Best Lenses under €500 for professional use

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN

89.7 Professional Score
16mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
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.

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Viltrox AF 85mm F2 EVO FE

89.5 Professional 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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Meike 23mm F1.4 Ultra Wide Angle APS-C Frame Auto Focus Fixed Prime Portrait Lenses

86.1 Professional Score
23mm f/1.4 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and STM autofocus deliver sharp images with smooth bokeh, even in low light. The optical design with ED and aspherical elements effectively controls aberrations and flare. This lens is best for Sony APS-C shooters who need a fast, wide prime for street photography and detailed macro work.

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Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF Compact

81.7 Professional Score
24mm f/1.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
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.

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

85.4 Professional 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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Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus

80.5 Professional Score
56mm f/1.2 Sony E IS
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.

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Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 AF

74.8 Professional Score
12mm f/2 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its weather-sealed construction and f/2.0 maximum aperture make it a robust, fast ultra-wide prime for APS-C cameras. The lens is also notably compact at 213g, offering strong portability for its focal length. It's best for landscape and architectural photographers who need a durable, wide-angle lens for outdoor shooting.

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Sony FE SEL28F20 28mm F2 Full-frame Wide Angle

74.4 Professional Score
28mm f/2 Sony E (Full-Frame) Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its compact 200g build and f/2 aperture make it a highly portable, bright wide-angle prime for Sony full-frame cameras. The lens incorporates aspherical and ED elements for sharpness and uses a fast linear actuator for quiet, responsive autofocus. This lens is best for travel and street photographers who need a lightweight, weather-sealed optic for everyday carry.

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Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8S

71.9 Professional Score
50mm f/1.8 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 maximum aperture and quiet Digital Stepping Motor (DSM) provide smooth, accurate autofocus suitable for both photography and video. The lens is exceptionally lightweight at 145 grams, making it a highly portable option for Sony APS-C mirrorless camera users. This lens is best for videographers and hybrid shooters who need reliable, quiet autofocus in a compact package.

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Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 DG DN

70.7 Professional Score
35mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and complex optical formula with SLD, FLD, and aspherical elements deliver exceptional sharpness and bokeh. The robust build and premium coatings provide reliable performance for demanding use. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize optical quality over portability for their Sony full-frame cameras.

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Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 CS

64.9 Professional Score
12mm f/2 Sony E (APS-C)
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/2.0 aperture and 12mm focal length make it a standout for astrophotography and low-light landscapes, delivering bright, sharp images. The compact 245g build and manual focus with a well-damped ring offer precise, glove-friendly control ideal for deliberate shooting. This lens is best for budget-conscious astrophotographers and travel shooters using Sony APS-C cameras who prioritize a lightweight, ultra-wide prime over autofocus.

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Best Lenses under €900 for professional use

Best Pick

Tamron Di III 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 RXD

90.1 Professional Score
28-200mm f/2.8 Sony E-Mount (Full-Frame), Sony E-Mount Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the constant f/2.8 maximum aperture across its 28-200mm zoom range, offering consistent light-gathering ability. This combination of a wide aperture and extensive zoom in a relatively compact design provides exceptional versatility for travel. It is best for budget-conscious Sony shooters who need a single, fast lens for everything from landscapes to portraits.

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Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM

84.5 Professional Score
28mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and advanced optical design deliver exceptional sharpness with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. The lens is particularly strong for portrait work, scoring highly for its rendering and image quality. This prime is best for photographers prioritizing optical perfection in a wide-angle lens for environmental portraits and low-light scenarios.

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Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE

81.3 Professional Score
16mm f/1.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a fast f/1.8 aperture on an ultra-wide 16mm prime, enabling sharp astrophotography and creative shallow depth-of-field effects. The lens offers a robust build quality and a quiet STM autofocus motor that is well-suited for video work. This lens is best for Sony shooters specializing in landscape, architecture, or night-sky photography who need a bright, wide-angle lens.

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Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II

81 Professional Score
85mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
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.

