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Best Lenses under £500 for everyday use

Best Pick

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens

83.3 Score
18-135mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

This lens offers a versatile 18-135mm zoom range, equivalent to 28.8-216mm on APS-C cameras, making it a practical all-in-one option for travel and general photography. Its inclusion of a UD and an aspherical element helps control aberrations for improved image quality across its focal range. It is best for Canon APS-C camera owners seeking a single, lightweight walk-around lens for everyday shooting and travel.

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Samyang Rokinon 50mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC Lens for Canon EF

76.8 Score
50mm f/1.4 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

With its bright f/1.4 aperture and inclusion of hybrid and aspherical elements, this lens excels at creating sharp portraits with smooth background blur. Its robust all-metal build and Ultra Multi-Coating ensure durability and reduced flare for the price. This lens is best for portrait photographers and budget-conscious shooters seeking classic 50mm rendering on a Canon EF system.

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Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon EOS EF

74.4 Score
24mm f/1.4 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and robust HSM autofocus system enable excellent low-light performance and sharpness. The lens's 24mm wide-angle focal length is particularly well-suited for environmental portraits and cinematic video work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who need a fast, wide prime for creative shallow depth-of-field shots.

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Nikon Tectra 52MM 0.43x Professional HD Wide Angle Lens

64.4 Score
52mm Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 0.43x conversion factor and detachable macro portion provide a versatile 2-in-1 solution for dramatically expanding field of view and capturing high-resolution close-ups. The steel barrel construction offers solid durability for a screw-on accessory, and it maintains full autofocus and auto exposure with compatible 52mm lenses. This lens is best for entry-level Nikon and Canon DSLR owners seeking an affordable way to experiment with wide-angle landscapes and macro photography without investing in dedicated prime lenses.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for everyday use

Best Pick

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens

79.8 Score
100mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 1:1 magnification and built-in Hybrid Image Stabilization make it a top choice for capturing fine details. The inclusion of an Ultra-Low Dispersion element and Super Spectra Coating ensures sharp, color-accurate images with minimal aberrations. This lens is best for photographers specializing in close-up product shots or detailed nature macro work.

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Price £825
Canon Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens lens

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Tamron SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di-II LD Aspherical

72.2 Score
10-24mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its 10-24mm zoom range on an APS-C camera provides an exceptionally wide 16-37mm full-frame equivalent, making it a versatile tool for expansive scenes. The lens is notably compact for its focal length, weighing just 406g for easy portability on location. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers using Canon APS-C bodies who need a lightweight, ultra-wide zoom for capturing vast environments.

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Samyang Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8 Lens for Canon EF

63.9 Score
14mm f/2.8 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its f/2 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a 14mm prime lens. The autofocus system is a key upgrade, offering convenience over the brand's traditional manual-focus offerings. This lens is best for landscape and astrophotography shooters who need a fast, ultra-wide angle on a budget.

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7Artisans 7artisans 24mm T2.1 Infinte Series Professional

45.3 Score
24mm Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its T2.1 aperture and internal focus design provide strong low-light performance and controlled focus breathing for cinematic work. The lens is built with a robust 998g metal housing and multi-layer coatings to manage flare, optimized for 4K and higher resolutions. This lens is best for filmmakers and cinematographers needing a dedicated, manual cinema prime for controlled studio or location shoots.

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Best Lenses under £1,500 for everyday use

Best Pick

Canon Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5 Lens for Canon EF

67.1 Score
28mm f/2.5 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a soft, glowing effect at wide apertures like f/2.5, enabled by its 8-element optics and 12-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. It also offers true 1:2 macro capability with a very short 2-inch working distance, making it unusually versatile for a specialty lens. This lens is best for photographers seeking a distinct, ethereal look in fine-art portraiture and creative close-up work.

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Best Lenses under £2,500 for everyday use

Best Pick

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens

68.9 Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and inclusion of one Super UD and two UD elements deliver exceptional sharpness and color fidelity. The robust build and complex 18-element optical design ensure professional-grade image quality, though it lacks stabilization. This lens is best for portrait and macro photographers who require a versatile, high-performance zoom on a full-frame Canon system.

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Premium Lenses for everyday use

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