Best Lens for Shallow Depth of Field – Top 5 Selection for 2023

Have you ever wondered how to take stunning photographs with a good background blur? That explains the short depth of field!

It’s been influenced by your lens in some way. Of course, there are additional options, but our goal today is to determine which lens works better in terms of obtaining shallower DOF.

So, which lens is best for shallow depth of field?

Please bear with us as we go over some of the best lenses for manipulating depth of field with Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Olympus cameras. So if you use any of these products, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy it!

Best Lens for Shallow Depth of Field Reviews

We discussed focal length, maximum F-stop, aperture, closest focusing distance, and other topics throughout the review phase. We attempted to thoroughly investigate each of these fantastic things, weighing their advantages and disadvantages from every viewpoint.

So, ideally, by the conclusion of the evaluations, selecting an appropriate lens will be as easy as placing a hot knife on a piece of butter!

1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

This is our finest Canon lens for small depth of focus for shooting stunning close-up images. It features a 50mm focal length and a maximum aperture of F/1.8, allowing it to capture images with a substantially deeper depth of focus.

Features:

Focus:

The greatest magnification is 0.21x. Furthermore, the maximum distance at which you may concentrate is 0.35 meters. So it’s far superior to any ordinary zoom lens. The focus length allows you to capture high-quality portraits with a lovely blurred backdrop.

Usability:

This kit has no limits for shooting near portraits, night vistas, and things in movement! You may make it vertical, horizontal, or even diagonal if you wish. The big openings allow light to travel through more quickly. As a result, you may capture zooming shots of your target item.

Quality of output:

A quiet action is critical for producing a high-quality video documentary. That’s exactly what you get! It changes the focus (AF) extremely quietly thanks to its stepping motor. Furthermore, the quality of still photographs is just fantastic. Even in low-light situations, you receive a clean, detailed, and blur-free image. Checking the Cinema Camera for Green Screen will be helpful as well.

Specifications:

• 50mm focal length
• f/1.8 maximum aperture
• diagonal angle of view of 46 degrees
• 35 meter maximum focus distance
• Stepper Motor (STM)

Benefits:

• Excellent for routine use
• A quieter focusing motor
• Excellent image quality
• Constant autofocus
• quicker capture
• Price is reasonable.

Drawbacks:

• If you didn’t see anything, you could just assume a long focus length.

2. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard and Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

This is our second favorite Canon lens for small depth of field. It’s a little more expensive than the first model we looked at above. The simplicity of modification, on the other hand, is very great. And the results will undoubtedly make you happy!

Features:

Aperture and focus:

With a maximum aperture of F/1.4, you can get up close and personal. As a result, even in low-light situations, the depth of focus field is substantially narrower for beautiful and brilliant images.

It has a little smaller aperture than the original model. As a result, you may go considerably closer to the thing you’re about to photograph.

Construction of the lens:

This lens is made up of 8 components separated into 6 groups. The new Gaussian optics and its two high-refraction elements reduce the astigmatic disparity. A closer item positioned at a minimum distance of 17.8 inches can be focused efficiently.

Usability:

The focal length is the same as that of the preceding Canon lens. It’s the usual 50mm lens for shooting high-quality content on a daily basis. You may shoot amazing portraits, night photographs, and much more!

Quality of output:

Overall, using this helpful tool, you can effortlessly generate high-quality material! The Hypersonic Motor operates quietly. With seamless autofocusing, you can generate excellent video material. Furthermore, still photographs show a lot of imagination by carefully concentrating on the target and blurring the backdrop. For more suggestions, you can read about Arlo Camera.

Specifications:

• 50mm focal length
• Aperture maximum: f/1.4
• 7 components in 6 groups are used in the construction.
• diagonal angle of view of 46 degrees
• The focus is adjusted via the liner extension mechanism.
• The closest focusing distance is around 1.5 feet.
• Hypersonic Drive (HSM)

Benefits:

• Excellent zero-noise motor operation
• Excellent for close-up pictures.
• Much shallower filed depth
• Both auto and manual focus modes are available.
• Produces high-quality information

Drawbacks:

• Only Canon SLR cameras are supported.

3. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens

Another excellent telephoto lens for close-up photography and filming. If you have a Canon SLR camera, this may be an excellent option! Let’s take a deeper look at what it has to offer as well as the disadvantages!

Features:

Focus:

Its ultrasonic motor rapidly raises the thing to your sight. You can focus to a distance of approximately 2.8 feet.

Efficiency:

If you get the proper angle and retain the object in the appropriate perspective, your photos will go viral! The close concentrating power, on the other hand, necessitates paying attention to the minutiae within the frame. That being said, it’s an excellent piece of photographic equipment that any Canon user should buy.

Aperture and focal length:

The focal length of this lens is approximately 85 millimeters. You may also capture telescopic photographs of the targeted object with a maximum aperture of f/1.8. One thing to keep in mind is that it is a zoom lens that cannot be zoomed any farther.

Quality of output:

This lens makes background blurring considerably easy. Whatever aperture you choose, it will always generate clear and crisp photos on demand. Furthermore, the filter effects are unaffected since the front compartments remain stationary during focusing.

Specifications:

• 85mm focal length
• f/1.8 maximum aperture
• f/22 is the minimum aperture.
• Ultrasonic focus telephoto lens
• The shortest focusing distance is 2.8 feet.
• Motorized Ultrasonic (USM)

Benefits:

• Portable and lightweight
• Background blur is perfect.
• Portraiture at its best
• Extremely useful
• Even in low-light situations, it performs admirably.
• The maximum aperture emphasizes a shallower DOF.

Drawbacks:

• The closest focusing distance is some distance away (2.8 feet)

4. Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM for Canon Full Frame Mirrorless RF Mount Cameras

This is the fourth best Canon lens for depth of field in our view. It’s small and lightweight, so you may carry it around with you on a daily basis. The features are nearly comparable to our initial choice. However, we’ll go through both its advantages and disadvantages, so bear with us.

Feature:

Aperture and focal length:

It should be noted that the focal length of this lens, which is 50mm, is fixed. And the minimum aperture is f1/8 – 22. At maximum aperture, you can easily snap much closer images. In addition, the shutter speed aids in the reduction of noise and blur.

Usability:

This lens may be beneficial if you own a full-frame mirrorless RF mount Canon camera. You may find a complete list of compatible model names on Amazon. With this attached to your camera, you can capture stunning images ranging from landscapes to portraits even in low-light situations.

Quality of output:

With all of its useful features, you receive better material with each click. The amazingly attractive and smooth backdrop blurring technology will improve your abilities and keep you receiving accolades. As a result, the 7-blade aperture architecture assists you in doing this. You may also be more creative with portrait images taken at a deeper depth.

Specifications:

• 50mm focal length
• f/1.8 maximum aperture
• f/22 is the minimum aperture.
• 25x magnification capability
• Stepping Motor in Macro (STM)
• The shortest focusing distance is 0.98 feet.

Benefits:

• Autofocus is flawless.
• Shots that are clean and clear
• Background blur that is both soft and magnificent
• Simple to transport
• Construction that is long-lasting
• In poor light, precise shots

Drawbacks:

• Only the Canon full-frame mirrorless RF mount is listed as compatible.

5. NIKON Z 58mm for S Noct Ultra-Shallow Depth of Field

This is the most costly version, but it’s a fantastic lens for getting shallower DOF. Given the pricing, we presume it is aimed more towards professionals. However, beginners should not commit so much in mastering the shallow depth approach!

However, if you’ve already advanced to the intermediate level and want to improve your talents to the next level, this pricey kit can be a fantastic alternative!

