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Best Focal Length For Portrait (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for the perfect lens to capture stunning portraits, understanding focal length is crucial. Focal length is the distance between the lens and the camera sensor, and it can greatly impact the appearance of your portraits. The right focal length can make your subject appear more natural while providing a blurred background to make them pop.

Before purchasing a lens, consider the type of portraits you want to capture. Are you shooting full-body portraits, or do you want more up-close headshots? Different focal lengths will have a significant impact on the final image, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Additionally, the aperture of your lens can also play a role in achieving the desired look for your portraits.

Are you tired of dull, lifeless portraits that lack personality? Don’t settle for just any lens – upgrade to a lens with the perfect focal length for your needs. Do you want your subject to stand out in a full-body portrait, or do you prefer more intimate headshots? What about the background – do you want it to be blurred to create a more professional look? With the right focal length, you can achieve the look you want and create portraits that truly capture the personality and essence of your subject. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring different focal lengths and upgrade your portrait game today!

10 Best Focal Length For Portrait

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for capturing medium telephoto portrait shots with large aperture on Fuji X mount cameras.
2
Ideal for creating velvety bokeh effects and creative blurred backgrounds in portrait and macro photography on Canon cameras.
3
Ideal for capturing portrait photos with Canon EOS Rebel cameras using manual focus technology.
4
Ideal for portrait photography and creating a shallow depth of field effect.
5
The product is ideal for portrait-length photography with Fuji X-mount cameras.
6
The product is ideal for capturing medium distance portraits with Sony E mount mirrorless cameras.
7
This product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with a telephoto lens on compatible Canon EOS EF mount cameras.
8
It is ideal for watching movies, playing games or giving presentations from a variety of devices with high quality visuals.
9
The product is ideal for stargazing and observing celestial objects with a simple yet powerful telescope design.
10
The product is ideal for beginners in astronomy who require a telescope with a 1000mm focal length and 70mm objective lens.
Ideal for capturing medium telephoto portrait shots with large aperture on Fuji X mount cameras.
Ideal for creating velvety bokeh effects and creative blurred backgrounds in portrait and macro photography on Canon cameras.
Ideal for capturing portrait photos with Canon EOS Rebel cameras using manual focus technology.
Ideal for portrait photography and creating a shallow depth of field effect.
The product is ideal for portrait-length photography with Fuji X-mount cameras.
The product is ideal for capturing medium distance portraits with Sony E mount mirrorless cameras.
This product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with a telephoto lens on compatible Canon EOS EF mount cameras.
It is ideal for watching movies, playing games or giving presentations from a variety of devices with high quality visuals.
The product is ideal for stargazing and observing celestial objects with a simple yet powerful telescope design.
The product is ideal for beginners in astronomy who require a telescope with a 1000mm focal length and 70mm objective lens.

1. Fuji X-Mount Portrait Lens Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Ii

Capture high speed moving objects with ease using the VILTROX 85mm F1.8 STM AF Lens. The lens features steady, fast and smooth AUTO FOCUS, making it widely compatible with APS-C cameras. After installing the Fuji camera, the lens supports the camera body to view aperture, shutter, exposure compensation and more. With the Sony Eye Focus function, the twice success rate increased for EF, which is more efficient to recognize and catch shooting objects. The 85mm focal length can be easily switched between a half-length portrait and a full-length portrait. Whether it's a full-frame body or APS-C, you will always have the right distance from the subject when using the 85mm lens.

The VILTROX 85mm F1.8 STM AF Lens features 10 elements in 7 groups, with an ideal aperture of 9 blades, and new optical technology for good image quality. This large aperture telephoto portrait fixed-focus lens is compatible with Fuji X mount. The lens has excellent close-up shooting ability, with a focusing distance of 80cm~∞ and the image ratio of a small object distance can reach 1:8. It offers beautiful defocusing effects and enables a massive amount of light for low-light or dimly lit shooting scenarios.

The VILTROX 85mm F1.8 STM AF Lens is equipped with metal electronic contacts, which support EXIF information transmission, electronic automatic iris adjustment, and can record digital photo attribute information and shooting data. The lens bottom has a micro USB upgraded port, which can download the newest firmware from the VILTROX website to make greater lens performance.

The VILTROX 85mm F1.8 STM AF Lens is designed with a durable and lightweight all-metal body structure, ensuring lens assembly accuracy and durability. It only weighs 492g, which is lighter than the original version. The lens also features a LOTUS LENS HOOD that can be used to reduce flare or scattering of light ghosts and avoid rain, snow, or sticking to the front of the lens.

