Best Lenses under $500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 20mm f/2 DG Contemporary 20mm

36 Portrait Score
20mm 22 L-Mount Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

With its fast f/2 aperture, 20mm ultra-wide full-frame coverage, and a compact 370g build in an all-metal, weather-sealed barrel, this lens delivers a bright, portable wide-angle option. Knurled focus and aperture rings, a fast internal focus system, and a rounded 9-blade diaphragm add precise handling and smooth out-of-focus rendering to the lightweight design. Landscape and architecture photographers who need a durable, travel-ready prime with autofocus for outdoor work will find this a practical choice.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under $1,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 90mm f/2.8 DG 90mm

80.8 Portrait Score
90mm f/2.8 L-Mount Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG uses 5 SLD and 1 aspherical element to deliver high resolution for mirrorless cameras in a compact 295g weather-sealed body. Its 9-blade diaphragm produces smooth bokeh, and the 1:5 magnification ratio enables detailed close-ups, all while maintaining a discreet, portable form. It’s best for street photographers and traveling professionals who need a lightweight telephoto with quiet stepping motor autofocus and sharp optics.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma Art 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro 70mm

75.3 Portrait Score
70mm f/2.8 Leica L
Why we recommend this

With 1:1 magnification and three SLD elements, this 70mm f/2.8 prime sharply corrects aberrations while acting as a 105mm equivalent on APS-C cameras. Its floating focus system maintains optical performance from infinity to macro, and the super multi-layer coating plus focus limiter switch improve flare resistance and AF speed. Best for Canon EF shooters seeking an affordable, lightweight macro optic for close-up and portrait work.

View Details & Prices
Sigma Art 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro 70mm lens
Price $509

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

61.3 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.

View Details & Prices
Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN for L-Mount lens
Price $889

Best Lenses under $1,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Sports 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS 150-600mm

79.4 Portrait Score
150-600mm f/5 L-Mount IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

This 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens spans a 4x zoom range with 4-stop optical stabilization, a 25-element optical path featuring 3 ED glass elements and Super Multi-Coating. At 2100g, it’s portable for a super-telephoto, balancing handheld ergonomics with reliable sharpness. Best for budget-minded portrait and landscape photographers needing long reach, though the absence of weather sealing limits its appeal for travel.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under $2,500 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Art 135mm f/1.4 DG Art 135mm

59.1 Portrait Score
135mm 16 L-Mount Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

At 135mm f/1.4, its 17-element optical formula (2 aspherical, 4 ED) and Dual HLA motor yield critical sharpness and rapid AF. The 13-blade aperture produces smooth, circular bokeh, aided by weather sealing and an oil-repellent coating for tough conditions. Portrait shooters who need uncompromising subject separation will value this lens, despite its substantial 1430g weight.

View Details & Prices

Premium Lenses for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma AF Cine 28-45mm T2 Cine 45mm

34.8 Portrait Score
28-45mm T16 L-Mount
Why we recommend this

The constant T2 aperture across its 28-45mm zoom range and integrated autofocus make it a flexible option for full-frame cine cameras. An 11-blade iris renders soft bokeh, and the 11.8-inch minimum focus distance delivers 1.4:1 magnification for close-up detail. It suits narrative and documentary shooters who need quick AF transitions and a compact wide-to-normal zoom without lens changes.

View Details & Prices