When shopping for the best Canon lens for family portraits, the most important considerations include the focal length, maximum aperture, and stabilization. Below, I’ve listed my favorite products based on these features. You can read on below to learn about why they matter to you.
Do you want to capture heartwarming photos of your family and friends? Or perhaps, you are like me who wants to make a profit as a professional photographer who takes family portraits for others.
No matter your photography mission, Canon cameras and lenses are among the best gear to get if you want to take high-quality family photos.
But with hundreds of lenses on the market, I know how it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Fortunately, I did the hard work for you!
I researched countless articles and user reviews to come up with this list of the best Canon portrait lenses. I will review each one in full detail, including its pros and cons, to help you decide if it is the right choice for your needs.
I will also walk you through the different abbreviations you may come across when shopping for the best Canon lenses for family portraits.
Finally, a handy buying guide awaits you below. It will point out the features to consider to help you make the right purchasing decision.
So without further ado, let us get on with it!
A Brief Guide to Canon Lens Abbreviations
When shopping for Canon camera lenses, you will notice many letters and numbers on the lens barrel. We know how confusing these can be for first-time buyers.
So before we discuss our top picks, we would like to explain what all these characters mean below. But in case you already know them, go ahead and skip this section.
EF, EF-S, EF-M, or RF
All these letters represent the type of lens mount for Canon lenses.
The EF mount is designed to work with all Canon EOS cameras, regardless if it has a full-frame or APS-C sensor. It covers a 35mm full-frame image circle.
Meanwhile, an EF-S mount is specifically engineered for crop-sensor or APS-C cameras. It can also fit full-frame cameras, but it will only result in heavy vignetting due to the smaller image circle. It tends to be lighter and cheaper than EF lenses.
The EF-M mount is compatible with Canon mirrorless cameras. But similar to EF-S, this lens mount can fit APS-C sensor mirrorless models.
Finally, the RF lens mount can work with the new full-frame mirrorless cameras. If you want to use it on a DSLR, you will need an EF to RF adapter.
Focal Length
You will also notice numbers, such as 16-50mm, when shopping for the best Canon lens for family portraits. These numeric characters determine the lens’s focal length or how much of the scene is captured by the sensor.
If you see two numbers similar to our example above, that means it is a zoom lens. The smaller number (16mm) is the shortest focal length, while the larger number (50mm) is the longest focal length.
The larger or longer focal range gives a tighter or more zoomed-in frame. In contrast, a smaller or shorter focal range offers a wider perspective.
Besides two numbers, you can also encounter a single digit on the lens, such as 35mm. That means the lens has a fixed focal length, also known as a prime lens.
Aperture
The next set of numbers, such as f/4.5-5.6, refers to the maximum diameter of the lens opening or maximum aperture.
Two number markings indicate that the lens has a variable aperture, which differs as the focal length changes.
However, it is also common to encounter a single f-stop number like f/2.8. This digit indicates that the maximum aperture of a lens is constant through the entire focal range.
L
The letter L in Canon lenses stands for luxury. It indicates the lens has a professional-grade build with advanced optics. It can also mean that the lens features weather-sealing and a wide maximum aperture.
You can easily identify L-class lenses by a red ring around the front end near the lens cap. The only downside is that they are often more expensive than standard Canon lenses.
IS
IS, also known as Image Stabilizer, indicates that the lens has built-in optical image stabilization. It can correct camera shake and deliver sharper results when shooting handheld or at a slower shutter speed.
I, II, III
The Roman numerals in the lens refer to its generation.
For instance, the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L lens is available in two versions. The first one is simply named the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, while the other one is Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. The second product is an updated version of the lens, which has newer optics and glass elements.
USM OR STM
The USM or STM abbreviation describes Canon’s focusing motor.
USM stands for UltraSonic motor. It usually offers a more accurate, faster, and quieter autofocus technology than STM. It also allows full-time manual focus override for total control over the lens.
STM, or Stepper Motor, reduces vibration and noise when autofocusing during video recording. It is not as fast or silent as USM, but it is relatively cheaper and lighter.
Macro or TS-E
These terms designate a lens with special effects.
A macro lens offers 1:1 magnification and enables you to focus on relatively short distances. It also results in highly detailed photos and a larger-than-life perspective when photographing a small subject.
TS-e refers to a lens with tilt and shift adjustments. It allows you to rotate the optics inside the lens. Thus, it can change the plane of sharp focus or simulate capturing your subject from a different camera position. It is ideal for creative portraits, landscapes, and architecture photography. However, this lens type does not have autofocus.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Editor's Choice  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner-up  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
5 Best Canon Lenses for Family Portraits
Below are our top recommendations for the best Canon lenses for family portraits. Each one is compatible with full-frame Canon cameras and includes an autofocus system.
1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM – Editor’s Pick
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is among the best prime lenses for Canon cameras.
