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Best Lens For Outdoor Portraits (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a lens for outdoor portraits, there are a few factors you need to consider before making your purchase. In order to capture the beauty of nature, you want to make sure you have the right lens that will deliver high-quality images.

Firstly, you want to consider the focal length of the lens. A lens with a focal length of 50-85mm is ideal for capturing natural light and producing a shallow depth of field. Additionally, a lens with a wide aperture (f/1.2 – f/2.8) will allow you to blur out the background, making your subjects stand out even more.

You may also consider the size and weight of the lens for portability purposes. A lightweight and compact lens will be easier to carry around during outdoor shoots. With so many lenses available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one for your needs. Ask yourself some questions like, “Do I need a zoom or prime lens?”, “What’s my budget?” and “What kind of portraits do I want to take?” These questions can help narrow down your choices and make the decision-making process simpler.

In summary, when looking for a lens for outdoor portraits, it is important to consider factors such as focal length, aperture, size, weight, and your unique shooting style. Keep these tips in mind and ask yourself the right questions before making your purchase to ensure that you find a lens that will meet your needs and help you capture stunning photos.

10 Best Lens For Outdoor Portraits

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with a telephoto lens on compatible Canon EOS EF mount cameras.
2
Ideal for portrait and travel photography, with a versatile 50mm lens for sharp portraits and a wide-angle lens for scenery.
3
Ideal for portrait photography and creating a shallow depth of field effect.
4
Ideal for portrait photography on Canon EOS cameras with manual focus and full frame capabilities.
5
The product is ideal for portrait and travel photography with its 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm lenses.
6
The product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with full-frame mirrorless Canon cameras.
7
Ideal for capturing portrait photos with Canon EOS Rebel cameras using manual focus technology.
8
Ideal for capturing distant subjects with Canon SLR Cameras.
9
This telephoto zoom lens is ideal for Canon SLR cameras, providing enhanced magnification and distance capabilities for photography.
10
This product is ideal for wide-angle photography and low light situations.
This product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with a telephoto lens on compatible Canon EOS EF mount cameras.
Ideal for portrait and travel photography, with a versatile 50mm lens for sharp portraits and a wide-angle lens for scenery.
Ideal for portrait photography and creating a shallow depth of field effect.
Ideal for portrait photography on Canon EOS cameras with manual focus and full frame capabilities.
The product is ideal for portrait and travel photography with its 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm lenses.
The product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with full-frame mirrorless Canon cameras.
Ideal for capturing portrait photos with Canon EOS Rebel cameras using manual focus technology.
This telephoto zoom lens is ideal for Canon SLR cameras, providing enhanced magnification and distance capabilities for photography.
This product is ideal for wide-angle photography and low light situations.

1. 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

2. 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

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. 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

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 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).

7. 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

8. Canon Ef 75-300mm F/4-5.6 Iii Telephoto Zoom Lens For Canon Slr Cameras, 6473a003 (Renewed)

The EF mount lens is a versatile and compact lens that is perfect for everyday use. It has a wide aperture range of f/4-45, which allows for flexibility in low light conditions. The lens also features a DC autofocus motor, which ensures fast and accurate focusing.

One of the standout features of this lens is its 4.9-foot minimum focus distance. This allows for close-up shots with excellent detail and clarity. The lens also has a 58mm filter thread diameter, which is a standard size for many filters.

With a 32- to 8-degree diagonal angle of view, the lens is suitable for a wide range of photography styles. Additionally, it measures 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.8 inches long, making it a compact and portable option for photographers on the go. The lens weighs 16.8 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to carry.

The lens features an improved mechanism that makes zooming smoother, allowing for more precise control. The front part of the zoom ring sports a silver ring, which adds a touch of style to the lens.

Overall, the EF mount lens is an excellent choice for photographers who want a versatile and high-quality lens for everyday use. With its fast autofocus, close focusing distance, and compact size, it is sure to be a valuable addition to any photographer's kit.

Pros

  • Wide aperture range for flexibility in low light conditions
  • DC autofocus motor ensures fast and accurate focusing
  • 4.9-foot minimum focus distance for close-up shots with excellent detail
  • Compact and portable design for photographers on the go
  • Improved mechanism for smoother zooming and more precise control

Cons

  • – N/A

9. 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 Outdoor Portraits FAQs

How important is aperture in outdoor portrait photography?

