If you’re looking for the best portrait prime lenses of 2025, I recommend considering top options like 50mm and 85mm f/1.8 and f/1.4 models. These lenses deliver crisp images, beautiful bokeh, quick autofocus, and durable build quality—perfect for professional portraits. Whether you’re shooting for fun or work, these lenses offer versatility across systems. Keep exploring to discover which ones suit your style and gear perfectly.
Key Takeaways
Highlights top 50mm and 85mm portrait lenses of 2025 featuring excellent optical quality, wide apertures, and beautiful background blur.
Covers key features like autofocus speed, image stabilization, durability, and compatibility across various camera systems.
Includes lenses with advanced optical elements, such as ED and aspherical glass, for minimal aberration and vibrant colors.
Emphasizes lenses ideal for professional portraiture, offering sharpness, smooth bokeh, and reliable performance in different shooting conditions.
Provides options balancing affordability, build quality, and high-end features suitable for both amateurs and professionals.
Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Portrait Lens for Canon EF Mount Cameras
If you’re looking for a versatile portrait lens that delivers sharp images with beautiful background blur, the Meike 85mm F1.8 is an excellent choice for Canon EF mount DSLR users. Its full-frame design makes it perfect for portraits, architecture, or landscapes, with a 28.5° diagonal angle of view. The wide f/1.8 aperture creates stunning bokeh, while the 9-blade diaphragm ensures smooth, round backgrounds. Lightweight at 420g, it features a focus switch, a focus length indicator, and a micro USB port for easy firmware updates. Whether shooting portraits or landscapes, this lens offers sharpness and aesthetic appeal in a compact, reliable package.
Best For: photographers seeking a versatile, sharp portrait lens with beautiful background blur for Canon EF mount DSLR cameras.
Pros:
Excellent image sharpness and smooth, round bokeh thanks to wide f/1.8 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm
Lightweight and compact design at 420g, ideal for handheld shooting and portability
Features focus switch, focus length indicator, and micro USB port for easy firmware updates
Cons:
Fixed focal length of 85mm may limit versatility for some shooting scenarios
No image stabilization, which could affect handheld performance in low-light conditions
Compatibility limited to Canon EF mount cameras; not suitable for mirrorless or other mounts
SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4 Full Frame Auto Focus Lens
The SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4 stands out as an excellent choice for portrait photographers seeking exceptional image quality combined with lightweight design. Its sharpness remains impressive across the entire frame, even at F1.4, thanks to advanced optical elements like aspherical, ED, and HRI glass that minimize chromatic aberration and deliver vibrant colors. The lens’s ultra-fast F1.4 aperture and fifteen-blade diaphragm create stunning bokeh, perfect for dreamy backgrounds. Weighing only 540 grams, it’s highly portable and easy to handle, especially for extended shoots. Plus, its fast autofocus with eye AF and object tracking makes capturing fleeting moments effortless.
Best For: portrait photographers and videographers seeking a lightweight, high-performance lens with superb image quality and fast autofocus capabilities.
Pros:
Exceptional sharpness and vibrant color reproduction across the entire frame at F1.4
Lightweight and compact design weighing only 540g, ideal for extended handheld shooting
Fast, smooth autofocus with eye AF and object tracking for capturing fleeting moments
Cons:
Limited zoom functionality, as it is a prime lens
May require firmware updates for optimal compatibility with certain camera models
The high-quality optical elements may come at a higher price point compared to standard lenses
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Portrait Prime Lens
For portrait photographers seeking sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and reliable performance, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S stands out as an excellent choice. Its bright f/1.8 aperture and nine-blade diaphragm create soft, rounded backgrounds that enhance subject separation. Advanced optical elements, including ED glass and Nano Crystal coating, ensure lifelike images with minimal flare or ghosting. The lens is dust and drip resistant, making it suitable for outdoor shoots. With a customizable control ring and precise autofocus, it delivers consistent results across portraits, fashion, weddings, and street photography. Weighing just over a pound, it’s a versatile, high-performance tool for professional and enthusiast shooters.
Best For: portrait photographers and professional videographers seeking sharp images, beautiful bokeh, and reliable performance in various shooting environments.
