Choosing the best portrait lens for your Canon Rebel T3I can greatly improve your photography. The right lens sharpens details and creates beautiful background blur.
Portrait lenses like the Canon EF 50mm f/1. 8 STM and EF 85mm f/1. 8 offer excellent image quality and sharp focus. These lenses fit well with the Rebel T3I’s EF and EF-S mounts. They help capture natural skin tones and soft backgrounds.
Zoom lenses, such as the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5. 6 III, provide flexibility but may lack the same sharpness in portraits. Lens kits with filters and cleaning tools add value for beginners. Understanding the strengths of these lenses helps you pick one that matches your style and budget. This guide highlights the best options for portrait photography with the Canon Rebel T3I.
Table of Contents
Canon Ef 50mm Lens

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is ideal for photography enthusiasts and professionals looking for an affordable, lightweight, and versatile prime lens. This lens is perfect for portrait photographers, street photographers, and anyone who wants to capture sharp images with beautiful background blur. Its compact size makes it a great choice for those who prefer a portable setup without compromising on image quality.
Pros:
- Affordable price point for a prime lens
- Compact and lightweight design (only 0.35 pounds)
- Wide f/1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field
- Quiet and smooth STM autofocus motor ideal for both photos and videos
- Compatible with Canon DSLR cameras using EF mount
Cons:
- No image stabilization feature
- Build quality is mostly plastic which may feel less durable
- Fixed focal length limits versatility compared to zoom lenses
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, allowing users to shoot in low-light environments with ease while achieving a pleasing bokeh effect that makes subjects stand out against blurred backgrounds. Its STM (Stepping Motor) technology ensures smooth and quiet autofocus, which is especially beneficial for videographers who require minimal noise during recording. The lens dimensions of approximately 4.3 inches in height and a weight of just 0.35 pounds contribute to its portability, making it a convenient option for photographers on the move.
Equipped with a classic 50mm focal length, this lens provides a natural perspective that closely resembles the human eye, making it suitable for a wide range of photography styles, including portraits, street photography, and everyday snapshots. Manufactured by Canon Cameras US and released in 2019, this lens is designed to complement Canon DSLR bodies, ensuring compatibility and high performance. While it lacks image stabilization, its optical quality and aperture speed make it a valuable addition to any Canon camera kit.
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Ef 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens – Mf For Canon Eos

The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens by Lightdow is ideal for photographers who use Canon EOS Rebel series and other compatible DSLR cameras and seek a high-quality, manual focus lens specifically designed for stunning portrait shots. This lens is perfect for enthusiasts and professionals who want to capture sharp, beautifully blurred backgrounds with excellent subject isolation.
Pros:
- Compatible with a wide range of Canon EOS DSLR cameras with EF/EF-S mount
- Fast f/1.8 aperture allows for excellent low light performance and creamy bokeh
- Compact and lightweight design for easy handling and portability
- Manual focus control provides precise focusing for creative photography
- Durable black finish with solid build quality
Cons:
- Manual focus only, which may be challenging for beginners or fast-paced shooting
- Lacks image stabilization features found in some modern lenses
- Limited zoom range as a prime lens, intended primarily for portrait use
The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens offers exceptional optical performance with its fast f/1.8 aperture, enabling photographers to achieve sharp focus on their subjects while creating a beautiful, blurred background effect known as bokeh. This is especially beneficial for portrait photography, where subject isolation is key. Its compatibility with numerous Canon EOS Rebel cameras and other models makes it a versatile choice for users invested in the Canon ecosystem.
Thanks to its compact dimensions and lightweight construction, this lens is easy to carry around for extended shooting sessions without causing fatigue. The manual focus mechanism allows for fine-tuned control, which is ideal for photographers who want to hone their skills and have full creative input on focus precision. Overall, this lens is a valuable addition for anyone looking to enhance their portrait photography with a reliable, high-quality prime lens.
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Canon Ef 75-300mm F/4-5.6 Iii Lens

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens bundled with a 58mm UV Filter, Lens Cap Keeper, and Microfiber Cleaning Cloth is ideal for amateur photographers and hobbyists looking to expand their zoom capabilities without breaking the bank. This lens is perfect for those who want to capture distant subjects like wildlife, sports, or outdoor events with ease, while also protecting and maintaining their equipment with the included accessories.
Pros:
- Versatile focal length from 75mm to 300mm for a wide range of shooting scenarios
- Includes essential accessories: UV filter, lens cap keeper, and cleaning cloth
- Compact and lightweight design with dimensions 2.8 x 2.8 x 4.8 inches for easy portability
- Compatible with Canon cameras, ensuring optimal performance and image quality
- Affordable option for those entering telephoto photography
Cons:
- Variable aperture f/4-5.6 may limit low-light performance
- No image stabilization, which might require a tripod for sharper images at longer focal lengths
- Build quality is mostly plastic, which may affect durability over time
The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens offers a solid zoom range that allows users to capture distant subjects with clarity and detail. Its telephoto reach is especially beneficial for nature photographers and sports enthusiasts who need to get closer to the action without physically moving. The inclusion of a 58mm UV filter helps protect the lens glass from scratches and dust, while the lens cap keeper prevents accidental loss of the lens cap, adding convenience for on-the-go shooting.
Additionally, the microfiber cleaning cloth ensures that the lens surface remains free of smudges and debris, helping maintain image quality. Despite its lightweight and compact form, this lens delivers reliable performance for everyday photography needs. While the variable aperture and lack of image stabilization are considerations, the bundle offers excellent value for those starting out or needing an affordable telephoto lens for their Canon camera system.
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85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens – Ef Lens For Canon

