12 Best Camera Lenses for Portraits (October 2026) Buying Guide

Finding the right portrait lens can transform your photography overnight. I have spent months testing dozens of lenses across Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Fujifilm systems, and the difference between a kit lens and a dedicated portrait prime is night and day. The best camera lenses for portraits share a few key traits: a fast aperture for background blur, a flattering focal length that compresses facial features naturally, and sharp optics that render skin tones beautifully.

Whether you are shooting professional headshots, family portraits, or casual outdoor sessions, the lens you choose matters more than the camera body. A fast f/1.8 or f/1.4 aperture creates that creamy bokeh photographers chase, while focal lengths between 50mm and 135mm flatter your subject without distortion. The right combination separates a snapshot from a portrait worth framing.

In this guide, our team tested and compared 12 lenses across every major camera system and budget tier. From the legendary Canon 50mm “nifty fifty” to the Sony G Master 85mm professional workhorse, we cover sharpness, autofocus speed, bokeh quality, build feel, and real-world handling. Every recommendation comes from actual shooting experience, not spec sheets.

Top 3 Picks for Best Camera Lenses for Portraits

Best Camera Lenses for Portraits in 2026

1. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II – Professional-Grade Bokeh Master

After shooting with the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II for several weeks, I understand why professionals call this the ultimate portrait lens. The f/1.4 aperture creates a depth of field so thin that eyes snap into focus while everything behind melts into a buttery wash of color. It is the kind of optical performance that makes clients say “wow” when they see the results.

The two XD linear motors deliver autofocus that feels instantaneous. I tracked moving subjects during an outdoor portrait session and every frame locked focus precisely on the eye. The lens is also remarkably quiet, which matters when shooting video alongside stills. Sony improved the focus consistency significantly over the original G Master, and it shows in every shot.

At 1.4 pounds, this lens is lighter than you would expect for an 85mm f/1.4. I carried it on a full-day shoot without wrist fatigue, which is more than I can say for some competing 85mm f/1.4 options. The 11-blade diaphragm produces bokeh circles that stay perfectly round even when stopped down to f/2.8, giving portraits a polished, commercial-quality look.

Who Should Buy This Lens

This is the lens for professional portrait photographers and serious enthusiasts who shoot Sony full-frame bodies. If you make a living from headshots, fashion work, or wedding portraits, the GM II delivers results that justify the investment. The image quality holds up to heavy cropping and large prints without breaking a sweat.

What to Consider Before Buying

The price places this firmly in professional territory. If you are a hobbyist or just starting with portrait photography, there are capable 85mm options for significantly less. Also, the focus breathing effect means video shooters doing dramatic focus pulls may notice slight perspective shifts. For pure stills photography, this matters zero.

2. Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S – The Portrait Gold Standard

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S punches well above its f/1.8 designation. I have used this lens alongside lenses costing twice as much, and the sharpness holds its own against anything in its class. Nikon loaded this with two ED glass elements and Nano Crystal coating, and the result is image quality that rivals exotic-level glass at a fraction of the weight.

What impressed me most is how this lens renders out-of-focus areas. The nine-blade diaphragm produces bokeh that transitions smoothly from sharp to soft, creating a three-dimensional quality in portraits. Skin tones look natural without the harsh micro-contrast that makes some lenses unflattering for close-up face work. The autofocus is fast and locks on with surgical precision, even in challenging backlit conditions.

The weather sealing is a real advantage for outdoor portrait sessions. I shot in light drizzle without a second thought, and the customizable control ring lets you adjust aperture or exposure compensation on the fly. At 470 grams, it balances beautifully on Nikon Z bodies and never feels front-heavy. This is the portrait lens that stays on my camera the longest.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Nikon Z system shooters who want professional portrait results without the cost of an f/1.4 lens. This is the lens I recommend most often to Nikon photographers because it delivers 95% of the performance of premium options at a much more accessible price. Wedding and event photographers will appreciate the weather sealing and reliable autofocus.

What to Consider Before Buying

At 85mm, you need working distance from your subject. In small rooms, you may find yourself backed against walls trying to frame a half-body shot. Also, the price sits higher than some other f/1.8 lenses, but the optical quality justifies the premium. If you need image stabilization, this lens relies on in-body stabilization from compatible Nikon Z cameras.

3. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM – The Nifty Fifty Legend

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the lens I recommend to every Canon DSLR owner who asks about portrait photography. With over 18,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this lens has earned its legendary status. The f/1.8 aperture produces background blur that transforms ordinary snapshots into portraits with genuine depth and dimension.

I have carried this lens as a backup for years, and it always surprises me how capable it remains. The STM motor focuses smoothly and quietly, a significant upgrade from older 50mm designs. On a full-frame Canon body, the 50mm field of view is natural and versatile for waist-up portraits, environmental shots, and even street photography. On APS-C cameras, the effective 80mm focal length puts it right in the sweet spot for tighter head-and-shoulders portraits.

At just 0.35 pounds, this is a lens you forget is attached to your camera. The 49mm filter thread means UV filters and polarizers cost very little. While the plastic body does not feel premium, the metal lens mount ensures a solid connection to the camera. Sharpness improves noticeably when you stop down to f/2.8, but even at f/1.8 the center of the frame is plenty crisp for portraits where the edges melt into bokeh anyway.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Anyone with a Canon EF-mount DSLR who wants to try portrait photography without spending much. This is the perfect first prime lens for beginners and a capable backup for professionals. If you shoot on a Canon EOS Rebel, 80D, 5D, or any EF-compatible body, this lens belongs in your bag. Students and hobbyists on a tight budget will get more portrait capability per dollar from this lens than anything else on the market.

What to Consider Before Buying

The plastic build means this lens will not survive rough handling the way L-series glass does. Corner sharpness is soft at f/1.8, which matters for architecture but not portraits. There is no image stabilization, so you need decent shutter speed discipline in low light. For mirrorless Canon shooters, consider the RF version instead since it offers native mount compatibility and a control ring.

4. Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM – Mirrorless Nifty Fifty

Canon mirrorless owners finally get their own nifty fifty, and it is worth the wait. The RF50mm F1.8 STM takes the classic 50mm formula and adds a control ring that makes adjusting settings feel natural. I used this lens on an EOS R6 for a weekend of outdoor portraits and the combination of fast autofocus and accurate eye-detection produced keepers in nearly every frame.

The f/1.8 aperture creates background blur that looks far more expensive than this lens costs. Colors are vibrant and well-balanced thanks to optimized lens coatings that Canon developed for the RF system. The STM gear-type motor provides smooth, quiet autofocus that works equally well for stills and video recording. At just 0.35 pounds, it is one of the lightest lenses in the RF lineup.

The control ring is the standout feature that separates this from the EF version. You can assign it to control aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation, and the tactile click feedback makes adjustments without taking your eye from the viewfinder. On APS-C Canon mirrorless bodies like the R7, the effective 80mm focal length is perfect for flattering portraits.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Canon EOS R system shooters who want an affordable, capable portrait prime. If you own an R5, R6, R8, R50, or any RF-mount camera, this is the first lens I would add after the kit zoom. It provides instant access to the shallow depth of field look that makes portraits stand out.

What to Consider Before Buying

Like most affordable 50mm lenses, corner sharpness drops off at f/1.8. For portrait work where your subject is center-frame, this rarely matters. The build quality is functional but plasticky, and there is no weather sealing. If you need image stabilization, pair this with an IBIS-equipped Canon body for the best results.

5. Sony FE 50mm F1.8 – Affordable Sony Standard Prime

The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 is the entry point into portrait photography for Sony full-frame shooters, and it delivers more than the price suggests. I tested this on an A7 III and was surprised by how sharp images are straight from f/1.8. The double-gauss optical design with aspherical elements keeps spherical aberration under control, and the 7-blade circular aperture produces bokeh with a pleasing, classic quality.

Color reproduction is one of this lens’s hidden strengths. Skin tones render naturally without the magenta shift I have seen in some budget lenses. The compact size means it fits in a jacket pocket, making it an ideal everyday carry for street portraits and casual shoots. For Sony shooters on a budget, this lens opens the door to professional-looking portraits without the professional price tag.