Pros:
Excellent optical quality with lifelike images and minimal flare due to ED glass and Nano Crystal coating
Beautiful, soft, rounded bokeh that enhances subject separation
Durable, dust and drip resistant construction suitable for outdoor and challenging conditions
Cons:
Slightly heavier and larger than some other portrait lenses, which may impact portability
Premium price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious users
Autofocus may be less fast compared to some higher-end or specialized lenses
Sony FE 85 mm F1.8 Telephoto Prime Lens with Filter Kit and Accessories
Photographers seeking a lightweight yet high-performing portrait lens will appreciate the Sony FE 85 mm F1.8, especially with its included filter kit and accessories. This compact lens features ED glass and a 9-blade diaphragm, ensuring sharp details and smooth background blur. Its bright f/1.8 aperture excels in low-light conditions and creates beautiful subject isolation. The double linear autofocus motor delivers fast, quiet focusing, perfect for both photos and videos. The kit includes a 67mm filter set, a lens cap keeper, and cleaning tools, making it a versatile, ready-to-shoot option for portraiture on full-frame or crop-sensor Sony cameras.
Best For: photographers seeking a lightweight, high-quality portrait lens with excellent low-light capabilities and versatile application options for both full-frame and crop-sensor Sony cameras.
Pros:
Sharp, detailed images with beautiful bokeh thanks to ED glass and a 9-blade diaphragm
Fast, quiet autofocus ideal for both stills and video work
Comes with a convenient filter kit and accessories, ready for immediate use
Cons:
Fixed focal length may limit framing flexibility compared to zoom lenses
Slightly higher price point relative to standard prime lenses
May require additional filters or accessories for specialized shooting needs
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
If you’re looking for an affordable yet high-performing lens for portraits and everyday shooting, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM stands out as a top choice. Its bright f/1.8 aperture lets in plenty of light, perfect for stunning background blur and low-light conditions. The lens is compact, lightweight, and built with a rugged metal mount, making it ideal for daily use. Its smooth STM autofocus is near-silent, excellent for both photos and videos. With built-in coatings that reduce ghosting and flare, it delivers sharp, vibrant images. Overall, it’s a versatile, reliable lens that offers exceptional value for photographers of all levels.
Best For: photographers and videographers seeking an affordable, versatile lens ideal for portraits, low-light shooting, and everyday photography.
Pros:
Bright f/1.8 aperture provides excellent background blur and low-light performance
Compact, lightweight design makes it easy to carry and handle
Near-silent STM autofocus ensures smooth, quiet operation for both photos and videos
Cons:
Fixed 50mm focal length may be limiting for some wide-angle or telephoto needs
Minimal focusing distance of 1.15 feet may restrict close-up shots
Build quality, while durable, is primarily plastic apart from the metal mount
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro STM Lens
The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro STM Lens stands out as an ideal choice for portrait enthusiasts seeking versatility in their gear. Its bright f/2 aperture delivers excellent light intake, creating beautiful bokeh that enhances subject separation. The lens’s mid-telephoto focal length is perfect for flattering portraits, while its macro capability with 0.5x magnification adds creative options. The compact design makes it easy to carry and handle, and the optical image stabilization with up to 5 stops of correction guarantees sharp images even in challenging conditions. With a control ring for quick adjustments, this lens is a flexible, high-performance tool for both portrait and macro photography.
Best For: photographers seeking a versatile mid-telephoto lens capable of stunning portraits and macro shots with excellent stabilization and bokeh effects.
Pros:
Bright f/2 aperture provides superb light intake and beautiful background blur
Compact and lightweight design for easy handling and portability
Optical Image Stabilization with up to 5 stops of correction ensures sharp images in various conditions
Cons:
Limited macro magnification at 0.5x may not suit serious macro enthusiasts
Fixed focal length reduces versatility for wide-angle or close-up shots
Higher price point compared to standard prime lenses
Sony – FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens (SEL50F18F/2)
For those seeking a compact and affordable lens that doesn’t compromise on image quality, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens is an excellent choice. Designed for full-frame E-mount cameras, it offers a bright F1.8 aperture for stunning background blur and smooth bokeh. Its optical design includes an aspherical element and a double-gauss configuration, which minimize aberrations, distortion, and field curvature. The lightweight, portable build makes it perfect for everyday photography. Whether capturing portraits or street scenes, this lens delivers sharp images with beautiful defocusing effects, making it a versatile tool for both amateurs and enthusiasts.
