The presence of soft, creamy bokeh—which contrasts beautifully with the sharpness of the subject in the foreground—instantly makes any photo all the more captivating. Bokeh refers to the quality of the blur in the parts of a photo (usually the background) that are out of focus, and is achievable with a bokeh lens.
To achieve bokeh in a photo, you’ll need an extremely fast camera lens with a wide aperture—at least f/1.8 or larger. In other words, if you’ve been trying to get those dreamy, out-of-focus orbs to materialize in your photos, you’ll definitely need to invest in a good lens.
What is Bokeh?
Photographers and videographers love adding bokeh to their work, but what exactly is this beloved bokeh and why does everyone rave about it? Put simply, bokeh is blur; it comes from the Japanese word “boke” which means haze or blur. It’s the element that helps separate a subject from the rest of the photo. You’ll recognize it as the blurred lights you see in holiday-photo backdrops, or the fuzzy background that you rarely look at because you’re focused on the sharp subject—which is exactly bokeh’s intention.
Bokeh helps direct the viewer’s eye to the focused subject area, to what the photographer or videographer wants to draw attention to. When there are twinkle lights in the background, even better, because those lights blurred create gorgeous photo backdrops.
What Creates Bokeh?
Bokeh is the byproduct of light reflecting off detailed or textured surfaces (e.g., not a plan white wall). It is generated when light passes through the lens and responds to the lens’ glass elements and aperture. When the lens has a circular nine-rounded-blade diaphragm, it generates a soft circular effect of blur in the background. Those lenses with more hexagonal seven-blade diaphragms result in—you guessed it—more of a hexagon shape.
The wider the aperture, the more light the lens lets in, and the more blurred the background. You can adjust your aperture based on how much of your subject you want in focus and how blurred you want the background. You typically need a lens with an f/2.8 aperture or faster to achieve a solid bokeh aesthetic.
Features to Look for in a Bokeh Lens:
Aperture
By far, aperture is the most important feature for bokeh lenses. Aperture is what makes the bokeh effect possible. It controls the amount of light let in, and as we now know, light is the main ingredient for that gorgeous bokeh effect. Wide apertures of about f/1.8 to f/2.8 are your best bet for bokeh lenses; remember, the faster the lens, the better.
Diaphragm Blades
The shape of a lens’ diaphragm blades affects the final product. Those with a more circular shape will create soft, round blurred circles (think those glowing holiday-light backdrops). Lenses with more hexagonal-shaped blades will deliver a hexagon-shaped blur (so those holiday lights will blur in more of a hexagon than circular shape).
Focusing Distance
The closer the camera is to the subject, the more blurred the background (particularly when there’s adequate space between the subject and the background, such as a brick wall). That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the minimum focusing distance when choosing your bokeh lens.
Prime Lens
While it’s not a necessity, it’s good to look for lenses that are primes versus, say, a zoom. That’s because prime lenses usually have the widest aperture—and therefore the best possibility to create stunning bokeh (not to mention that crisp, can’t-beat image quality).
Focal Length
Bokeh is more visible with longer focal-length lenses, so if you’re looking to maximize your bokeh potential, opt for longer lenses like telephotos. That said, you can achieve great bokeh with a wide-aperture prime lens like a 50mm or 85mm. (Telephoto simply offers the ultimate in bokeh potential, according to Canon.)
The Best Bokeh Lenses
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lens
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART Lens
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED Lens
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens
- Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
- Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens
- Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Apo Planar ZF.2 Series Lens
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
- Sigma 50mm f/2.0 DG DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lens
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens is one of the best bokeh lenses on the market. It delivers stunning clarity for everything from portraits to food photography, with a fast f/1.2 aperture that lets you focus clearly on the subject while softly blurring the background. This Nikon bokeh lens features anti-reflective Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO coatings that eliminate flare, ghosting, and coma.
Even better is this lens’ nine rounded blade diaphragm that creates a stunning bokeh effect that’s sure to impress followers and clients. The built-in AF system also promises an accurately focused subject, guaranteeing precision in each and every shot. It also makes our list of the best Nikon 50mm lenses on the market.
Why We Chose This Lens
50mm lenses are a must-have item for every photographer’s camera bag, but the problem is that most 50mm lenses feature f/2.0, f/1.8, or f/1.4 as the widest aperture. The Nikkor Z 50mm lens is unique with its more bokeh-friendly f/1.2 aperture. This lens provides a stunning shallow depth of field to introduce bokeh into every shot.
Key Features of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lens
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Minimum to Maximum Aperture | f/16 to f/1.2 |
| Lens Construction | 17 Elements in 15 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Weight | 1,090g |
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
One of Canon’s best lenses for bokeh is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 L USM Lens. This incredibly compact prime lens delivers crisp images that virtually pop off the screen or page. The lens’ circular seven-blade aperture generates those swoon-worthy bokeh backgrounds, while the 12-pin communication system with up to seven stops of shake correction guarantee the subjects you want in focus are as sharp as can be.
