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Best Lenses under £500 for everyday use

Best Pick

Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF

100 Score
55mm f/1.4 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and STM autofocus provide excellent low-light performance and smooth, quiet focusing for video. The lens offers a classic 55mm portrait focal length on APS-C cameras and features a direct USB-C port for firmware updates. This lens is best for videographers and street photographers using Nikon Z-mount APS-C bodies who need reliable autofocus and shallow depth of field.

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

97.6 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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Sony YONGNUO Upgraded YN50MM F1.8S DA DSM II Lens, for

92.1 Score
50mm f/1.8 Sony A, Sony E IS
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.

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Sirui SIRUI Sniper 56mm Autofocus Lens, F1.2 Wide Angle

92 Score
f/1.2 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture offers exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field at a notably budget-friendly price point. The STM autofocus system is swift and silent, excelling at eye-AF tracking for both photos and video. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize a cinematic, dreamy look and need reliable autofocus without a premium price tag.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for everyday use

Best Pick

Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens

95.6 Score
24mm f/1.8 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a fast f/1.8 aperture, providing excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a wide-angle prime lens. As an affordable entry into the RF system, it offers great value for expanding a mirrorless kit without sacrificing key optical performance. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers and videographers who need a versatile wide-angle for landscapes, street photography, and low-light scenarios.

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Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony

92.2 Score
17-70mm f/2.8 Sony E Mount IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in Vibration Compensation provide excellent low-light performance and sharp handheld shots. The versatile 17-70mm zoom range and robust build quality make it a highly practical single-lens solution for APS-C cameras. This lens is best for Sony APS-C shooters and videographers, like those using an FX30, who need a reliable, all-in-one zoom for everyday and run-and-gun scenarios.

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

87.1 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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Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens

84.7 Score
28-400mm f/4 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its 28-400mm full-frame zoom range offers exceptional versatility in a single lens, covering wide-angle to super-telephoto focal lengths. The 5.5-stop VR image stabilization is a significant strength for handheld shooting, compensating for its variable f/4-8 aperture. This lens is best for photographers who need maximum focal length flexibility without changing lenses, particularly for landscapes, events, or wildlife where carrying multiple optics is impractical.

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Best Lenses under £1,500 for everyday use

Best Pick

Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens (Canon RF)

87.4 Score
35mm f/1.4 Canon RF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and VCM autofocus system provide exceptionally fast, quiet operation ideal for video capture. The lens also features a dedicated iris ring for manual control and an Air Sphere Coating to reduce flare. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and videographers who need a fast, versatile prime with professional-grade control and minimal focus breathing.

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Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM Lens (Sony E)

84.3 Score
50mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and G Master design with 14 elements deliver exceptional sharpness and beautiful bokeh, even wide open. The lens is further distinguished by its fast, quiet autofocus system powered by two XD Linear motors and an internal focus design that maintains balance. This lens is best for portrait photographers and hybrid shooters who demand both high-resolution stills and smooth, reliable focus for video work.

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OM System OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS

79.5 Score
90mm f/3.5 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 2:1 maximum magnification and 180mm full-frame equivalent reach offer exceptional close-up capability for a compact 454g lens. The weather-sealed PRO build and built-in image stabilization make it reliable for field use. This lens is best for macro photographers needing high magnification and portability, especially for insects or detailed botanical work.

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Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens (Sony E)

79.1 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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Best Lenses under £2,500 for everyday use

Best Pick

Fujifilm FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II Lens

83.6 Score
16-55mm f/2.8 FUJIFILM X
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and sharp 16-55mm zoom range provide excellent versatility for both stills and video. The weather-resistant build and fast linear motor autofocus ensure reliable performance in demanding conditions. This lens is best for Fujifilm X-mount photographers who need a single, high-quality standard zoom for everything from travel to professional assignments.

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Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7

80.9 Score
50mm f/1.7 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/1.7 aperture across the 25-50mm zoom range provides exceptional low-light capability and background blur for a Micro Four Thirds lens. It meets strict Leica optical standards, ensuring professional-grade sharpness and rendering for photographers and videographers. This lens is best for Panasonic LUMIX shooters prioritizing portrait work and run-and-gun video where a fast, consistent aperture is critical.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens

80.4 Score
17-28mm f/2.8 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.8 aperture and internal zoom design provide a compact, 451g build that maintains consistent performance for Nikon Z-mount full-frame cameras. The stepping motor AF system ensures quiet and smooth autofocus, which is ideal for video work. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and vloggers who need a reliable, wide-angle zoom in a portable package.

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

79.4 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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Premium Lenses for everyday use

Best Pick

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED Lens

78 Score
24mm f/1.4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and Nano Crystal Coating deliver exceptional sharpness and low-light performance with minimal flare. The lens construction, featuring two ED and two aspherical elements, ensures high optical quality with controlled distortion. This lens is best for portrait photographers and professionals who require a fast, wide-angle prime for environmental portraiture or indoor shoots.

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Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM Lens

50.4 Score
70mm f/2 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a constant f/2 maximum aperture across its 28-70mm range, offering exceptional low-light performance and background blur uncommon for a standard zoom. The lens incorporates specialized elements like Super UD glass and an Air Sphere Coating to control chromatic aberration, flare, and ghosting for high image quality. This lens is best for Canon EOS R photographers who prioritize a versatile, fast-aperture zoom for portraits and events over portability, given its substantial 1429g weight.

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OM System OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO

49.5 Score
300mm f/4 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 300mm focal length provides a 600mm full-frame equivalent reach, paired with a fast f/4 aperture and a robust, weather-sealed IPX1-rated build for outdoor use. The lens's 5-axis Sync IS system is a key differentiator, enabling sharp handheld shots at such long focal lengths, and its 1270g weight offers relative portability for its class. This lens is best for wildlife and bird photographers who need a durable, stabilized telephoto option for a Micro Four Thirds system.

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Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens (Sony E)

41.3 Score
500mm f/5.6 Sony E IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 500mm focal length and f/5.6 aperture deliver exceptional sharpness and subject isolation in a remarkably portable 1370g, weather-sealed package. The lens pairs this optical performance with rapid autofocus and built-in stabilization for reliable action capture. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who require a lightweight, handheld super-telephoto option.

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