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Best Lens For Family Portraits (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for high-quality family portraits, you’re going to need a great lens to capture every precious moment. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know what to look for. To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together a guide on what to consider before purchasing a lens for family portraits.

Firstly, it’s important to consider the focal length of the lens you choose. Depending on the size of the room you’ll be shooting in and how many people you want to include in your photos, you may need a wider or narrower focal length. It’s also important to look at the lens’s maximum aperture, which can affect the quality of the photos taken in low lighting.

When choosing a lens for family portraits, it’s also important to think about the type of camera you’ll be using it on. Different cameras have different mount types, so be sure to choose a lens that is compatible with your camera. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the overall build quality and weight of the lens, as well as its price point.

Are you tired of blurry, dull family portraits that don’t do justice to your loved ones? Do you want to capture every tiny detail and emotion in your photos? Choosing the right lens for family portraits can make all the difference. By considering factors like focal length, maximum aperture, and compatibility with your camera, you can make an informed purchase that will elevate your family photos to the next level.

10 Best Lens For Family Portraits

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for capturing portraits, sports, and low light situations with sharp focus and creamy bokeh effect.
2
Ideal for capturing portrait photos with Canon EOS Rebel cameras using manual focus technology.
3
Ideal for portrait photography and creating a shallow depth of field effect.
4
Ideal for portrait and travel photography, with a versatile 50mm lens for sharp portraits and a wide-angle lens for scenery.
5
The product is ideal for portrait and travel photography with its 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm lenses.
6
This product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with a telephoto lens on compatible Canon EOS EF mount cameras.
7
The product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with full-frame mirrorless Canon cameras.
8
Ideal for portrait photography on Canon EOS cameras with manual focus and full frame capabilities.
9
This product is ideal for providing soft, continuous lighting for photo and video shoots with white and black umbrella reflectors.
10
This product is ideal for wide-angle photography and low light situations.
Ideal for capturing portraits, sports, and low light situations with sharp focus and creamy bokeh effect.
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.
Ideal for portrait and travel photography, with a versatile 50mm lens for sharp portraits and a wide-angle lens for scenery.
The product is ideal for portrait and travel photography with its 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm lenses.
This product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with a telephoto lens on compatible Canon EOS EF mount cameras.
The product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with full-frame mirrorless Canon cameras.
Ideal for portrait photography on Canon EOS cameras with manual focus and full frame capabilities.
This product is ideal for providing soft, continuous lighting for photo and video shoots with white and black umbrella reflectors.
This product is ideal for wide-angle photography and low light situations.

1. Canon Ef 85mm F/1.8 Usm Medium Telephoto Lens For Canon Slr Cameras – Fixed

The 85 millimetre standard lens with f 1.8 maximum aperture is specifically designed for Canon SLR cameras. This telephoto zoom lens is perfect for capturing natural images and portraits. The lens has a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) which brings the subject quickly into focus, making it an ideal choice for portrait photographers. The natural angle of view and perspective ensure that the pictures are true to life.

The lens has a closest focusing distance of 2.8 feet and weighs only 15 ounces. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around. The lens is not zoomable but is designed to produce beautiful background blur, giving your photos a professional look. With a diameter of 3 inches and a length of 2.8 inches, this lens is an excellent addition to your camera kit.

The lens comes with a 1-year warranty and the user manual has troubleshooting steps to help you with any issues you might face while using the lens.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Ideal for portrait and natural images
  • Quick subject focusing with ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM)
  • Produces beautiful background blur

Cons

  • – Not zoomable

2. 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

3. 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

4. Canon Portrait And Travel Two Lens Kit With 50mm F/1.8 And 10-18mm Lenses (Renewed)

The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact and lightweight fixed focal length lens that is perfect for everyday photography. It features a large f/1.8 aperture, which makes it ideal for low-light photography and creative background blur. With a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 ft. (0.35m) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x, this lens is perfect for capturing close-up shots with great detail. The circular aperture (7 blades) helps to deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds, while the metal mount provides stability and ruggedness.

The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is an ultra-wide zoom lens that is perfect for capturing expansive scenery, from tall buildings to inspiring mountain ranges. With an impressive starting focal length of 16mm in 35mm equivalence, this lens helps you achieve vivid colors and details during your travels. The full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode, and a stepping motor (Gear-type STM) supports the Movie Servo AF function in providing smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording, as well as when shooting photos.

