Best Canon lens for family portraits

Having the greatest Canon lens for family photographs is essential. In this article, I’ll review the “Best Canon lens for family portraits.” If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of alternatives and unclear which one to choose, don’t worry.

As a photographer, I have always thought that the beauty of any moment can be enhanced by capturing it perfectly. Those fixed moments in time become treasure of our most lovely days.

Join me as I share my top recommendations and important factors to help you through the process. Let’s go on this trip to select the perfect lens to make your family experiences more memorable.

 

Quick list of best Canon lens for family portraits

I am presenting a quick list of the best Canon lens for family portraits. 

1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
2. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L
3. Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II
4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
5. Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM
6. Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM
7. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II
8. Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens
9. Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM UD

 

Detailed analysis of best canon lens for family portraits

Now,  I am presenting a detailed analysis of the best canon lens for family portraits. 

1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

• This lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8.
• It is a good option for portrait photography because of its large aperture, which produces stunning background blur (bokeh) and superb low-light performance.
• This lens has a maximum magnification of about 0.21x.
• This lens has a 49mm filter thread size.
• There is no weather-sealing on the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens.
• To prevent any damage to the lens, it’s crucial to use caution when using it in inclement weather.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	6 elements in 5 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.35 m.
Weight	159 g.
Adjustment	Stepping motors (STMs) move continuously and quietly.

Reasons to buy: 

• A responsive focus ring.
• Sharp images.
• Average bokeh.
• Super spectra coatings minimize flaring.
• Controlled chromatic aberration.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Noisy focus motor
• Average contrast
• No image stabilization
• Noticeable ghosting and heavy vignetting at f/1.8 in full frame.

 

2. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L

• Throughout its zoom range, the maximum aperture of this lens remains constant at f/2.8.
• This lens has a maximum magnification of about 0.21x at 70mm.
• The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens has an 82mm filter thread.
• This lens is weather-sealed.
• It belongs to Canon’s “L” series, renowned for its sturdy construction and resilience to the elements.
• It can resist harsh weather conditions and offers additional protection from moisture and dust, making it appropriate for outdoor photography.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C camera.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	18 elements in 13 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.38 m.
Weight	980 g.
Adjustment	Ring-type ultrasonic automatic focus motor with full-time manual focus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Ideal for formal and informal portraiture.
• Quick and silent autofocus
• Superb flare management.
• Superb Bokeh.
• Pictures are more contrasted and crisp.
• Dust, water-resistant, and fluorine coating reduces fingerprints, smearing, and stains.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Pricier.
• Without using image stabilization.
• Absent Infrared emphasis.
• Pronounced barrel and pincushion for lines that are straight close to the edge.

 

3. Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II

• Throughout its zoom range, this lens has an aperture of f/4.
• This lens has a maximum magnification of about 0.24x.
• The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II lens has a filter thread diameter of 77mm.
• This lens is weather-sealed and part of Canon’s “L” series.
• It is made to withstand harsh climatic conditions, including dust and dampness.
• Air Sphere Coating (ASC) reduces flare and ghosting greatly.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Standard zoom lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	10 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	450 mm.
Weight	795 g.
Adjustment	USM with an internal focusing mechanism for quiet and autofocus with full-time manual focus override.

Reasons to buy: 

• Smooth zoom ring.
• Autofocus is fast, quiet, and accurate.
• Full-time manual focus.
• Good bokeh.
• Very good image stabilization.
• Strong flare resistance, crisp photos.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Create mild chromatic aberrations.
• Slow aperture for poor light or shallow depth of field.
• Distort 24mm and 35mm barrels
• 24mm is narrow for an APS-C camera.

 

4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

• Canon’s first IS 85mm L-series Lens.
• The maximum aperture of this lens is f/1.4.
• This lens has a maximum magnification of about 0.12x.
• The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM lens has a 77mm filter thread.
• Yes, as part of Canon’s “L” series, this lens is weather-sealed. It is built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, providing dust and moisture protection.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 10 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.85 m.
Weight	970 g.
Adjustment	The lens has both autofocus and manual focus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Continuous manual focussing.
• Produces soft bokeh.
• Precise, fast, and quiet autofocus.
• Satisfactory image quality
• The controls flare fairly nicely.
• Excellent image stabilization.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Color fringing is the result of.
• It’s quite heavy.
• Corners lose some contrast and sharpness.
• At f/1.4, the vignette may be visible in the corners.
• APS-C cameras provide average performance.

 

5. Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM

• This lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8.
• This lens has a maximum magnification of about 0.25x.
• The Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM lens has an 82mm filter thread.
• Yes, this lens is weatherproof. It’s from Canon’s “L” series, which is noted for its tough build and weather resistance.
• With three UD Lenses ideally aligned to eliminate chromatic aberration and Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to prevent ghosting, the image quality is excellent.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon RF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.7 m.
Weight	935 g.
Adjustment	Nano USM for fast, smooth, and quiet AF.

Reasons to buy: 

• Excellent low-light performance.
• Beautiful bokeh.
• Ideal for portraits and low-light photography.
• Weatherproof for outdoor shooting.

Reasons to avoid:

• Big and heavy for some.
• It may not work for wide-angle.

 

6. Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM

• This lens has a constant f/2 maximum aperture throughout its zoom range.
• This lens can magnify 0.18x.
• The Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM lens has 95mm filter threads.
• This weather-sealed lens is good for outdoor photography.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon RF.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	19 elements in 13 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.39 m.
Weight	1430 g.
Adjustment	AF with a full-time manual.

Reasons to buy: 

• Excellent low-light performance.
• Variable zoom range for a variety of photography genres.
• Excellent image quality.
• A wide, continuous aperture allows for greater creative control.
• Weather-sealed for long-lasting performance.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Big and heavy.
• Expensive.
• Photographers who don’t need f/2 may not need it.