It offers a realistic perspective without distortion, owing to the 50mm focal length. Thus, you can photograph the faces of every family member without having to worry about shape or size inaccuracies.
The maximum aperture of f/1.8 creates a narrow depth of field. It separates the subject from the background, thus making it stand out. It is ideal for portrait photography where you want the viewer to focus on the people in the frame.
Besides affecting the depth of field, f/1.8 also allows more light into the sensor. That means it captures sharper photos, even in low-light situations.
Moreover, this prime lens includes STM to deliver smooth and near-silent autofocus. Additionally, it enables full-time manual focus override for total creative control over the lens.
All these features come in a compact, lightweight, and relatively affordable package.
Most customer reviews for this product were overwhelmingly positive. If there is any critique, it would be the plastic build that may feel cheap to some users. A few also said it hunts around for focus in low light, which is pretty common among budget lenses.
To sum up, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is among the best Canon lenses for portrait photography. We recommend it to every photographer who wants to achieve very good image quality without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Sharp photos without noticeable distortion
- Impressive low-light performance
- Shallow depth of field makes the subject stand out
- Accurate and quiet autofocus
- Compact and lightweight build
Cons:
- Plastic construction may feel cheap
- Inconsistent autofocus performance in low light
2. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM – Runner-Up
If you need to get closer to the subject, consider getting the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM.
The 85mm focal length provides a tighter and zoomed-in perspective. It enables you to take photos of the subject closer than a 50mm lens, given that you are standing at the same spot. Additionally, it offers a natural field of view without noticeable distortion.
Meanwhile, the maximum aperture of f/1.8 delivers sharp and detailed photos in low-light shooting conditions. It also offers a shallow depth of field for stunning bokeh in your family portraits.
What’s more, a Stepping Motor (STM) provides fast and near-silent autofocus to ensure sharpness across the frame. Full-time manual focus control is also possible for total creativity adjustment.
There is even a Super Spectra coating to help minimize the appearance of lens flare, reflections, and ghosting.
Despite all these benefits, some users noticed chromatic aberration in their photos. A few also said the autofocus suffers from inconsistency.
The pros outweigh the cons, though.
For this reason, we deemed the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM our runner-up for the best Canon lenses for family portraits.
Pros:
- The medium telephoto focal range allows you to get closer to the subject
- Great in low-light situations
- Stunning bokeh for family portraits
- Relatively lightweight
Cons:
- AF performance can be a hit or miss
- A few users noticed chromatic aberration in their images
3. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM – Best Zoom Lens for Family Portraits
For those who want flexibility while shooting family portraits, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM might meet your needs.
It features a variable zoom range of 24mm to 70mm. The shortest focal range enables you to shoot wide, ideal for photographing a large family or environmental portraits. On the other hand, the longest focal length at 70mm provides a tighter frame, perfect for capturing intimate moments.
The maximum aperture of f/2.8 stays constant throughout the zoom range. Thus, this Canon portrait lens delivers sharp and detailed images in most lighting conditions. Additionally, it creates a narrow depth of field that makes the subject stand out from the background.
Furthermore, this zoom lens includes a ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM). It offers fast, precise, and near-silent autofocus as well as full-time manual focus control.
On top of all these benefits, this family portrait lens boasts weather-sealed construction. It is dust and moisture-resistant, suitable for working in inclement environmental conditions.
But before buying this lens, it is essential to know that it lacks built-in image stabilization. That is a major downside for many since this Canon EF lens is not exactly cheap. A few users also pointed out barrel distortion when shooting wide open at 24mm.
Nevertheless, we still think the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is worth the money for its overall sharp image quality.
Pros:
- Versatile zoom focal length
- Constant maximum aperture throughout the focal range ensures reliable low-light performance
- Narrow depth of field for stunning bokeh
- Fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus performance
- Weather-sealed lens
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- No image stabilization
- There is some barrel distortion when shooting wide open at 24mm
4. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM – Best For Environmental Family Portraits
Do you own a Canon mirrorless camera? Or perhaps prefer a lens with a wider perspective? If so, consider getting the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM.
It offers an advanced optical design that combines a general wide lens and a specialty 1:2 magnification ratio.
The fixed focal length at 35mm allows you to capture more of the scene in front of you. It is perfect for environmental family portraits where you must show the subject in relation to the background.
Meanwhile, both the 1:2 maximum magnification and the close focusing distance of 0.56 feet (0.17 meters) capture small subjects in great detail. These features create a larger-than-life perspective, ideal for macro and close-up photography.
This prime lens also offers a bright aperture of f/1.8 for shooting in difficult lighting conditions. It even isolates the subject from the background, owing to the narrow depth of field.
Moreover, a built-in optical image stabilizer reduces camera shake by up to five stops slower than a lens without this technology. Thus, it delivers sharp photos, even when shooting handheld or at slower shutter speeds.
And similar to EF lenses, this RF glass includes a Stepping Motor (STM) to ensure accurate, smooth, and quiet autofocus performance.
