Best Street Lenses Under €500 in 2026
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 ▼
Its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds system. The lens offers a versatile 24mm equivalent focal length, making it a compact and practical wide-angle prime. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a flattering wide-angle perspective and videographers needing strong performance in dim environments.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8
Why we recommend this ▼
Its bright f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and a pleasing bokeh effect ideal for portraits. The lens is remarkably compact and lightweight at just 116g, making it a perfect everyday carry for Micro Four Thirds shooters. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers seeking a high-quality, 90mm-equivalent prime that prioritizes portability without sacrificing sharpness.
Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT
Why we recommend this ▼
Its ultra-wide 15mm equivalent focal length and bright f/2 aperture make it ideal for capturing expansive scenes in low light. The lens is exceptionally lightweight at 150g and features a manual focus design that prioritizes precise control. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers who need a compact, wide-angle prime for astrophotography or immersive street photography.
Panasonic Meike 35mm f0.95 Large Aperture Manual Focus APS-C
Why we recommend this ▼
Its exceptionally fast f/0.95 aperture enables extreme background blur and low-light shooting on Micro Four Thirds cameras. The lens is also broadly compatible with a wide range of Panasonic and Olympus bodies, offering a manual alternative to native autofocus options. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers on a budget who prioritize shallow depth of field and don't mind manual focusing.
Laowa Argus 25mm F/0.95 APO
Why we recommend this ▼
Its exceptionally fast f/0.95 aperture enables stunning subject isolation and low-light performance for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The lens is an internal-focusing design, keeping its length constant and minimizing dust intrusion during operation. This prime is best for portrait photographers and videographers seeking a cinematic look with a classic 50mm equivalent field of view.
Meike 35mm f0.95 Large Aperture Manual Focus Prime Fixed
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/0.95 maximum aperture delivers exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds lens. The all-metal construction provides a notably solid and premium feel uncommon at this price point. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers seeking a cinematic look from their Olympus or Panasonic bodies, though its manual focus and weight make it less ideal for casual travel.
Rokinon 14mm f/2.8
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 14mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture provide an ultra-wide, bright fisheye perspective ideal for creative architectural or astrophotography. This manual-focus lens is a compelling budget-friendly option for photographers seeking a unique optical character without electronic features. It is best for experienced shooters who prioritize a distinct, dramatic field of view and manual control over autofocus convenience for static subjects.
7Artisans Fujinon GF 6mm F2.0 APS-C Fisheye Ultra Wide Angle 220° Manual Focus Prime
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is an exceptionally wide 220° field of view, paired with a bright f/2.0 aperture for low-light and astrophotography. The lens is built from durable full-metal construction and offers a very close 0.1m minimum focus distance for exaggerated, creative close-ups. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters specializing in experimental astrophotography, immersive vlogging, or capturing dramatic, distorted perspectives in tight spaces.
Olympus Zuiko Digital OM SYSTEM 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 Zuiko
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 10x zoom range (36-360mm equivalent) and compact 434g build make it a versatile travel companion. The inclusion of ED glass helps control aberrations for sharper images across the focal range. This lens is best for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize a lightweight, all-in-one zoom over maximum aperture speed or weather sealing.
Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 500mm focal length and catadioptric design deliver a compact 309g package, unusual for such reach. The fixed f/8 aperture and manual focus make it a specialized, budget-conscious tool for capturing distant subjects. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters prioritizing extreme portability for casual wildlife or sports observation over versatility.
Blackmagic Design Rokinon Cine DS 100mm T3.1 ED UMC Full Frame Telephoto Macro Cine
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 100mm focal length and T3.1 maximum aperture provide a classic macro perspective for Micro Four Thirds cameras, with a notably close 1.0 ft minimum focusing distance. The lens is built as part of the Cine DS line, featuring unified gearing and dual focus scales ideal for manual video use. This lens is best for filmmakers and videographers on the Micro Four Thirds platform who need a dedicated, manually-operated macro lens for controlled close-up shooting.