Find the best camera lens in 2026
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Best lenses under $500 for everyday use
Viltrox VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Z, AF 35 mm F1.7 Z- Mount Lens
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Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro Full Frame AF STM Stepping
Why we recommend this ▼
With a bright f/1.8 aperture and STM autofocus motor, this 55mm prime lens excels at isolating subjects with smooth bokeh, even in low light. Its compact 201g build and optical design with extra-low dispersion elements effectively suppress chromatic aberration and flaring. This lens is best for street photographers and videographers who need a lightweight, fast-focusing portrait lens for Nikon Z mount cameras.
Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount,
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.7 aperture and STM motor excel in low light and provide quiet, reliable autofocus for portraits. The optical design, featuring ED and aspherical elements, ensures sharp images with pleasing bokeh from its nine-blade diaphragm. This lens is best for portrait photographers on Fujifilm X-mount who prioritize a fast, quiet prime for eye and face detection.
Panasonic Meike 35mm F1.8 Full Frame Wide Angle AF STM Lens
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.8 aperture and STM autofocus motor enable sharp, low-light photography with smooth background blur, supported by a robust optical design with three extra-low dispersion elements. The lens offers a classic 35mm focal length and includes in-body stabilization compatibility, making it a practical choice for Panasonic L-mount systems. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need reliable autofocus and low-light performance from a versatile prime.
Best lenses under $1000 for everyday use
SONY SEL24240 SEL24240 FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS
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Nikon Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 Z Lens (Nikon Z, Black)
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.7 maximum aperture and STM motor provide excellent low-light performance and quiet, fast autofocus for a 56mm prime. The lens is remarkably lightweight at 187g, offering an 85mm full-frame equivalent field of view ideal for APS-C Nikon Z cameras. This lens is best for street and portrait photographers who prioritize a compact, fast-aperture lens for candid shots and subject isolation.
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm Telephoto Zoom
Why we recommend this ▼
Its versatile 14-140mm zoom range and durable, splash-resistant build make it a reliable all-in-one travel option. The inclusion of Power O.I.S. stabilization and quality optics with aspherical and ED elements ensures sharp images even in challenging lighting. This lens is best for travelers and landscape photographers who need a single, compact lens to cover wide-angle to telephoto perspectives.
Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens (Canon RF)
Why we recommend this ▼
This lens offers a compact f/2.8 wide-angle zoom with optical image stabilization, making it a lightweight choice for full-frame Canon RF cameras. Its leadscrew-type STM motor provides quiet and smooth autofocus, which is a significant asset for videographers. This lens is best for content creators and vloggers who need a stabilized, fast-aperture zoom for handheld shooting in tight spaces.
Best lenses under $1500 for everyday use
SONY SEL24240 SEL24240 FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS
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OM System OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO Lens
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.2 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds lens. The internal focusing design and manual focus clutch offer precise control for professional workflows. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers who prioritize a fast, classic 50mm-equivalent focal length.
Fujifilm FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 35mm equivalent focal length deliver excellent low-light performance and a classic field of view for street and environmental portraits. The inclusion of two aspherical elements helps control distortion, while the linear motor provides fast and quiet autofocus. This lens is best for Fujifilm X-series photographers seeking a versatile, bright prime for everyday shooting and portrait work.
Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens (Canon RF)
Why we recommend this ▼
This lens offers a compact f/2.8 wide-angle zoom with optical image stabilization, making it a lightweight choice for full-frame Canon RF cameras. Its leadscrew-type STM motor provides quiet and smooth autofocus, which is a significant asset for videographers. This lens is best for content creators and vloggers who need a stabilized, fast-aperture zoom for handheld shooting in tight spaces.
Best lenses under $2500 for everyday use
Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens (Canon RF)
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Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens (Sony E Mount)
Why we recommend this ▼
This lens stands out with its constant f/2.8 aperture and a 20% lighter, more compact design than its predecessor, making it a fast wide-angle zoom. Its four XD linear motors enable exceptionally fast and quiet autofocus, ideal for both photography and video capture. It is best for professional landscape and architecture photographers who require a sharp, portable wide-angle zoom.
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large
Why we recommend this ▼
This lens stands out with its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in 4-stop image stabilization, making it a versatile tool for low-light shooting. Its ring-type ultrasonic AF motor provides fast, quiet autofocus, which is a significant advantage for event and wedding photographers. This lens is best for photographers needing a reliable, stabilized telephoto zoom for portraits and sports, especially those on a budget compared to first-party options.
Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Nikon Z
Why we recommend this ▼
This lens stands out with its unique 35-150mm zoom range paired with a fast f/2-2.8 aperture, offering exceptional low-light performance and background blur for a zoom. Its VXD autofocus system provides very high-speed, precise focusing, which is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects at events. This lens is best for portrait and wedding photographers who need a single, versatile lens to cover a wide range of shots without changing optics.