Best Portrait Lens for Sony

Best Portrait Lens for Sony Cameras

Cameras are very much adored since the day they came about. And with that, if you are using the right lens, you will get the best result. This particular article is dedicated to some of the best sony portrait lenses that you can get for your Sony camera.

We are sure that it will give you all the insight you need on portrait lenses before you purchase them. We all know that, basically, a lens is equipment that you add to your camera to optimize the result that you get.

There are so many different lenses available in the market for you to get depending on the type of photography that you want to do. When you add a lens to your camera, you are multiplying the capacity of the camera to capture a good shot, but all-in-all we are here to understand portrait lenses and some of the best portrait lenses for Sony Cameras.

Best Sony Portrait Lens
1. Sony SEL50F12GM (Best Prime Portrait Lens)
  • Type: Standard Lens
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 50mm
  • Aperture: f/1.2 - f/16
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Weight: 1.7 lb / 778 g
  • Warranty: 1 Year
2. Sigma 259965 (Another Great Prime Portrait Lens)
  • Type: Telephoto Lens
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 105mm
  • Aperture: f/1.4 - f/16
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Weight: 3.62 lb / 1.64 kg
  • Warranty: 1 Year
3. Sigma 322965 (Budget Prime Portrait Lens)
  • Type: Telephoto Lens
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 85mm
  • Aperture: f/1.4 - f/16
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Weight: 1.38 lb / 625 g
  • Warranty: 1 Year
4. Sony SEL135F18GM (Best 135mm Prime Portrait Lens)
  • Type: Telephoto Lens
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 135mm
  • Aperture: f/1.8 - f/22
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Weight: 33.51 oz / 950 g
  • Warranty: 1 Year
5. Sony SEL85F18 (Cheapest Prime Portrait Lens)
  • Type: Telephoto Lens
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 85mm
  • Aperture: f/1.8 - f/22
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Weight: 13.09 oz / 371 g
  • Warranty: 1 Year
6. Sony SEL2470GM (Best Zoom Portrait Lens)
  • Type: Standard Lens
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 24-70mm
  • Aperture: f/2.8 - f/22
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Weight: 1.95 lb / 886 g
  • Warranty: 1 Year
7. Sony SEL70200GM (Another Great Zoom Portrait Lens)
  • Type: Telephoto Lens
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 70-200mm
  • Aperture: f/2.8 - f/22
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Weight: 3.26 lb / 1480 g
  • Warranty: 1 Year
8. Sigma 592965 (Budget Zoom Portrait Lens)
  • Type: Standard Lens
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 28-70mm
  • Aperture: f/2.8 - f/22
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Weight: 16.6 oz / 470 g
  • Warranty: 1 Year
9. Tamron AFA056S700
  • Type: Standard Lens
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 70-180mm
  • Aperture: f/2.8 - f/22
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Weight: 1.78 lb / 810 g
  • Warranty: 6 Years
10. Sony SEL35F14GM
  • Type: Standard Lens
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 35mm
  • Aperture: f/1.4 - f/16
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Weight: 1.2 lb / 524 g
  • Warranty: 1 Year

What is a portrait lens?

Before we tell you about the different best lenses that you can get for sony, it is also important to understand that you know what a portrait lens is. Portrait lens is those lenses that have a high aperture compared to other lenses.

One reason for the same is that portrait photography is basically photography of people. A good portrait lens helps you capture the beauty of humans in extremely amazing light balance and clarity.

To do portrait photography, your portrait lens must have the right focal length, high aperture, and dynamic usability. There are so many different lenses like prime lenses, zoom lenses, etc. You can use them all with your skills and use them as perfect portrait lenses.

Be it any kind of photography, one thing that you will learn is that it requires certain skills, the right camera, and most importantly right lens to capture the result that you want to capture.

When it comes to different lenses, there are so many lenses available in the market that we are sure you will be confused about purchasing one. But you do not have to sweat about it when we are here. The below-mentioned portrait lenses are some of the best for Sony cameras, and you can purchase any of them which fits your budget without batting an eye.

