Although the latest smartphones have the capability to capture impressive portrait photos, the artificial background blur produced by the “portrait mode” feature cannot match the background separation achieved by a dedicated DSLR or mirrorless camera with a proper lens.
Fortunately, there are numerous excellent cameras available to cater to every budget and level of experience for those interested in capturing high-quality portraits. For beginners, it is important to note that lighting, lenses, and composition are just as important, if not more so than the camera body itself. This means that the ideal camera for portrait photography will be the one that is easily accessible to you, allowing you to start practicing as soon as possible.
Although portrait photographers prefer the background blur and bokeh that a full-frame camera provides, you can still achieve excellent results with an APS-C or Micro Four Thirds option when paired with the appropriate lens.
While a high megapixel count is beneficial for printing purposes, it is not necessary to place excessive importance on the number of megapixels your camera possesses. Most modern digital cameras offer more than sufficient detail capture capabilities, especially for sharing content online.
[autoaiwriter module=AmazonNoApi template=list]Review of Best Canon Cameras for Portraits
1. Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens for Canon EOS Rebel T8i T7i T7 T6 T3i T2i 4000D 2000D 1300D 850D 800D 600D 550D 90D 80D 77D 70D 50D 6D 5D etc.
Description
- The lens features 8 circular apertures, smooth and large focus rings, internal focusing (IF), hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP), and an ultra multi-coating (UMC).
- For experienced photographers only, this DSLR camera requires full manual focus operation. It is not suitable for SLR beginners.
- Compatible with Canon EOS Rebel T7, T7i, T6, T6i, T5, T5i, SL2, 80D, 77D, 700D, 70D, 60D, 50D, 5D, 6D, 7D, and more.
- This lens is manual focus only. Your camera will not detect the lens when mounted, so it may show “NO LENS ATTACHED”. To use this lens correctly: 1) Set the mode dial to Manual (M). 2) Enable the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu. 3) Turn off the Shutter lock option in the camera menu.
- Large Aperture with pleasing bokeh quality enhances shallow depth of field images.
Advantages
The Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens is a great choice for newborn photography.
- The lens is suitable for use with a wide range of Canon EOS cameras including the Rebel T8i, T7i, T7, T6, T3i, T2i, 4000D, 2000D, 1300D, 850D, 800D, 600D, 550D, 90D, 80D, 77D, 70D, 50D, 6D and 5D models. With a focal length of 85mm and a wide aperture of f/1.8, it is ideal for capturing stunning portrait photographs.
- This lens features 8 circular aperture pieces, smooth focus rings, internal focusing (IF), hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP), and ultra multi-coating (UMC).
- The DSLR camera needs to be manually focused in order to align it with the lens body, making it unsuitable for SLR beginners. However, photographers who have extensive experience with equipment are advised to use it.
- The Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens is a great investment for anyone who wants to create beautiful memories of their newborns.
- It is easy to use and produces high-quality images ideal for large prints.
2. Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit with 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm Lenses (Renewed)
Description
- The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a great choice for capturing everyday photos. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. With its large aperture of f/1.8, this lens is perfect for low-light photography and creating beautiful background blur.
- The EF-S10-18mm F4.5-5.6 IS STM is an ultra-wide zoom lens with a starting focal length of 16mm (35mm equivalence). It captures expansive scenery, from tall buildings to mountain ranges, providing vivid colors and details during your travels.
- The Movie Servo AF function is supported by a gear-type STM stepping motor, ensuring smooth and silent continuous autofocus both in video recording and photo shooting.
- EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 ft. (0.35m) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x. EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM allows manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode.
- The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens features a circular aperture with 7 blades for soft backgrounds. It also has a metal mount for stability and ruggedness.
Advantages
The Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit with 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm Lenses (Renewed) is a great choice for newborn photography.
Included in this kit are two lenses: the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the EF-S10-18mm F4.5-5.6 IS STM.
The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a lens with a fixed focal length that is compact and lightweight. It is perfect for everyday photography and has a large aperture of f/1.8, making it ideal for low-light situations and creating beautiful background blur effects.
The EF-S10-18mm F4.5-5.6 IS STM is a wide-angle zoom lens that captures expansive scenery, from tall buildings to beautiful mountain ranges. With its wide angle of view, this lens helps you achieve vivid colors and details during your travels.
Both lenses have Gear-type STM stepping motors that support Movie Servo AF for smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording and photo shooting. The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 ft (0.35m) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x.
The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens has full-time manual focus, which means you can adjust the focus manually even in AF mode.