Pros

  • Smooth AUTO FOCUS for capturing high speed moving objects
  • Compatible with APS-C cameras and Sony Eye Focus function
  • 85mm focal length for half-length and full-length portraits
  • Ideal aperture with 9 blades and new optical technology for good image quality
  • Excellent close-up shooting ability with focusing distance of 80cm~∞
  • Metal electronic contacts for EXIF information transmission and electronic automatic iris adjustment
  • Durable and lightweight all-metal body structure with LOTUS LENS HOOD for protection

2. Velvety Bokeh Canon Lens With Macro Magnification

Capture stunning portrait and macro shots with the Lensbaby Velvet 85 lens, designed to add a touch of sentimentality and artistry to your photos. With this lens, you can play with sharp details and blurring effects, velvety shimmers, and radiant skin tones, all while achieving movie-like aesthetics.

Crafted from premium materials and boasting a full metal body, the Lensbaby Velvet 85 features an 85mm fixed focal length and an aperture value of f/1.8. It also offers a close focus distance of 24cm, 1:2 macro magnification, and 12 aperture slats, all with manual focus. Weighing only 530g and measuring 89mm in length, this lens is both compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around wherever you go.

Compatible with Canon system cameras and SLR cameras, the Lensbaby Velvet 85 comes with a lens cap, bayonet cap, and instruction manual (please note that the manual may not be in English). Unleash your creativity with this premium lens and take your photography to the next level.

Pros

  • Allows for creative and artistic portrait and macro shots
  • Features sharp details and blurring effects, velvety shimmers, and radiant skin tones
  • Boasts premium materials and a full metal body
  • Offers a close focus distance of 24cm and 1:2 macro magnification
  • Comes with a lens cap and bayonet cap

Cons

  • – Manual focus may not be suitable for all users
  • – Instruction manual may not be in English

3. Portrait Master: Jintu 85mm Canon Lens

The Prime Lenses 85mm is a great choice for those who love capturing portraits and natural pictures. Its large f/1.8 aperture and virtual background make taking photos more fun. The lens construction consists of 6 high-performance glass elements in 6 groups, out of which 1 is Hybrid Aspherical (ASP). All of its elements are Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC). The focal length of the lens is 85 millimeters, and the closest focusing distance is 3.2 feet. The lens is compatible with Canon Digital EOS Rebel T1i, T2i, T3, T3i, T4i, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T6s, T7, T7i, T7s, T8i, SL1, SL2, SL3, EOS 90D, 80D, 77D, 70D, 60D, 6D Mark II, 6D, 5D Mark IV, 5D Mark III, 7D, 1300D, D, 1200D, 2000D, 200D, 250D, 4000D, 7D Mark II, 400D, 650D, 550D, 600D, 750D, 450D, etc. Please note that this is a manual focus lens with no electronic contacts, which is why it may show 'Lens not attached' on some cameras. However, this can easily be resolved by switching to MF MODE in order to use this lens work. If the shutter still does not work, please set the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu to Enable.

The Prime Lenses 85mm has a large aperture, allowing for great depth of field and beautiful bokeh effect. Its focal length is perfect for portrait photography, as it creates a natural-looking perspective. The lens is also lightweight, making it easy to carry around for long periods of time. Its Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) elements help to reduce ghosting and lens flare, resulting in sharper and clearer images.

The Prime Lenses 85mm is an excellent choice for those who want to experiment with manual focus lenses. Its large aperture and focal length make it perfect for portrait photography, and its Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) elements reduce ghosting and lens flare. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, and its compatibility with a wide range of Canon cameras makes it a versatile lens to have in your kit.

Pros

  • Large f/1.8 aperture for great depth of field and beautiful bokeh effect
  • Perfect focal length for portrait photography
  • Lightweight and easy to carry around
  • Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) elements reduce ghosting and lens flare
  • Compatible with a wide range of Canon cameras

Cons

  • – Manual focus only with no electronic contacts
  • – May show 'Lens not attached' on some cameras, requiring manual focus mode or camera settings adjustment

4. Canon Ef 50mm F/1.8 Stm Lens

The 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8 makes this lens an excellent choice for capturing stunning portraits, fast-action shots, and low-light photography. With a horizontal, vertical, and diagonal angle of view of 40º, 27º, and 46º, respectively, this lens allows for versatile shooting options. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meters) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x, making it possible to capture stunning close-up shots with great detail.

Equipped with a stepping motor (STM), this lens delivers near-silent, continuous move Servo AF for movies and smooth AF for stills. The 80 millimetre effective focal length on APS C cameras and 50 millimetre on full frame cameras make it versatile and suitable for a wide range of shooting styles. The lens construction features 6 elements in 5 groups, which ensures high-quality images with excellent contrast and sharpness.

