

It performed very well in our optical tests, and as a bonus for portrait shooters, the quality of bokeh in defocused areas is highly pleasing. On that subject, in our review we were hugely impressed with the sharpness of the Tamron SP 90mm, especially in the centre (where you’re going to be putting your portrait subjects). Its 90mm focal length is right in the sweet spot for portraits, and you also get a handy built-in stabiliser to keep shots sharp. One of many macro lenses that doubles up as a solid portrait lens, the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro is something of a bargain. Bokeh is wonderfully smooth, even more so than with the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD, helped by the longer focal length. Internal focusing, meanwhile, powered by ring-type ultrasonic systems, results in the front elements remaining fixed throughout the focusing range.Īt f/1.8, the Tamron is more than sharp enough for portraiture and the level of sharpness is consistent across the whole frame. Physically smaller and lighter in weight than the competing Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM A, this optic is nevertheless larger and weightier than its EF 85mm f/1.8 USM rival (below) that shares the same maximum aperture.Īt 700g, it’s still entirely manageable and feels well-balanced on full-frame bodies, while the VC (Vibration Compensation) system is a bonus for low lighting levels.Īs with the Sigma lenses below, the two Tamron's on test are also supplied with hoods to block extraneous light.

This enables connection of the lens to a computer via a USB link for updating firmware and customising settings, such as fine-tuning autofocus. Like its 45mm sibling below, this optic is compatible with Tamron’s TAP-in console. With its f/1.8 maximum aperture and ideal 85mm focal length, this is a particularly good choice for full-frame DSLR users – and unlike most other primes offers image stabilization for steadier handheld shots. Let's get started with the best Canon portrait lenses! Best Canon portrait lenses in 2023 We’ve picked out a range of different lenses for different budgets, so no matter where you are on your portrait photography journey, there should be a lens here for you. Happily, these lenses tend to be cheaper than telephotos. On Canon’s APS-C cameras, the crop factor is 1.6x, meaning that a 50mm lens mounted on an APS-C body will provide an equivalent focal length of 80mm. This may sound complex, but all you need to remember is that smaller sensors provide a slightly zoomed-in perspective, also known as the ‘equivalent’ focal length. One thing to remember is that if you’re working with a camera that has a smaller sensor than full-frame, you’ll need to take the crop factor into account. Also, longer lenses will flatter facial features – wide lenses stretch them out, which is generally something you want to avoid. This focal length lets you fill the frame with a subject without having to shove your camera in their face. Longer focal lengths are also better for portraiture – most photographers agree that around 85mm is optimal.
