Are you looking for the best Canon lenses for family portraits? If so, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll share twelve of our favorite lenses for shooting beautiful family portraits.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, we think you’ll find something to love in this list. So without further ado, let’s get started! I have listed EF/EF-S and EF-M lenses so make sure you choose a lens compatible with your Canon camera.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Canon Lens for Family Portraits
- 👪 Best Canon Lenses for Short Distance Family Portraits
- 👪 Best Canon Lenses for Mid-Distance Family Portraits
- 👪 Best Canon Lenses for Long-Distance Family Portraits
- 💸 Best Budget Canon Lens for Family Portraits
How to Choose the Best Canon Lens for Family Portraits?
Focal length: A medium-telephoto lens or short-distance lens, such as a 50mm or 85mm, or 135mm, is ideal for family portraits as it allows you to capture full body shots while still maintaining a flattering perspective and separating the subject from the background. Longer focal lengths such as 200mm can be used to capture tighter shots of individual family members.
Aperture: A wide aperture (low f-stop number) is desirable for family portraits as it allows for a shallow depth of field, which can blur the background and draw attention to the subject. This can be achieved with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/1.8 or lower.
Image stabilization: If you plan to take portraits indoors or in low-light conditions, a lens with image stabilization can help reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.
Table of Contents
12 Best Canon Lenses for Family Portraits
1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 159 g (0.35 lb)
- Diameter: 69 mm (2.72″)
- Length: 39 mm (1.54″)
- Sealing: No
Looking to get stunning family portrait photos? The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is the best Canon lens for the job!
With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, you’ll be able to capture beautiful photos with shallow depth of field, making your subjects stand out against a blurry background.
And with Super Spectra Coating, your images will come out looking sharp and vibrant.
Plus, the STM Stepping AF Motor ensures smooth and quiet autofocusing, so you can take pictures without disturbing your subjects.
So make sure to pick up a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens the next time you’re looking to capture some precious family memories!
I love this lens for family portraits because the 50mm focal length is perfect for group shots. And with a maximum aperture of f/1.8, you can create some beautiful shallow depth of field portraits.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great value
- Image quality is superb
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
2. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 85 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 425 g (0.94 lb)
- Diameter: 75 mm (2.95″)
- Length: 72 mm (2.81″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens is perfect for capturing beautiful family portraits.
With its 85mm focal length and fast f/1.8 aperture, it produces stunningly sharp images with incredible detail and depth.
The ring-type ultrasonic motor ensures quick, quiet autofocus performance, while the 8-blade diaphragm creates pleasing bokeh in the background of your photos.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Manual focus is easy to use
- The focus is instant and accurate
- Feels nice and light in the hands
My Cons With This Lens:
- I see none
3. Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 32 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF-M
- Weight: 235 g (0.52 lb)
- Diameter: 61 mm (2.4″)
- Length: 57 mm (2.24″)
- Sealing: No
The Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM Lens is a versatile addition to your camera bag, offering a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 51.2mm.
Its wide maximum aperture of f/1.4 is perfect for low-light shooting and for creating shallow depth of field effects.
One aspherical element helps to minimize distortion and aberrations, while Super Spectra Coating has been applied to control flare and ghosting.
A gear-type STM stepping AF motor provides quick and quiet autofocus performance that is ideal for both stills and video applications.
Additionally, this lens features a rounded seven-blade diaphragm for pleasing bokeh effects.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Fast
- Image quality is fantastic
- Tack sharp
My Cons With This Lens:
- Wish there was image stabilization
4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 85 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 950 g (2.09 lb)
- Diameter: 87 mm (3.43″)
- Length: 105 mm (4.13″)
- Materials: Magnesium alloy
- Sealing: Yes
Introducing the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM – DSLR Lens. This powerful lens is designed for Full-Frame Format cameras, and features a maximum aperture of f/1.4, making it ideal for low-light photography and portraits.
The lens also features one aspherical element, which reduces aberrations and produces sharp images, and an Air Sphere Coating which minimizes ghosting and flare.
The ring-type Ultrasonic Motor AF system provides fast and accurate autofocus, while the Optical Image Stabilization system reduces camera shake for sharper images.
The weather-sealed design and fluorine coating make this lens resistant to moisture and dirt, while the rounded 9-blade diaphragm creates beautiful bokeh effects.
My Pros With This Lens:
- I love the build quality
- Beautiful bokeh
- Image stabilization
My Cons With This Lens:
- I’ve noticed it’s a bit flare prone
5. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–70 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 805 g (1.77 lb)
- Diameter: 89 mm (3.48″)
- Length: 113 mm (4.45″)
- Materials: Metal barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: Yes
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens is perfect for capturing beautiful family portraits.
With its one Super UD element and two UD elements, this lens ensures stunning image quality and clarity.
The three aspherical elements also help to produce sharp images, while the Super Spectra and Fluorine coatings protect your photos from any damage.
The Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF system ensures quick and accurate autofocus, while the weather-sealed construction protects your lens from the elements.
The rounded 9-blade diaphragm creates a pleasing out-of-focus background blur.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Feels very compact
- It’s sharp throughout the zoom range
My Cons With This Lens:
- No image stabilization unfortunately
6. Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 24 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Weight: 125 g (0.28 lb)
- Diameter: 68 mm (2.68″)
- Length: 23 mm (0.91″)
- Sealing: No
If you’re looking for a quality lens to capture beautiful family portraits, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is perfect! With a focal length of 38.4mm (35mm equivalent), this lens provides a wide angle of view that’s great for capturing large groups or scenery.
The aperture range of f/2.8 to f/22 allows you to easily control the amount of light that enters the lens, and the one aspherical element ensures superior image quality.