Pros

  • Large f/1.8 aperture for low-light photography and creative background blur
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Circular aperture (7 blades) for beautiful, soft backgrounds
  • Full-time manual focus for manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode
  • Stepping motor (Gear-type STM) for smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording

Cons

  • – EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM has a limited zoom range

5. Canon Portrait And Travel Two Lens Kit With 50mm F/1.8 And 10-18mm Lenses

The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a must-have fixed focal length lens for capturing everyday photos. It is compact, lightweight, and ideal for low-light photography, thanks to its large f/1.8 aperture. With a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 ft. (0.35m) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x, this lens helps you capture stunning details even from a close distance. The circular aperture with 7 blades ensures that you get beautiful, soft backgrounds in your photos. The metal mount provides the lens with added durability and stability.

The EF-S10-18mm F4.5-5.6 IS STM is a fantastic ultra-wide zoom lens that is perfect for capturing stunning landscapes, tall buildings, and mountain ranges. It has an impressive starting focal length of 16mm in 35mm equivalence. The wide angle of view from the EF-S 10–18mm f/4.5–5.6 IS STM helps you achieve vivid colors and details during your travels. The Gear-type STM stepping motor supports the Movie Servo AF function in providing smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording and shooting photos. Additionally, the full-time manual focus allows you to make manual focus adjustments while in AF Mode.

Pros

  • Large aperture for low-light photography
  • Circular aperture with 7 blades for beautiful, soft backgrounds
  • Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 ft. (0.35m) and maximum magnification of 0.21x for capturing stunning details
  • Metal mount for added durability and stability
  • Impressive starting focal length of 16mm in 35mm equivalence for capturing stunning landscapes

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for those who prefer zoom lenses
  • – The maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6 may not be sufficient for some low-light situations

6. 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

7. Full Frame Magic: Canon Rf50mm F1.8 Stm

The Compact and Lightweight Fixed 50 millimeter Focal Length Lens is an ideal choice for photographers who want to capture sharp and clear images. With its large F, 1.8 Aperture, low-light photography is made easier while creative background blur is possible. The lens is equipped with a Stepping Motor (Gear-Type STM) which provides smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording and when shooting photos. The Control Ring allows for direct setting changes, making it easier for photographers to adjust settings and capture their desired shots. The lens has optimized lens placement and coatings which help deliver outstanding color balance, while minimizing ghosting and flare. It is compatible with the Mirrorless R System (EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, or EOS R6). This lens is perfect for those who want to take their photography to the next level.

The Compact and Lightweight Fixed 50 millimeter Focal Length Lens is a perfect addition to your photography gear. With its large F, 1.8 Aperture, you can take advantage of low-light photography and achieve creative background blur. Its Stepping Motor (Gear-Type STM) ensures that you can have smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording and when shooting photos. The Control Ring allows for direct setting changes, making it easier for photographers to adjust settings and capture their desired shots. The optimized lens placement and coatings help deliver outstanding color balance, while minimizing ghosting and flare. It is compatible with the Mirrorless R System (EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, or EOS R6). This lens is perfect for photographers who want to achieve high-quality images.

If you are in search of a lens that can take your photography to the next level, then the Compact and Lightweight Fixed 50 millimeter Focal Length Lens is the perfect choice. With its large F, 1.8 Aperture, low-light photography is made easier while creative background blur is possible. The Stepping Motor (Gear-Type STM) provides smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording and when shooting photos. The Control Ring allows for direct setting changes, making it easier for photographers to adjust settings and capture their desired shots. The optimized lens placement and coatings help deliver outstanding color balance, while minimizing ghosting and flare. It is compatible with the Mirrorless R System (EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, or EOS R6). This lens is a must-have for photographers who want to capture high-quality images.

Pros

  • Large F, 1.8 Aperture for low-light photography.
  • Stepping Motor (Gear-Type STM) provides smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording and when shooting photos.
  • Control Ring allows for direct setting changes.
  • Optimized lens placement and coatings help deliver outstanding color balance, while minimizing ghosting and flare.
  • Compatible with the Mirrorless R System (EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, or EOS R6).