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Sigma Contemporary 23mm f/1.4 DC DN

83.6 Professional Score
23mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and fast internal focus system deliver excellent low-light performance and sharpness for a 35mm full-frame equivalent field of view. The compact 340g build and 52mm filter thread make it a portable, everyday prime for APS-C Sony cameras. This lens is best for portrait photographers and content creators needing a bright, versatile normal lens in a lightweight package.

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Sony FE 35mm f/1.8

80.2 Professional Score
35mm f/1.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
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.

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Tokina ATX-M 11-18mm f/2.8 ATX-M

73.3 Professional Score
18mm f/2.8 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/2.8 aperture and STM autofocus motor make it a capable ultrawide zoom for Sony APS-C cameras, aided by two Super-Low Dispersion elements for reduced aberrations. The compact 335g build and 67mm filter thread offer practical handling for on-the-go shooting. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing a bright, wide zoom on a crop-sensor system.

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Viltrox 16mm F1.8 FE

72.4 Professional Score
16mm f/1.8 Sony E IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 maximum aperture and built-in optical stabilization provide exceptional low-light capability for a wide-angle prime, while its integrated LCD screen offers convenient on-lens parameter readouts. The lens delivers sharp results with its advanced optical design, though its 1107g weight limits portability. This lens is best for astrophotographers and architectural photographers who prioritize aperture and manual control over a lightweight kit.

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Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 AF II

66.5 Professional Score
35mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 aperture and full-frame coverage provide excellent low-light performance and a versatile 35mm focal length for street or portrait work. The lens includes a built-in customizable function switch for quick settings changes, a feature often reserved for more expensive models. It's best for Sony shooters who need a bright, general-purpose prime lens for stills and video, but its 658g weight makes it less ideal for travel.

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Yongnuo YN85mm F1.8S DF DSM

59.7 Professional Score
f/1.8 Sony A, Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

With its F1.8 large aperture and quiet DSM stepping motor, this lens excels in low-light shooting and offers fast, silent autofocus. The inclusion of a USB Type-C port for firmware updates is a practical feature for long-term performance. It is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a responsive telephoto prime for action shots in varying light.

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Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

59.6 Professional Score
90mm f/2.8 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its standout 2:1 maximum magnification and 205mm minimum focus distance allow for extreme close-up detail capture without extension tubes. The 90mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture also make it a capable portrait lens with pleasing background separation. This lens is best for dedicated macro photographers and scientists needing high reproduction ratios for subjects like insects or textures.

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Zeiss Touit 32mm f/1.8

44.9 Professional Score
32mm f/1.8 Sony E (APS-C)
Why we recommend this

Its aspherical design and floating elements ensure consistent, high-contrast image quality with minimal aberration throughout the focusing range. The robust autofocus system and Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating contribute to reliable performance and vivid color rendition. This lens is best for travel photographers and videographers seeking a compact, sharp 32mm prime for environmental portraits and street scenes.

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Best Lenses under €1,500 for professional use

Best Pick

Sony FE SEL24240 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Full-frame

88.4 Professional 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 €917
Sony FE SEL24240 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Full-frame lens

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Sigma Art 85mm f/1.4 DG DN

85 Professional Score
85mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture delivers exceptional background blur and low-light performance, ideal for isolating subjects. The lens is built with a complex 15-element optical formula designed to minimize aberrations and produce sharp, high-contrast images. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize creamy bokeh and optical clarity over portability or weather sealing.

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Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 AF

76.6 Professional Score
150mm f/2 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2-2.8 variable aperture provides a bright, fast lens across its versatile 35-150mm zoom range for full-frame Sony cameras. The lens includes three customizable mode switches for quickly adjusting focus and stabilization settings on the fly. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who need a single, high-performance zoom to cover wide to telephoto shots without changing lenses.