Best Portrait Lenses for Sony

1. Sony FE 135 mm f/1.8 GM Full-Frame Telephoto Prime Lens

Sony SEL135F18GM FE 135mm F1.8

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If we are looking into the lenses for Sony, how can we not start with the lens from Sony themselves? This lens is everything you need for your portrait photography. Although it is quite costly, it is easy to use, and to top it all; it is everything you can need for perfect portrait shots.

Once you use this lens, we are sure that you will be amazed at the amazing results this lens can provide paired up with a good camera. It is equipped with XA, Super ED, and ED glass, so the image can always turn out to be particularly clear and sharp.

Sony FE 135 mm f1.8 GM

The lens covers almost everything that you might need to ensure a perfect shot, and because it is easy to use, it will require no time for you to learn, even when you are really new to this whole photography thing.

What we like the best about this lens is that even though it comes at an extremely pocket-friendly price, it will last you for a long time to come because of its great as well as strong build.

That is the reason that Sony is one of the choices for photographers willing to purchase cameras or lenses.

With f/1.8, you will see that the result of the photoshoot in this lens is extremely praiseworthy. We cannot deny the amazing quality of the lens’s autofocus.

We all know how vital the aperture is when you want to capture a portrait photograph. 11 frame aperture is quite good and delivers equally good bokeh and defocus.

Pros
  • Easy to use

  • Has a good autofocus
  • Has a good aperture- 11-frame provides a good bokeh for portrait shots
  • A strong build makes it last for a long time

Cons
  • The price is a little too much

  • It can be considered heavy for some camera

2. Sigma 259965 105mm f/1.4-16 Standard Fixed Prime Lens

Sigma 259965 105mm f1.4

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There are users who prefer to use some lenses which are dynamic when it comes to using, and without failing to meet the requirement, some brands have many great lenses to offer; this is one of the lenses that you can consider for your sony camera.

This standard fixed prime lens is everything you can ever hope your lens to be. With every penny you spend on it, you will know why it was worth it. Beginning with its amazing aperture of f /1.4 to 16, It will give you mesmerizing results even when you are capturing the image in low light.

Compared to the performance it gives, it can be considered one of the high-end lenses, but to our surprise, it costs a little less than most high-end lenses. This brand for Japan gives competition to almost every amazing lens that you can find in the market at the moment.

We know that our main goal is to find a lens that delivers a perfect result for portrait photography. This lens might turn out to be everything that you are looking for.

The hypersonic AF motor makes it easier and faster for your camera to focus, and the aperture makes it possible for you to capture an amazing portrait with an even more amazing bokeh effect.

One thing that we know for sure is that you can use this lens anywhere, anytime, as it is perfectly weatherproofed. Because it is a standard prime lens, this lens can be a good choice if you want to get a lens that is usable in varieties of photography.

Pros
  • Great autofocus

  • High aperture hence even better bokeh
  • Cheaper than most of the other high-end lenses
  • Delivers a really good performance
  • The focal length of the camera is praiseworthy

Cons
  • The size of the lens is larger, and it might be a hassle to use it with lightweight cameras

3. Sigma 322965 85mm F1.4 DG DN Portrait Lens for Sony E

Sigma 322965 85mm F1.4 DG DN

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Next on our list, we have a camera that is quite underrated, but when it comes to its performance, those who have seen this camera operate and give results know how this camera is worth every ounce of good faith.

Even though you have seen that this lens is quite large in size and because of the very same reason, it can make using it a bit difficult for you if you have never handled this kind of lens before.

But despite its size, you will not have to worry about the weight of the camera as it is lightweight compared to its size. However, once purchased, this lens can turn out to be a pretty good investment for you if you are a professional photographer and want a lens that lasts for a long period of time.

This is one of the standard lenses of 85mm with an aperture of 1.4, so you can easily capture some of the best portrait lenses with a compatible camera. With time we have come to notice that Sigma has reduced the size of its lens quite dramatically, but it can still be improved.

If you are capturing bokeh with small objects in focus, you might face some difficulty, but when you are capturing the people’s portraits, you will see the result as great as it can turn out to be.