 

7. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II

• Throughout its zoom range, this lens maintains a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8.
• This lens has a maximum magnification of about 0.21x.
• This lens’ filter thread size is 77mm.
• Yes, this lens is weather-sealed and part of Canon’s “L” series, noted for its sturdy construction and weather resistance.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	8 – 9 blades.
Lens construction	23 elements in 19 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1148mm – 1200 mm.
Weight	1490 g.
Adjustment	An inner focusing system with USM and the possibility for full-time manual focus.

Reasons to buy: 

• There is a full-time manual focus option.
• Autofocus at a high rate of speed.
• There is little barrel and pincushion distortion.
• Outstanding bokeh effect.
• Fastest focus motor.
• Focus is quick, unobtrusive, and precise.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Shooting into or near the sun without a lens hood generates haze and flare.

 

8. Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens

• This lens’s maximum aperture is f/2.8.
• This lens can magnify 0.27x.
• The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens has 52mm filter threads.
• Non-weatherproof lens.
• It has less dust and moisture protection.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage	EOS digital SLRs.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	6 elements in 5 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.16 m.
Weight	125 g.
Adjustment	Full-time manual focus lets you alter your focus while in One Shot AF mode.

Reasons to buy: 

• The compact and lightweight design allows for convenient transportation.
• Budget-friendly and affordable.
• Excellent for wide-angle photography and general use.
• It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8.

Reasons to avoid: 

• For Canon APS-C cameras only.
• No image stabilization.

 

9. Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM UD

• The lens’s maximum aperture is f/3.5-5.6 and adjusts as you zoom. At 15mm, the maximum aperture is f/3.5; at 85mm, f/5.6.
• This lens can magnify 0.21x.
• The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM UD lens has 72mm filter threads.
• Non-weatherproof lens. It provides less dust and moisture protection.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C cameras.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.35 m.
Weight	575 g.
Adjustment	Silent, rapid autofocus with full-time manual override.

Reasons to buy: 

• Flexible focal lengths for different photographic styles.
• Image stabilization is good.
• Compatible filter thread size.
• Suitable for travel and daily use.
• Decent image quality for an all-purpose lens.

Reasons to avoid: 

• There is no weather sealing.
• Full-frame cameras may not be compatible.

 

What to look for in the best Canon lens for family portraits

1- Aperture 

The aperture is a crucial when looking for the best Canon lens for family photos. The best aperture settings can make a big difference in the quality of your portraits.

Look for lenses with big apertures, which are usually indicated by low f-numbers (for example, f/1.4 or f/1.8). These allow in more light, resulting in beautiful background blur (bokeh) and sharp subject focus.

This divide between your subjects and the background increases the presence of the family in the shot and makes it more engaging. To obtain the ideal mix of sharpness and creative backdrop rendering in family photos, use a Canon lens with a wide aperture.

2- Focal length 

When looking for the best Canon lens for family portraits, consider focal length, an important factor in obtaining stunning and natural-looking shots.

For family photos, consider lenses with moderate to somewhat longer focal lengths, often ranging from 50mm to 85mm. These lenses help to create beautiful perspectives, reduce distortion, and maintain a comfortable shooting distance.

A prime lens in this range, such as a 50mm f/1.8, is an excellent choice for clarity and versatility. It allows you to capture intimate family moments with precision while creating smooth, creamy backgrounds. For the best Canon lens for family photos, focal lengths between 50 and 85mm should be prioritized.

3- Image stabilization 

When looking for the best Canon lens for family pictures, keep image stabilization (IS) in mind. IS is especially useful for family photography since it reduces the effects of camera shake, resulting in clear and blur-free photographs, particularly in low light or when using slower shutter speeds.

Look for Canon lenses that have IS technology, which is usually labeled as “IS” or “Stabilized” in the lens name. This function improves stability and allows you to shoot candid moments easily. IS can make a major difference in family pictures, ensuring that your photos are sharp, clear, and devoid of undesirable blurriness, boosting the quality of your treasured memories.

 

 Best canon lens for family portraits FAQs

What is the best lens to use for family portraits?

If you capture an entire family, a 50mm or 85mm lens will provide the necessary wide angle to include everyone. If you’re shooting family portraits with only a couple of subjects, you may fill the frame with a lens with a somewhat larger focal length, such as 85mm, without having to stand too near.

Is 50mm or 85mm better for portraits?

50mm lenses are perfect for full-length and waist-level portraiture on location or in the studio. Because the lens has a bigger field of vision than an 85mm or 135mm focal length, you don’t have to position yourself as far away from the subject to acquire these crops.

Why use a 50mm lens for portraits?

The unusually wide aperture allows in three to four times as much light as the standard kit lens, allowing you to shoot great images even in low-light situations. A low f-stop (large aperture) will also give your images that hazy background that makes portraiture look so attractive.

What is the best focal length for large group portraits?

Consider utilizing a wide-angle lens (24mm-35mm) for larger groups. To avoid edge distortion, avoid using ultra-wide lenses. For low-light situations, select a lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or faster). Consider using lenses with image stabilization to limit the possibility of blur.

conclusion

Finally, I hope that after reading this advice on the “Best Canon lens for family portraits,” you now feel assured in capturing your family’s priceless moments. Canon has many solutions to suit various photography styles.

Whether you’re a skilled photographer or just starting, remember that the lens you use can make a big difference in the quality of your family photographs.

For those just starting in photography, check out my beginner’s guide for buying a camera lens. I wish you many beautiful occasions and stunning family portraits in the future with the proper lens in hand.