The autofocus is accurate but noticeably slower than Sony’s G and GM lenses. In good light, it locks on quickly, but in dim conditions it can hunt briefly. Manual focus works fine, though the lack of a physical AF/MF switch means you need to change modes through the camera menu. These are reasonable trade-offs given what this lens costs.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Sony full-frame and APS-C camera owners who want an affordable prime for portraits and everyday shooting. This is the best starting point for A7, A7C, and A6700 users looking to explore shallow depth of field without investing in premium glass. It is also a solid backup lens for professionals who want a lightweight 50mm option.

What to Consider Before Buying

The autofocus noise makes this less suitable for video work where on-camera microphones will pick up the motor. The plastic construction feels less durable than metal-body alternatives. If you shoot in wet or dusty environments, the lack of weather sealing is a real limitation. For faster autofocus and better build quality, stepping up to a G-series lens is worth considering.

6. Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM – Dual-Purpose Portrait and Macro Lens

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM does double duty as a portrait lens and a macro lens, and it handles both roles with impressive competence. The 5-stop image stabilization is a standout feature that makes handheld portraits possible in lighting conditions where other lenses would demand a tripod. I shot an entire indoor portrait session at slow shutter speeds and came away with sharp results.

The 0.5x magnification ratio means you can capture close-up detail shots of rings, jewelry, and flowers during portrait sessions without switching lenses. This versatility makes it a favorite for wedding photographers who need to move between portraits and detail shots quickly. The f/2 aperture is not as wide as f/1.8 or f/1.4 alternatives, but the bokeh quality is still excellent thanks to the 85mm focal length compression.

The control ring on the lens barrel gives you direct access to settings changes, and the Super Spectra Coating produces colors that look rich and natural. At 499 grams, it balances well on Canon RF bodies and never feels cumbersome during long shoots. The minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet opens creative possibilities that standard 85mm lenses simply cannot match.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Canon RF system users who want one lens that handles both portraits and close-up work. Wedding photographers, product photographers who also shoot portraits, and anyone who values image stabilization for handheld shooting will love this lens. It is especially good for Canon mirrorless bodies that lack in-body stabilization.

What to Consider Before Buying

The focus motor is the loudest of any lens in this roundup. If you shoot video with on-camera audio, the noise will be noticeable. The autofocus can also be sluggish when shooting at macro distances. For pure portrait work where macro does not matter, the EF 85mm f/1.8 with an adapter may offer faster focusing and a wider aperture.

7. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM – Timeless DSLR Portrait Lens

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM has been a portrait photography staple for over two decades, and for good reason. I have used this lens on Canon DSLRs from the original 5D through the 5D Mark IV, and it consistently delivers sharp, flattering portraits. The USM autofocus motor is genuinely fast, locking on to subjects with a quickness that many modern lenses still struggle to match.

The f/1.8 maximum aperture produces beautiful background blur that separates your subject from the background with a smooth, creamy quality. The metal lens mount and solid build feel more durable than the price would suggest. This is a lens that has survived years of professional use for thousands of photographers, and it continues to deliver results that satisfy paying clients.

The 85mm focal length is the classic portrait distance because it compresses facial features in a way that looks natural and flattering. On full-frame Canon bodies, this focal length is ideal for head-and-shoulders framing at a comfortable working distance. The 58mm filter thread is small and affordable, and the lens is light enough at 15 ounces to carry all day without fatigue.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Canon DSLR shooters who want a proven, reliable portrait lens without spending on L-series glass. This lens also works on Canon mirrorless bodies with the EF-to-RF adapter, making it a versatile option for photographers transitioning between systems. Portrait and headshot photographers on a budget will find this lens delivers professional results.

What to Consider Before Buying

Chromatic aberration is visible at f/1.8 in high-contrast situations, though it corrects easily in post-processing. There is no image stabilization, so steady handheld technique or a camera with IBIS is helpful in low light. The lens hood is not included and needs to be purchased separately. For Canon mirrorless users who do not own an adapter, the RF 85mm F2 is the more convenient native option.

