These are the best Olympus lenses for portrait photography when you want flattering compression, creamy backgrounds, and reliable autofocus in compact, weather-ready glass that pairs perfectly with OM SYSTEM bodies. The M.Zuiko PRO f/1.2 trio—17mm f/1.2 PRO (34mm equiv.), 25mm f/1.2 PRO (50mm equiv.), and 45mm f/1.2 PRO (90mm equiv.)—sets the standard for “feathered” bokeh that eases transitions from tack-sharp eyes to velvety backgrounds, consistent color across the set, and sealed builds that survive outdoor sessions; the 25/1.2 is the classic waist-up storyteller, the 45/1.2 is a head-and-shoulders specialist with flattering compression, and the 17/1.2 shines for environmental portraits that keep context without distortion. For lighter, budget-friendly kits, the M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 (90mm equiv.) remains the tiny portrait hero—fast, sharp, and beautifully soft behind the subject—while the M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8 (150mm equiv.) delivers telephoto separation, exquisite micro-contrast, and a compact form that excels for headshots and stage portraits. If you prefer a natural perspective with extra glow and separation, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 20mm f/1.4 PRO (40mm equiv.) offers rich rendering for editorial scenes, and the M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.8 (50mm equiv.) keeps café sessions and lifestyle work light and nimble. Macro primes expand portrait possibilities: the M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro (120mm equiv.) frames faces cleanly and doubles for detail cutaways—jewelry, lashes, fabrics—while the M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO (180mm equiv.) adds Sync IS and stunning close-up fidelity for beauty and product-with-portrait sets. Zooms give flexible working distances on location: the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12–40mm f/2.8 PRO II (24–80mm equiv.) covers full-body to tight half-length with near-macro close focus for hands and textures, and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40–150mm f/2.8 PRO (80–300mm equiv.) is a portrait powerhouse for compressed backgrounds, fast AF, and focus-limiter precision; add the MC-14 teleconverter for tighter headshots without stepping in. Across the lineup, Olympus ZERO coatings keep contrast high in backlight, rounded apertures maintain circular highlights as you stop down slightly, silent MSC motors preserve audio for portrait video, and close-focus behavior on many lenses helps you fill the frame and melt backgrounds even on tighter sets. Pair any of these with OM-1/OM-5 strengths—class-leading IBIS for steadier, lower-ISO files; Face/Eye AF that locks through clutter; in-camera color and film-like profiles for pleasing skin tones; High Res Shot for editorial detail—and you gain tripod-light confidence in changing light. Practical picks: choose the 45/1.2 PRO or 45/1.8 for classic head-and-shoulders; the 75/1.8 for fashion and studio compression; the 25/1.2 PRO or 25/1.8 for waist-up lifestyle and interview video; the 17/1.2 or 20/1.4 PRO for environmental stories; the 60 Macro or 90 Macro IS PRO when portraits need immaculate detail. Whether you’re shooting candid street portraits, bridal prep in window light, or cinematic interviews on location, the best Olympus lenses for portrait photography combine fast apertures, refined rendering, and confident handling—delivering crisp eyes, smooth falloff, and color-rich files in a kit light enough to carry all day.