Review of Lenses with the Best Aperture for Portraits

Review of Lenses with the Best Aperture for Portraits
Dustin Olsen

When shooting portraits, perfection relies on capturing the ideal combination of light exposure, composition, and aperture. Aperture is a key setting that regulates how much illumination flows into the lens and develops a convincing depth of field within the images you capture. 

With different levels of aperture available, however, deciding which will deliver superior results in portraiture photography can be tricky!

That’s why we have reviewed the best lenses with superior aperture settings for portrait photography, considering key features such as aperture size, sharpness, and bokeh effect.

Whether you are looking for a wider aperture for a shallow depth of field or a narrower aperture for a greater depth of field, our review will help you make an informed decision and take your portrait photography to the next level.

So, let’s dive in and discover lenses with the best aperture for portraits!

What are the Top Lenses Offering the Best Aperture for Portraits? 

We found that these three lenses offer the best aperture in portrait photography out of the impressive, albeit overwhelming, selection of products currently available. Let’s discuss each lens’s features and suitability for capturing the best portrait photographs for beginners and professionals alike. 

Review of the Top Three Lenses Offering the Best Aperture for Portraits

1. Sigma 17-50mm

Best Value
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 Lens
$589.00

For Nikon DSLR Camera

Pros:
  • Sigma 17-50mm provides High image quality
  • Excellent optical stabilization
  • Wide aperture range
  • Excellent choice for low-light situations
Cons:
  • Potential for image fuzziness
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02/17/2024 11:47 am GMT

The Sigma 17-50mm lens is a standard zoom lens for any photography enthusiast. Its larger aperture, also perfect for shallow depth, and stabilization features make it an excellent choice for low-light situations or any lighting condition, allowing you to capture stunning photos even in the darkest environments. 

One unique aspect of the lens is its FLD glass, which offers a similar performance to fluorite.

This glass material ensures you capture any of your subjects in a clear image with beautiful colors. The lens has a carrying case, hood, and front and rear caps to protect your investment, especially when you are on the go.

It’s important to note that the OS is unavailable in Pentax and Sony mounts. Capturing the perfect shot has never been easier with its maximum magnification of 1:5 and a minimum focusing distance of 28cm. This lens is a must-have for photographers looking to take their skills to the next level.

Features

  • Standard zoom lens
  • Use of FLD glass
  • Sharp and detailed images in every shot
  • Carrying case, lens hood, and front and rear caps
  • 17 elements in 13 groups
  • Faster shutter speed
  • Maximum magnification of 1:5 and a minimum focusing distance of 28cm

2. Tamron 35-150mm

Best Warranty
Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Camera Lens
$1,899.00

For Sony

Pros:
  • High-quality images
  • Outstanding optical performance
  • Highly customizable
  • Silent and precise autofocus
  • Excellent close-focusing capability
Cons:
  • Pricey
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02/17/2024 11:51 am GMT

The Tamron 35-150mm is a game-changer for photographers. With its world’s first F2-2.8 fast aperture zoom lens, it’s in a class of its own for outstanding optical performance.

The fast, sharp focus and quiet VXD linear motor ensure high-speed and high-precision autofocus, making it perfect for capturing life’s moments as they happen and in any light condition.

And with a MOD of 13 inches at the wide end, it has the superior close-focusing capability, allowing for stunning detail in your shots.

Plus, it’s highly customizable via the lens connector port and USB Type-A to Type-C port (cable sold separately), giving you even more control over sharing your images. It’s no wonder that this lens has become a popular choice for amateur and professional photographers alike.

Features

  • World’s first F2-2.8 Fast aperture zoom lens
  • VXD Linear motor for high-speed autofocus
  • MOD of 13 inches at the wide end
  • 6-year warranty

3. Canon EF 24-70mm

Best Versatility
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II Camera Lens
$1,899.00

For Canon

Pros:
  • Versatile lens for a wide range of photography applications
  • Ring-type ultrasonic AF motor for fast, accurate focusing
  • Optimized lens coatings provide exceptional color balance and minimal ghosting
  • Lightweight at 1.7 pounds
Cons:
  • Heavy
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02/17/2024 12:16 pm GMT

As a photographer who loves to capture joyful memories and looking for a versatile lens to add to your photography arsenal, the Canon EF 24-70mm might be the one for you.

With its 24-70mm range and a constant aperture of f/2.8, this lens is the perfect pick for photographers of any genre. It also features a ring-type ultrasonic AF motor for fast, accurate focusing and optimized lens coatings that provide exceptional color balance and minimal ghosting.

Featuring a near 0.38 meter closest focusing distance and only weighing in at a mere 1.7 pounds, it’s undoubtedly an ideal choice for the traveling photographer – despite its lack of image stabilization! And if you purchase this lens between May 1 and July 30, you can get 13 months of free damage protection from Canon.

Features

  • Focal length range of 24-70mm
  • Constant maximum aperture of f/2.8
  • Ring-type ultrasonic AF motor for fast, accurate focusing
  • Optimized lens coatings that provide exceptional color balance and minimal ghosting
  • Closest focusing distance of 0.38 meters

Bottom Line

Many excellent lenses offer the best aperture for portraits. The three we discussed in this article stand out as some of the best. The Sigma 17-50mm lens offers high image quality with an impressive optical stabilization feature perfect for shallow depth. The Tamron 35-150mm is perfect for capturing life’s moments at a fast speed with precise autofocus.


Finally, the Canon EF 24-70mm provides versatility with its focal length range and optimized lens coatings that provide exceptional color balance and minimal ghosting. Whichever option you choose, these lenses will help take your portrait photography as a portrait photographer to new heights!

Review of Lenses with the Best Aperture for Portraits

Dustin Olsen

Mastermind behind DustinOlsen.com. When no one is telling me what to do or where to be, you'll find me outside (hopefully flying my drone) soaking up some sun.