As a professor of photography and ambassador for ZEISS, Adobe, and Sony, I’m often asked by portrait photographers about the best lenses to use for their craft. The answer is not always straightforward, as it depends on various factors such as personal preference, budget, and the type of portraiture being shot.

However, over the years, I’ve come to realize that there are certain lenses that stand out from the rest due to their exceptional optical quality, versatility, and ability to produce stunning results. In this article, we’ll explore 12 essential lenses that every portrait photographer should have in their arsenal.

The Classics:

Let’s start with some of the most iconic lenses in the world of portraiture:

### 1. ZEISS Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZE

The ZEISS Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZE is a legendary lens that has been a favorite among photographers for decades. Its unique design, combined with its exceptional optical quality and speed, makes it an ideal choice for portrait photography.

### 2. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is another highly-regarded lens that offers a perfect balance of speed, sharpness, and image stabilization. Its ability to capture a shallow depth of field makes it an excellent choice for isolating subjects.

### 3. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is a versatile lens that excels in low-light conditions and offers exceptional sharpness across the frame. Its ability to produce a shallow depth of field makes it perfect for capturing portraits with a beautiful bokeh.

Zoom Lenses:

While prime lenses are often preferred by portrait photographers, zoom lenses offer flexibility and convenience:

### 4. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a workhorse lens that offers an excellent balance of wide-angle to short telephoto capabilities. Its constant aperture of f/2.8 makes it ideal for low-light shooting.

### 5. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is a versatile zoom lens that offers an impressive range of focal lengths, image stabilization, and a constant aperture of f/4.

### 6. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM is a high-end zoom lens designed specifically for the Alpha mirrorless system. Its exceptional optical quality, fast autofocus, and weather-sealing make it an excellent choice for portrait photography.

Telephoto Lenses:

For capturing portraits from a distance or creating a flattering compression effect:

### 7. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is an excellent telephoto zoom lens that offers exceptional image stabilization, fast autofocus, and a constant aperture of f/2.8.

### 8. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is another high-end telephoto zoom lens that offers exceptional optical quality, image stabilization, and a constant aperture of f/2.8.

### 9. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS is a professional-grade telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for the Alpha mirrorless system. Its exceptional optical quality, fast autofocus, and weather-sealing make it an excellent choice for portrait photography.

Macro Lenses:

For capturing stunning close-up portraits:

### 10. Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro

The Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro is a unique macro lens that offers an incredible range of magnification, from 1:1 to 5:1.

### 11. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is a high-end macro lens that offers exceptional optical quality, image stabilization, and a constant aperture of f/2.8.

### 12. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS

The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS is a professional-grade macro lens designed specifically for the Alpha mirrorless system. Its exceptional optical quality, fast autofocus, and weather-sealing make it an excellent choice for capturing stunning close-up portraits.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these 12 lenses offer an incredible range of options for portrait photographers. From the classic ZEISS Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZE to the high-end Sony FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS, each lens has its unique strengths and capabilities.

While it’s not necessary to own all of these lenses, having a few essential primes and zooms can help you master the art of portrait photography. Remember, the key to capturing stunning portraits is not just about the equipment – it’s also about understanding your subjects, using lighting effectively, and experimenting with different techniques.

So, which lens will be your next investment?