Best Lenses under £400 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma MC-11

49.8 Portrait Score
Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

The Sigma MC-11 enables Canon EF lenses to retain autofocus, image stabilization, and EXIF metadata when used on Sony E-mount cameras. Its firmware-updatable design and solid metal build ensure reliable performance with a broad selection of Sigma and Canon optics. This converter is best for portrait shooters adapting EF glass to E-mount and willing to trade macro precision for dependable autofocus at a budget-friendly price point.

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Best Lenses under £800 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS

96 Portrait Score
16-300mm f/1.4 Sony E IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 zoom and 1:2 maximum magnification combine with 6-stop stabilization and HLA autofocus for an all-in-one solution covering wide-angle to telephoto close-ups. At just 227g with weather-sealing, it stays portable for a superzoom. Travel and landscape photographers seeking a single do-it-all lens will appreciate its range, though dedicated wildlife action shooters will note its limitations.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM

88.4 Portrait Score
28mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 constant aperture and 17-element optical design with 5 ED and 3 aspherical elements produce crisp, low-light shots with suppressed chromatic aberration. A weather-sealed, splash-proof body pairs with a bundled kit including a 128GB card, filters, and flexible tripod for immediate field readiness. This lens is best for portrait and studio professionals needing a fast 28mm prime with robust build and precise depth-of-field control.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4 DG DN

51.7 Portrait Score
50mm 16 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 14-element optical design with three aspherical elements and an f/1.4 aperture delivers sharp, aberration-free images with a fast, silent VCM autofocus motor and full weather sealing. The 11-blade rounded diaphragm produces smooth bokeh, and the bundled 72mm filter kit and case add practical value. This lens is best for portrait photographers and low-light shooters on Sony E-mount who need precise autofocus and rugged, weather-sealed build quality.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sigma Contemporary 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary

46.1 Portrait Score
20-200mm 22-40 Sony E IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 20-200mm telephoto zoom with f/3.5 aperture and built-in stabilization offers versatile reach for Sony E-mount cameras. Weighing 889g and backed by a 4.8/5 user rating, it balances solid autofocus and dependable performance at a budget-focused price. This lens best suits casual travel and everyday shooters who need a broad focal range with stabilization, not professionals requiring top-tier optical performance (professional score: 34.4/100).

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Art 28-45MM F1.8 DG DN

92.4 Portrait Score
28-45mm f/1.8 Sony E-Mount, Sony E-Mount, Sony E-Mount, Sony E-Mount, Sony E-M Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Delivering prime-level sharpness with a constant f/1.8 aperture across its 28-45mm zoom range, this lens effectively replaces multiple fast primes in a single, weather-sealed body. Its 11-blade diaphragm and advanced coatings produce exceptionally smooth bokeh and flare resistance, rivaling dedicated portrait optics. This is best for portrait and wedding photographers who need rapid focal length flexibility without sacrificing the shallow depth of field or light gathering of an f/1.4 prime.

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Premium Lenses for portrait

Best Pick

Sigma Sports 300-600mm f/4 DG OS

70.7 Portrait Score
600mm f/4 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Offering a constant f/4 aperture across its 300-600mm zoom range, this lens pairs an HLA-driven autofocus motor with 5.5-stop optical stabilization for sharp results at long reach. Its weather-sealed magnesium alloy construction and internal zoom design provide durability and handling in demanding field conditions. Sports and wildlife photographers seeking a single, fast telephoto solution to replace multiple primes will find it most useful.

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