Best For: photographers seeking a compact, affordable lens with excellent image quality for portraits, street photography, and everyday shooting.
Pros:
Bright F1.8 aperture delivers stunning background blur and smooth bokeh
Compact and lightweight design for enhanced portability
Optical elements like aspherical and double-gauss configurations minimize aberrations and distortion
Cons:
Fixed 50mm focal length may be limiting for some creative needs
No image stabilization features included
Manual focus can be challenging in fast-paced situations
SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4 Full Frame Auto Focus Lens
Capturing stunning portraits with exceptional clarity becomes effortless with the SIRUI Aurora 85mm F1.4, a lens built specifically for Z Mount cameras. Its unparalleled sharpness across the entire frame at F1.4 delivers crisp, detailed images, even when scaled up. The lens incorporates advanced elements like aspherical, ED, and HRI glass to suppress chromatic aberration and guarantee authentic colors. The ultra-fast F1.4 aperture creates beautiful, creamy bokeh for dreamy backgrounds. Weighing only 570 grams, it’s lightweight and compact, perfect for handheld or gimbal use. With fast autofocus, eye tracking, and a focus mode switch, it’s a versatile choice for professional portraiture and creative photography.
Best For: professional portrait photographers and creative enthusiasts seeking sharp, beautifully rendered images with dreamy backgrounds using a lightweight, versatile lens for Z Mount cameras.
Pros:
Outstanding sharpness across the entire frame at F1.4 for detailed images
Compact and lightweight design ideal for handheld and gimbal use
Fast autofocus with eye tracking and smooth operation for capturing moving subjects
Cons:
Limited to Z Mount cameras, may not be compatible with other systems
Higher price point typical of premium portrait lenses
Fixed focal length (85mm) may require lens changes for different shooting scenarios
Meike 85mm F1.8 Autofocus Portrait Lens for Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras
If you’re seeking a versatile portrait lens that combines sharp image quality with smooth bokeh, the Meike 85mm F1.8 Autofocus Portrait Lens is an excellent choice for Nikon F mount DSLR users. It’s compatible with full-frame and APS-C cameras, offering an equivalent focal length of 127.5mm on crop sensors. The lens features 9 elements in 6 groups, delivering crisp, clear images, while the wide F1.8 aperture creates beautiful, smooth bokeh and enhances low-light performance. Its durable build and micro USB port for firmware updates make it practical and future-proof. Overall, it’s a reliable, affordable option for capturing stunning portraits with professional quality.
Best For: photographers seeking a versatile, sharp portrait lens with smooth bokeh compatible with Nikon F mount DSLR cameras.
Pros:
Excellent optical quality with 9 elements in 6 groups for crisp, clear images
Wide F1.8 aperture provides great low-light performance and beautiful background blur
Durable construction and micro USB port for easy firmware updates
Cons:
Autofocus performance may vary depending on camera body and firmware
Slightly heavier compared to manual focus lenses of similar focal length
No image stabilization feature included
Meike 85mm f1.8 Pro II Full Frame Lens for Sony E Mount Cameras
The Meike 85mm f/1.8 Pro II Full Frame Lens stands out as an excellent choice for Sony E-mount shooters seeking sharp portraits with beautiful background blur. Its 8-group, 11-element design delivers crisp images and smooth bokeh, perfect for isolating subjects. The fast f/1.8 aperture excels in low light, while the AF STM motor guarantees quiet, accurate focusing. Lightweight at just 7.1 ounces, it’s portable enough for travel and handheld shooting. With features like eye autofocus, zero distortion, and support for 8K video, this lens offers versatility for portraits, landscapes, sports, and more, making it a great addition to any Sony mirrorless kit.
Best For: photographers and videographers using Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras who want sharp portraits, smooth bokeh, and versatile performance in low light and video settings.