8. Portrait Pro Lens For Canon Rebel Series

The 8 pieces of circular aperture and large focus rings make this manual focus lens a great choice for photographers looking to enhance their skills. It features internal focusing (IF) hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP) and ultra multi coating (UMC). This lens is compatible with Canon EOS Rebel T7, T7i, T6, T6i, T5, T5i, SL2, 80D, 77D, 700D, 70D, 60D, 50D, 5D, 6D, 7D, 600D, 550D, 200D, 150D, 100D, 1300D, 1400D, and 1500D. However, it requires complete manual focus operation and is not recommended for SLR beginners. The lens is perfect for photographers with excellent experience in equipment looking to achieve a shallow depth of field and a pleasing bokeh quality.

To use this lens correctly, you need to switch to MF MODE because there are no electronic contacts. Your camera will not detect the lens when mounted, which is why it shows "NO LENS ATTACHED". Here are some tips for using our manual lens: 1) Set the mode dial to Manual (M). 2) Set the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu to Enable. 3) Set the Shutter lock option in the camera menu to Off: no lens.

Pros

  • 8 pieces of circular aperture for a pleasing bokeh quality
  • Smooth and large focus rings for easy adjustments
  • Internal focusing (IF) hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP) and ultra multi coating (UMC) for high-quality images
  • Compatible with a wide range of Canon EOS cameras

Cons

  • – Requires complete manual focus operation, not suitable for SLR beginners
  • – No electronic contacts, which may be confusing for some users

9. Limostudio Soft Lighting Kit With Umbrella Reflector

The 18-piece photography lighting kit is perfect for all your photographic needs. The kit includes three 45W CFL bulbs, three bulb sockets, two white 33-inch umbrella reflectors, and two black/silver 33-inch umbrella reflectors. It also comes with two 82.3-inch light stands and five reusable fastening cable ties. Additionally, the kit includes one 29.8-inch light stand, one bulb carry bag, and one photo equipment carry bag.

The 45W photo CFL bulb has a color temperature of 6000K, a brightness of 1820 lumens, and an E26/E27 standard screw base. It is designed to provide maximum energy savings up to 80%. The 33-inch diameter white umbrella reflector is made of enhanced nylon and works well with any flash or lighting fixture. The kit is suitable for camera shooting, studio portraits, food, animals, children's fashion, industrial, scientific, and technical commercial photography.

Pros

  • Comes with a complete set of lighting equipment for all your photographic needs
  • The 45W photo CFL bulb provides maximum energy savings up to 80%
  • The 33-inch diameter white umbrella reflector works well with any flash or lighting fixture
  • Suitable for a wide range of photography genres, including studio portraits, food, animals, and children's fashion

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for professional-grade photography
  • – The quality of the equipment may not be as high as more expensive options

10. Canon Ef-S 24mm F/2.8 Stm Lens

The Canon EF S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens is an excellent option for those who want to capture stunning photos with their Canon APS C cameras. This lens has a focal length of 24mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, providing great depth of field and low-light performance. It is equivalent to 38mm on a full-frame camera, making it an ideal lens for everyday use.

One of the standout features of this lens is its slim and lightweight design. It is the slimmest and lightest lens in the EF S series, perfect for photographers who are always on the go. The circular aperture with 7 blades delivers beautiful and soft backgrounds, making your subject stand out in every shot.

The Canon EF S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens has a maximum magnification of x0.27, allowing you to capture stunning close-up shots. The minimum focusing distance of 0.16 meters/0.5 feet makes it easy to get up close and personal with your subject.

Another great feature of this lens is its full-time manual focus, which allows you to make manual focus adjustments while in One Shot AF mode. This makes it easy to fine-tune your focus and capture the perfect shot every time.

This lens is compatible with all non-full-frame Canon EOS digital SLRs, making it a versatile and reliable option for photographers of all skill levels.

Pros

  • Slim and lightweight design
  • Circular aperture with 7 blades for beautiful, soft backgrounds
  • Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustments while in One Shot AF mode
  • Maximum magnification of x0.27 for stunning close-up shots
  • Compatible with all non-full-frame Canon EOS digital SLRs

Cons

  • – Not suitable for full-frame cameras

Best Lens For Family Portraits FAQs

Are there any specific features I should look for in a lens for family portraits?