Talking about portraits, compared to so many different lenses, this lens might be a perfect choice as it is the standard lens, and you can use it for multiple purposes. Other than that, you can capture amazing landscapes and abstract shots.

We are quite impressed with the aperture blades of the lens as it helps you capture a click in low light. If you are looking for a camera that is affordable and delivers the right result, this might be the right lens for you.

Pros
  • Easy to carry and use

  • Compact and lightweight
  • All-in-one lens
  • Great bokeh for people’s portrait
  • Low in cost compared to other lenses

Cons
  • Bokeh could have been better at object photography

  • The size of the camera is large

4. Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22 Medium-Telephoto Fixed Prime Camera Lens

Sony SEL85F18 85mm F1.8-22

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Among the wide variety of lenses that are available, it gets a little confusing to choose a lens that can serve your requirement for photography. But some brands have made sure that you get the best of everything, and Sony is one of those brands.

This lens from Sony is one of the best lenses available in the market at the moment. This 85mm lens is the perfect portrait lens that you can get at an extremely affordable price.

Comparing its autofocus and the aperture to other lenses available on the market, you will be impressed by how amazing the result turns out to be. This lens actually proves that sometimes affordable lenses are great and can be used professionally.
Sony 85mm F1.8-22

Although, after carefully studying and using the lens, we have come to know that it is quite a versatile lens, and you can figure out how to use it without much hassle.

If you already know about the cameras, you will be glad to know that if paired with APS-C cameras, you will be extremely impressed with this lens. We were also impressed by how the performance of this lens is similar to some of the most high-end lenses.

One reason that this lens can be perfect for you is because of its long focal length, and you will do great with the help of its large aperture and focal length. Without these two, you can never capture a portrait photograph.

The praises of this lens do not only stop at that, and you can literally adore this lens for its great design and compactness.

Pros
  • Great autofocus

  • Large aperture
  • Easy to carry anywhere
  • Delivers you an extremely sharp and clear image
  • Impressive focal length
  • It is weatherproof

Cons
  • The stabilization of the shot is not that great

5. Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Full-Frame Large-Aperture G Master Lens

Sony SEL50F12GM FE 50mm F1.2 GM

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There are lenses that can be used by almost anybody and which are also good at overall performance. But if you want a lens that is extraordinary, you can choose from any of the G-master from Sony.

All the G-master lenses by Sony are designed to be used in professional photography. If you have just started doing professional photography, this lens can be your first choice because of its ease of use and great performance.

This 50mm lens is everything you need when it comes to bokeh in perfect resolution. You will also need a lens that provides you with amazing results when you want to capture portraits.

With this lens’ aperture, you will be able to capture some of the perfect shots even in low light and with the perfect depth of field.

There are always going to be several options for you to choose from when it comes to lenses, but we are sure if you decide to purchase this lens, you will not regret that decision at all.

Some photographers might find the size of this lens a bit too much, but the functions of the lens make up for just the same. There is a manual aperture ring on the body of the lens so you can adjust the aperture while you are capturing your shot.

There is a manual focus ring on the lens as well, making it even easier for you to capture the perfect portrait shot of your subject.

Every corner of the image captured with this lens will turn out to be crisp and clear. Although you might have to pay a big piece of your pocket for it. But tell you what? The way this lens functions and delivers the result, every penny you spend on it is worth it.

Pros
  • Great aperture

  • Easy to use because of its features
  • The image captured with it turns out to be sharp and clear
  • Durable lens to last you long
  • Weatherproof and dust resistant

Cons
  • The cost of this lens is a little too high

  • Large in size

6. Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Full-Frame Large-Aperture Wide Angle G Master Lens

Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM

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The list of lenses offered by Sony will just blow your mind. Why most photographers prefer to have a lens from Sony is because they have a great variety of lenses for you to choose from.

You can actually get confused when it comes to deciding on one lens but let us not forget that every lens is special in its own way. Maybe it is because of the lens performance, and for some, it is because of its durability.

