Portrait photography demands high-quality lenses, but not everyone can afford top-tier options. Affordable Canon lenses deliver excellent results without breaking the bank.
Capturing stunning portraits doesn’t require spending a fortune. Canon offers budget-friendly lenses that cater to enthusiasts and beginners alike. The Canon EF 50mm f/1. 8 STM lens is a favorite for its clear images and smooth focus. For slightly longer focal lengths, consider the EF 85mm f/1.
8, perfect for detailed portraits. Meike’s 85mm f/1. 8 lens is another great choice, providing versatility and quality at a reasonable price. The Canon RF50mm f/1. 8 STM lens suits those using EOS R series mirrorless cameras. Lastly, the Canon RF-S55-210mm lens offers a compact design with image stabilization. These lenses ensure you capture beautiful portraits without overspending.
Table of Contents
Canon Ef 50mm F/1.8 Stm Lens

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is ideal for amateur photographers and budding professionals who are looking to capture stunning images without breaking the bank. This lens is perfect for those who want to explore portrait photography, thanks to its excellent depth-of-field capabilities. If you’re a travel enthusiast or a hobbyist seeking to enhance your photographic skills, this lens will be a valuable addition to your camera gear.
Pros:
- Affordable price for high-quality images
- Lightweight and compact design, easy to carry
- Fast and quiet autofocus with STM technology
- Excellent low-light performance due to wide f/1.8 aperture
Cons:
- Lacks image stabilization
- Plastic build may not be durable for rough use
- Fixed focal length might limit versatility
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens features a wide f/1.8 aperture, which is particularly beneficial for low-light situations and creating a beautiful bokeh effect. This makes it an excellent choice for portrait photography, where the subject can be sharply focused against a softly blurred background. The lens’s STM (Stepping Motor) technology ensures fast and quiet autofocus, which is ideal for both photography and video recording.
Weighing only 0.35 pounds, the lens is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it perfect for on-the-go photography. Its black color and sleek design complement any camera body, providing both aesthetics and functionality. Manufactured by Canon Cameras US, this lens is built to meet the high-quality standards expected of Canon products. Released in 2019, it continues to be a popular choice among photographers for its affordability and performance.
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Ef 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens – Mf For Canon Eos

The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is designed for photography enthusiasts who are passionate about capturing stunning portraits and crave the manual focus experience to refine their skills. This lens is ideal for those who own Canon EOS DSLR cameras and seek an affordable, high-quality option to enhance their photography setup. Whether you are a professional photographer or a hobbyist looking to take your portrait photography to the next level, this lens offers incredible value and versatility.
Pros:
- High-quality optics for sharp and vibrant images.
- Manual focus control allows for precise adjustments.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry.
- Compatible with a wide range of Canon EOS DSLR cameras.
Cons:
- Manual focus may not be ideal for beginners.
- Lack of image stabilization could affect handheld shots.
The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens boasts exceptional optical performance, providing photographers with the ability to capture images that are both sharp and vivid. The lens’s manual focus feature is a standout, offering users the opportunity to make precise adjustments and achieve the exact focus they desire. This capability is particularly beneficial for portrait photographers who require meticulous control over their shots, allowing for beautifully rendered images with stunning detail.
Furthermore, the lens’s compact and lightweight design ensures that photographers can easily transport it without burden. This convenience makes it an excellent choice for those who often shoot on location or travel frequently. Compatible with a broad spectrum of Canon EOS DSLR cameras, this lens is a versatile addition to any photographer’s toolkit, enabling seamless integration into their existing setup and enhancing their photographic capabilities.
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Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Medium-telephoto Portrait Lens

The Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Medium-Telephoto Portrait Lens is an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts and professional photographers who use Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Cameras like the 5D Mark IV and 6D Mark II. It is ideal for those who specialize in portrait photography and need a lens that offers superior image quality and versatility.
Pros:
- Excellent auto focus capabilities for capturing sharp images.
- Wide aperture of F1.8 allows for stunning bokeh effects and great performance in low light.
- Compatible with a wide range of Canon EOS EF cameras.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy handling.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for other camera brands outside Canon EOS EF.
- The 85mm focal length might be limiting for those needing a wider field of view.
The Meike 85mm F1.8 lens stands out with its superior image quality and the ability to create beautifully blurred backgrounds, making it perfect for portrait photography. Its wide aperture of F1.8 allows photographers to capture stunning images even in low-light conditions, ensuring that each shot is vibrant and detailed. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photographers or those working in environments where lighting can be a challenge.
Additionally, the compact and lightweight design of the lens makes it an ideal companion for photographers who are always on the go. Weighing just under a pound, it is easy to carry around without causing strain. The lens’s auto focus functionality ensures that photographers can quickly and easily capture moments without missing a beat, making it an invaluable tool for capturing fast-paced events or dynamic environments.
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85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens – Ef Lens For Canon

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a perfect choice for photography enthusiasts who own Canon cameras and desire to capture stunning portraits with exceptional clarity and depth. This lens is ideal for those who appreciate the art of manual focus and want to hone their skills in achieving the perfect shot. Whether you’re a budding photographer or a seasoned professional, this lens offers the quality and precision needed to elevate your portrait photography.
Pros:
- High-quality optics for sharp and detailed images.
- Wide aperture of f1.8 for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh.
- Compatible with a wide range of Canon EOS models.
- Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry.
Cons:
- Manual focus only, which may not be suitable for all users.
- Lacks image stabilization, requiring a steady hand or tripod for best results.
The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens offers a range of features that benefit users by enhancing the quality of their portrait photography. Its high-quality optics ensure that every shot is sharp and detailed, capturing the essence of the subject with precision. The wide aperture of f1.8 not only improves performance in low-light conditions but also creates a beautiful bokeh effect, which is highly desirable in portrait photography. This feature allows photographers to achieve a professional look with a soft and aesthetically pleasing background blur.
Another significant benefit of this lens is its compatibility with various Canon EOS models, making it a versatile choice for many Canon users. The compact and lightweight design of the lens adds to its appeal, as it is easy to carry around and handle during long photography sessions. However, it is important to note that the manual focus feature may require some getting used to, but it offers photographers the chance to refine their skills and have complete control over their shots.
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Canon Rf50mm F1.8 Stm Lens

The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens is an excellent choice for both amateur and professional photographers who are looking to enhance their photographic skills with a high-quality prime lens. This lens is particularly ideal for those who own EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras and are interested in portrait photography, street photography, or any scenario where a fixed focal length can help capture stunning images with sharp details and beautiful background blur.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- Wide aperture of F1.8, ideal for low-light conditions and achieving a shallow depth of field.
- Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, ensuring seamless integration.
- High-quality build with a modern design, offering great durability.
Cons:
- Fixed focal length may limit versatility for some users.
- No image stabilization, which might be a concern in handheld shooting scenarios.
One of the standout features of the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens is its wide F1.8 aperture. This allows photographers to take advantage of low-light situations, capturing clear and vibrant images without the need for a flash. The wide aperture also provides a beautiful bokeh effect, making it perfect for portrait photography where the subject needs to stand out against a softly blurred background. Additionally, the lens’s compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent travel companion, ensuring that photographers never miss a shot, whether they’re shooting in urban environments or capturing natural landscapes.
Another key feature of this lens is its compatibility with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras. This ensures that the lens operates seamlessly with the camera’s advanced features, enhancing the overall shooting experience. The fixed focal length of the lens encourages photographers to think more creatively about composition and perspective, helping to develop a more refined photographic style. While it may not offer the versatility of a zoom lens, its prime lens quality provides superior image quality, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit.
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85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens Ef/ef-s Mount Camera Lenses For Canon Eos