Pros:
Excellent image sharpness with minimal distortion and purple fringing
Quiet, accurate autofocus with eye autofocus capability at long distances
Lightweight and compact design ideal for travel and handheld shooting
Cons:
Limited to Sony E-mount cameras, requiring an adapter for other systems
May have a higher price point compared to standard kit lenses
No built-in image stabilization, which may affect handheld video stability
Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22 Medium-Telephoto Fixed Prime Camera Lens, Black
Photographers seeking a versatile and high-quality portrait lens will find the Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22 an excellent choice, especially for those working with full-frame or APS-C E-mount cameras. Its wide F1.8 aperture delivers beautiful background blur and performs well in low light. The 9-blade circular aperture creates smooth, pleasing bokeh, perfect for portraits. With ED glass elements, sharpness is maintained across the frame, even in the corners. Compact, lightweight, and durable with dust and moisture resistance, this lens also offers fast, quiet autofocus thanks to double linear motors. It’s a reliable, high-performance option for stunning, professional portraits.
Best For: photographers seeking a versatile, high-quality portrait lens optimized for low-light conditions and beautiful background blur on full-frame or APS-C E-mount cameras.
Pros:
Wide F1.8 maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance and depth-of-field control
Smooth, round bokeh produced by 9-blade circular aperture, ideal for portrait photography
Compact, lightweight design with dust and moisture resistance enhances portability and durability
Cons:
Prime lens with fixed focal length may limit framing options compared to zoom lenses
Price point can be higher compared to standard kit lenses
Limited maximum magnification ratio of 0.13, less suitable for extreme close-up photography
Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Autofocus Lens for Sony
Designed specifically for Sony E-mount full-frame and APS-C cameras, the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 AF lens stands out as an excellent choice for portrait enthusiasts seeking sharp images and beautiful background blur. Its 85mm focal length is perfect for capturing both full-length and half-length portraits, maintaining correct distance across different sensor sizes. The large F1.8 aperture creates stunning shallow depth of field, while the 10-element optical design with ED glass ensures high image quality and smooth bokeh. Built with a durable all-metal body and fast autofocus, it’s a reliable, versatile lens ideal for professional portrait work.
Best For: portrait photographers and enthusiasts seeking sharp images with beautiful background blur using Sony E-mount full-frame or APS-C cameras.
Pros:
Excellent 85mm focal length ideal for portraits and medium telephoto shots
Large F1.8 aperture provides stunning shallow depth of field and bokeh
Durable all-metal construction with fast, smooth autofocus performance
Cons:
Slightly heavier at 1.94 pounds, which may be less convenient for extended handheld shooting
Limited to Sony E-mount cameras, not compatible with other systems
Price may be higher compared to standard kit lenses or manual focus options
Brightin Star AF 85mm F1.8 Lens for Sony E-Mount Cameras
If you’re aiming for stunning portrait shots with crisp details and beautiful background separation, the Brightin Star AF 85mm F1.8 lens for Sony E-mount cameras is an excellent choice. Designed for both full-frame and APS-C Sony models, it offers a versatile telephoto prime with a bright F1.8 aperture that enhances low-light shooting and subject highlighting. Its optical construction includes ED and HD lenses to ensure high resolution and accurate color reproduction. The autofocus is smooth, fast, and silent, thanks to STM technology, and it features eye and face recognition for perfect portraits. Highly rated and compact, this lens is a great addition to any portrait photographer’s kit.
Best For: portrait photographers seeking high-quality, versatile telephoto prime lenses for Sony E-mount full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras.
Pros:
Excellent optical design with ED and HD lenses for sharp, detailed images and true color reproduction.
Fast and silent autofocus thanks to STM technology, with eye and face recognition for perfect portraits.
Bright F1.8 aperture enhances low-light performance and subject separation for stunning background blur.
Cons:
Slightly heavy at 2 pounds, which may affect portability during extended shoots.
Limited to Sony E-mount cameras, so not compatible with other camera systems.
Price may be higher compared to standard kit lenses, making it a more specialized investment.