8. VILTROX 85mm F2 EVO FE – Budget-Friendly Sony Portrait Prime

The VILTROX 85mm F2 EVO is one of the most impressive third-party lenses I have tested for Sony E-mount. It delivers sharpness that rivals native Sony lenses at a fraction of the cost, and the build quality is surprisingly solid. The all-metal construction with a weather-sealed mount feels like it belongs on a lens costing twice as much. VILTROX packed features into this lens that you rarely find at this price point.

The aperture ring with a click/declick switch is a feature usually reserved for cinema lenses. For portrait photographers who also shoot video, this means smooth, silent aperture changes during recording. The STM motor provides fast and accurate autofocus in good light, and the 9 diaphragm blades produce bokeh that is smooth and pleasing. I tested this alongside the Sony 85mm f/1.8 and the image quality difference is minimal.

The USB-C port for firmware updates is a thoughtful addition that keeps this lens relevant as camera bodies evolve. At 340 grams, it is one of the lightest 85mm lenses available for Sony, making it comfortable for all-day portrait sessions. The ED and HR lens elements keep chromatic aberration and distortion well controlled straight from the camera.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Sony E-mount shooters who want excellent 85mm portrait performance without paying for native Sony lenses. This is ideal for Sony A7, A7C, FX30, and ZV-E1 users who prioritize value and features. Hybrid shooters who do both photo and video will appreciate the declickable aperture ring and USB-C firmware capability.

What to Consider Before Buying

Autofocus can hunt in very low light, and continuous autofocus is not as responsive as Sony’s native GM lenses. The f/2 maximum aperture is one-third of a stop slower than f/1.8, which is a minor difference in practice. Vignetting is noticeable at f/2 but clears up by f/2.8. If you shoot fast-action events, a native Sony lens may track better.

9. VILTROX AF 85mm F1.8 II FE – All-Metal Sony Portrait Option

The VILTROX AF 85mm F1.8 II FE proves that third-party lenses can deliver first-party quality. The all-metal body construction gives this lens a premium heft and feel that inspires confidence. I tested it on a Sony A7 IV and the combination of 85mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture produced portraits with gorgeous subject separation and smooth, rounded bokeh.

Sony Eye AF support is a critical feature that makes this lens practical for portrait work. The lens detects and tracks eyes accurately, which means more keepers and less frustration during fast-paced portrait sessions. The lotus hood is included in the box, which is a nice touch that saves you from buying accessories separately. The 10-element, 7-group optical design with metal electronic contacts ensures proper EXIF data transmission.

The f/1.8 aperture pulls in enough light for indoor portraits without pushing ISO settings into noisy territory. Sharpness is excellent across the frame when stopped down to f/2.8, and the center is crisp even wide open. For Sony photographers who want the 85mm portrait look without the premium price of a G Master lens, this is one of the strongest alternatives available.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Sony E-mount photographers who want a solid 85mm portrait lens with full autofocus and Eye AF compatibility. The all-metal build appeals to photographers who prefer a substantial feel in their gear. It is a strong choice for portrait and headshot photographers who need reliable results without the cost of Sony’s premium lineup.

What to Consider Before Buying

Autofocus is not as refined as Sony’s native lenses. It hunts more in low light and can be audible during focusing, which is a consideration for video shooters. The lack of weather sealing means you should be cautious in damp conditions. Some users report minor pincushion distortion, though it corrects easily in software.

10. Canon RF35mm F1.8 IS Macro STM – Environmental Portrait Specialist

The Canon RF35mm F1.8 IS Macro STM is not a traditional portrait lens, but it might be the most versatile lens in this entire roundup. The 35mm focal length captures environmental portraits that tell a story by including the subject’s surroundings. I have used this lens for editorial-style portraits where the location matters as much as the person, and the results are consistently compelling.

The built-in 5-stop image stabilization is a game-changer for low-light portrait work. I shot a coffee shop portrait session entirely handheld at shutter speeds that would normally require a tripod, and every frame came out sharp. The 0.5x macro capability means you can capture intimate detail shots of hands, eyes, or accessories during a portrait session without changing lenses.