The ideal customer for the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a photography enthusiast or professional who is looking to capture stunning portraits with excellent clarity and depth. This lens is particularly suited for those who own Canon EOS Rebel series cameras and want to enhance their portrait photography skills, providing a perfect blend of quality and affordability.
Pros:
- High-quality optics for sharp and clear images.
- Wide aperture of f1.8 for great low-light performance.
- Compatible with a range of Canon cameras, offering versatility.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy handling.
Cons:
- Not equipped with image stabilization.
- Manual focus only, which may not suit beginners.
The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens offers a wide aperture that is perfect for capturing stunning images even in low-light conditions. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who frequently shoot indoors or during the evening, allowing them to create beautifully blurred backgrounds that make the subject pop. The compact and lightweight design ensures that photographers can easily carry it around without feeling weighed down, making it an excellent choice for travel photography or long photoshoots.
This lens is compatible with a broad range of Canon cameras, from the Rebel series to the more advanced models like the 5D Mark IV and 7D II. Its versatility means users can switch between different cameras without needing to invest in multiple lenses. Although it lacks image stabilization, the lens compensates with its superior optical quality, ensuring that images remain sharp and vibrant. The manual focus feature, while challenging for some, provides photographers with greater control over their shots, enabling precise focus adjustments for creative compositions.
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Canon Rf-s55-210mm F5-7.1 Is Stm

The Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 is STM lens is ideal for amateur photographers and enthusiast travelers who own Canon APS-C Mirrorless RF Mount Cameras. It is perfect for those looking to capture stunning landscape, portrait, and travel photos/videos with a lens that is both compact and lightweight.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry on travels.
- Optical Image Stabilization helps in reducing blur from camera shake.
- Telephoto zoom capability allows for versatile shooting options.
- Ideal for landscapes, portraits, and travel photography.
Cons:
- Maximum aperture of F5-7.1 may not be ideal in low light conditions.
- Limited to Canon APS-C Mirrorless RF Mount Cameras only.
- Plastic build might not feel as premium as other lenses.
The Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 is STM lens boasts a compact and lightweight design, weighing just 0.595 pounds, making it an excellent choice for photographers who are always on the move. Its telephoto zoom capabilities allow users to capture subjects from a distance, making it versatile for different photography styles like portraits and landscapes.
One of the standout features is the Optical Image Stabilization, which is crucial for minimizing blur caused by camera shake, especially during handheld shooting. This feature enhances the overall sharpness and clarity of images, ensuring high-quality results. Although the lens has a maximum aperture of F5-7.1, which might not be suitable for low-light environments, its strengths in other areas make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Cheap Canon Lens For Portraits?
The Canon EF 50mm f/1. 8 STM is an excellent choice. It’s affordable and offers great image quality. Its wide aperture is perfect for achieving beautiful background blur. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry.
Is The Canon Rf50mm F1.8 Stm Good For Portraits?
Yes, the Canon RF50mm F1. 8 STM is great for portraits. It offers sharp images and a compact design. Its wide aperture allows for excellent low-light performance. It’s compatible with EOS R series mirrorless cameras.
How Does The Meike 85mm Compare For Portraits?
The Meike 85mm F1. 8 is excellent for portraits. It provides sharp images with beautiful background blur. It’s affordable and offers good build quality. It works well with Canon EOS EF mount cameras.
Which Lens Is Best For Canon Rebel Series?
The Canon EF 85mm f/1. 8 is a great choice. It’s compatible with the Canon Rebel series. It offers excellent sharpness and depth of field. The manual focus feature is handy for creative control.
Does The Rf-s55-210mm Work For Portraits?
The RF-S55-210mm is versatile and can be used for portraits. It’s more suitable for outdoor and travel photography. Its optical image stabilization helps capture sharp images. It’s best for APS-C mirrorless RF mount cameras.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lens can elevate your portrait photography without breaking the bank. Affordable canon lenses offer great options for beginners and enthusiasts alike. The canon ef 50mm f/1. 8 stm is perfect for capturing sharp images with beautiful bokeh.
For those wanting a bit more reach, the ef 85mm f/1. 8 provides excellent depth and detail. Meike’s 85mm f1. 8 offers an affordable alternative with automatic focus, ideal for quick shots. The rf50mm f1. 8 stm caters to eos r series users, delivering crisp results.
Lastly, the rf-s 55-210mm provides versatility for various settings. These lenses prove that quality and affordability can go hand in hand. As you explore these options, consider your camera model and photography style. Remember, the best lens is one that meets your needs and inspires your creativity.
Happy shooting! Your perfect portrait lens is within reach.