The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has a circular aperture (7 blades) that helps deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds. The metal mount adds stability and ruggedness.
The Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit with 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm Lenses (Renewed) is a great investment for anyone who wants to create beautiful memories of their newborns.
It is user-friendly and produces high-quality images ideal for large prints.
3. Canon EOS Rebel SL3 Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Lens Kit, Built-in Wi-Fi, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and 3.0 inch Vari-Angle Touch Screen, White
Description
- Mounting type: Bayonet
- Transform your Canon camera into a top-notch webcam
- Type of viewfinder: Optical
- Type of Product: Digital Camera
Advantages
Here are some advantages of the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Lens Kit:
- The camera is the most compact and lightweight EOS DSLR camera ever produced.
- Superb image quality: The camera is equipped with a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor which, when paired with the advanced DIGIC 8 Processor, delivers exceptional performance and outstanding results.
- The camera has Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast and accurate autofocus.
- The camera is equipped with a 3.0-inch Vari-Angle Touch Screen, enabling users to capture photos from various angles..
- The camera is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, allowing for Auto Image Transfer.
- The camera is capable of recording videos in 4K resolution.
- The camera has a great battery life of 1,070 shots (CIPA rating) when using the optical viewfinder.
I hope this helps you understand the advantages of the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Lens Kit.
4. JINTU 85mm F1.8 Manual Portrait Camera Lenses for Canon EOS Rebel XT XTi XS XSi T1i 5D 6D 7D T2i T3 T3i T4i T5 T5i T6i T7i T8i 4000D 2000D 1300D 800D 850D 50D 90D EF SLR Cameras
Description
- Prime Lenses–The 85mm Prime Lens is perfect for capturing portraits and natural images. With its F1.8 large aperture, it offers a virtual background that adds a touch of fun to your photography experience.
- Lens Construction —The lens consists of 6 high-performance glass elements, including 1 Hybrid Aspherical (ASP), arranged in 6 groups.
- COMPATIBILITY —Compatible with Canon Digital EOS Rebel T1i-T8i, SL1-SL3, EOS 90D-7D Mark II, 1300D-D, 1200D-450D, and more.
- Note: This lens is manual focus with no electronic contacts. It will show “Lens not attached” unless you switch to MF mode. If there is still no shutter, enable the “Release w/o Lens” option in the camera menu to make the lens work.
- UMC – The lens features UMC elements, an 85mm focal length, the closest focusing distance of 3.2 feet, and an aperture range from f/1.8 to f/22.
Advantages
The JINTU 85mm F1.8 Manual Portrait Camera Lens is a great choice for Canon EOS Rebel XT XTi XS XSi T1i 5D 6D 7D T2i T3 T3i T4i T5 T5i T6i T7i T8i 4000D 2000D 1300D 800D 850D 50D 90D EF SLR Cameras. Here are some of its advantages:
- Perfect for capturing portraits and natural pictures, the 85mm focal length is ideally suited.
- The F1.8 large aperture adds a virtual background to your photos, making them more enjoyable.
- The lens is equipped with six high-performance glass elements arranged in six groups, with one of them being a Hybrid Aspherical (ASP) element.
- The Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) feature is applied to all elements in this product.
- Compatible with various Canon Digital EOS models such as Rebel T1i, T2i, T3, T3i, T4i, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T6s, T7, T7i, T7s, T8i, SL1, SL2, SL3, EOS 90D, 80D, 77D, 70D, 60D…
This lens is a manual focus lens and does not have electronic contacts. Therefore, it will show “Lens not attached” when attached to the camera. To use this lens, switch to MF MODE. To enable the shutter, go to the camera menu and set the Release w/o Lens option to Enable 1.
The JINTU 85mm F1.8 Manual Portrait Camera Lens is sold on Amazon for $128.00.
5. JINTU 135mm f/2.8 Camera Lens MF Telephoto Compatible with Canon EOS EF/EF-S 4000D 200D 250D 5D IV 90D 60D 70D 77D 80D 850D 650D 750D 550D 450D 7D T7i T7s T7 T6s T6i T6 T5i T5 SL2 SL1 Camera
Description
- 【Manual focus lens】 – Only works on M mode. Prime telephoto lens for APS-C and full-frame sensors. The 35mm equivalent focal length is 216mm for APS-C size sensors.
- The lens has a multi-layer MC coating that suppresses reflections and ghosting, improving contrast and color fidelity.
