If you're looking for a lens that is perfect for group portraits, then you're in the right place! Whether you're a professional photographer or just someone who loves taking photos of your family and friends, a good lens can make all the difference.
When choosing a lens for group portraits, there are a few factors to consider. One of the most important is focal length. A lens with a focal length between 35mm and 85mm is ideal for capturing a group of people without distortion. Additionally, you'll want to look for a lens with a wide aperture, which allows you to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background. This helps to make your subjects stand out and adds a professional touch to your photos.
Do you want to capture memories of your family and friends at special events, such as weddings or graduations? Or are you a professional photographer looking for a lens that can help you take stunning group portraits? No matter your level of expertise, a good lens is essential for capturing the perfect shot. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks for the best lenses for group portraits and start taking your photography to the next level!
10 Best Lens For Group Portraits
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Ideal for portrait and travel photography, with a versatile 50mm lens for sharp portraits and a wide-angle lens for scenery.
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The product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with full-frame mirrorless Canon cameras.
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The product is ideal for portrait and travel photography with its 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm lenses.
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Ideal for portrait photography on Canon EOS cameras with manual focus and full frame capabilities.
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Ideal for portrait photography and creating a shallow depth of field effect.
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Ideal for portrait photography with full frame Nikon DSLR cameras, offering a medium telephoto focal length and fast aperture.
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This product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with a telephoto lens on compatible Canon EOS EF mount cameras.
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The product is ideal for capturing stunning portrait photos using Nikon Z mirrorless cameras with a fast aperture.
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Ideal for portrait photography on Sony E-mount cameras with full frame sensors, such as A7III, A7RIII, A7SII, A7II, A9, A6500, A6400, A6300.
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Ideal for capturing portrait photos with Canon EOS Rebel cameras using manual focus technology.
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1. 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.
- 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
- – EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM has a limited zoom range
2. 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.
- 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).
3. 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.
- 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
- – 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
4. 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.
- 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
- – Requires complete manual focus operation, not suitable for SLR beginners
- – No electronic contacts, which may be confusing for some users
5. 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.
- 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
6. Nikon Lens For Stunning Full Frame Portraits
The Manual Lens for Nikon Cameras is a great choice for photographers who are looking for a high-quality lens that offers a full manual focus operation. This lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon cameras, including the D850, D810, D800, D750, and many more.
One of the key features of this lens is its 8 pieces of circular aperture, which allows for a smooth and pleasing bokeh quality in shallow depth of field images. Additionally, the lens features large focus rings and internal focusing (IF) hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP), which provide excellent image quality.
It's important to note that this is a manual lens, which means that there are no electronic contacts. This means that the camera will not detect the lens when mounted, and users will need to switch to MF mode in order to use the lens correctly. Additionally, this lens requires complete manual focus operation on DSLR cameras, so it may not be suitable for SLR beginners. It's recommended for photographers with excellent experience in equipment.
To use the lens correctly, users should set the mode dial to Manual (M), enable the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu, and set the Shutter lock option in the camera menu to Off: no lens.
- 8 pieces of circular aperture, smooth and large focus rings internal focusing(IF) hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP), ultra multi coating(UMC).
- Compatible with a wide range of Nikon cameras, including the D850, D810, D800, D750, and many more.
- Large Aperture with a pleasing bokeh quality to further enhance shallow depth of field images.
- – Manual focus operation may not be suitable for SLR beginners.
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.
- Wide aperture range
- Full-frame view
- USB connection for firmware upgrades
- Suitable for a variety of photography genres
8. Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F/1.8 S Portrait Fast Prime Lens For Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras
Capture lifelike and stunning images with the 85mm f/1.8 lens. The lens features a nine blade diaphragm that creates soft and rounded bokeh. It also has two ED glass elements and a Nano Crystal coating that provides accurate and clear images.
This lens is perfect for outdoor photography as it is dust and drip resistant. Its extensive sealing keeps the lens free of dust and moisture, making it ideal for use in any weather condition. The customizable control ring allows the photographer to adjust settings with ease.
Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur, this lens is a must-have for your collection. It delivers stunning results and is easy to use, making it perfect for capturing life's precious moments.
- Nine blade diaphragm creates soft and rounded bokeh
- Two ED glass elements and Nano Crystal coating provide accurate and clear images
- Dust and drip resistant lens is extensively sealed to keep out dust and moisture
- Customizable control ring allows for easy adjustment of settings
9. Viltrox 85mm Lens: Ultimate Portrait Photography!
The AF 85/1.8 II FE is a high-quality, large aperture lens that is compatible with Sony E-mount cameras such as A7III, A7RIII, A7SII, A7RII, A7II, A9, A7, A7R, A6400, A6500, A6300, A6000, A5100, A5000, and NEX-7. It has an 85mm focal length and an aperture range of F1.8 to F16, making it perfect for portrait photography. This lens produces a wonderful background defocusing effect that helps the subject stand out easily.
