Best Lenses Under CA$700 in 2026
Meike 85mm f1.8 Full Frame STM Auto Focus Medium Telephoto
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Viltrox 56mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.7 aperture and 9-blade design excel in low light and produce smooth, pleasing background blur for portraits. Weighing only 170g, it's exceptionally lightweight and compact for a lens with this optical formula, making it highly portable. This lens is best for photographers seeking an affordable, fast prime specifically for portrait and street photography on Sony APS-C cameras.
Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.2 maximum aperture and 11-blade diaphragm deliver exceptional background blur and smooth bokeh for portrait work. The lens provides a fast 85mm full-frame equivalent focal length with reliable autofocus, including eye and object tracking. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers on Sony APS-C cameras seeking a dedicated, fast telephoto prime for subject isolation.
Yongnuo Upgraded YN50MM F1.8S DA DSM II
Why we recommend this ▼
Its large f/1.8 aperture and 7-blade circular design produce smooth, pleasing bokeh for subject isolation. The compact, lightweight build and built-in stepping motor make it a highly portable and responsive option for Sony E-mount systems. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and vloggers using APS-C cameras who need a fast, affordable prime for portraits and run-and-gun video.
Viltrox Air 15mm F1.7 E-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 15mm focal length and bright f/1.7 aperture provide a versatile wide-angle view ideal for vlogging and creative close-ups with pronounced background blur. The inclusion of a quiet STM motor enables reliable eye/face autofocus, making it well-suited for dynamic video work and casual portraiture. This lens is best for travel vloggers and content creators on Sony APS-C cameras who need a compact, fast prime for both handheld video and creative stills.
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN
Why we recommend this ▼
Its large f/1.4 aperture delivers superb low-light performance and a shallow depth of field, while its compact 404g build makes it highly portable for a lens of this speed. It fully accommodates Sony's Fast Hybrid AF system, ensuring reliable autofocus for both stills and video. This lens is best for Sony E-mount shooters needing a fast, wide prime for environmental portraits or handheld vlogging in challenging light.
Viltrox AF 85mm F2 EVO FE
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.
Sony E 11mm f/1.8
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 11mm focal length and large f/1.8 aperture enable dynamic, low-light shooting in an exceptionally compact and lightweight design. The lens also delivers fast, precise autofocus that is ideal for capturing spontaneous moments. This prime is best for travel and street photographers using APS-C cameras who prioritize portability and a unique, ultra-wide perspective.
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a compact, lightweight prime lens. This lens is a strong, affordable option for Sony full-frame shooters prioritizing portability. It is best for street photographers and portrait shooters who value a natural 35mm perspective without a heavy kit.
TTArtisan APS-C Auto Focus 35mm F1.8 Mark II
Why we recommend this ▼
Its STM autofocus motor provides smooth and quiet focusing, while its F1.8 aperture excels in low light and creates pleasing bokeh. The lens is notably compact at 176g and offers a close 0.4m minimum focusing distance for detailed shots. This prime is best for Sony APS-C shooters prioritizing portability and a fast aperture for street photography or environmental portraits.
Brightin Star AF Oculilumen 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 90-degree probe design and 2:1 maximum magnification enable unique, close-up perspectives that are difficult to achieve with standard macro lenses. The manual focus design and 11.8-inch minimum focus distance provide precise control for detailed, creative shots. This lens is best for specialized macro photographers and videographers capturing intricate subjects like insects, product details, or scientific specimens.
TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4
Why we recommend this ▼
Its bright f/1.4 aperture and 25.5mm equivalent focal length make it a compact, low-light-capable option for APS-C Sony cameras. The manual focus design and 247g weight prioritize a tactile, portable shooting experience over automation. This lens is best for street photographers and portraitists on a budget who value a fast, wide-angle prime and don't require autofocus.
Sony G E PZ 18-105mm f/4.0 OSS Power Zoom
Why we recommend this ▼
Its constant f/4 aperture and built-in Optical SteadyShot provide reliable performance for both stills and video across its versatile 27-158mm equivalent zoom range. The lens is relatively compact for its focal range, making it a practical all-in-one option for Sony APS-C camera users. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and videographers who need a stabilized, power-zooming lens for documentary or travel content.
Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 85mm focal length make it a classic tool for achieving sharp subjects with beautifully blurred backgrounds. The inclusion of a linear STM motor provides notably quiet and smooth autofocus performance, a key upgrade for its second-generation design. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers on the Sony platform who prioritize reliable autofocus and a traditional fast-aperture focal length.
Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF Compact
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.8 maximum aperture and inclusion of two ED elements allow for sharp portraits with attractive background blur. The compact 230g design and 58mm filter thread make it a lightweight and versatile option for Sony shooters. This lens is best for street photographers and portrait shooters who prioritize a fast, portable prime for full-frame cameras.
Rokinon AF 16mm f/2.8 Prima FE Series Wide Angle
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is a compact 207g build with weather sealing and a fast f/2.8 aperture, making it highly portable for outdoor use. The integrated Linear STM motor provides quiet, reliable autofocus that is particularly well-suited for video work. This lens is best for travel vloggers and landscape photographers who need a lightweight, wide-angle prime for Sony full-frame cameras.