Find the best camera lens in 2026

What makes a great camera lens:

  1. Optical Quality - Sharp images with minimal aberrations
  2. Build Quality - Durable construction and smooth operation
  3. Autofocus - Fast and accurate focusing performance
  4. Value - Performance that justifies the price

Best lenses under $500 for everyday use

Best Pick

Viltrox VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Z, AF 35 mm F1.7 Z- Mount Lens

100 Score
35mm f/1.7 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.7 aperture and STM motor provide excellent low-light performance and quiet, precise autofocus for both photos and video. The lightweight 170g metal construction and included lens hood add practical value for a very portable setup. This lens is best for Nikon Z-mount shooters who prioritize street photography or run-and-gun video work requiring a discreet, capable prime.

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Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro Full Frame AF STM Stepping

95.8 Score
55mm f/1.8 Nikon Z IS
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.

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Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount,

94.6 Score
25mm f/1.7 Fujifilm X IS
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.

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Panasonic Meike 35mm F1.8 Full Frame Wide Angle AF STM Lens

92.1 Score
35mm f/1.8 Panasonic Sigma L IS
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.

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Best lenses under $1000 for everyday use

Best Pick

SONY SEL24240 SEL24240 FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS

92 Score
24-240mm f/3.5 Sony E (Full-Frame) IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 10x zoom range from 24-240mm makes it a uniquely versatile all-in-one travel lens for full-frame Sony cameras, backed by Optical SteadyShot stabilization. The inclusion of one ED and five aspherical elements helps control aberrations across its ambitious focal range, and it maintains a weather-sealed build. This lens is best for landscape photographers and professionals who need a single, durable lens for varied shooting conditions without changing optics.

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Price $933
SONY SONY SEL24240 SEL24240 FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens

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Nikon Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 Z Lens (Nikon Z, Black)

86.4 Score
56mm f/1.4 Nikon Z
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.

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Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm Telephoto Zoom

85.9 Score
14-140mm f/3.5 Micro Four Thirds IS
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.

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Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens (Canon RF)

85.7 Score
28mm f/2.8 Canon RF IS
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.

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Canon Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens (Canon RF) lens
Price $930

Best lenses under $1500 for everyday use

Best Pick

SONY SEL24240 SEL24240 FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS

92 Score
24-240mm f/3.5 Sony E (Full-Frame) IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 10x zoom range from 24-240mm makes it a uniquely versatile all-in-one travel lens for full-frame Sony cameras, backed by Optical SteadyShot stabilization. The inclusion of one ED and five aspherical elements helps control aberrations across its ambitious focal range, and it maintains a weather-sealed build. This lens is best for landscape photographers and professionals who need a single, durable lens for varied shooting conditions without changing optics.

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Price $933
SONY SONY SEL24240 SEL24240 FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens

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OM System OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO Lens

90.3 Score
25mm f/1.2 Micro Four Thirds
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.

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OM System M.Zuiko lens
Price $1,400

Fujifilm FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens

89.9 Score
23mm f/1.4 FUJIFILM X
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.

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Fujifilm Fujinon XF lens
Price $1,049

Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens (Canon RF)

85.7 Score
28mm f/2.8 Canon RF IS
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.

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Canon Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens (Canon RF) lens
Price $930

Best lenses under $2500 for everyday use

Best Pick

Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens (Canon RF)

89.3 Score
24mm f/1.4 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and advanced optics, including a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) and Nano USM system, enable exceptionally fast and quiet autofocus performance. The lens's bright aperture and 24mm focal length make it a versatile prime for both environmental portraits and low-light work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and event shooters who require reliable, high-speed focusing in challenging lighting conditions.

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Price $1,549
Canon Canon L lens

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Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens (Sony E Mount)

85 Score
16-35mm f/2.8 Sony E
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.

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Sony Sony G Master lens
Price $2,251

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large

65.3 Score
70-200mm f/2.8 Sony/Minolta Alpha IS
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.

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Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Nikon Z

63.8 Score
35-150mm f/2 Nikon Z IS
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.

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Premium lenses for everyday use

Best Pick

Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS Sports Lens (L-Mount)

62.3 Score
200mm f/2 L-Mount IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/2 maximum aperture and 6.5-stop image stabilization system deliver exceptional low-light performance and sharpness for a medium telephoto prime. The HLA-driven autofocus motor provides notably fast and quiet focusing, which is a key asset for dynamic subjects. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who require reliable performance in challenging lighting conditions.

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Nikon NIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S MIRRORLESS Lens

57 Score
35mm f/1.2
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture delivers exceptionally shallow depth of field, creating a distinct separation between subject and background. The lens is engineered for exquisite bokeh quality, producing smooth, pleasing out-of-focus areas that enhance image depth. This prime lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a classic 35mm focal length with premium rendering and beautiful background blur.

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Nikon Nikon S-Line lens
Price $2,515

Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH. Lens

54.9 Score
21mm f/2 L-Mount
Why we recommend this

Its 21mm f/2 aperture and three aspherical elements deliver sharp, low-distortion images for wide-angle photography. The Dual Synchro Drive AF motor provides fast and quiet autofocus performance, a key feature for discreet shooting. This lens is best for architectural and landscape photographers who require precise optical correction in an ultra-wide prime.

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Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

54.8 Score
400mm f/4.5 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 400mm focal length and constant f/4.5 aperture provide reliable reach and light gathering for its class, supported by a fluorite element for sharpness. The lens's Air Sphere Coating effectively reduces flare and ghosting, enhancing contrast in challenging light. This lens is best for videographers and wildlife photographers who need a versatile telephoto zoom with consistent optical performance.

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Canon Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens lens
Price $2,480