Adding to that is the lens’ can’t-beat 50mm focal length, which works for all sorts of content—weddings, fashion shoots, food photography, corporate work, headshots, and more—all with the aesthetically pleasing results those crisp prime lenses are known for.
Why We Chose This Lens
Canon’s EF 50mm f/1.8 was an affordable staple for many photographers, and the RF 50mm f/1.8 brings that old favorite to a popular new format. This simple lens will surprise you with its clarity and attractive results, especially at such a low price point.
Key Features of the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Minimum to Maximum Aperture | f/16 to f/1.8 |
| Lens Construction | 6 Elements in 5 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Weight | 160g |
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART Lens
With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, this wide-angle prime lens is perfect for achieving that stunning bokeh. Its rounded aperture ring makes for a soft and natural blur effect. It delivers a shallow depth of field, advanced low-light shooting capability, and ultra-fast autofocus thanks to its built-in Hyper Sonic Motor. It’s also equipped with advanced, high-end optics with Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting. Best of all, it’s compatible with Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma, Leica, and Sony mounts.
Why We Chose This Lens
If you’ve never personally experienced a Sigma Art series lens, then you’re in for a treat. Between its top-quality optical elements and solid build, this lens feels like a robust, professional piece of equipment. Rounded aperture blades provide beautiful bokeh that you’re sure to love. It may even become your new go-to lens.
Key Features of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART Lens
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Minimum to Maximum Aperture | f/16 to f/1.4 |
| Lens Construction | 13 Elements in 11 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Weight | 665g |
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED Lens
This prime lens from Nikon produces the most beautiful bokeh. Featuring an incredibly fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 and a nine-blade diaphragm, it offers superior image quality, distortion correction, and the smoothest and creamiest background when shooting photos with a shallow depth of field. It also features three Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements to effectively reduce flare, ghosting, and chromatic aberration.
Why We Chose This Lens
Nikkor’s 105mm f/1.4E ED lens creates beautiful images that look perfect straight out of the camera. Between the ED elements and coatings, you can spend less time correcting issues in post processing and more time marveling in the gorgeous bokeh, edge-to-edge clarity, accurate color representation, and superb contrast.
Key Features of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED Lens
| Focal Length | 105mm |
| Minimum to Maximum Aperture | f/16 to f/1.4 |
| Lens Construction | 14 Elements in 9 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Weight | 985g |
Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens
Another can’t-beat Nikon lens for bokeh is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S lens. This lens, built for Z series mirrorless cameras, is both portable and powerful—great for travel creators who want to produce stellar images on the go, without a bogged-down camera bag. The lens’ f/1.8 aperture delivers gorgeous images with the subject in focus and the background softly blurred or lit up in bokeh.
Plus, the 35mm focal length is perfect for portraits, landscapes, architecture, weddings, and more, meaning this handy lens works across various shooting scenarios. You can expect a speedy autofocus with the built-in AF system, and expect eye-catching bokeh backdrops with the nine-blade rounded diaphragm.
Why We Chose This Lens
The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S lens is an impressive and technically advanced addition to any camera kit. The internal image stabilization combines with your Z camera’s in-body stabilization for improved handheld shooting in dark environments. It’s reliably sharp, even when you’re shooting wide open, and the customizable control ring provides added functionality.
Key Features of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Minimum to Maximum Aperture | f/16 to f/1.8 |
| Lens Construction | 11 Elements in 9 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Weight | 370g |
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
No “best bokeh lens” list is complete without the addition of the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM Lens. This high-quality portrait lens, with an 85mm focal length, features a wide f/1.2 maximum aperture that ensures it works well in low-lit situations and delivers those dreamy blurred-background shots prime lenses are known for.
The lens’ autofocus speed, including eye detection AF, make it hard to beat, as does the blue spectrum refractive optics, which minimize chromatic aberration for a stellar final product. Pair these image-quality perks with the lens’ nine-blade aperture system, and you’re sure to impress clients with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 lens’ bokeh capabilities.
Why We Chose This Lens
If you’re an L series purist, then the 85mm f/1.2 L USM lens belongs at the top of your list. Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics deliver a sharp and aberration-free image every time, straight out of the camera. Meanwhile, the Digital Lens Optimizer technology helps this model analyze images and make corrections in real time.
Key Features of the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Minimum to Maximum Aperture | f/16 to f/1.2 |
| Lens Construction | 13 Elements in 9 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Weight | 1,190g |
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens
Nikon DX-format and portrait shooters will love shooting bokeh shots with this next prime lens on our list. The 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX NIKKOR lens has a fast f/1.8 aperture for crisp focus and beautifully blurred backgrounds. At f/1.8, this bokeh effect lens gives you full control over depth-of-field so that you can isolate your subject and capture breathtaking portraits.
Why We Chose This Lens
Though it’s not as flashy or as technically advanced as some of the newer bokeh lenses on this list, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G is an inexpensive and extremely lightweight lens. Whether you shoot landscapes, portraits, or a little bit of everything, you’ll love the versatility and clarity of this little model.