What most people like about this lens is how compact it is and how it can be easily carried anywhere. The price of this lens is somewhere between not low and not too costly, and because of that, many professional photographers prefer to get this lens when they are just starting photography.

Sony FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Many of the reasons include that it lasts for a long time. The two aspheric elements of the lens are quite useful for providing you with a really great resolution in your image.

One thing that makes your captured portrait with this lens not have any reflections for flares is that there is a Nano AR coating on it. The aperture is also considered to be one of the big deals in this lens.

We are sure that once you start using this lens, you will know how great a package deal it is. You get everything you need to make sure that you are capturing the best portrait shot that you get out of your camera.

No matter how great your camera is, without a good lens, you will not be able to capture the stills that are breathtaking. The bokeh is something that will blow your mind once you will see the results.

Pros
  • Easy to use and carry

  • It is compact and travel-friendly
  • Impressive aperture leading to impressive bokeh
  • High-resolution quality because of Two XA and ED element

Cons
  • Image stabilization could have been better

  • It is too pricey
  • Not so good for short-length photography

7. Sony SEL2470GM FE 24-70 mm F2.8 G Master Full Frame Standard Zoom Lens

Sony SEL2470GM FE 24-70 mm

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So many cameras and so many lenses, the choice that you get in today’s world about almost every other technical equipment. And it was really difficult for us to get a list of lenses that are best among the best.

Because of its great and relentless performance, this G master standard lens finds its way on our list. Given you might have to pay quite an amount for this lens, you will see its worth once you start using the camera and see the result.

You can easily adjust the focus with the manual function for the same. It makes it easier for you to capture the portrait image without having to take much time trying to get a perfect shot. What we know is that most of the master lenses have two XA spherical elements to ensure higher stability for your photography.

The lens lasts you for a long time because of its Nano AR coating to protect it from scratch and the weatherproofing build. It is obvious that you expect the build to be great, and this Sony lens definitely meets that requirement as well.

What impresses you the most is the SSM meaning a supersonic motor; it helps the function of the lens to be quick for efficiency while you are shooting. It is one of the smooth and quiet camera lenses that you can get.

Some lenses are just reliable enough that you never have to second guess about purchasing them; this 24-70mm lens is one of them. As it is a standard lens, you can use it for your different needs of photography.

It is easily mountable on your camera without much hassle. If paired with an equally good camera, you will get really happy with the final results you get out of it.

Pros
  • Easy to use and compact in size

  • Two XA aspherical elements and Super ED to make the image clear and crisp
  • Has manual focus to make the use of the lens easy
  • Easily mountable on APS-C cameras
  • Great in design and build
  • Extraordinary results in portrait photography.

Cons
  • Might be too pricey for beginner photographers

8. Sigma 28-70 mm F2.8 DG DN Zoom Lens for Sony E

Sigma 592965 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN

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You can get the best result out of your camera if you are using a good lens with it, and one of the good lenses that you can put in your camera is a Sigma lens. This lens will not only help you capture the good picture but the best of all.

What will make you happy about this lens is that it will come at a pocket-friendly price. You can use the lens with extreme easiness because of the manual functions given on the lens itself.

With the autofocus paired with the manual focus ring, you will never have to complain about the clarity and crispness of the photograph.

The lens might not be as long-lasting as most of the expensive lenses you get, but it will definitely last until it gives you your money’s worth. The lens is lightweight and can be easily carried anywhere without much fuss of storage as it is compact.

It is the best choice of purchase for you if you want to capture some impressive portraits with impressive bokeh. Apart from that, you can also capture some amazing zoom shots. This lens is everything that you need to capture the shot you have envisioned.

You can mount this lens in two different types of mount E-mount and L-mount, which means it is pretty much compatible with almost every camera.

This lens will also meet your expectations for capturing some wide-angle shots, and it is like there is nothing this lens cannot be helpful for. If you are into capturing the shot with a quick click, this lens is your best shot at a very affordable price.