Overall, this lens is an excellent choice for photographers who are looking for a high-quality, versatile lens that delivers outstanding performance in a wide range of shooting scenarios.

Pros

  • 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8 is perfect for portraits, action, and nighttime photography
  • Stepping motor (STM) delivers near-silent, continuous move Servo AF for movies and smooth AF for stills
  • 80 millimetre effective focal length on APS C cameras, 50 millimetre on full frame cameras
  • Lens construction features 6 elements in 5 groups, ensuring high-quality images with excellent contrast and sharpness

5. Fuji X-Mount's Dreamy Portrait Lens

The APS-C Normal-length Lens is a prime lens designed for use with Fuji X-mount mirrorless digital cameras, providing a 75mm equivalent focal length. It is well-suited to everyday shooting with subjects including portraiture, street, nightscape, landscape, and reportage. The lens boasts an aperture of F/0.95, making it ideal for low-light conditions and offering great control over the depth of field. With its optical system consisting of 8 elements in 6 groups and a 10-blade diaphragm, the lens delivers exceptional image quality with a pleasing out-of-focus quality when working with selective focus techniques. It weighs about 411g and features a compact all-metal lens barrel with engraved depth of field and focuses scales. The silver dents in the lens barrel give it a vintage look, while the metal lens mount ensures increased durability between the lens and camera. The aperture ring is stepped with the right amount of resistance and click, marking on full stops from F/0.95 to F/16. The multi-layer coating applied to individual elements reduces flare and ghosting, producing greater contrast and colour accuracy when working in strong lighting conditions.

Pros

  • Fast F/0.95 maximum aperture ideal for low-light conditions
  • Multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting
  • Compact and vintage design with all-metal lens barrel and engraved depth of field and focuses scales
  • Aperture ring is stepped with the right amount of resistance and click
  • 10-blade diaphragm delivers exceptional image quality with pleasing out-of-focus quality

6. Meike Portrait Lens For Sony Mirrorless Cameras.

Capture stunning portraits, architecture, and landscapes with the Standard 85mm full-frame lens. Boasting a wide aperture of f1.8 and 9 diaphragm blades, it produces super smooth, round blur effects (bokeh).

This lens supports AF, electronic aperture adjustment, and EXIF information transmission, providing you with a seamless photographic experience. Equipped with an STM stepping motor, it ensures silent and smooth focusing every time.

The lens features a micro-USB firmware upgrade interface, which enables you to upgrade the lens online, ensuring that it is always up to date. Compatible with Sony E Mount Cameras, including A7, A7R, A74, A7R4, A7III, A7RII, A7RIII, and A7SIII, it is perfect for a wide range of photography applications.

Additionally, the lens is also compatible with Sony APS-C frame cameras, including A6300, A6400, A6500, and A6600, with an equivalent focal length of 127.5mm. It is important to note that it is not compatible with Sony NEX Series APS-C Cameras.

Pros

  • Wide aperture of f1.8 and 9 diaphragm blades produce super smooth, round blur effects (bokeh)
  • Supports AF, electronic aperture adjustment, and EXIF information transmission for a seamless photographic experience
  • STM stepping motor ensures silent and smooth focusing
  • Micro-USB firmware upgrade interface enables online upgrades, keeping the lens up to date
  • Compatible with a wide range of Sony E Mount Cameras and APS-C frame cameras

Cons

  • – Not compatible with Sony NEX Series APS-C Cameras

7. Full Frame Telephoto Lens For Canon Eos

The lens has a 67mm filter size and a minimum focus distance of 0.85m. The aperture range is from F/1.8 to F/22, and the lens construction consists of 6 groups of 9 pieces. It provides a full-frame view with a level of 16 degrees, vertical of 24 degrees, and diagonal of 28.5 degrees. The lens also has electronic contacts and a USB connection for firmware upgrades. It is perfect for a variety of photography genres, including architecture, landscapes, portraits, sports, and theatre photography.

Pros

  • Wide aperture range
  • Full-frame view
  • USB connection for firmware upgrades
  • Suitable for a variety of photography genres

8. Auking 7500 Lumens Mini Home Projector

Experience clear and sharp detailed images with the latest 7500 Lumens and 1080p Full HD resolution supported by the AuKing 2023 Upgraded Projector. Its advanced color reproduction technology accurately restores every detail on the screen for a real and color-vibrant viewing effect.