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is an excellent choice for portrait enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, high-performance lens. Its fixed 85mm focal length offers natural perspective and beautiful background blur, perfect for capturing stunning portraits. The f/1.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and creamy bokeh. With USM technology, autofocus is quick and quiet, making it easy to focus on your subject effortlessly. Weighing only around 15 ounces, it’s portable and comfortable to carry around. Whether you’re shooting natural scenes or portraits, this lens delivers sharp images with excellent rendering, making it a versatile addition to your Canon SLR kit.
Best For: portrait photographers and natural light shooters seeking a lightweight, high-quality lens for capturing stunning images with beautiful background blur.
Pros:
Excellent optical quality with sharp images and natural perspective
Fast and quiet autofocus thanks to USM technology
Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
Cons:
Fixed focal length may limit versatility in framing
No image stabilization feature
Can be relatively expensive compared to other prime lenses
YONGNUO 85mm F1.8S DF DSM Sony E Mount Portrait Lens
Photographers seeking sharp, beautiful portraits in low-light conditions will appreciate the YONGNUO 85mm F1.8S DF DSM, which offers a bright aperture and excellent autofocus performance. This lens is compatible with Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras like the A7 series and A6000 models. Its large F1.8 aperture creates stunning background blur, perfect for portraits, while the 9-element design ensures high image quality. The quiet DSM stepping motor provides smooth focus, and the nano-multilayer coating reduces glare and ghosting. Durably built with dust- and water-proof features, it’s a versatile choice for professional portraiture and creative shooting in various environments.
Best For: professional photographers and hobbyists seeking sharp, beautiful portraits with excellent low-light performance using a versatile Sony E-mount lens.
Pros:
Bright F1.8 aperture creates stunning background blur and excellent low-light capabilities
Quiet DSM stepping motor ensures smooth, precise autofocus performance
Durable, dust- and water-proof construction suitable for various shooting environments
Cons:
Fixed focal length of 85mm may limit versatility for some shooting styles
Heavier and potentially bulkier compared to smaller prime lenses
Price point could be higher relative to other 85mm lenses with similar features
Factors to Consider When Choosing Portrait Prime Lenses: 50MM and 85MM
When selecting a 50mm or 85mm portrait lens, I consider factors like aperture size and how it creates beautiful bokeh, ensuring the lens suits my camera system. I also look at focus speed, build quality, and how the price fits my budget. These elements help me choose a lens that balances performance, durability, and value.
Aperture Size and Bokeh
Choosing the right portrait prime lens often hinges on its aperture size, as it directly affects how much light enters the lens and the depth of field you can achieve. A larger aperture, like f/1.4 or f/1.8, lets in more light and creates a shallow depth of field, producing beautiful background blur, or bokeh. The number of diaphragm blades influences the bokeh’s shape and smoothness; more blades usually mean softer, more rounded bokeh. Wide apertures help isolate subjects by blurring distracting backgrounds, making your main subject stand out. The lens’s optical design, including elements like aspherical lenses, impacts bokeh quality, adding softness and aesthetic appeal. Overall, a wide aperture gives you greater creative control for dreamy backgrounds or sharp subject separation.
Compatibility With Cameras
Ensuring your portrait prime lens is compatible with your camera is essential for peak performance. First, check that the lens mount matches your camera’s mount type—whether it’s Canon EF, Sony E-mount, Nikon F, or Canon RF. Next, verify if the lens is designed for full-frame or APS-C sensors to match your camera’s sensor size, ensuring you get the intended focal length and image quality. Also, confirm whether the lens supports autofocus or manual focus options that work seamlessly with your camera’s system. Make sure your camera can communicate properly with the lens via firmware and electronic contacts for full functionality. Finally, consider the lens’s maximum aperture and whether it aligns with your camera’s exposure capabilities and low-light performance needs.
Focus Speed and Accuracy
Focus speed and accuracy are essential factors to contemplate when selecting portrait prime lenses like the 50mm and 85mm. Fast focus allows me to capture fleeting expressions and moments without missing a beat, which is critical in portrait photography. I look for lenses with advanced autofocus systems and high focus motor steps, ensuring quick and precise focus shifts. Low-latency focus response is especially important when photographing moving subjects or in dynamic environments, helping me stay sharp and in control. Features like eye AF and subject tracking greatly improve focus accuracy on facial features, resulting in professional, crisp portraits. Overall, a lens with rapid focus speed and dependable accuracy elevates my work by making every shot count and minimizing post-processing corrections.
