Choosing the best lens for night portrait photography can greatly improve your images. The right lens captures sharp details and bright colors in low light.
Night portraits need lenses with wide apertures to let in more light. Fast lenses like the Canon EF 50mm f/1. 8 STM and Meike 85mm f/1. 8 help you shoot clear photos in dark settings. Prime lenses with fixed focal lengths often deliver better image quality and sharper focus.
Ultra wide-angle lenses like the Canon RF 16mm f/2. 8 offer creative framing options at night. Manual focus lenses allow precise control, which is useful in low light. This guide reviews top lenses compatible with popular Canon and Nikon cameras, helping you choose the best one for stunning night portraits.
Table of Contents
Canon Ef 50mm Lens
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is ideal for photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking a versatile prime lens that delivers excellent image quality without breaking the bank. This lens is perfect for portrait photographers, street shooters, and low-light enthusiasts who want a lightweight and compact option to enhance their Canon DSLR experience.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable.
- Wide f/1.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh).
- Smooth and quiet STM autofocus motor ideal for both stills and video.
- Affordable price point for a high-quality prime lens.
- Compatible with full-frame and APS-C Canon DSLR cameras.
Cons:
- Build quality is mostly plastic, which may feel less durable compared to higher-end lenses.
- No image stabilization feature.
- Autofocus speed is decent but not as fast as professional-grade lenses.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens features a bright maximum aperture of f/1.8, which allows users to shoot in challenging low-light conditions while achieving a shallow depth of field for striking subject isolation. Its compact dimensions, measuring approximately 4.3 inches in height and weighing only 0.35 pounds, make it easy to carry around for extended shooting sessions. The smooth stepping motor (STM) technology ensures quiet and precise focusing, particularly beneficial for video recording.
Additionally, this lens is designed by Canon Cameras US with compatibility across Canon’s DSLR lineup, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced photographers. The classic 50mm focal length is well-suited for a variety of photography styles, from portraits to street photography, providing sharp images with pleasing color rendition. Overall, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens offers excellent value and performance, making it a must-have addition to any Canon photographer’s kit.
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Ef 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens
The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – MF is ideal for photographers who own a Canon EOS Rebel or similar DSLR cameras and are looking to enhance their portrait photography with a dedicated prime lens. This lens is perfect for enthusiasts and professionals who prefer manual focus control to achieve precise sharpness and creative depth of field effects in their images.
Pros:
- Excellent 85mm focal length for flattering portrait compositions
- Wide f/1.8 aperture allows for beautiful background blur and low-light performance
- Compatible with a broad range of Canon EOS Rebel and other DSLR models (EF/EF-S mount)
- Compact and lightweight design for easy handling and portability
- Robust build quality from Lightdow ensures durability
Cons:
- Manual focus only, which may be challenging for fast-moving subjects
- No image stabilization feature included
- Limited to Canon EF/EF-S mount cameras, restricting cross-brand compatibility
The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens by Lightdow offers photographers a specialized tool designed to capture stunning portraits with sharp detail and creamy bokeh. The bright f/1.8 aperture not only helps in isolating the subject by beautifully blurring the background but also enhances performance in dim lighting conditions, making it versatile for indoor and outdoor shoots. Its prime focal length is well-suited to compress facial features and create flattering perspectives, a favorite among portrait photographers.
Moreover, this lens’s compatibility with a wide array of Canon EOS Rebel models and other Canon DSLRs ensures that many users can easily integrate it into their existing camera kit. Although it requires manual focusing, this feature gives photographers greater creative control, enabling precise adjustments for sharpness and focus transitions. The compact and lightweight construction makes it convenient for extended use, while the sturdy build quality promises longevity and reliability in various shooting environments.
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Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Portrait Lens
The Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens is ideal for photography enthusiasts and professionals who use Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras such as the D850, D750, D780, and many others. This lens is perfect for portrait photographers seeking a sharp, high-quality lens with a large aperture to achieve beautiful background blur and excellent low-light performance.
Pros:
- Fast F1.8 aperture for stunning bokeh and low-light shooting
- Auto focus capability compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR cameras
- Compact and lightweight design with dimensions approximately 3.15 x 3.15 x 3.03 inches
- Full frame compatibility ensures high image quality across sensor sizes
- Affordable alternative to more expensive portrait lenses
Cons:
- May exhibit some autofocus hunting in low contrast situations
- Build quality is good but not as robust as premium lenses
- No image stabilization feature included
The Meike 85mm F1.8 lens offers photographers a versatile focal length ideal for capturing portraits with exceptional clarity and depth. Its large F1.8 aperture allows users to isolate subjects by producing a smooth, creamy bokeh effect, making the subject stand out sharply against a blurred background. This makes it especially useful for portrait and event photography where subject emphasis is key.
Designed to be compatible with a wide range of Nikon F Mount DSLR cameras, the lens supports both full frame and crop sensor models, providing flexibility for various shooting styles. The inclusion of auto focus enhances ease of use, enabling quick and accurate focusing, which is crucial for capturing fleeting moments. Despite its compact size, the lens delivers impressive optical performance, making it an excellent choice for photographers looking to upgrade their kit without breaking the bank.