Immerse yourself in an immersive viewing experience with the 170 inch large projection screen offered by the AuKing portable projector. With a 30~170 inches projection size and 3.2ft to 16.4ft projection distance, this projector is perfect for enjoying movies and sports at home. Its powerful cooling system cools the heat of the bulb effectively, extending the lamp's life up to 55,000 hours, making it more durable than previous models.

Enjoy a low noise viewing experience with the advanced noise reduction technology of the AuKing Upgraded phone projector. Its fan noise is reduced by 80%, while the built-in dual stereo speakers provide loud and crystal clear sound quality. If you want to achieve higher sound quality, you can connect it to external speakers.

Connect multiple devices to the AuKing portable movie projector with its HDMI, VGA, AV, and USB interfaces. It is perfect for playing videos, photo sharing, and football matches. However, an extra HDMI adapter is needed to be purchased separately for connecting with a phone. Due to copyright of Apps, Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, etc. can only play via TV Stick, Roku, etc.

Enjoy peace of mind with the 2-year satisfied warranty offered by the AuKing team. This home theater projector is not recommended for PPT or business presentations. It is designed for outdoor home theater use.

Pros

  • Latest 7500 Lumens and 1080p Full HD resolution supported for clear and sharp detailed images
  • 170 inch large projection screen for an immersive viewing experience
  • Powerful cooling system extends the lamp's life up to 55,000 hours
  • Low noise viewing experience with advanced noise reduction technology
  • Multiple device connections with HDMI, VGA, AV, and USB interfaces
  • 2-year satisfied warranty offered by the AuKing team

Cons

  • – An extra HDMI adapter is needed to connect with a phone
  • – Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, etc. can only play via TV Stick, Roku, etc.

9. Orion 8945 Skyquest Xt8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

The Classic Dobsonian reflector telescope is an ideal choice for those who want to explore the outer space without burning a hole in their pockets. It is a great option for beginners as well as families who want to learn and have fun together. The 8" diameter reflector optics allows to view the Moon and planets in great detail and the telescope has enough light grasp to show faint nebulas, galaxies and star clusters.

The Dobsonian base is ultra-stable and keeps the reflector optical tube perfectly balanced for easy point-and-view use. The telescope comes with a 2" Crayford focuser that accepts both 1.25" and 2" telescope eyepieces, a 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, an EZ Finder II reflex sight, collimation cap, Starry Night software, and more.

This telescope is designed to last a lifetime and is an investment in learning and exploring the universe. It may arrive in more than one box and separately, but the wait is worth it for the quality and affordability of the product.

Pros

  • Affordable price for a Classic Dobsonian reflector telescope
  • 8" diameter reflector optics provides close-up detail of the Moon and planets
  • Can view faint nebulas, galaxies and star clusters
  • Ultra-stable Dobsonian base for ease of use
  • Comes with a 2" Crayford focuser that accepts both 1.25" and 2" telescope eyepieces
  • Includes a 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, an EZ Finder II reflex sight, collimation cap, Starry Night software, and more

Cons

  • – May ship in more than one box and may arrive separately

10. Mak70 Astronomy Telescope Kit With Tripod.

The Mak-cass design of the Sarblue MAK70 telescope provides several benefits, distinguishing it from other telescopes. Firstly, it significantly reduces aberrations, resulting in clear and crisp views. Additionally, the quality fully multi-coated optical components ensure high precision, high reflectivity of the coating, and resistance to oxidation. This telescope provides vivid and vibrant views of terrestrial objects and magnificent views of celestial objects.

The Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design allows for a 1000mm focal length to be folded into a compact 210mm length tube. With a 70mm aperture, this telescope allows a greater amount of light to enter, resulting in higher resolution. Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for camping and easy to pack in any backpack for travel.

The Sarblue MAK70 is equipped with a micro-movement tripod, which provides a more precise and comfortable calibration experience. Its perfect combination of quick and slow motion makes it a valuable addition to your telescope. The tripod can be adjusted from 23 inches to 56 inches and supports most available telescope tubes, as well as most DSLR cameras with a dovetail. You can attach the telescope to a field tripod with a 3/8" or 1/4"-20 threaded post.

This telescope comes with a 20mm quality eyepiece, which brings 50X magnification, and a 10mm photographic eyepiece, which brings 100X magnification. It also includes a universal phone mount with a 1.5X Barlow Lens for simple astrophotography. The 5X24 finderscope has an adjustable angle and position, and the aluminum alloy integrated telescope tube provides a stronger texture.