Build Quality and Durability
When selecting a portrait prime lens like the 50mm or 85mm, build quality and durability are crucial factors that can considerably impact your shooting experience. A well-made lens with weather-sealed construction helps protect against dust, moisture, and outdoor elements, ensuring reliability in various conditions. High-quality materials like metal mounts and sturdy chassis improve longevity and resist wear over time. Precise focus rings with solid construction allow for smooth manual focusing, essential for portrait finesse. Impact-resistant coatings on the lens body help prevent scratches and damage from frequent handling. Additionally, reliable firmware and electronic contacts ensure consistent performance and communication with your camera. Investing in a durable lens means fewer worries on shoots and a longer lifespan, making it a worthwhile consideration.
Price and Budget Considerations
Choosing the right portrait prime lens often starts with evaluating your budget, as prices for 50mm and 85mm lenses can vary widely based on features, brand, and build quality. Generally, 50mm lenses are more affordable, making them a great entry point, but costs can rise with added features like faster autofocus or weather sealing. Consider whether the lens’s price matches your shooting needs—professional work or casual photography—and look for good value. Higher-priced lenses often deliver better optical quality and durability, which can save money long-term. Set a realistic budget beforehand to compare options effectively and prevent overspending on unnecessary features. Remember, investing in a quality lens can be more cost-effective over time, offering better performance and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Different Aperture Settings Affect Portrait Shot Quality?
Different aperture settings greatly impact portrait shot quality. When I open the aperture wider (like f/1.4 or f/1.8), I get a beautiful, blurred background that makes my subject stand out. Narrower apertures (like f/8) keep more of the scene in focus, which I don’t usually want for portraits. So, I prefer wider apertures for a soft, professional look that highlights my subject perfectly.
Are There Significant Weight Differences Between 50MM and 85MM Lenses?
Yes, there are notable weight differences between 50mm and 85mm lenses. I’ve found that 50mm lenses tend to be lighter and more compact, making them easier to carry around for extended shoots. On the other hand, 85mm lenses are often heavier due to their larger glass elements and construction, which can be a bit cumbersome. So, if portability is a priority, a 50mm might be the better choice.
Which Lens Brands Offer the Best Autofocus Performance?
When it comes to autofocus performance, I’ve found Canon and Sony to lead the pack. Remember when I struggled to capture sharp moments at a wedding? Switching to Sony’s latest lenses, I was amazed by their quick, accurate focus—like a well-trained dog fetching a ball. Both brands consistently deliver reliable autofocus, making them my top choices for portrait lenses that won’t miss a beat.
How Do Lens Coatings Impact Portrait Image Clarity and Color?
Lens coatings play a vital role in enhancing portrait image clarity and color. They minimize reflections and flare, which sharpens the image and boosts contrast. Coatings also help preserve true colors by reducing unwanted color cast and ghosting. I’ve found that high-quality coatings make a noticeable difference, especially in challenging lighting. They guarantee my portraits have vibrant, accurate tones and crisp details, making my shots look professional and polished.
Can These Prime Lenses Be Effectively Used for Outdoor Portraits?
Yes, these prime lenses work great for outdoor portraits. Their wide apertures let in plenty of light, making them perfect for natural settings and changing light conditions. I love how the 50mm and 85mm give beautiful background blur, helping my subject stand out. Plus, they’re sharp and reliable, even in bright sunlight or shadows. So, I always reach for these lenses when I want stunning outdoor portraits.
Conclusion
Choosing the right portrait prime lens is like finding the perfect brush for your masterpiece—each one brings its own unique touch. I remember switching to an 85mm, and suddenly my portraits felt more alive, like they were stepping out of the frame. Whether you go for a versatile 50mm or a stunning 85mm, trust your instincts and experiment. After all, the right lens can turn a good shot into a unforgettable story.