The best Canon portrait lenses in 2024: fast primes for your EOS camera

In this guide, we're counting off the best Canon portrait lenses you can buy. Whether you're using an EOS DSLR, an EOS R mirrorless camera or an EOS M mirrorless model, we've got the best fast primes to use to shot perfect pictures of people. The choice of lens here is arguably even more important than the choice of camera – so it pays to do your research and get it right. 

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Our go-to lens tester
Matthew Richards
Our go-to lens tester
Matthew Richards

Portraits have been my bread and butter as both an EOS and EOS R shooter for many years. As Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer, I've tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners – and the lenses on this list are my top recommendations. 

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 


His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 


In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.

With contributions from