Additionally, the STM stepping AF motor ensures smooth, silent autofocus operation, which is crucial when trying to capture those special moments with your family.
Finally, the rounded 7-blade diaphragm creates pleasing out-of-focus effects.
My Pros With This Lens:
- It’s a very compact lens
- Image quality is great and sharp
- The STM motor is silent
My Cons With This Lens:
- I noticed some minor vignetting at f/1.8
7. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–70 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Diameter: 88 mm (3.46″)
- Length: 108 mm (4.24″)
- Materials: Metal
- Sealing: Yes
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens for Canon EF is a high-performance lens that is perfect for family portraits and other applications where you need a fast aperture and excellent image quality.
With a focal length range of 24-70mm, this lens is versatile enough to handle a variety of shooting situations, while the f/2.8 aperture provides fast shutter speeds and beautiful background blur.
The lens also features a Hyper Sonic Motor AF system for fast and accurate autofocusing, as well as Optical Image Stabilization to reduce camera shake.
The rounded 9-blade diaphragm produces beautiful bokeh, while the Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces ghosting and flare.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Has optical stabilization
- The build quality feels very solid
- Has splash and dust protection on the lens
My Cons With This Lens:
- Noticed some chromatic aberration
8. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 290 g (0.64 lb)
- Diameter: 74 mm (2.91″)
- Length: 51 mm (1.99″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard and Medium Telephoto Lens is a great choice for anyone looking to take beautiful family portraits.
With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, this lens is perfect for low-light situations, and the two high refractive index elements help to produce crisp, clear images.
The micro ultrasonic motor AF system ensures fast and accurate focus, while the rounded 8-blade diaphragm creates beautiful bokeh effects.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp image quality
- Aperture is fast
My Cons With This Lens:
- There is no vibration reduction
9. Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F4 – 5.6
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 75–300 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 480 g (1.06 lb)
- Diameter: 71 mm (2.8″)
- Length: 122 mm (4.8″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
Looking to get closer to your subjects without spending a fortune? The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens is a great option for anyone on a budget who wants to get closer shots without sacrificing image quality.
This lens features a Super Spectra Coating that helps to reduce ghosting and flare, and a DC Micro Motor AF system that makes it quick and easy to focus on your subject.
Plus, with a 7-blade diaphragm, you’ll get beautiful, soft background blur that will make your subjects pop. So if you’re looking for a great all-around telephoto zoom lens, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III is a great option.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Feels very light in the hands which is nice
- Compact
- Has a versatile zoom range
My Cons With This Lens:
- There is no image stabilization
- Wish there was weather sealing
10. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 35 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 665 g (1.47 lb)
- Diameter: 77 mm (3.03″)
- Length: 94 mm (3.7″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon EF is a high-quality lens that’s perfect for taking family portraits.
With its fast aperture and wide focal length, you’ll be able to get great shots even in low light conditions.
The lens also features a floating elements system that ensures sharp images across the entire frame. Plus, the super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting for stunning results.
I love this lens because it’s perfect for so many different applications. The fast aperture is great for low light situations, and the wide focal length is perfect for family portraits.
Plus, the image quality is amazing thanks to the floating elements system and the super multi-layer coating.
My Pros With This Lens:
- The image quality is nice and sharp
- Great value
- Build quality is solid as well
My Cons With This Lens:
- Image stabilization is omitted
11. Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F3.5 – 5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22 – 38
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 18–200 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Weight: 595 g (1.31 lb)
- Diameter: 79 mm (3.09″)
- Length: 102 mm (4.02″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
Canon’s EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens is a powerhouse lens that gives you the power to capture incredible family portraits.
With a versatile focal length range and Canon’s optical image stabilization, this lens is perfect for capturing memories that will last a lifetime.
The EF-S mount makes it compatible with Canon APS-C cameras, and the 6-blade diaphragm gives your images a beautiful, natural bokeh.
Whether you’re shooting in low light or bright daylight, this lens will help you capture stunning images of your loved ones.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Excellent image stabilization
- Focusing is very fast
My Cons With This Lens:
- There is some slight zoom creep
12. Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM UD
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F3.5 – 5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22 – 36
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 15–85 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Weight: 575 g (1.27 lb)
- Diameter: 82 mm (3.21″)
- Length: 88 mm (3.44″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
Stunning portraits and beautiful landscapes are easy with the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM UD lens.
With one UD and three aspherical elements, this lens captures amazing images while reducing distortions and aberrations.
The ring-type ultrasonic motor AF system ensures fast, accurate focusing, while the optical image stabilizer keeps your shots sharp even when conditions are less than ideal.
And with a rounded seven-blade diaphragm, your subjects will enjoy natural-looking bokeh in their portrait photos.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Excellent image quality at the center and edge of the frame
- Image stabilization
- Fast and silent autofocus
My Cons With This Lens:
- I noticed some minor vignetting
- Some distortion at the widest angle
Frequently Asked Questions
What Focus Mode is Best for Family Portraits?
For family portraits, single servo (AF-S) or one-shot autofocus mode is typically the best choice. This mode locks focus on a specific subject when the shutter button is pressed halfway, allowing the photographer to compose and take the shot without the focus shifting. This is especially useful when working with a moving subject or when the subjects are positioned at different distances from the camera.
What Aperture Should I Use for Family Portraits?
When taking portraits of couples or groups, it’s best to use a smaller aperture such as f/5.6 or f/8 as a starting point.
What Focal Length is Good for Family Portraits?
Focal lengths between 50mm to 135mm can be used depending on the size of the group and the space available.
Final Remarks
When it comes to taking family portraits, you need a lens that can capture amazing images without breaking the bank. We hope you enjoyed this guide and found the perfect lens for you.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