- Compatible with a wide range of Canon cameras, including EOS models such as 4000D, 2000D, 1200D, 60D, 70D, 77D, 80D, 90D, 50D, 40D, 30D, 5D, and more. Also compatible with Rebel series cameras like T1i, T2i, T3, T3i, T4i, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T6s, T7 and others. Works with SLR cameras SL1 through SL3.
- The aluminum alloy structure of [High-quality material] is light and strong, providing balance and stability when mounted on a tripod or monopod.
- The aperture range of f/2.8 – f/22 with 12 blades provides excellent control over depth of field for selective focus techniques. It is perfect for indoor sports and portraits with background blur.
Advantages
The JINTU 135mm f/2.8 Camera Lens is a great choice for Canon EOS EF/EF-S 4000D 200D 250D 5D IV 90D 60D 70D 77D 80D 850D 650D 750D 550D 450D 7D T7i T7s T7 T6s T6i T6 T5i T5 SL2 SL1 Camera. Here are some of its advantages:
- This prime telephoto lens is designed for manual focus only.
- Perfect for portraits and travel, the 135mm focal length captures stunning photos.
- The aluminum alloy structure of this product is both lightweight and durable. The rotating tripod mount ensures balance and stability when using it on a tripod or monopod.
- Compatible with popular Canon EOS (EF, EF-S) Mount SLR Cameras, including models like 1d/1ds, Mark II, III, IV, X, C, 5D, 5D Mark II/III, 7D, 10D-60Da Rebel xt-xsi, t1i-T4, 300D-1000D.
- The lens has a multi-layer MC coating that suppresses reflections, and ghosting and improves contrast and color fidelity.
This lens is priced at $149.00 on Amazon.
6. TTArtisan 25mm F2 APS-C Frame Large Aperture Manual Portrait Lens for Canon R EOS R Mount Camera R RF RP R5 R6 R7 R10
Description
- 💟Carry multiple subjects with our free gear.
- 💟The full frame equivalence is around 37.5mm, similar to human eyesight. It suits various photography needs and is easily portable for photographers on the go.
- 💟Large apertures enhance creative possibilities.
- 💟With a maximum aperture of F2, you have more creative freedom. Whether you’re shooting in low light or aiming for beautiful bokeh, the large aperture of F2 will meet your needs.
- 💟The close-up function on this camera is excellent, allowing you to focus as close as 0.25 meters. Capture the details and beauty of subjects like food, flowers, and small objects at a closer distance.
Advantages
The TTArtisan 25mm F2 APS-C Frame Large Aperture Manual Portrait Lens is a great choice for Canon R EOS R Mount Camera R RF RP R5 R6 R7 R10. Here are some of its advantages:
- The lens is priced at just $55, making it affordable. affordable.
- The F2 aperture creates a virtual background, making photography more enjoyable.
- The lens is made of high-quality materials, with a lightweight and durable aluminum alloy structure.
- Perfect for capturing portraits and travel photos, the 25mm focal length is ideal.
- Compatible with Canon R EOS R Mount Camera R RF RP R5 R6 R7 R10.
This lens is a manual focus lens and does not have electronic contacts. Therefore, it will show “Lens not attached” when attached to the camera. To use this lens, switch to MF MODE. To enable 12, set the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu if there is no shutter.
7. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
Description
- The lens type is a telephoto zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f 1.8. It has a standard focal length of 85 millimeters and is compatible with Canon SLR cameras.
- The Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) quickly brings the subject into focus. Focal length: 85mm, closest focusing distance: 2.8 feet.
- The natural angle of view and perspective are perfect for capturing portraits and authentic images.
- Designed to produce beautiful background blur; weighs 15 ounces
- 3-inch diameter and 2.8-inch length. Comes with a 1-year warranty. Refer to the user manual for troubleshooting steps.
- Non-zoomable lens..
Advantages
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens is a great choice for Canon SLR Cameras. Here are some of its advantages:
- The 85mm focal length is ideal for portraits. With its large aperture of F1.8, you can create a virtual background, adding more fun to your photography.
- The lens is made of nine elements in seven groups, with a lightweight and durable aluminum alloy structure.
- Compatible with Canon EOS (EF, EF-S) Mount SLR Cameras, including popular models like 1d/1ds, Mark II-IV, X, C, 5D, 5D Mark II/III, 7D, 10D-60D, Rebel, t1i-t4i, 300D-550D, 1000D.
- Superb delineation and portability: Images are sharp and clear at all apertures. Through computer simulations, the lens has been designed to give a beautiful background blur. Special filter effects are not affected because the front lens group does not rotate during focusing.
This lens is a manual focus lens and does not have electronic contacts. Therefore, it will show “Lens not attached” when attached to the camera. To use this lens, switch to MF MODE.
8. Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Medium-Telephone Portrait Lens Compatible with Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Cameras 5D Mark IV 6D Mark II Black
Description
- A standard 85mm full-frame lens is ideal for portrait, subject, architecture, and landscape photography.
- The wide aperture of f1.8 with 9 diaphragm blades creates a smooth round blur effect (bokeh).
- The lens construction consists of 9 elements in 6 groups, providing sharp and clear images. The angle of view is Diagonal: 28.5°, Horizontal: 16°, Vertical: 24°.
- Compatible with Canon APS-C frame EF-Mount cameras as well, the focal length is equivalent to 136mm.
- The lens features a micro USB firmware upgrade interface for online upgrades.
Advantages
The Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Medium-Telephone Portrait Lens is a great choice for Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Cameras 5D Mark IV 6D Mark II Black. Here are some of its advantages:
- The lens is available at a budget-friendly price of only $200.
- The F1.8 large aperture enables the creation of a virtual background, enhancing the enjoyment of photography.
- Superior material: The lens is made up of nine elements organized into six groups, and the design of the aluminum alloy structure is both lightweight and sturdy.
- Ideal for portraits, the 85mm focal length is perfect.
- Compatibility: The Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Cameras 5D Mark IV and 6D Mark II Black are both compatible with it.
This lens is an autofocus lens and has electronic contacts. Therefore, it will not show “Lens not attached” when attached to the camera.
The Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Medium-Telephone Portrait Lens is priced at $200 on Amazon.
9. Meike 85mm f1.8 Large Aperture Full Frame Auto Focus Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Camera Compatible with APS C Bodies Such as 1D 5D3 5D4 6D 7D 70D 550D 80D
Description:
- Filter size: 67mm, minimum focus distance: 0.85m.
- The lens aperture range is F/1.8-F/22, with a construction of 6 groups of 9 pieces.
- Full frame view: level – 16 degrees, vertical – 24 degrees, diagonal – 28.5 degrees
- The lens has electronic contacts and a USB connection for firmware upgrades.
- Suitable for architecture, landscapes, portraits, sports, and theatre photography.
Advantages
The Meike 85mm f1.8 Large Aperture Full Frame Auto Focus Telephoto Lens is a great choice for a Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Camera Compatible with APS C Bodies Such as 1D 5D3 5D4 6D 7D 70D 550D 80D. Here are some of its advantages:
- The lens is priced at $200, making it affordable.
- The F1.8 aperture adds a virtual background, making photography more enjoyable.
- The lens is made of nine elements in six groups and features a lightweight yet sturdy aluminum alloy structure.
- Perfect for portraits, the 85mm focal length captures stunning portrait shots.
- Compatible with Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Cameras, including APS C bodies like 1D, 5D3, 5D4, 6D, 7D, 70D, 550D, and 80D.
This lens is an autofocus lens and has electronic contacts. Therefore, it will not show “Lens not attached” when attached to the camera.
The Meike 85mm f1.8 lens is available on Amazon for $200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nikon or Canon have better image quality?
Canon is known for its superior lens performance compared to Nikon and other camera makers. The image quality of Canon’s RF lenses, designed for mirrorless full-frame cameras, has advanced significantly.
Various factors impact the performance of Canon and Nikon cameras, including autofocus, distortion, resolution, image quality, software, and weight. While Canon excels in certain areas, Nikon shines in others. In my opinion, the best devices are the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and Canon EOS R5.
Which Canon camera has the highest megapixels?
The Canon EOS 5DS camera has the highest number of megapixels. With its 50.6 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, it sets a new standard for high-resolution photography. It performs exceptionally well in still images, particularly at lower ISOs. The 5DS R is ideal for landscape and architectural photography, often requiring a tripod.
What camera do most portrait photographers use?
Our preferred camera for portraits is the Canon EOS 90D due to its outstanding image quality, which surpasses that of any APS-C DSLR camera. It features a rapid and precise autofocus system with eye detection, allowing for enhanced accuracy. Moreover, it offers a burst mode that enables capturing images at a rate of 10 frames per second.
Conclusion
Consider the camera’s image sensor type. Full frame sensors are ideal for achieving dreamy bokeh background blur in portraits but don’t dismiss APS-C and Micro Four Thirds models. They are more affordable and, with the right lens, can produce excellent results.
Other factors, such as subject distance and lens choice, also impact background blur. So, don’t discount APS-C or MFT models. For more information on sensor size, check out our guide to APS-C vs Full-Frame (and MFT) sensors.
