Kit
My Photography Gear
These are the cameras, lenses, and accessories I use for portrait photography. I currently own the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Nikon Z6 III, Fujifilm X-H2, Sony A7 IV, and Panasonic Lumix S5 II — each has its own strengths depending on the shoot. The lenses and accessories below are ones I have personally shot with and recommend. Affiliate links are marked — they cost you nothing extra and help support the site.
Cameras
My current workhorse for portraits. Exceptional subject-detection AF, gorgeous color science straight from the camera, and the partial-stacked sensor handles highlights beautifully in golden-hour light.
A versatile full-frame hybrid with one of the best eye-tracking AF systems available. The 33MP sensor gives plenty of room to crop, and the Sony ecosystem has an excellent lens selection.
Panasonic finally cracked phase-detect AF with the S5 II and the results speak for themselves. Stunning color rendering, great dynamic range, and the IBIS is class-leading for handheld shooting.
Canon's subject-detection AF is among the fastest and most reliable in the business. The R6 II handles low-light beautifully and the RF lens mount opens up some incredible glass options.
The X-H2's 40MP APS-C sensor delivers exceptional detail and the Film Simulation modes — especially Classic Chrome and Velvia — produce gorgeous JPEGs straight out of camera with minimal editing.
Sony Lenses
Razor-sharp wide open at F1.2 with beautiful subject separation. The LAB N version has fast, quiet AF that pairs seamlessly with the Sony A7IV. A compelling alternative to the Sony GM at a fraction of the price.
A stunning portrait lens for Sony. The 75mm (112mm full-frame equivalent) flatters faces naturally and the F1.2 aperture creates incredible subject separation. Fast and accurate AF on the A7IV.
The benchmark portrait lens for Sony full-frame. Exceptionally sharp with silky bokeh that is hard to match. Heavy and expensive, but delivers results that justify both.
An underrated gem for Sony. The 135mm F1.8 produces breathtaking subject isolation with a rendering that feels more cinematic than clinical. Surprisingly fast AF for a third-party lens.
Classic Zeiss rendering with a slightly vintage character that suits the dreamy, cinematic style I like. Pairs well with a Black Diffusion filter for a softer, retro look.
The "Bokeh Master" earns its nickname. Extreme subject isolation and a rendering unlike anything else — the background blur is almost three-dimensional. A beast to carry but unforgettable results.
Panasonic / L-mount Lenses
One of the sharpest 50mm lenses available. F1.2 gives beautiful bokeh while the 50mm focal length keeps the background contextually visible — perfect for environmental portraits at venues like Vampire Penguin.
Panasonic's own L-mount portrait prime. Excellent build quality, fast AF, and gorgeous rendering wide open. A natural companion to the S5 II for classic portrait work.
A legendary portrait lens. The 135mm compression and F1.4 aperture produce an unmistakable look — creamy, three-dimensional bokeh with razor-sharp subject detail. Heavy but worth every ounce.
Nikon Z Lenses
Nikon's flagship portrait lens and one of the best in the world. The "Plena" rendering is unlike anything else — smooth, three-dimensional bokeh that wraps around the subject. Absolutely stunning on the Z6 III.
The Z 85mm F1.2 S is optically exceptional with fast, precise AF. Wide open it delivers beautiful subject separation while keeping the face tack-sharp — a perfect pairing for the Z6 III sensor.
Canon RF Lenses
One of Canon's best lenses. The RF 50mm F1.2 renders with exceptional 3D pop and the bokeh has a smooth, painterly quality. Fast, silent AF and outstanding sharpness even wide open.
The RF 85mm is arguably the best portrait lens Canon has ever made. Dreamy wide open with subject-separating bokeh and a rendering that flatters skin tones naturally.
A classic Canon L-series lens with a unique rendering that suits overcast and urban environments beautifully. Great for environmental portraits where you want to show location context.
Fujifilm Lenses
The APD (Apodization) version of the 56mm produces arguably the smoothest bokeh of any APS-C lens available. A truly special lens for portrait work when subject separation is the priority.
Sharp, fast, and weather-resistant. The 90mm (137mm equivalent) is a flattering portrait focal length and the F2 renders beautifully with just enough background separation to keep the focus on the subject.
The modern successor to the classic 35mm F1.4. Faster AF, weather sealing, and sharper wide open — a versatile everyday portrait lens for X-mount shooters.
An outstanding wide-to-normal portrait lens for Fujifilm. The F1.2 aperture on a 27mm (40mm equivalent) gives a natural field of view with pleasing subject separation — great for golden hour outdoor sessions.
A 112mm equivalent portrait lens with F1.2 rendering. Subject isolation is exceptional and the AF is fast enough for active sessions. Delivers results that rival much more expensive Fujifilm glass.
Accessories & Filters
I use the Ninja V to record the camera EVF and back LCD during photoshoots for behind-the-scenes content. The 5" screen is bright enough to see in daylight and it records clean HDMI output from any camera.
Adds a subtle dreamy glow to highlights without softening the overall image. Pairs especially well with the Zeiss 35mm and fast primes at F1.4 or wider for a cinematic, retro aesthetic.
Fast, reliable memory for high-res continuous shooting. I keep a spare in my bag on every shoot — never want to miss a moment because of a full card.
* Links marked with affiliate tags earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only list gear I have personally used and would recommend.