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – EF Lens for Canon is ideal for photographers who want to capture stunning portrait shots with sharp focus and beautiful background blur. It is perfect for Canon EOS users who prefer manual focus (MF) control and seek a versatile lens compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLR models, including Rebel series and professional-grade cameras. This lens suits enthusiasts, portrait photographers, and hobbyists looking for an affordable yet high-quality prime lens.
Pros:
- Compatible with numerous Canon EOS DSLR cameras via EF Mount
- Wide f/1.8 aperture allows excellent low-light performance and creamy bokeh
- Compact and lightweight design (2.8 x 2.8 x 6.3 inches) for easy handling and portability
- Manual focus enables precise control over focus points, ideal for creative photography
- High-quality optics from BENOISON ensure sharp images with minimal distortion
Cons:
- Manual focus may be challenging for beginners used to autofocus lenses
- No image stabilization feature
- Limited zoom capability as a fixed prime lens
The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens offers a focal length that is highly favored for portrait photography, providing flattering compression and perspective for capturing lifelike images. Its bright f/1.8 aperture allows photographers to achieve a shallow depth of field, which beautifully isolates the subject from the background with a smooth bokeh effect. This makes it particularly suitable for portraits, events, and creative photography where background distraction needs to be minimized.
Designed with a durable and compact build, this lens from BENOISON offers excellent image quality while being lightweight enough for extended use. The manual focus mechanism provides photographers with full control over focusing precision, which is essential for artistic shots that require exact focus placement. Compatible with many Canon EOS cameras, this lens is a versatile addition to any photographer’s kit who values sharpness, control, and beautiful portrait results.
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Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit For Canon Rebel T3, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T7, T7i, Eos 80d, Eos 77d Cameras With Canon Ef-s 18-55mm Is Ii Lens

The Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit by Big Mike’s is perfect for photography enthusiasts and professionals who own Canon Rebel and EOS series cameras such as the T3, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T7, T7i, EOS 80D, and EOS 77D. This kit is ideal for users looking to enhance their camera’s versatility with high-quality lenses and filters, especially those using the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens. Whether you are a hobbyist seeking to capture stunning landscapes or a professional aiming for superior image quality, this comprehensive lens kit has you covered.
Pros:
- Includes a versatile 7-piece 58mm filter set enhancing photo effects and protecting lenses
- Comes with 58mm wide-angle and telephoto lenses to expand shooting options
- Compatible with a wide range of Canon Rebel and EOS cameras
- Compact dimensions make it easy to carry and store
- Manufactured by Big Mike’s, ensuring reliable quality and durability
Cons:
- Limited to 58mm filter thread size, which may not fit all lenses
- Additional lenses may add slight weight to camera setup
The Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit enhances your Canon camera’s capability by providing both wide-angle and telephoto lenses, allowing you to capture breathtaking landscapes and distant subjects with ease. The included 7-piece 58mm filter set not only protects your original lens but also offers creative control over lighting and color effects, enabling more professional results. The compact design, with dimensions around 2.28 inches in height, width, and length, ensures that the kit is portable without compromising on quality.
Designed by Big Mike’s, this lens kit is built with precision and durability in mind, making it a reliable companion for photographers on the go. Its compatibility with multiple Canon models, including both Rebel and EOS series, ensures that users won’t need to worry about compatibility issues. Overall, this kit is a valuable investment for those seeking to expand their photographic possibilities and achieve superior image quality with their Canon cameras.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Portrait Lens For Canon Rebel T3i?
The Canon EF 50mm f/1. 8 STM is ideal for portraits on the Rebel T3I. It offers sharp images and beautiful background blur. Its lightweight design suits beginners and enthusiasts alike, making it a top choice for portrait photography.
Can I Use The Ef 85mm F/1.8 Lens On Rebel T3i?
Yes, the EF 85mm f/1. 8 lens is fully compatible with the Canon Rebel T3I. It delivers excellent sharpness and creamy bokeh, perfect for portrait shots. This manual focus lens offers precise control for creative photography.
Is The Canon Ef 75-300mm Suitable For Portraits?
The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5. 6 lens can be used for portraits, but it’s better for distant subjects. Its longer zoom range captures candid and environmental portraits well but lacks the wide aperture for shallow depth of field.
What Accessories Come With The Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit For Rebel T3?
The Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit includes a Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens, a 7-piece 58mm filter set, wide-angle and telephoto lenses. It also features a lens cap keeper and microfiber cleaning cloth, enhancing your Canon Rebel T3 photography experience.
How Does Manual Focus Affect Portrait Shooting On Rebel T3i?
Manual focus on lenses like the EF 85mm f/1. 8 allows precise control over focus points. It requires practice but can produce sharp portraits with intentional focus. This is useful in low light or when autofocus struggles with complex scenes.
Conclusion
Choosing the best portrait lens for your Canon Rebel T3I depends on your style and budget. The Canon EF 50mm f/1. 8 STM is great for sharp, bright portraits and fits well in most budgets. For longer focal length, the EF 85mm f/1.
8 offers beautiful background blur and detail. If you want versatility, the EF 75-300mm f/4-5. 6 III zoom lens lets you capture portraits from various distances. Lens kits, like the Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit, provide extra accessories to enhance your shooting experience.
Each option has its strengths, so think about what suits your needs best. Remember, a good lens helps you take clear and professional-looking photos. Take your time to pick one that feels right for you and your Canon Rebel T3I.
Happy shooting!