There are a few downsides to this wide-angle lens, though.
It does not come with weather sealing. A few users already noticed scratching on the lens barrel after a year of use. Some also said that there is purple fringing on the corners of the images.
With that said, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM is still one of the best Canon lenses for family portraits.
Pros:
- Wider perspective ideal for environmental portraits
- The 1:2 maximum magnification ratio brings small objects closer
- Bright aperture ensures reliable low-light performance
- Fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus system
- Built-in optical image stabilizer corrects camera shake
Cons:
- RF mount requires an adapter if you want to use the lens on full-frame or APS-C DSLRs
- No weather sealing means that the lens can be scratched easily
- A few users noticed purple fringing on the corners of the photos
5. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM – Honorable Mention
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is another versatile Canon lens for family portraits.
This portrait lens has a medium telephoto focal length that brings distant subjects closer. It is ideal for taking photos of families in a large studio or outdoor setting.
Meanwhile, the maximum aperture of f/2.8 stays constant even when using different focal lengths. That means the lens will perform well in both bright or low-light shooting conditions. It also creates a shallow depth of field that isolates the subject from the background, ideal for portraiture.
What’s more, a built-in optical image stabilizer minimizes camera shake by up to 3.5 stops. Thus, it enables shooting handheld or at slower shutter speeds while still delivering sharp and detailed photos.
To further improve image quality, this lens comes with a ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM). This technology offers accurate, fast, and quiet autofocus as well as full-time manual focus override.
Finally, as part of the L-series line, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is weather-sealed against dust and moisture. It can withstand rigorous use in various environmental conditions.
However, all these features come in a heavy and expensive package. Also, remember that this is a medium telephoto lens, so it is not ideal for small studios or general indoor use.
The pros far outweigh the cons, though.
Thus, we included the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM in this list of the best Canon lenses for family portraits.
Pros:
- The medium telephoto focal range allows you to get closer to the subject
- Great in low-light situations
- Shallow depth of field
- Fast, accurate, and quiet AF performance
- Built-in image stabilizer corrects camera shake
- Weather-sealed lens
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy
- Expensive lens
How to Choose the Best Canon Portrait Lenses
When buying the best Canon lenses for family portraits, you may want to consider the following factors. These will help you make the right purchasing decision.
Type of Lens
Canon lenses are commonly categorized into two types—prime or zoom lenses.
Prime lenses refer to those with a fixed focal length. They usually offer a better image quality due to their larger maximum aperture.
Meanwhile, zoom lenses, as their name suggests, have a variable focal length that allows you to zoom in on the subject. They are more versatile, but they do not usually provide the sharpest photos because of their aperture and glass elements.
Choosing between the two will depend on your preferences. However, many portrait photographers prefer using a prime lens for its sharpness, low-light performance, and bokeh.
Focal Length
Another factor to consider when shopping for the best Canon lenses for family portraits is the focal length. It determines how much of the scene you want to capture.
In general, you should get a standard lens with a focal length of around 35-70mm. This lens type offers the most natural perspective without distortion, ideal for portraiture.
Any shorter or longer than that focal range will result in distorted photos. It will make your subjects look smaller or larger than they are supposed to be in real life.
Maximum Aperture
You should also consider the maximum aperture of the lens. It affects how much light enters into the sensor and how much control you have over the depth of field.
When it comes to family portraits, you want a lens with at least a large aperture like f/2.8 or f/1.8. It allows more light into the sensor, ideal for low-light conditions. It also creates a shallow depth of field that makes the subject stand out from the background.
Stabilization
If you often shoot handheld or in low-light conditions, you might also want to consider a lens with built-in optical image stabilization. This technology corrects camera shake by several stops and enables you to use faster shutter speeds for well-defined images.
Autofocus
When taking photos of families, you want to ensure every face is in focus. To make this task easier for you, get a lens with fast and accurate AF technology. It allows you to lock in the subject quickly and get sharper results, even when you are photographing children or pets.
Price
Not everyone can—and want to—buy expensive lenses with high-quality optics and glass elements.
Fortunately, you can still find lenses that deliver impressive results at a lower price. Notable examples include the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM.
However, it is best to avoid expecting too much from these lenses. If you want the highest image quality and the most robust specs, you really need to spend more money.
Warranty
Before finalizing your purchasing decision, check if the lens includes a warranty. We recommend getting one that is covered by a warranty, so you can return or refund the lens if it suddenly stops working.
Conclusion
That sums our list of the best Canon lens for family portraits! We recommend every product for its low-light performance, stunning bokeh, and overall image quality.
But if you are looking for a compact lens that would not break the bank, consider the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM. The fixed focal length at 50mm offers a versatile and natural perspective without distortion. It also has a bright aperture for capturing sharp and well-detailed photos, even in low-light situations. All these features come in a lightweight and inexpensive package.