The difference a portrait lens makes

Most EOS cameras come with a general purpose kit lens that works for most types of photography. However, to take your photography to the next level, it is worth investing in a range of lenses that are beneficial to your genre of choice, such as portrait photography. From focal length and maximum aperture to weight and size, the lens you choose can make a huge difference to your photos.

What primarily sets a portrait lens apart is the focal length and maximum aperture, but there's more to consider when determining the best Canon portrait lens for your needs.

Lens compatibility

Firstly, it's worth considering the camera you have and the lenses that are compatible with it. Using a Canon EOS R System camera means you have freedom of choice when it comes to lenses; thanks to the RF lens mount adapters, you can shoot with both RF and EF lenses.

Canon's RF mount is a fantastic starting point when finding a lens for portrait photography. RF lenses, featured in Canon mirrorless cameras such as the Canon EOS R6 and EOS RP, include a 12-pin connection between lens and camera for incredibly fast autofocusing speed and reliability. The creative possibilities offered by mirrorless technology also makes the RF mount a great investment when thinking about future hardware, later on in your photographic journey.

Image stabilisation

Next, remember that you might not always want, or be able, to use a tripod when taking striking portraits. This is where image stabilisation comes in. Lenses such as the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM, RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM and RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM all feature image stabilisation, ensuring your images are super-sharp when shooting handheld. Increased stabilisation allows you to slow your shutter speed to squeeze every ounce of light into your images, giving you the versatility to shoot in all kinds of lighting scenarios. The effect is multiplied when pairing a stabilised lens with a camera with In-body Image Stabilisation (IBIS), such as the Canon EOS R6, where up to 8-stops of stabilisation is possible.

Size and weight

There's also size, weight and versatility to consider. For portrait photographers looking to stay agile, or to use their lenses in multiple genres, a small, lightweight lens is a great choice. The Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM and RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM are both incredibly compact lenses, making them perfect, affordable kitbag additions for street portrait photographers. This comes without any sacrifice to their classical portrait potential, thanks to wide f/1.8 maximum apertures for beautiful background blurring and flexibility with depth of field. For the utmost versatility, though, look no further than the Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM. With its vast focal range, this lens is the perfect everyday all-rounder, ideal for almost all genres of photography from ultra-wide 24mm architectural shots to 85mm studio portraits and telephoto 105mm headshots.

Maximum aperture

Another key factor in selecting a lens suited to shooting portraits is its maximum aperture. Aperture refers to the size of the lens opening that lets in light to your camera sensor.

Each lens is given an aperture rating such as f/2.8 or f/4. Some zoom lenses have an aperture rating depending on which focal length is selected; these will show an aperture range such as f/4-7.1. Other zoom lenses, including the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM and RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM, instead offer a fixed maximum aperture, for a consistent exposure across the zoom range. These lenses, with their constant maximum apertures and weather sealed L-Series build quality are perfect for photographers looking to upgrade from the RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM, or for those simply demanding a professional-level lens.

The smaller the aperture number, the larger the maximum opening and there are advantages to shooting portraits on a lens with a larger maximum aperture.

A bigger aperture lets in more light through the lens into the camera, so large-aperture lenses such as the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM and RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM are great for shooting in low light (indoor portraits, for example) and for when you need the flexibility to play with light, as in black and white or abstract portraiture. A second benefit is that shooting with the aperture set to its maximum value, often referred to as "wide open", produces more of the background blur often favoured by portrait photographers.

Let's take a look at some examples of taking portrait photographs at different apertures.

This doesn't mean, however, that a lens with a slightly narrower maximum aperture, such as the f/4 aperture of the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM, can't create beautiful blur, especially at telephoto focal lengths. This is due to image compression – greater at longer focal lengths – where the lens compresses distance, effectively drawing out-of-focus backgrounds closer to the subject to create the effect of a tight blur behind them.

Focal length is the distance between the lens and your camera sensor when the subject is in focus, and is stated in mm. Zoom lenses have a focal range which is written as minimum and maximum such as 24-105mm. Typically, a portrait lens refers to a lens with a focal length over 85mm, such as the Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM, which features a lightweight construction and 5-stops of image stabilisation for picture-perfect handheld portraiture.

In the classic head-and-shoulders composition, an 85mm portrait lens offers a greater focal length, which gives a natural look and separates the model from the background. On a camera with an APS-C sensor, a 50mm lens will produce roughly the same field of view as an 85mm lens on a full-frame camera.

In comparison, using a shorter focal length such as 24mm would distort the subject's face by appearing to alter its proportions. Also, backgrounds are usually more noticeable at shorter focal lengths.

Lenses in the middle of the focal range, such as the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF 50mm F1.8 STM, can still be great for portraits. These focal lengths distort images less than wide-angle lenses for natural-feeling images, making them great as full-body portrait lenses – especially useful for fashion photographers.

Using a versatile zoom lens such as the Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM will give you the best of both wide and telephoto focal lengths, and everywhere in between. At its widest 24mm, this lens' field of view will fit in even the largest group portraits and take in a huge array of context in situational street portraits, while the upper range is ideal for classic portraits and close-in headshots.

Wide-angles can be used to great effect in situational portraits, where a subject's surroundings play a vital part in telling a story, and in group portraits, where multiple subjects need to fit into the frame.

If you want to shoot group portraits, the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM lens is ideal. If you find yourself photographing a group in a relatively small area, you can achieve a good shot with this ultra-wide-angle.

While you may associate macro lenses with close-up images of fascinating insects or mouthwatering food, the incredible detail they bring out is also perfect for portraiture. In fact, macro lenses are commonly used in fashion and beauty portraiture, to accentuate individual facial features and highlight specific beauty products.

The Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM features a 35cm minimum focusing distance, while the RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM can focus as close as 17cm. By using a macro lens and getting in close to your subject, you can bring exquisite details to the fore, showcasing and celebrating the individual beauty of your subjects.

Written by Peter Wolinski