Best Lenses Under CA$700 in 2026
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Macro
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN
Why we recommend this ▼
With an f/1.4 maximum aperture across all three prime lenses, this set provides excellent low-light performance and subject isolation for APS-C cameras. The trio covers a versatile 16mm, 30mm, and 56mm focal length range, offering a complete kit for various shooting scenarios. It is best for portrait photographers and content creators on Canon RF-mount APS-C bodies who prioritize fast primes over a single zoom.
Brightin Star 35mm F1.7
Why we recommend this ▼
Its compact metal build and F1.7 aperture provide sharp, bright images ideal for low-light photography. The 35mm focal length on APS-C cameras offers a natural perspective perfect for documenting everyday scenes and portraits. This lens is best for photographers using Canon RF-mount mirrorless cameras who prioritize a lightweight, manual-focus prime for street and casual portraiture.
7Artisans 35mm f0.95 Large Aperture APS-C Mirrorless Cameras
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/0.95 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and creates a very shallow depth of field for pronounced subject isolation. The lens is relatively lightweight at 369g and features 12 aperture blades for smooth bokeh. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a manual-focus option with a classic 50mm equivalent field of view and extreme background blur.
Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/0.95 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light capability and a very shallow depth of field, ideal for isolating subjects. The lens incorporates both ED and aspherical elements to control chromatic aberration and distortion, enhancing optical performance. This lens is best for portrait photographers and cinematographers on Canon RF APS-C cameras who prioritize extreme bokeh and low-light shooting over autofocus and portability.
Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is a true 2:1 maximum magnification, allowing for extreme close-up photography that doubles the subject size on the sensor. The lens incorporates three extra-low dispersion elements for high sharpness and color accuracy, minimizing chromatic aberration even at its widest f/2.8 aperture. This lens is best for dedicated macro photographers and product detail specialists who require greater than life-size reproduction without using extension tubes.
TTArtisan APS-C 7.5mm F2.0 Large Aperture
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 8mm focal length and f/2.0 aperture enable unique 180-degree fisheye shots with dramatic distortion and good low-light performance. The lens is also surprisingly versatile, allowing for extreme close-ups as near as 0.4 feet for creative macro work. This manual focus lens is best for landscape and experimental photographers seeking a distinct, ultra-wide perspective for artistic or VR panorama projects.
Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/0.95 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light capability and very shallow depth of field, supported by a smooth 9-blade diaphragm for pleasing bokeh. The compact 458g manual-focus design offers direct, tactile control for creative adjustments. This lens is best for Canon RF shooters prioritizing artistic control in available-light photography, such as street or environmental portraiture.
Samyang 12mm f/2 AF Ultra Wide Angle
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 12mm focal length and bright f/2 maximum aperture provide an expansive, fast prime lens for APS-C cameras. The lens incorporates two aspherical and three extra-low dispersion elements for strong optical correction, paired with a quiet linear STM autofocus motor. This lens is best for Canon RF-S shooters needing a compact, wide-angle option for astrophotography or indoor event photography in low light.
Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 2:1 maximum magnification and apochromatic APO design deliver exceptional detail and color accuracy for extreme close-up work. The 90mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture also make it a capable portrait lens, offering a versatile dual-purpose design. This lens is best for dedicated macro photographers and scientific imagers who require life-size or greater reproduction ratios without using extension tubes.
TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 Manual Focus
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.4 aperture and inclusion of ED and aspherical elements provide excellent sharpness and bokeh for a manual lens. The solid metal build and 12-blade diaphragm offer a premium, tactile experience at a very accessible price point. This lens is best for portrait photographers and filmmakers on Canon RF systems who prioritize manual control and character over autofocus speed.
Rokinon 12mm f/2 AF Ultra Wide-Angle
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 12mm focal length and bright f/2 aperture provide an exceptionally wide and fast field of view for APS-C cameras, making it ideal for astrophotography and indoor shooting. The lens incorporates two aspherical and three extra-low dispersion elements for strong optical correction, paired with a quiet linear STM autofocus motor. This lens is best for Canon RF-S shooters needing a compact, affordable ultra-wide for night skies or tight interior spaces.
Thypoch RF Simera 28mm f/1.4
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is a fast f/1.4 aperture and a manual focus design with a declickable aperture ring, offering direct, tactile control. The lens pairs this with a compact 363g build and a classic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. It is best for portrait photographers and filmmakers who prioritize a deliberate, hands-on shooting experience over autofocus speed.
Meike 10mm f/2 APS-C Manual Focus
Why we recommend this ▼
This 10mm f/2 prime lens offers an extremely wide field of view and a bright aperture, making it capable of capturing expansive scenes in low light. Its 10-blade aperture contributes to smooth bokeh, which is notable for such a wide-angle manual focus optic. This lens is best for Canon APS-C shooters specializing in astrophotography or immersive interior photography where autofocus is less critical.
Laowa Zero-D 9mm f/2.8
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is a 9mm focal length with a Zero-D design that delivers minimal distortion, making it ideal for architectural and aerial work. The lens is exceptionally compact at 215g and features a bright f/2.8 aperture for low-light shooting. This lens is best for Canon RF shooters who need a portable, ultra-wide prime for landscapes, real estate interiors, and creative close-ups with its 12cm minimum focus distance.
AstrHori 50mm F1.4 Large Aperture Full Frame Manual 2-in-1 Tilt
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the combination of a fast f/1.4 aperture with tilt-shift functionality, allowing for both creative miniature effects and sharp portrait work. The all-metal build and included filter slot contribute to a durable, versatile manual-focus experience ideal for creative control. This lens is best for photographers and videographers specifically looking to experiment with tilt-shift techniques or those who enjoy the tactile process of manual focus lenses.