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Canon Rf16mm F2.8 Stm Lens
The Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM Lens is ideal for photographers and videographers who need an ultra wide-angle prime lens that is both compact and lightweight. Perfect for users of the EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, this lens is especially suited for landscape, architecture, and creative wide-angle shots where a fixed focal length and sharp image quality are essential.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design (only 0.36 pounds) makes it highly portable.
- Fast f/2.8 aperture allows excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
- Ultra wide-angle 16mm focal length for expansive, dramatic perspectives.
- STM (Stepping Motor) technology ensures smooth and quiet autofocus, ideal for video recording.
- Compatible seamlessly with Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras for optimized performance.
Cons:
- Being a fixed focal length lens, it lacks zoom versatility.
- No image stabilization feature included.
- May produce some distortion at the edges typical of ultra wide-angle lenses.
The Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM Lens boasts a sleek black design with compact dimensions (1.6 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches), making it extremely easy to carry for on-the-go shooting. Its bright f/2.8 aperture allows users to capture sharp, vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions while providing creative control over depth of field. The lens’ ultra wide 16mm focal length is perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes or tight indoor spaces, giving photographers a versatile tool for a range of shooting scenarios.
Additionally, the inclusion of the STM autofocus motor ensures quiet and precise focusing, which is particularly beneficial for videographers who require smooth transitions without distracting noise. Although the lens does not feature image stabilization, its lightweight and ergonomic design compensate by facilitating handheld shooting with ease. Overall, this lens provides excellent value for EOS R users seeking a high-quality, ultra wide-angle prime lens with impressive optical performance.
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85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens – Ef Lens For Canon
The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens with EF Mount is ideal for photography enthusiasts and professionals using Canon EOS cameras like the Rebel T8i, T7i, 5D Mark IV, and more who want to capture stunning portraits with exceptional sharpness and beautiful background blur. This manual focus lens is perfect for those who appreciate precise control over their shots and desire a compact yet powerful lens for portrait photography.
Pros:
- Wide f/1.8 aperture allows excellent low-light performance and creamy bokeh
- Compatible with a broad range of Canon EOS cameras featuring EF mount
- Compact and lightweight design (2.8 x 2.8 x 6.3 inches) enhances portability
- Manual focus provides precise control over focus adjustments for creative shots
- High-quality optical construction delivers sharp and vibrant images
Cons:
- Manual focus may be challenging for beginners or fast-paced shooting scenarios
- No image stabilization feature included
- Limited versatility outside portrait and selective focus photography
The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens from BENOISON is designed to deliver outstanding image quality with a bright aperture that excels in creating beautifully blurred backgrounds, making your subject stand out. Its compatibility with numerous Canon EOS models ensures that many users can benefit from its optical performance. The manual focus mechanism, while requiring some practice, offers photographers fine-tuned control over focus, ideal for portrait work where precision is key.
Additionally, the lens’s compact and lightweight dimensions make it easy to carry during shoots, reducing fatigue and allowing for greater mobility. Though it lacks image stabilization, the large aperture compensates by enabling faster shutter speeds, which helps in capturing sharp images even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Overall, this lens is a valuable addition for Canon users focused on portrait photography who want to elevate their creative expression.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Aperture For Night Portrait Lenses?
A wide aperture like f/1. 8 is ideal for night portraits. It allows more light, creating sharp images with a blurred background.
Are Canon Ef 50mm F/1.8 And 85mm F/1.8 Good For Night Portraits?
Yes, both lenses offer wide apertures and great low-light performance. They provide sharp images and beautiful bokeh for night portraits.
Can Meike 85mm F/1.8 Lens Work Well In Low Light?
Absolutely. The Meike 85mm f/1. 8 has a large aperture that lets in more light. It’s perfect for night portrait photography.
Is The Canon Rf 16mm F/2.8 Suitable For Night Portraits?
The Canon RF 16mm f/2. 8 is ultra wide-angle, not ideal for portraits. It suits night landscapes but less so for close-up portraits.
Which Lens Mount Is Compatible With Canon Eos Rebel Series?
Canon EF and EF-S mount lenses, like the 50mm and 85mm f/1. 8, are fully compatible with Canon EOS Rebel cameras.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lens makes a big difference in night portrait photography. Lenses like the Canon EF 50mm f/1. 8 STM and the Meike 85mm f/1. 8 offer wide apertures that help capture sharp images in low light. Prime lenses with f/1.
8 or wider let in more light, making your portraits clear and bright. Ultra-wide lenses like the Canon RF 16mm f/2. 8 add creative angles for unique night shots. Manual focus lenses require practice but give you precise control. Autofocus lenses make shooting faster and easier, especially in dark settings.
Matching the lens to your camera model ensures better performance. Remember, using a lens with a large aperture helps create beautiful background blur, enhancing your subject. Night portrait photography is about capturing mood and detail. The right lens helps you do that with ease and style.
Choose wisely, and enjoy stunning night portraits every time.