Features:

Depth Management:

This is for you if you own a Nikon Z mirrorless camera! A maximum aperture of f/0.95 allows for an extremely small depth of field. Because of the zooming function, more light passes through rapidly. The greatest focal length is 58 millimeters. You can more easily manage the depth of field, and your images will be more creative even in low-light situations.

Concentration and determination:

The emphasis highlights a stunning detail of the object. With the maximum aperture, you may capture high-resolution images of the unknown world. It indicates your focus field’s immersive depth.

Quality of output:

The best Nikon lens for small depth of field is the Noct standard. It’s a game-changing kit inspired by the Z mount. As a result, you receive fine detail outputs similar to what we perceive with our eyes. The end effect is razor-sharp accuracy. The depth of field in both video and still images is quite shallow.

Specifications:

• 58mm focal length
• f/0.95 maximum aperture
• Version standard
• The color black
• Nikon Z mounting bracket

Benefits:

• Design that is unique
• Nikon’s fastest lens
• Superior depth-of-field control
• Better low-light performance
• Look for photographs with good detail and sharpness.
• Effect of soft background blur

Drawbacks:

• The most expensive model on our list.

How to Choose a Lens for Shallow DOF

Focusing on a smaller depth of field necessitates a few crucial lens characteristics. We’ll put them all in one place in this part. As a result, you may use this section of the article as a checklist while shopping for the best lens for shallow depth of field.

So, let’s look at what you should think about;

Compatibility of Models

When purchasing a lens, this should be your primary priority. It is strongly suggested that you match your camera model number for compatibility. Compatible camera names are explicitly listed inside the product description. Even after that, if you’re having problems, contact the manufacturer before placing your order.

Focusing Distance

It is the distance between your camera’s lens and the film. The greater the focal length of a lens, the narrower the depth of field that may be created.

Aperture

Aperture, often known as F-stop, is written as f/1.8 and goes all the way up to its maximum value (22) depending on the lens.

A smaller F-stop number indicates a larger aperture. This indicates the hole is larger, allowing for quicker light passage. As a result, the depth of field is substantially shallower. As previously stated, you should prioritize the lowest F-stop number.

Maximum Focusing Distance

You can guess what it is from the title! The closest focusing distance enables for a very close-up photo while maintaining exceptional content quality. And add a great backdrop blur effect to make the thing stand out even more.

Usability

The entire structure should be long-lasting. Furthermore, the lens should be compact and lightweight in order to be portable.

With high-quality goods like the ones described above, you can take stunning photos even in low-light situations. It should also be dust, splash, and freeze-proof for outdoor shooters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which lens has the shallowest depth of field?

Canon EF Medium Telephoto Lens is one of the lenses on our list that may provide a good shallow depth of focus. It features an 85mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.8.

With an Ultrasonic Motor, the lens could focus on a much smaller region. Furthermore, the closest it can focus is roughly 2.8 feet. Overall, it’s an excellent pick for that reason!

2. How do you photograph shallow depth of field?

You may accomplish this by using the lowest F-stop value. So, at f/0.95, the depth of focus can be substantially shallower than at f/2.8. The greater your aperture size, the more light it allows to enter through and capture a high-quality image.

You can concentrate within a short distance. As a result, both the foreground and backdrop have great blur effects that make the subject stand out.

3. What variables influence the short depth of field?

There are three major aspects that influence a camera’s narrow DOF. The first factor is the distance between your camera and the item. Second, focus length is quite crucial in this game. Finally, the aperture size that you should point at for the best results.

4. What causes a wide aperture to lower depth of field?

Light flows through at a narrow angle when the aperture is smaller. When the aperture is larger, the angle is broader, resulting in more bokeh. As a result, the focus region shrinks and light flows through faster. That is how it affects portrait photography.

Conclusions

That concludes our unique reviews. We hope you’ve found the best lens for small depth of field.

As long as you’re aware of the compatibility, you’re set to go! Except for their functional differences, all of these fantastic objects are excellent for obtaining shallow depth of focus in your photographs. You can shoot great photographs in any situation!