Best Pick

Pentax HD -FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited

75.1 Street Score
77mm f/1.8 Pentax K
Why we recommend this

Its 77mm focal length and fast f/1.8 aperture are ideal for creating sharp subject separation and a classic portrait look. The lens is distinguished by its compact 269g metal build and high-grade HD coating for reduced flare. This lens is best for Pentax photographers seeking a lightweight, character-rich prime for portraiture and street photography.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8M

73.8 Street Score
50mm f/2.8 Fujifilm X
Why we recommend this

Its 50mm focal length and floating elements design deliver consistent sharpness and minimal aberration throughout its entire focusing range. The lens also features a robust autofocus system and Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating for high-contrast, vivid images. It is best for photographers seeking a versatile prime lens for travel and general use, rather than dedicated macro work.

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Sony SEL24F18Z Compact ILC Lenses Carl Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 Wide-Angle

72 Street Score
24mm f/1.8 Sony (E mount for NEX)
Why we recommend this

Its Carl Zeiss Sonnar optics and large f/1.8 aperture deliver exceptional sharpness and beautiful background blur, even in low light. The compact 224g design and smooth, quiet autofocus make it highly portable and ideal for video work. This lens is best for street photographers and videographers using Sony APS-C cameras who prioritize optical quality and discreet handling in a lightweight package.

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Panasonic 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit Power OIS

71 Street Score
12-60mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

With a constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in stabilization, it delivers reliable performance in a compact Micro Four Thirds zoom lens. Its versatile 12-60mm focal range and strong video score make it a practical all-rounder for travel and run-and-gun filmmaking. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters who need a lightweight, stabilized zoom for everyday photography and handheld video work.

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Tamron SP SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD

68.5 Street Score
35mm f/1.4 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and inclusion of four LD and three aspherical elements deliver exceptional sharpness and bokeh, making it a standout for its optical performance. The lens is built with a robust construction and features Tamron's USD motor for fast, quiet autofocus, though it lacks weather sealing. This prime is best for portrait photographers and Nikon shooters prioritizing optical quality over portability in a standard focal length.

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Rokinon AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II

68.2 Street Score
50mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 aperture and 420g weight offer excellent low-light performance in a portable package for Sony full-frame cameras. The lens stands out with a customizable control ring and a hybrid autofocus system that allows for manual override. It is best for portrait photographers and street shooters who prioritize a bright aperture and tactile control in a compact lens.

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

67.6 Street Score
85mm f/1.4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture enables exceptional subject isolation and low-light performance for portraiture. The lens features Nano Crystal and Super Integrated coatings to effectively suppress flare and ghosting. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking classic compression and a very shallow depth of field.

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Sony G Master SEL85F14GM FE 85 mm f/1.4

66.7 Street Score
85mm f/1.4 Sony Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and XA element deliver exceptional sharpness and smooth bokeh for professional portraits. The linear SSM focus system provides fast, quiet, and precise autofocus, making it suitable for both stills and video work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize ultimate subject isolation and rendering quality on full-frame Sony cameras.

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Sigma Contemporary 90mm f/2.8 DG

65 Street Score
90mm f/2.8 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its 90mm f/2.8 design and compact 295g build make it a uniquely portable full-frame prime lens. The fast internal focus system ensures quiet and responsive autofocus for discreet shooting. This lens is best for street photographers seeking a lightweight telephoto option and portrait shooters who value a compact kit.

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Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2.0 Series

64.4 Street 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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Laowa Zero-D 6mm f/2

63 Street Score
6mm f/2 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its 6mm focal length and f/2 aperture provide an exceptionally wide 121.9-degree field of view with strong low-light performance in a remarkably compact 187g package. The Zero-D design ensures minimal distortion for true-to-life architectural and landscape shots, while its 9cm minimum focus distance enables creative close-ups. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters and FPV drone pilots who need an ultra-wide, lightweight prime for dynamic environmental and adventure photography.

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Viltrox LAB AF 35mm f/1.2 Z

63 Street Score
35mm f/1.2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture offers exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for a full-frame lens. The quiet VCM focusing motor and an integrated LCD screen for settings are practical features for on-location work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize a bright, fast aperture and manual control in a native Z-mount design.

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Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2

50.8 Street Score
85mm f/1.2 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture enables exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for professional-looking portraits. The lens construction, featuring one aspherical and two high-refractive-index elements, is designed to control optical aberrations and deliver sharp images. This is an ideal choice for portrait photographers seeking the classic 85mm focal length with an extremely fast aperture for studio or controlled outdoor work.

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