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For some folks, shooting portraits is the toughest thing. Getting over our own mental barriers is a great place to start. Understanding that everyone is human also helps. Best of all, good communication and teamwork make the dream work. And to add a cherry on top, a solid 85mm lens can create a timeless portrait. We’ve tested nearly every 85mm lens currently on the market. This list rounds up the very best 85mm lenses you can get for every full-frame camera system.
The best 85mm lens can arguably be the one you have on you. But when it comes to pure image quality, these 85mm lenses can’t be beaten. For even more sharpness, grab a flash. And if you want some softness, try a haze filter. Or, you know, do it in post-production!
Table of Contents
Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM
In our review, we said:
“If you’re a card-carrying member of the Canon color science fan club, then you’ll be glad to know that the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM doesn’t disappoint one bit in terms of color rendition. This lens produces images with vibrant and accurate colors, and ooze micro contrast. For most people, shooting in auto white balance will be more than adequate. I personally prefer the added control that custom white balance offers and the results when shooting in daylight (5600K) or tungsten (3200K) white balance are equally impressive.”
Sample Images
Buy Now: Around $2,599
Sony 85mm f1.4 G Master
In our review, we said:
“The 11 aperture blades here help to create gorgeous bokeh. This is the first autofocus lens to give us that–but years ago Zeiss used to put 17 blades in their lenses for super creamy bokeh. Hopefully, we’ll see more of a return to that type of manufacturing.”
Sample Images
Buy Now: Around $1,798
Pro Tip: The key to using an 85mm lens is posing people. Even the best 85mm lenses won’t necessarily help you there. Here’s a good place to start: everyone has a higher shoulder. Ask your subject to stand straight at you. Look at them carefully. If one shoulder is higher than the other, then direct them to straighten themselves out. Your best tutor is experience.
Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art
In our review, we said:
“Sigma Art lenses are known for their beautiful bokeh. This continues to hold true for the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN. The transition from in to out of focus appears gradual and pleasant. We’ve got the 11 rounded aperture blades to thank for this. Fans of perfectly circular bokeh balls will be left wanting, though. As you move towards the periphery of your frame, bokeh balls will become increasingly oval.”
Sample Images
Buy Now: Around $1,199
Nikon 85mm f1.8 S
In our review, we said:
“The photographers who most likely will be springing for the Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 are portrait photographers. However, we also have to make an exception for those who like to take candids while feeling like they’re a fly on the wall. An 85mm lens does a great job with that. With this in mind, those photographers will surely care about the bokeh. And with nine aperture blades, the bokeh on the Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 is fantastic. It’s creamy and beautiful, in fact I haven’t seen boken I’ve liked this much from a Nikon lens since using the 105mm f1.4 prime. Photographers will also be happy with the sharpness, the color, and the fact that there are no technical problems with this lens.”
Sample Images
Buy Now: Around $699
Tamron 85mm f1.8 Di VC USD
In our review, we said:
“For what it’s worth, the Tamron 85mm f1.8 Di VC USD wipes the floor with everyone else’s lenses except for the newest offerings from Zeiss. It doesn’t have micro-contrast but instead, it has a couple of things that have made me change my editing workflow. I generally don’t need to do anywhere as much of a clarity increase and instead what I tend to do when working with this lens is work with the shadows and the individual color channels.”
Sample Images
Buy Now: Around $749