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Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2.0 Series

70.1 Professional Score
40mm f/2 Sony E (Full Frame) Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its robust metal construction and integrated OLED display for focus distance are unique features that set it apart from typical prime lenses. The lens delivers excellent resolution and high contrast with a smooth, reliable autofocus system, making it a versatile full-frame option. This lens is best for videographers and portrait photographers who value precise manual focus aids and durable build quality in a compact 40mm focal length.

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Sony G E 15mm f/1.4

74.4 Professional Score
15mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 22.5mm full-frame equivalent focal length make it exceptionally fast and wide for an APS-C prime. The lens is remarkably compact at 218g, and its optical design uses Super ED and aspherical elements for high sharpness. This lens is best for street photographers who need a fast, lightweight prime for low-light and environmental shooting.

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Rokinon AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 AF

66.8 Professional Score
35-150mm f/2 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/2-2.8 variable aperture across a 35-150mm full-frame zoom range provides exceptional low-light versatility and background separation. The lens is a remarkably complete all-in-one solution for event and portrait work, featuring three customizable mode switches for quick settings changes. This lens is best for wedding photographers and portrait shooters who need a single, fast-aperture zoom to cover a wide range of focal lengths without changing lenses.

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Best Lenses under €2,500 for professional use

Best Pick

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

88 Professional Score
24-105mm f/4 Sony E IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4 aperture and G-lens design with four aspherical elements deliver high resolving power across its 24-105mm zoom range. The optical formula provides reliable performance for a versatile walk-around lens. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers needing a single, sharp zoom for travel and general landscape photography.

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Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 Series

77.2 Professional Score
135mm f/2.8 Sony E (Full Frame) IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an innovative OLED display that clearly shows focus distance and depth-of-field, even in low light. The lens combines robust, weather-sealed metal construction with a smooth autofocus system for reliable outdoor use. This lens is best for portrait photographers who require precise manual focus control and excellent color rendition from their full-frame Sony cameras.

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Brightin Star AF Oculilumen 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye

76.4 Professional Score
35mm f/2.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
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.

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Tamron Di III 35-150mm f/2-2.8 VXD

72.9 Professional Score
35-150mm f/2 Sony E
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its exceptionally fast f/2-2.8 variable aperture across its 35-150mm zoom range, providing consistent shallow depth-of-field and low-light performance. Its VXD linear motor focus mechanism ensures quick, quiet autofocus, which is a key asset for dynamic shooting. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who need a versatile, fast-aperture zoom to work in changing light without switching lenses.

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Sony G Master FE 35mm F1.4 GM Full-Frame Large-Aperture Wide Angle

85.7 Professional Score
35mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and 11-blade design produce exceptionally smooth bokeh, while its compact 522g build enhances portability for handheld shooting. The lens features advanced coatings that minimize flare, ensuring high contrast and clarity even in challenging light. This prime is best for portrait photographers and hybrid shooters who prioritize both subject isolation and a lightweight kit for all-day use.

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Premium Lenses for professional use

Best Pick

Sony G Master FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Wide Angle Zoom

96.5 Professional Score
16-35mm f/2.8 Sony E-Mount IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its constant f/2.8 aperture and advanced optics, including three aspherical and two XA elements for exceptional sharpness. Its robust G Master build and nano AR coating ensure high contrast and durability for demanding use. It is best for Sony full-frame photographers needing a versatile, high-performance wide-angle zoom for landscapes, events, and environmental portraits.

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Thypoch DZOFilm Simera-C 5

26.3 Professional Score
135mm Interchangeable Mount with Included Sony E
Why we recommend this

This kit stands out by pairing five ultracompact, lightweight Simera-C T1.5 prime lenses with a Catta 70-135mm T2.9 zoom, offering a fast aperture range from T1.5 to T22 for full-frame cine-style capture. The 16-blade diaphragm in the primes contributes to smooth, rounded bokeh, a key qualitative feature for cinematic image quality. This bundle is best for independent filmmakers and video creators seeking a versatile, cost-saving entry into a full-frame cine lens ecosystem without sacrificing shallow depth-of-field capabilities.

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