Sharpness is exceptional even at f/1.8, with the center of the frame being razor-sharp and the edges staying respectable. The STM motor provides smooth autofocus that works well for both stills and video, though it is not the quietest option. At just 0.68 pounds, this lens adds almost no weight to your camera, making it perfect for travel and street portrait photography where mobility matters.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Canon RF photographers who want a versatile lens for environmental portraits, street portraits, and close-up work. This is especially valuable for Canon mirrorless bodies without in-body stabilization, since the lens-based IS compensates effectively. Travel and documentary photographers will love the lightweight, multi-purpose design.

What to Consider Before Buying

Some users report autofocus precision inconsistency between copies, so buying from a retailer with a good return policy is wise. The 35mm focal length is wider than traditional portrait lenses, which means you need to get closer to your subject for tighter framing. This can feel intrusive for subjects who are not comfortable being photographed. Purple fringing can appear at high-contrast edges when shooting wide open.

11. VILTROX 56mm f/1.7 Fuji XF – Best APS-C Portrait Lens for Fujifilm

Fujifilm photographers finally have an affordable autofocus portrait lens that delivers real quality. The VILTROX 56mm f/1.7 provides an effective 85mm equivalent on Fujifilm’s APS-C sensor, which is exactly the focal length portrait photographers want. I tested this on an X-T5 and the results were sharp, colorful, and full of the character that Fujifilm shooters love.

At just 170 grams, this is the lightest lens in the entire roundup. It disappears on the camera and makes all-day portrait sessions effortless. The f/1.7 aperture creates background blur that looks beautiful, and the 4 ED lens elements keep chromatic aberration under control. The STM motor delivers autofocus that is fast enough for portrait work, tracking faces and eyes with reliable accuracy.

The 0.55-meter minimum focusing distance lets you get close enough for tight headshots without switching to a macro lens. Color rendition complements Fujifilm’s film simulations beautifully, producing skin tones that look natural and flattering. For the price, this lens punches well above its weight class and provides an accessible entry into portrait photography for Fujifilm X-mount shooters.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Fujifilm X-series camera owners who want an affordable autofocus portrait lens with an effective 85mm equivalent focal length. This is ideal for X-T5, X-T4, X-S20, and X-T30 II users who want professional-looking portraits on a budget. Travel and street portrait photographers will appreciate the minimal weight and compact size.

What to Consider Before Buying

The plastic construction does not feel premium, and the lack of an aperture ring means you adjust aperture through the camera body. There is no weather sealing, so outdoor shooters should take care in wet conditions. The electronic focus ring lacks the tactile feedback of mechanical focus rings. For photographers who prefer manual aperture control, Fujifilm’s own 56mm f/1.2 offers that feature at a higher price.

12. YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 – Ultra-Budget Canon Portrait Starter

The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 is the least expensive way to get into portrait photography with a Canon DSLR. At a price that is hard to believe, this lens delivers f/1.8 aperture background blur and image quality that surprises photographers who expect poor performance from a budget option. I tested it on a Canon 6D Mark II and came away impressed by what this lens can do for the money.

The f/1.8 aperture creates the shallow depth of field effect that makes portraits look professional. When you stop down to f/2.8 or f/4, sharpness improves dramatically and becomes genuinely usable for portrait work. The multi-coated optics help with contrast and flare resistance, and the gold-plated metal contacts ensure reliable communication with the camera body. For beginners who are not sure if portrait photography is for them, this lens removes the financial barrier to finding out.

With over 5,300 reviews, this lens has a strong following among budget-conscious photographers. Many users describe it as the best value in photography gear, period. The 7 aperture blades create a rounded iris that produces bokeh with decent quality. It supports M, AV, TV, and P shooting modes, and the focus distance indicator helps with manual focusing technique.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Canon EF-mount users on the tightest possible budget who want to experience prime lens portrait photography. This is the perfect learning tool for photography students, beginners testing the waters, or anyone who needs a backup 50mm. If you are unsure whether you will enjoy portrait photography, this lens lets you try it with minimal financial commitment.

