For anyone with a family, documenting the times spent together is extremely important. Whether you’re a dad who wants to take regular snaps of his family, or a professional photographer or studio photographer wanting to add family portraits to your list of offerings; having the right lens will determine how well your shots will come out.
For family portraits the most typical lenses that will be useful are Prime and Zoom. Zoom lenses offer more creative freedom and generally offer better image quality but are typically more expensive. Zoom lenses are effective but you run the risk of becoming lazy with your shooting habits since there is less for you to do.
Depending on what skill level you are, and what amount of flexibility you want should determine whether you want a prime lens or a zoom.
Generally for family portraits a focal length of somewhere between 70-135mm will work well. Pair this focal length with a compatible aperture which is nice and wide that will allow plenty of light into your portraits without the use of flash.
Of course the other thing to consider when taking family portraits is depth of field. A wide angle makes for a better depth of field ultimately taking sharper snaps of you and your family.
Before you consider buying any lens make sure that the specifications match up to your requirements. If you’re considering investing a lens for family portraiture read on and we’ll give you some of the best lenses that are on the market right now for family portrait shooting.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 is a great value for money lens for anyone wanting to shoot crisp, clear and sharp family portraits.
Its also extremely lightweight and portable which is an added benefit. The 80mm focal range is perfect for shooting family portraits inside and outdoors, as well as in light and dark spaces. The aperture also aids with the right amount of light hitting the sensor to create beautiful images.
This lens is also great for those that want a walk around lens to use for other purposes. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 has great potential for shooting street photography and any sort of portrait that you and your family want to capture.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Perfect for beginners.
- Easy to use.
- 80mm focal length is perfect for shooting family portraits.
- Good outdoor and indoor shooting potential.
- Shoots well in low level light.
- Adaptable lens will also work well for street photography.
- Storing build and attractive finish.
- Focus length gives an extremely clear view.
- Allows scope for creativity.
- Silent whilst shooting.
- Great for all angles of view.
- Flawless bokeh.
- Great value for money.
Cons
- Users have reported that the autofocus is loud.
- You can’t control the zoom so the lens takes some getting used to, especially for beginners.
Sigma 60mm F2.8 EX DN Art (Black) for Sony SE
The Sigma 60mm f/2.8 comes with an extremely high focus length that is attractive for those wanting to shoot portrait photography. Whilst Sigma might be a brand that some photographers are unfamiliar with – they have been rivalling the top names in photography for a while now.
Sigma lenses are normally cheaper, offering a similar specification and extremely robust design. They are both hardy and durable. This particular lenses also comes with a carry bag and case for secure storage as well as ease whilst transporting this lens.
This lens will work extremely well with a mirrorless camera since it has both large and fast aperture. Perfect for shooting portraits of the family both indoors and outside anyone who buys this lens will not be disappointed.
Pros
- 50 cm minimum focusing distance.
- Sigma brand quality, design and build.
- Comes with a carry case.
- Large and wide aperture is perfect for those shooting on a mirrorless camera.
- Great for shooting any style portrait.
- Comes in either smooth black or silver finishes.
- Sigma provide both front and rear lens caps.
- The higher focus allows for superior shots.
- High end focussed magnifications allows for extremely vibrant and clear images.
Cons
- This lens is slightly more expensive than some models that offer a similar specification
- This lens is also more limiting than the Canon lens.
- Won’t work as well on a DSLR camera.
Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens with Auto Focus
The Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8 fixed lens is loved by plenty of photographers for its exceptional bokeh which is an important at factor in snapping the perfect family portraits.
You will love the blurred out backgrounds that this lens is capable of producing which add to the distinction between subject and background creating stand out images that are both professional and easily accomplishable.
This lens is loved by a wide range of photographers but especially those who want to shoot portrait photographs. This lens offers more features than other lenses that are on this list which is perfect for those that want added levels of experimentation. Great for beginners, but also advanced photographers few users will grow tired of this lens.
Pros
- Exceptional bokeh.
- Distinctive backgrounds and subject distinction.
- Loved by professional photographers for its exceptional portraiture.
- Plenty of room for creative experimentation.
- Great for both beginners and advanced shooters. This lens is also great for any professional photographer looking to add family portraiture to their locker!
- 85mm focal length is great for capturing the finest of details.
- Focal distance is great for scoping out a shot before you take it.
- Lightweight and portable lens.
- Medium aperture is perfect for a wide range of shooting letting in ample light for portraiture photography.
- Extremely strong build.
- 35mm lens is great for everyday use.
Cons
- Not great for snapping larger families.
- Doesn’t shoot as clear images in cramped spaces.
- Plastic barrel is cheap considering the price of the lens.
- More upmarket than other models, but this is reflected in the high price.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens is another lens that will satisfy any photographer eager to snap family portraits. This model is a great price offering lots of value for money. Nikon products are always well built and highly functional.
The higher focal length that features on this Nikon lens makes it the perfect lens for picking up the minuets of details. Professional photographers love using this lens for a wide range of portrait style shooting jobs.
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens is perfect for those wanting to snap their families inside or outdoors. This is a professional standard lens at a great price.
Pros
- Extremely high focal length.
- Great value for money.
- Used by a wide range of photographers who shoot portrait style professionally.
- Bright and sharp pictures every time that capture colour perfectly.
- Focus switches are also included on this lens for manual as well as autofocusing.
- Creative, adaptable and easy to use.
- More versatile than some of the other lenses on this list.
- 48 feet focal length which is perfect for shooting everyday.
- Great for family portraits and then taking out with on days out or adventures.
- Extremely lightweight, compact and portable.
- Perfect for simple family use, or in a professional setting.
Cons
- Doesn’t include any zoom features.
- Can take a while to learn all the functions (for beginners).
Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 R
The Fujinon XF56mm f/.12R is the final lens that makes our list of the best family portrait lenses. The image quality that this lens offers is by far the highest quality. This lens is great for shooting in a variety of settings but as a portrait lens is when it truly shines.
This lens is easy to mount onto your camera and once applied you won’t disappointed with the outcome! This lens has 7 blades which create mesmerising bokeh effects as well as the higher magnification which means you can really feel the details in your images.
With a higher magnification range as well this lens is capable of picking up details that other lenses would miss whilst also capturing subjects that are further away with moire clarity, definition and vigour.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Great for anyone ranging from beginner to advanced.
- Allows room for creative experimentation.
- Great lens for use outside of family portrait snapping as well!
- Best image quality out of the lenses that feature on this list.
- Perfect bokeh.
- Easily mountable to your camera.
- Dispersion levels are low.
- Higher levels of magnification to capture more details and also distance.
- Seven blades offer greats bokeh effects.
Cons
- By far the most expensive lens on the list.
- No zoom function which is frustrating for those that want a simply lens.
Conclusion
This list has ran through some of the best family portrait lenses that are available on the market right now. It’s important to ask yourself what you want to get out of your lens before you purchase one.
If you’re after a simple lens that offers little creative scope and flexibility then perhaps you should purchase a zoom lens. However if you want a creative, free flowing lens that allows you to enhance tour photography skills – consider a prime lens
This lens has ran through both budget and expensive professional lenses and covered everything in between. Consider all your options before you make a purchase and enjoy your shooting!