Pros
  • It is very easy to use

  • It is lightweight and easily carried anywhere
  • Great focal range
  • Aperture is perfect for bokeh
  • Compatible with a wide range of cameras

Cons
  • Using it on maximum aperture will not give a great result and might deliver light fall-off

  • Not a good choice for capturing shots in the sun

9. Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD Lens for Sony Full Frame/APS-C E-Mount

Tamron AFA056S700 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD

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The list of some great lenses for your sony camera is quite long, and we want to ensure that it includes all the possible good options for you. The list includes the 70-180mm lens from Tamron.

Those who know about different lens brands know that Tamron is known to provide some of the best and most long-lasting lenses you can get.

It ranges somewhere between the most expensive and cost-friendly lenses but rests easily as the performance you will get out of it will be as amazing as most premium lenses.

The focal length of the lens is 70-180mm, which is great for different types of photography, including wide-angle shots, portrait shots, etc. It is one of the lightweight lenses, and to top it all off, it is one of the lenses which will look slick attached to your camera.

There is also a VXD liner motor focus mechanism that delivers you high-speed performance. There are so many users who prefer to get this camera, especially for their portrait photography.

Known to be compatible with most of full-frame Sony cameras, you will be quite happy with the results.

We tested it with different types of photography, and all the image results turned out to be great. What you usually expect from your camera is crip and high definition quality, and you will surely get it out of this lens.

You will even be able to capture some macro shots with it, and you can get some unexpected results. The main reason behind it is its MOD.

You can consider this hands down one of the best budget lenses you can get for your every kind of need for photography.

Pros
  • Dynamic design

  • Easy to use
  • Delivers amazing result
  • Suitable for almost every kind of photography
  • Great focal length
  • Aperture is praiseworthy

Cons
  • There might be some distortion if you can’t use the lens correctly

  • The size of the lens might be intimidating for beginner photographers

10. Sony FE 70-200m f/2.8 GM OSS Telephoto Zoom Lens

Sony SEL70200GM FE 70-200mm

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The last on our list is a lens that will definitely impress you and become your go-to lens in different kinds of photography. This is an OSS lens, so it can be listed among the best in its category.

We are very much happy about suggesting to you all a lens that is amazingly lightweight, and there is no compromise that you will have to make when you purchase this lens.

Sony’s this length has a focal length between 70-200mm, so you can easily capture zoom-in shots, macro shots, etc. We can never forget to mention how great the portrait shots turn out.

The aperture of the lens makes it possible by delivering you a really great bokeh. It has to be one of the most competitive lenses you can get. The only setback you will face is its price, but we can reassure you that it is worth every bit of money you spend on it.

As we learned, it is an OSS lens meaning optical steady shot image, so it doesn’t matter what kind of image you are capturing. The shot cannot be any more stable than you get with this lens. The XD liner of the lens will assist you in autofocus for even better image quality.

If you are spending so much money on this lens, we are sure that you are expecting it to be long-lasting and waterproof; guess what? This lens will not disappoint you in that. What we liked the best about this lens is its three different manual autofocus switches.

Well, if you are capturing different images with your lens, you should be able to capture the shot without much fuss, and this lens will definitely let you do that.

Pros
  • High-end lens and high-end performance

  • The lens is versatile
  • Great and smooth movement
  • Three different manual autofocus
  • Dynamic design
  • Lightweight

Cons
  • Can cost you a piece of your pocket

  • The size of the lens is larger and might not be easy to handle

Conclusion

There are so many lenses that are available in the market, and choosing and compiling them was one of the toughest tasks that we have ever done. All of the lenses mentioned above have come through quite some testing and customer reviews are listed here.

Let us tell you that you can even choose any lens without batting an eye for your portrait photography, and the results that you will get out of it will always be impressive. Although we suggest that you purchase the lens based on your expertise in photography, as some of the lenses above are used by seasoned photographers.

We have mentioned all the lenses that range in different price ranges. If you have a determined budget to choose a lens, we are sure that this article will help you shortlist one or even help your purchase decision.

Some of the high-end lenses mentioned are those which can help you in different areas of photography as well. Keep capturing those beautiful portraits with your Sony cameras and compatible lenses.

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