What to Consider Before Buying

The autofocus motor is loud enough to be picked up by on-camera microphones during video recording. In low light, the autofocus hunts noticeably and may fail to lock on. Build quality is entirely plastic and some users report quality variation between copies. If you can stretch your budget to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, you get significantly better autofocus performance and build quality for a moderate price increase.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Camera Lenses for Portraits

Focal Length: Which Distance Works Best

The focal length you choose has the biggest impact on how your portraits look. 50mm lenses produce a natural field of view that matches human perception, making them versatile for full-body and waist-up portraits. 85mm lenses compress facial features slightly, creating a flattering look that is the gold standard for head-and-shoulders portraits. 135mm lenses add even more compression, ideal for tight headshots with beautiful background blur.

Wider focal lengths like 35mm work for environmental portraits where you want to include the surroundings, but they can distort facial features if you get too close to your subject. I recommend 50mm for beginners because it is versatile, and 85mm for photographers who primarily shoot people. If you shoot with an APS-C crop sensor camera, multiply the focal length by 1.5 (Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm) or 1.6 (Canon) to understand the effective field of view.

Aperture: Why f/1.8 and Below Matters

Aperture controls how much of your image is in focus and how much light reaches the sensor. For portraits, a wide aperture like f/1.4, f/1.8, or f/2 creates shallow depth of field that separates your subject from the background with that smooth, professional bokeh effect. The wider the aperture, the more background blur you get and the better the lens performs in low light.

f/1.4 lenses create the thinnest depth of field and the most dramatic bokeh, but they cost significantly more and require precise focus technique. f/1.8 is the sweet spot for most portrait photographers because it provides excellent background blur at a reasonable price. f/2.8 is the minimum I would recommend for portraits, though you lose some of the dreamy blur effect at this aperture.

Prime vs Zoom for Portraits

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and typically offer wider apertures, sharper images, and lower prices than zooms covering the same range. For portrait photography, primes are the popular choice because they force you to think about composition and deliver maximum image quality. The 50mm and 85mm primes in this guide represent the most popular portrait focal lengths.

Zoom lenses like the 70-200mm f/2.8 offer versatility that primes cannot match. Wedding photographers often prefer a 70-200mm because they can frame tight headshots and wider group shots without changing lenses. The trade-off is weight, cost, and a narrower maximum aperture. For most portrait photographers starting out, a single 85mm prime provides the best combination of quality and value.

Crop Sensor Considerations

If you shoot with an APS-C camera, your sensor crops the image by 1.5x or 1.6x depending on the brand. This means a 50mm lens behaves like a 75-80mm lens, which actually puts it in the portrait sweet spot. A 35mm lens on APS-C gives you an equivalent 52-56mm field of view, roughly matching a standard 50mm perspective on full frame.

The Fujifilm X-mount lenses like the VILTROX 56mm f/1.7 are designed specifically for APS-C sensors, giving you an effective 85mm equivalent without any focal length multiplication guesswork. If you use a full-frame lens on a crop sensor body, you lose the outer edges of the image but gain effective reach, which can be an advantage for tighter portrait framing.

Brand Compatibility Guide

Matching your lens to your camera mount is essential. Canon has EF (DSLR) and RF (mirrorless) mounts, and EF lenses work on RF bodies with an adapter. Sony E-mount covers both full-frame (FE) and APS-C cameras. Nikon has F (DSLR) and Z (mirrorless) mounts with an adapter available for F-to-Z. Fujifilm uses the X-mount for its APS-C mirrorless system.

Third-party manufacturers like VILTROX and YONGNUO offer lenses for multiple mounts at lower prices than first-party options. Image quality from these brands has improved dramatically in recent years, and some third-party lenses rival native glass for portrait work. Always verify mount compatibility before purchasing, and check that autofocus features like eye-detection work with your specific camera body.

FAQs

Conclusion

The best camera lenses for portraits in 2026 span every budget and camera system, and our testing shows you do not need to spend a fortune for beautiful results. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM delivers stunning portraits at a budget-friendly price, while the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S and Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II represent the pinnacle of portrait optics for their respective systems.

Start with a 50mm prime if you are new to portrait photography. Move to an 85mm when you are ready for that professional compression and bokeh. And if you shoot Canon mirrorless, the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM gives you portrait and macro capability in one lens. Pick the lens that matches your camera mount and budget, and start creating portraits that stand out.