Aperture is a crucial aspect in outdoor portrait photography as it directly influences the depth of field and the amount of light that enters the camera. A wide aperture, such as f/1.8 or f/2.8, will create a shallow depth of field which means that the subject will be in focus while the background will be blurred, making the subject stand out. This is especially useful for portrait photography, as it can help to isolate the subject from the background, ensuring that the focus is solely on them.

Additionally, aperture plays a vital role in controlling the amount of light that enters the camera. In outdoor photography, the lighting conditions can change rapidly, and by adjusting the aperture, the photographer can control the amount of light that enters the camera. This is particularly helpful when shooting in bright sunlight as it can help to prevent overexposure and ensure that the image is properly exposed.

Overall, aperture is an essential aspect of outdoor portrait photography as it can help to create a visually appealing image with the subject in focus and the background blurred. It can also help to control the amount of light that enters the camera, ensuring that the image is properly exposed.

Is image stabilization necessary for outdoor portrait lenses?

Image stabilization can be a helpful feature for outdoor portrait lenses, but it is not necessarily a requirement. When taking outdoor portraits, lighting and composition are often the most important factors to consider. However, in situations where lighting is low or where the photographer may be shooting handheld, image stabilization can help reduce blur caused by camera shake.

If you plan to shoot in low light or in situations where you cannot use a tripod, image stabilization can be a helpful feature. It can also be useful for photographers who have shaky hands or who are shooting with longer lenses. However, if you are shooting in bright light and have a steady hand, image stabilization may not be as necessary.

Ultimately, the decision to use a lens with image stabilization will depend on the specific needs of the photographer and the shooting situation. It is always important to consider all of the features of a lens and how they will impact the final image before making a purchase.

What are some recommended lenses for outdoor portrait photography?

When it comes to outdoor portrait photography, choosing the right lens is crucial in achieving the desired result. One of the most recommended lenses for outdoor portrait photography is the 85mm f/1.8 lens. This lens is great for capturing portrait shots with a shallow depth of field, creating a beautiful bokeh effect. It also allows the photographer to focus on the subject's face, capturing details and expressions with great clarity.

Another recommended lens is the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, which is perfect for outdoor portraits where the subject is far away. This lens also provides a shallow depth of field, allowing the subject to stand out from the background. Additionally, the telephoto lens compresses the background, making it appear closer to the subject.

Lastly, the 50mm f/1.4 lens is a popular choice for outdoor portrait photography. It is known for its versatility and ability to capture sharp and detailed images. This lens is also great for low-light situations, allowing the photographer to take stunning portraits even in dimly lit areas.

Overall, the recommended lenses for outdoor portrait photography are those that offer a shallow depth of field, excellent image quality, and versatility in different lighting conditions. It is important to choose a lens that suits one's photography style and needs.

What focal length should be used for outdoor portraits?

When it comes to outdoor portraits, the focal length depends on various factors such as the distance between the photographer and the subject, the type of lens being used, and the desired effect. Generally, for portraits, a focal length of 85mm or longer is preferred. Using a longer focal length compresses the background and creates a shallow depth of field, making the subject stand out more. However, it's important to keep in mind that the longer the focal length, the further away the photographer needs to be from the subject, which can be challenging in certain outdoor locations. A shorter focal length, such as 50mm, can be used for wider shots and environmental portraits, capturing more of the surrounding scenery. Ultimately, the choice of focal length will depend on the photographer's vision for the shoot and the equipment available. Experimenting with different focal lengths can also lead to interesting and unique results.

What type of lens is best for outdoor portrait photography?

When it comes to outdoor portrait photography, choosing the right lens can make all the difference in the world. Generally speaking, you'll want to look for a lens with a focal length of around 85mm to 135mm. This will give you a good balance between compression and distortion, allowing you to capture your subject's face in a natural and flattering way.

In terms of specific lens types, prime lenses are usually the best choice for outdoor portrait photography. They tend to be sharper and faster than zoom lenses, which can help you capture the perfect shot even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, prime lenses often have wider apertures, which can help you achieve a shallow depth of field and blur the background, making your subject stand out even more.

Some popular prime lenses for outdoor portrait photography include the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G, and the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8. Of course, the best lens for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, so it's always a good idea to do some research and try out a few different options before making a final decision.

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