The AF 85/1.8 II FE lens is equipped with full-frame, AF (auto-focus), and electronic aperture support. It also supports EXIF information transmission, electronic automatic iris adjustment, and records image information and shooting data. The lens has a noiseless STM focus motor, metal electronic contact, and 10 elements in 7 groups, including 1 ED lens and 4 short wavelength and high transparent lens. Additionally, it has a sturdy structure made of high-quality materials and HD Nano multilayer coating for improved image quality. The lens also has a micro USB port for firmware upgrades.
- Large aperture lens for better low-light performance
- Perfect for portrait photography
- AF and electronic aperture support
- STM focus motor for quiet and precise focusing
- Sturdy and durable construction
- HD Nano multilayer coating for improved image quality
- Micro USB port for firmware upgrades
10. 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.
- 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
- – Manual focus only with no electronic contacts
- – May show 'Lens not attached' on some cameras, requiring manual focus mode or camera settings adjustment
Best Lens For Group Portraits FAQs
Can I use a wide-angle lens for group portraits?
Yes, you can use a wide-angle lens for group portraits, but it's not always the best option. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing a large area or a scenic view, but they can distort images if used improperly. When it comes to group portraits, you need to be careful not to distort the faces of the people in the photo.
If you're shooting a large group, you may need to use a wide-angle lens to fit everyone in the frame. In this case, it's best to position the camera at a slightly higher angle and use a smaller aperture to increase the depth of field. This will help keep everyone in focus and prevent distortion.
If you're shooting a smaller group, a longer focal length lens may be a better option. This will help you isolate the subjects and produce a flattering image with less distortion.
Ultimately, the choice of lens will depend on the size of the group and the effect you're trying to achieve. Experiment with different lenses and compositions to find what works best for your particular situation.
How does aperture affect group portraits?
Aperture is an important factor in group portraits as it directly impacts the depth of field and the sharpness of the image. Aperture refers to the size of the opening in the camera lens that allows light to enter. A wide aperture (small f-number) creates a shallow depth of field which blurs the background and isolates the subject, while a narrow aperture (large f-number) creates a deeper depth of field and keeps the entire scene in focus.
In group portraits, it's important to have everyone in focus and sharp, so a narrow aperture is preferred. However, a narrow aperture also means less light enters the camera, which can result in a darker image. To counteract this, photographers may need to adjust their shutter speed and ISO to compensate for the lack of light.
In summary, a narrow aperture is ideal for group portraits to ensure everyone is in focus, but it may require adjustments to other settings to maintain proper exposure.
Is a zoom lens or prime lens better for group portraits?
When it comes to group portraits, both zoom lenses and prime lenses can be used effectively. However, each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Zoom lenses offer versatility as they allow you to adjust the focal length without having to change lenses. This can be particularly useful when working with large groups, as you can easily zoom in and out to capture different compositions. Zoom lenses also tend to have a wider aperture range, which can be helpful in low-light situations.
On the other hand, prime lenses offer superior image quality and are often faster than zoom lenses. They also tend to have wider maximum apertures, which can produce a shallower depth of field and a more pleasing bokeh effect. Prime lenses are also often lighter and more compact than zoom lenses, which can make them easier to handle and transport.
Ultimately, the choice between a zoom lens and a prime lens for group portraits will depend on your personal preferences and shooting style. Some photographers may prefer the flexibility of a zoom lens, while others may value the image quality and creative potential of a prime lens.
What focal length is ideal for group portraits?
When it comes to group portraits, selecting the right focal length is crucial to achieving a successful image. As a rule of thumb, a focal length between 35mm to 50mm works well for group portraits. This range enables the photographer to capture the entire group while maintaining a natural perspective. However, the ideal focal length also depends on the number of people in the group and the space available for the photoshoot.
If you are working with a larger group, you may want to consider a wider-angle lens such as a 24mm or 28mm. These lenses allow you to capture a wider field of view, making it easier to fit everyone in the frame. On the other hand, if you are working with a smaller group, a longer focal length such as an 85mm or 105mm can be used to create a more intimate portrait.
In conclusion, the ideal focal length for group portraits depends on various factors, including the group size and available shooting space. It is essential to experiment with different focal lengths to find the one that works best for your specific situation.
What is the best lens for group portraits?
When it comes to group portraits, choosing the right lens can make a huge difference in the final outcome of the image. The best lens for group portraits is typically a wide-angle lens with a focal length between 24mm and 35mm. This range allows you to capture a wider area and fit more people into the frame without distortion.
A popular choice among photographers is the 35mm lens, which provides a natural perspective and captures sharp, detailed images while keeping the background in focus. Another option is the 24-70mm zoom lens, which offers flexibility in framing and allows you to adjust the focal length depending on the size of the group and the location of the shoot.
It's important to keep in mind the distance between you and the subjects as well as the space available for the shoot. A wide-angle lens may not be the best choice if you're shooting in a small room or a crowded area. Overall, choosing the best lens for group portraits depends on your personal preference and the specific needs of your shoot.