Sometimes, it can be hard to undertake photography on a budget.
However, if you know where to look, there are deals to be had on all kinds of gear, portrait lenses included.
Let's have a look at a few of the best camera lenses for portraits that won't break the bank.
Editor's Tip: Have old lenses you don't need anymore? Sell your old lenses or trade them in and use the proceeds to upgrade your kit.
Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM
One of the best Canon lenses for portraits is the aging, yet still really good 85mm f/1.8 USM.
The claim to fame of this lens is that it's beautifully sharp. It's also one of the fastest-focusing lenses that Canon has ever brought to market.
The 85mm focal length is ideal for portraiture, giving you enough room to take a few steps back from the model, yet still get a tight shot. The bokeh it produces isn't bad, either!
Though this lens does have a good deal of fringing in high-contrast areas, it's nothing that can't be fixed in post-processing.
And since you can find good used versions of this lens for well under $300, it's a bargain, too!
If you're a Nikon shooter, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 G is a great budget portrait lens.
Learn More:
- Why You Should Switch to a Mirrorless Camera for Landscape Photography
- Want a Full Frame Camera on the Cheap? Try a Sony Alpha a7
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro
As a macro lens, it doesn't get much sharper than this Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di lens.
Additionally, because this lens has Tamron's Vibration Compensation feature, you can shoot with super slow shutter speeds and still get sharp results. In fact, you can easily handhold your camera while shooting with this lens at 1/30th seconds and still get a sharp result.
Better still, this is a budget-friendly lens even when it's brand new, and with versions for both Canon and Nikon camera systems, you can get an excellent portrait lens no matter which ecosystem you utilize.
Besides, not only can you shoot portraits with this lens, but you can obviously shoot macro photos as well. Having that kind of versatility makes this an even better buy!
Get more details on the newest version of this lens in the video above by Dustin Abbott.
Editor's Tip: Can't find the lens you want for a price you can afford? Consider buying a used lens to stretch your budget further.
FujiFilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR
I'm aware that not everyone shoots with a Canon or Nikon camera, so for you FujiFilm shooters out there, a great portrait photography lens is the XF 35mm f/2 R WR.
This lens is about three years old now, but has proven itself to be a fast and reliable lens.
It's weather-sealed, too, so you don't have to worry about dust, rain, snow, and other elements damaging the lens when you're caught in bad weather during an outdoor portrait shoot.
It's got a small body, which is great for shooting fast and lean, and the nine aperture blades create beautiful bokeh.
Add to that the fact that it produces excellent image quality, and you have the makings for a top-notch portrait lens.
You can find high-quality used versions of this lens for about $300, so you can improve the quality of your portraits without breaking the bank!
Learn More:
- Top Budget-Friendly Mirrorless Cameras for 2018
- What's the Best Lens for Portrait Photography? A 35mm or a 50mm?
Final Thoughts
There's a mantra in photography that it's not the gear you use that makes a great photo, it's you that makes a great photo.
And while that's true, of all the photography gear you own, your lenses are the most important for getting high-quality images.
That doesn't mean you have to buy brand new, expensive glass.
Instead, if you know where to look, you can find great deals on excellent used lenses that allow you to build up your kit without also building up a big balance on your credit card. What's not to like about that?!