Key Features of the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Minimum to Maximum Aperture | f/22 to f/1.8 |
| Lens Construction | 8 Elements in 6 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Weight | 200 g |
Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Apo Planar ZF.2 Series Lens
This premium short tele lens delivers ultra-fine details, incredible sharpness, and the creamiest, most beautiful bokeh. As an apochromat lens, the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 offers superior correction and elimination of chromatic and spherical aberrations. This lens is available for Canon and Nikon mounts.
Why We Chose This Lens
Zeiss lenses earned their reputation with reliable, visually stunning glass, and the Otus 85mm f/1.4 Apo Planar ZF.2 is no exception. Though this lens is manual focus, you’ll come to appreciate the extra time and attention it takes to craft each photo, especially once you see the resulting bokeh, tack-sharp clarity, and near-perfect color rendering.
Key Features of the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Apo Planar ZF.2 Series Lens
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Minimum to Maximum Aperture | f/16 to f/1.4 |
| Lens Construction | 11 Elements in 9 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Weight | 1,200g |
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
The wide f/1.8 aperture on this Canon bokeh lens focuses clearly on your subject and creates stunningly blurred backgrounds. These characteristics are perfect for capturing portraits since they make your subject stand out. It’s no surprise it’s one of our favorite Canon 50mm lenses.
But don’t think that this 50mm prime lens is only good at producing bokeh: the f/1.8 aperture allows over 8x more light than a standard EOS zoom lens. With more light coming into the lens, you’ll get crisper images with less motion blur. This extra light makes using flash in dim light unnecessary, too.
Why We Chose This Lens
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is commonly found in beginner photographers’ camera bags, but this lens is capable of producing professional results. Upgrades to this model make it more rugged than prior generations, yet it maintains its lightweight, compact size. This will quickly become your go-to portrait lens.
Key Features of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Minimum to Maximum Aperture | f/22 to f/1.8 |
| Lens Construction | 6 Elements in 5 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Weight | 160 g |
Sigma 50mm f/2.0 DG DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E
50mm is a popular focal length for portraits, street photography and a range of other subjects. The Sigma 50mm f/2.0 DG DN Contemporary lens introduces helpful innovations to this much-loved focal length.
With all-metal construction and a dedicated aperture ring, this lens feels like a classic piece of equipment. Smooth bokeh and a premium build help make this lens a joy to use, while an SLD glass element and three aspherical elements correct aberration flawlessly.
A whisper-quiet stepping motor provides fast and precise autofocusing, both in still photos and video, letting you get your shot quickly and move on to the next. When it comes to a well crafted lens that fits well in your hand and performs consistently, the Sigma 50mm f/2.0 DG DN is hard to beat.
Why We Chose This Lens
There are several other 50mm lenses to choose from for Sony mirrorless cameras, but no other lens balances the classic feel and simplicity with the impressive clarity of the Sigma 50mm f/2.0 DG DN. Between this lens’ size, capabilities, and intermediate price point, it’s a terrific choice for portrait photographers, event shooters, and other specialist photographers.
Key Features of the Sigma 50mm f/2.0 DG DN Contemporary Lens
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Minimum to Maximum Aperture | f/22 to f/2.0 |
| Lens Construction | 11 Elements in 9 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Weight | 345 g |
Frequently Asked Questions about Bokeh Lenses
Can I use a telephoto lens to create bokeh?
Yes. While the long focal length on a telephoto lens won’t give you more blur, it can make your background look closer. Closer backgrounds mean closer yet more exaggerated blur than short camera lenses. Portrait photographers love shooting at longer focal lengths since these lengths can help create more pleasing portraits.
If I set autofocus on my lens, will I get the bokeh effect?
No. Creating bokeh involves taking your images with a wide-open lens. To get great bokeh, using your camera’s Aperture Priority or Manual mode is enough. Manual mode lets you shoot with your desired aperture and shutter speed. In Aperture Priority mode, you can pick an f/stop while your camera picks the right shutter speed.
Which focal lengths should I use for bokeh photos if my camera has a small sensor?
If your camera has a 1.5x crop factor, you can use lenses with the following equivalent focal lengths: 11mm, 24mm, 50mm, and 100mm.
How many aperture blades would a lens need to create blurry backgrounds?
This factor all comes down to your preference. Some lenses with the best bokeh have nine aperture blades, while most lenses have seven. Budget lenses typically feature six blades in their diaphragms, and pro-level ones often get nine. Our list of the best lenses for background blur has lenses with seven to nine aperture blades.
What’s the best shutter speed for capturing images with bokeh backgrounds?
How long your shutter stays open won’t affect the bokeh you’re creating. Wide apertures usually give you relatively fast shutter speeds. But if you’re shooting at night or in low light, make sure that you’re not using extremely slow shutter speeds. Once you’ve picked your preferred aperture, then you’ll have to set your shutter speed.