When it comes to capturing beautiful family portraits, choosing the right lens is crucial. There are several features to consider when selecting a lens for family portraits. Firstly, you should look for a lens with a wide aperture. A wide aperture will allow you to blur the background and create a shallow depth of field, which will make your subjects stand out more prominently. Additionally, a lens with a focal length between 50mm to 85mm is ideal for family portraits. This focal length will enable you to capture your subjects in a natural and flattering way, without any distortion.

Another feature to consider is the lens' sharpness. A sharp lens will ensure that your portraits are crisp and clear, capturing all the details and expressions of your subjects. Lastly, you may want to opt for a lens with image stabilization to reduce any camera shake and capture sharper images. Overall, the key is to look for a lens that can produce high-quality images, with a flattering depth of field, sharp details and natural-looking portraits.

Should I use a prime or zoom lens for family portraits?

When it comes to capturing family portraits, choosing the right lens can make a huge impact on the overall outcome of the image. While both prime and zoom lenses have their own advantages and disadvantages, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preference and shooting style.

Prime lenses are fixed focal length lenses that do not zoom in or out. They are often preferred by professional photographers for their sharpness, speed, and ability to produce a shallow depth of field. This makes them great for capturing close-up shots and portraits with a blurred background.

On the other hand, zoom lenses offer more flexibility in terms of focal length, allowing you to zoom in and out without having to switch lenses. This can be particularly helpful when shooting in dynamic environments, such as family gatherings, where you may not have the time or space to change lenses.

Ultimately, the decision between using a prime or zoom lens for family portraits comes down to your personal preference and shooting style. If you prefer a more traditional, classic look with a shallow depth of field, a prime lens may be the way to go. However, if you want more flexibility in your shots and prefer a more versatile lens, a zoom lens may be the better option.

What are some recommended lenses for capturing natural-looking family portraits?

When it comes to capturing natural-looking family portraits, the choice of lenses plays a crucial role in achieving the desired results. To capture the essence of the moment, it is essential to use lenses that can capture the emotions, expressions, and interactions of the family members.

One of the most recommended lenses for family portraits is the 50mm prime lens. This lens is versatile and can capture a wide range of shots, from full-body portraits to close-ups of individual family members. The 50mm lens is also affordable and easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners.

Another lens that is popular among portrait photographers is the 85mm prime lens. This lens is ideal for capturing close-up shots of individual family members, allowing you to focus on their facial expressions and emotions.

For group shots, a wide-angle lens like the 35mm lens is recommended. This lens can capture a wider area, making it easier to fit all family members in the frame.

In conclusion, the choice of lenses for natural-looking family portraits depends on the type of shots you want to capture. A combination of different lenses can help you achieve the desired results, from close-up shots of individuals to group shots of the whole family.

What focal length should I look for in a lens for family portraits?

When it comes to selecting the right lens for family portraits, the focal length is a critical factor. A great lens for family portraits should be able to capture a wide area to include everyone in the frame while maintaining a natural perspective. Generally, a lens with a focal length of 35mm to 85mm is ideal for family portraits. A 50mm prime lens is a popular choice among professional photographers for capturing family portraits. It provides a natural perspective and allows for sharp, clear images with a shallow depth of field. Another option to consider is a zoom lens with a focal length range of 24-70mm or 70-200mm, which provides versatility in framing and composition. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that the larger the focal length, the more significant the distance between the photographer and the subjects. So, it's essential to choose the right focal length that fits the shooting location and your photographic style. Ultimately, the right lens for your family portraits depends on your needs and preferences.

What type of lens is best for family portraits?

When it comes to family portraits, choosing the right lens is crucial to capture the perfect shot. Generally, a lens with a focal length of 35mm to 85mm is ideal for family portraits. This range allows you to capture a wider view of the family group, including the surroundings, while still being able to focus on individual members with clarity and sharpness.

A prime lens with a wide aperture, like f/1.8 or f/2, can also be a great choice for family portraits. This type of lens allows you to create a shallow depth of field, which blurs the background and makes the subjects stand out more. It also allows for more natural light to be captured, which can add a soft and warm feel to the photos.

Ultimately, the best lens for family portraits will depend on your personal style and the type of look you want to achieve. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different lenses and see what works best for you and your family.

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