Best Pick

Panasonic LUMIX G G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH.

78.2 Travel Score
25-50mm f/1.7 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

With its fast f/1.7 maximum aperture and 50mm-equivalent focal length, this lens excels at creating sharp portraits with smooth background blur. Its inclusion of two aspherical elements helps control optical aberrations for strong image quality at a very accessible price point. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers seeking an affordable, lightweight prime for everyday shooting and portraiture.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

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

76.7 Travel 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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Viltrox 35mm F1.7 E-Mount Large Aperture APS-C STM Auto Focus Prime

75.6 Travel Score
35mm f/1.7 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.7 aperture with nine blades creates a notably smooth, artistic bokeh, supported by a lightweight 170g design. The STM autofocus motor provides reliable, low-latency performance with eye/face tracking support. This lens is best for street photographers and videographers who prioritize portability and a fast aperture for subject isolation in everyday shooting.

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Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

70.1 Travel Score
28-70mm f/3.5 Sony (E mount for NEX)
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out for its lightweight 298g design and constant f/3.5 aperture, delivering reliable full-frame performance in a compact zoom. Its optical formula, featuring aspherical and ED glass elements, ensures sharp image quality at an accessible price point. It is best for Sony E-mount photographers seeking a versatile, everyday travel lens who prioritize portability over extreme close-up or low-light capabilities.

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Viltrox Air AF 9mm f/2.8

72.8 Travel Score
9mm f/2.8 Sony E, Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its ultra-wide 9mm f/2.8 aperture and 113.8° field of view are ideal for expansive landscapes and dynamic vlogging. The lens is exceptionally portable at 176g and features a close 0.13m minimum focus distance for detailed near-macro shots. This lens is best for travel vloggers and landscape photographers who need a lightweight, wide-angle option for capturing immersive scenes and creative close-ups.

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Viltrox AF 85mm F2 EVO FE

72.3 Travel Score
85mm f/2 Sony FE IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2 aperture and STM autofocus deliver smooth bokeh and quiet, precise focusing for both photos and video. The compact 340g design with a 0.74m minimum focus distance makes it exceptionally portable for a portrait prime while enabling detailed close-ups. This lens is best for portrait and close-up photographers who need a lightweight, sharp option for Sony E-mount cameras.

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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8

60.3 Travel Score
45mm f/1.8 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its bright f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and a pleasing bokeh effect ideal for portraits. The lens is remarkably compact and lightweight at just 116g, making it a perfect everyday carry for Micro Four Thirds shooters. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers seeking a high-quality, 90mm-equivalent prime that prioritizes portability without sacrificing sharpness.

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