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posted Friday, June 15, 2018 at 3:01 PM EDT

 
 

Do you need a great portrait rig for an important event, but don't want to spend the big bucks? We have you covered in our Best Portrait and Lens combinations under $1000!

Let's face it: Smartphones are great as your quick and easy "go-to" camera, but they just can't get the job done for serious portraits. Some smartphones have special "portrait modes" but they aren't perfect and still do not produce the kind of professional flair and pop achievable with a solid camera and portrait lens. However, most of us don't want to have to haul a heavy, expensive rig to something like a graudation party or other family gathering, which can be a real dilemma.

We've solved the riddle for you by taking a camera-lens combination from most major manufacturers out into the real world and then photographed the same scene with each rig, both in normal, everyday light as well as lower light, in order to showcase which models can really get the job done. We've also included a high-end, professional portrait combo, as well as an iPhone 8 Plus, so that you can guage the relative differences across the board.

 
Nikon D3400 + Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 G
(Total cost: ~$875)

We'll also take a look at some specialty shooting scenarios for you in helping determine which camera and lens combination will be best suited for your particular needs in the field. So dive right in and find your perfect portrait rig on a budget!

• Best Portrait Camera and Lens under $1000 •