Best Lens for Headshots

Photo by Dillon Kydd on Unsplash

or headshots, the most widely considered “best” lens is an 85mm prime lens as it offers a good balance between natural perspective and background blur, making it ideal for capturing flattering facial features and isolating the subject from the background; most professional headshot photographers prefer this focal length.

Key points about choosing a headshot lens:

Focal length:
While 85mm is generally the go-to, other options like a 50mm can be suitable for tighter spaces, and longer focal lengths like 135mm can provide even more compression for a flatter look.
Prime lens:
Opt for a prime lens over a zoom lens for superior image quality and wider aperture options, which allow for better bokeh (background blur).
Aperture:
A wider aperture (like f/1.4 or f/1.8) lets in more light, enabling better low-light performance and more control over depth of field.

As a photographer, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of a great headshot. It’s more than just a photo — it’s a story, a first impression, and a window into someone’s personality. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless lenses, trying to find the one that captures the essence of a person in the most flattering and authentic way. Today, I want to share my personal journey and reveal the best lens for headshots, at least in my experience.

The Quest for the Perfect Headshot Lens

When I first started photography, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of lens options available. Wide-angle, telephoto, prime, zoom — each had its own strengths, but I didn’t know which one would work best for headshots. My early attempts were hit or miss.

I remember using a 50mm f/1.8 lens, often referred to as the “nifty fifty,” for my first professional headshot session. It was affordable, sharp, and great for beginners, but something felt off. The images were clean, but they lacked depth and dimensionality.

I soon realized that the 50mm lens, while versatile, wasn’t ideal for headshots. On a crop sensor camera, it acted more like an 85mm, which was better, but still not perfect. I needed something that could compress the background, create a creamy bokeh, and flatter my subject’s features without distortion.

The Game-Changer: The 85mm f/1.4 Lens

After some research and advice from fellow photographers, I decided to invest in an 85mm f/1.4 lens. This was a game-changer. The moment I attached it to my camera and took my first shot, I knew I had found something special.

The 85mm focal length provided the perfect balance between compression and detail, making it ideal for headshots. The wide aperture of f/1.4 allowed me to create stunning background separation, ensuring my subject stood out beautifully.

I remember one particular session with a client who was nervous about being photographed. She told me she never liked how she looked in photos. But when I showed her the first few shots taken with the 85mm, her face lit up. “That’s me?” she asked, incredulous.

The lens had captured her in a way that felt both natural and elevated. It smoothed her skin tones, highlighted her eyes, and created a dreamy backdrop that made her the undeniable focus of the image.

Why the 85mm Lens Works So Well for Headshots

Here’s why I believe the 85mm f/1.4 (or even the f/1.8 version) is the best lens for headshots:

Flattering Compression: The 85mm focal length naturally compresses facial features, making them appear more proportional. This is especially helpful for close-up shots, as it avoids the distortion that wider lenses can create.
Beautiful Bokeh: The wide aperture (f/1.4 or f/1.8) allows for a shallow depth of field, creating that creamy, out-of-focus background that makes headshots pop.
Sharpness and Detail: Modern 85mm lenses are incredibly sharp, capturing every detail in the eyes, hair, and skin texture without being overly harsh.
Comfortable Working Distance: Unlike longer telephoto lenses, the 85mm allows you to stay close enough to your subject to maintain a connection while still giving them space to feel comfortable.

My Go-To Setup

These days, my go-to setup for headshots is my full-frame camera paired with an 85mm f/1.4 lens. I shoot wide open to maximize bokeh and focus on the eyes to create a compelling connection with the viewer. For outdoor sessions, I love positioning my subject against a busy background, like trees or city lights, and letting the lens blur it into a beautiful canvas of colors.

The Headshot That Changed Everything

One of my most memorable experiences with the 85mm lens was during a headshot session for a young entrepreneur. She was launching her own business and needed a professional headshot for her website and LinkedIn profile. She was hesitant at first, telling me she didn’t like being the center of attention. But as we started shooting, I could see her confidence grow with every click of the shutter.

When I delivered the final images, she was thrilled. A few weeks later, she called me to share some exciting news. Her headshot had not only helped her land a major client but had also given her the confidence to pitch her business at a national conference. She credited the photo with changing how she saw herself and how others perceived her.

That moment reminded me why I love what I do. A great headshot isn’t just a photo — it’s a tool that can open doors, build confidence, and tell a story. And the right lens, like the 85mm, can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a photographer looking to up your headshot game, I can’t recommend the 85mm lens enough. Whether you go for the f/1.4 for that extra bit of magic or the more affordable f/1.8 version, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a lens that has transformed my work and helped me create images that my clients cherish.

And if you’re someone looking to get a headshot, don’t underestimate the power of a great photographer with the right tools. A well-crafted headshot can change how you see yourself and how the world sees you.

So, grab your camera, invest in an 85mm lens, and start capturing the stories that matter. Trust me, it’s worth it.