Answer
What lens is best for portraits?
A fast prime in the 50mm–85mm range on full-frame (or roughly 35mm–56mm on APS-C) is the classic portrait lens. The Sigma 56mm f/1.4, Sony 85mm f/1.8, and Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 all deliver flattering compression and creamy backgrounds without breaking the bank.
Related questions
Why not just zoom in with the kit lens?
Kit zooms top out at f/4–5.6, so the background stays sharp and the photo looks flat. A fast prime at f/1.8 gives you that signature soft-background portrait look.
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