Pros

  • Mak-cass design reduces aberrations and provides clear and crisp views
  • Fully multi-coated optical components ensure high precision and reflectivity
  • Compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for camping and travel
  • Comes with a micro-movement tripod for more precise calibration
  • Adjustable tripod supports most available telescope tubes and DSLR cameras
  • Includes a range of accessories for various magnifications and astrophotography

Best Focal Length For Portrait FAQs

Can I use a wide-angle lens for portrait photography?

Yes, you can use a wide-angle lens for portrait photography, but it is not recommended as it can distort the subject's face and body proportions. Wide-angle lenses have a focal length of less than 35mm, which means they capture a wider field of view. This can be useful for landscape or architectural photography, but when it comes to portraits, it can create a distorted image.

Wide-angle lenses can exaggerate the features of the subject's face, making their nose or forehead appear larger than they actually are. This can be unflattering, especially for close-up portraits. Furthermore, the wide-angle lens can also create a distorted background, making it appear closer or further away than it actually is.

Therefore, it is recommended to use a lens with a focal length of 50mm or higher for portrait photography, as this will produce a more natural-looking image. However, if you still want to use a wide-angle lens for portraits, make sure to position yourself at a reasonable distance from the subject and avoid shooting from extreme angles.

How does focal length affect the look of a portrait?

Focal length plays a crucial role in determining the look of a portrait. It is the distance between the camera's lens and the image sensor, and it affects the magnification and angle of view of the image. A shorter focal length, such as 35mm or 50mm, provides a wider angle of view and captures more of the scene in the frame. This can be useful for group portraits or environmental portraits where the subject's surroundings are important.

On the other hand, a longer focal length, such as 85mm or 135mm, narrows the angle of view and magnifies the subject, creating a shallow depth of field and a blurred background. This is ideal for close-up portraits where the focus is solely on the subject's face and features.

Choosing the right focal length depends on the desired outcome and the photographer's artistic vision. The focal length can enhance or alter the perspective of the portrait and ultimately influence the emotional impact of the image. Therefore, it is essential to consider the focal length while composing a portrait and experiment with different options to achieve the desired effect.

How does the distance between the subject and the camera affect the choice of focal length for portraits?

The distance between the subject and the camera is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing the right focal length for portraits. The focal length determines the amount of magnification and compression in the image, which in turn affects the visual impact of the portrait.

When the subject is closer to the camera, a shorter focal length is preferred as it allows for a wider angle of view and a greater depth of field. This is suitable for capturing environmental portraits or group shots where there is a need to showcase the surroundings.

On the other hand, when the subject is further away from the camera, a longer focal length is preferred as it produces a narrower angle of view and shallow depth of field. This is suitable for headshots or close-ups, where the emphasis is on the subject's face and features.

It's important to note that the choice of focal length should also consider the desired composition and aesthetic of the portrait. Ultimately, the focal length should complement the subject and the overall mood of the image.

What is the difference between using a prime lens and a zoom lens for portraits?

When it comes to portrait photography, the choice of lens can make a huge impact on the final outcome of the image. Prime lenses and zoom lenses are two common types of lenses used for portrait photography, and they have their own unique characteristics.

A prime lens has a fixed focal length, meaning that it cannot zoom in or out. This type of lens is known for producing sharp images with a wide aperture, which allows for a shallow depth of field and a blurred background. Prime lenses also tend to be smaller and lighter than zoom lenses, making them easier to carry around.

On the other hand, a zoom lens allows for variable focal lengths, meaning that you can zoom in or out to adjust your framing without having to physically move your camera. This type of lens is versatile and convenient but may sacrifice some of the sharpness and image quality that a prime lens can provide.

When it comes to portraits, both prime and zoom lenses can be effective, but it ultimately depends on the type of portrait you want to capture. If you want a sharp, focused subject with a blurred background, a prime lens with a wide aperture may be the way to go. But if you need more flexibility to adjust your framing, a zoom lens may be a better choice.

What is the ideal focal length for portrait photography?

The ideal focal length for portrait photography largely depends on the type of portrait you want to capture. For headshots or close-up portraits, a focal length between 85mm to 135mm is considered ideal. This is because these focal lengths are able to produce a shallow depth of field, which can help to blur out the background and bring the subject into focus.

For full-body portraits, a focal length between 50mm to 70mm is suitable, as these lenses are able to capture the subject's entire body within the frame. Additionally, these focal lengths produce less distortion, resulting in a more natural-looking image.

It's important to note that the choice of focal length also depends on the camera sensor size. For full-frame sensors, the aforementioned focal lengths are considered ideal, while for crop sensors, the ideal focal length range will be different. Ultimately, the ideal focal length for portrait photography will vary depending on the photographer's preference and the desired outcome.

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