet operation and durable outdoor protection. This lens is best for travel and landscape photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit without sacrificing a fast wide-angle view.

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IRIX Dragonfly 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 150mm

65 Portrait Score
150mmf/2.8Canon EFWeather Sealed
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Sigma 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM 18-250mm

64.7 Portrait Score
18-250mmf/3.5Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this

An expansive 13.9x zoom range (27–375mm equivalent on APS‑C) with 4‑stop stabilization and a lightweight 454g body defines this all-in-one superzoom. A 1:2.9 macro capability allowing focus as close as 35cm adds close‑up versatility, while the Super Multi‑Layer Coating reduces flare for consistent contrast. This lens is ideal for travelers and hobbyists on Canon, Nikon, or Sony APS‑C DSLRs who need a single, portable optic covering everything from wide landscapes to distant details with occasional macro.

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Sigma DC 203101 8-16mm

61.3 Portrait Score
8-16mmf/4.5Canon EF
Why we recommend this

An 8-16mm focal range delivers a 121° angle of view on APS-C sensors, with HSM autofocus and three aspherical elements with Super Multi-Layer Coating to minimize ghosting. Weighing just 555 grams, it remains highly portable for an ultra-wide zoom without compromising optical precision. This lens is best for architectural interiors and street shooters who need dramatic, distortion-free perspectives in tight spaces.

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Rokinon Cine DS DS24M-C 24mm

54.4 Portrait Score
24mmCanon EF
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Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 EF 85mm

52.6 Portrait Score
85mmf/16Canon EF
Why we recommend this

With a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, Ultrasonic Dual Linear USM autofocus, Ultra Multi-Coating, and a 9-blade diaphragm, this lens captures sharp portraits with smooth bokeh. Its lightweight 485g build and weather sealing make it a portable choice for travel and on-location shoots. Ideal for Canon EF full-frame portrait photographers needing fast, shallow depth-of-field work without heavy gear.

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7Artisans Infinte Series 24T2.1 EF B 24mm

52.4 Portrait Score
24mmCanon EFIS
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Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 VC USD Telephoto Zoom 100-400mm

49.6 Portrait Score
100-400mmf/4.5Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 1111g with Vibration Compensation, this 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 lens offers class-leading portability for handheld telephoto work on Canon EF bodies. Its magnesium barrel, moisture-resistant construction, and included 6-year warranty add outdoor durability. Budget-focused wildlife and sports photographers will value the 400mm reach and stabilized capture without the heft or price of faster glass.

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Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF 500mm

47.9 Portrait Score
500mmf/8Canon EF-M
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Tamron SP B001C700 10-24mm

41.5 Portrait Score
10-24mmf/22Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this

Covering a 10-24mm range (16-37mm equivalent) with built-in stabilization, this lens delivers versatile ultra-wide coverage in a lightweight 406g design. Its compact build and 77mm filter thread make it a cost-effective entry into wide-angle photography without sacrificing filter compatibility. Best for APS-C Canon shooters needing an affordable, stabilized lens for landscapes, architecture, and tight interior spaces.

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