Best Pick

Canon EF 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is STM

83.2 Travel Score
18-55mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its STM motor provides smooth and quiet continuous autofocus for video, while its Optical Image Stabilizer offers up to four stops of shake correction. This compact and lightweight lens is a versatile standard zoom for Canon's APS-C cameras, featuring a useful 0.25m minimum focusing distance across its entire zoom range. It's best for travel photographers and videographers who need a stabilized, all-purpose kit lens for run-and-gun shooting.

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Great Alternatives

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

Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR

82.3 Travel Score
10-20mm f/4.5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a versatile 10-20mm focal range paired with built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilization for handheld shooting. It offers a lightweight and compact design, making it a practical and portable wide-angle option for Nikon DX-format DSLRs. This lens is best for amateur photographers and hobbyists looking for an affordable, stabilized ultra-wide zoom for travel and general landscape photography.

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Panasonic LUMIX G G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH.

78.2 Travel Score
25-50mm f/1.7 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

With its fast f/1.7 maximum aperture and 50mm-equivalent focal length, this lens excels at creating sharp portraits with smooth background blur. Its inclusion of two aspherical elements helps control optical aberrations for strong image quality at a very accessible price point. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers seeking an affordable, lightweight prime for everyday shooting and portraiture.

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Meike 55mm F1.8 Full Frame AF STM Stepping Motor

76.7 Travel Score
55mm f/1.8 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

With a bright f/1.8 aperture and STM autofocus motor, this 55mm prime lens excels at isolating subjects with smooth bokeh, even in low light. Its compact 201g build and optical design with extra-low dispersion elements effectively suppress chromatic aberration and flaring. This lens is best for street photographers and videographers who need a lightweight, fast-focusing portrait lens for Nikon Z mount cameras.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z NIKZ1650-OB

80.9 Travel Score
16-50mm f/3.5 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its built-in VR stabilization provides up to 4.5 stops of shake correction, a key feature for handheld shooting. It's the smallest DX-format interchangeable lens, offering exceptional portability for its zoom range. This lens is best for budget-conscious travelers who need a lightweight, versatile kit lens for everyday photography.

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

75.6 Travel 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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Fujifilm XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ

75.2 Travel Score
15-45mm f/3.5 Fujifilm X
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a compact 135g design paired with a versatile 15-45mm power zoom, which provides smooth and quiet operation ideal for video work. The lens offers optical image stabilization for sharper handheld shots, though its variable f/3.5-5.6 aperture limits low-light performance. This lens is best for travel and casual videographers using Fujifilm X-mount cameras who prioritize a lightweight, all-in-one zoom for everyday shooting.

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Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 Telephoto Zoom

73 Travel Score
55-210mm f/4.5 Sony E-Mount IS
Why we recommend this

Its Optical Steady Shot stabilization and internal focusing make it a quiet, stable choice for handheld video capture, especially in its 82-315mm equivalent range. The lens is also relatively lightweight at 346g, enhancing its portability for a telephoto zoom. This lens is best for APS-C camera users who need a budget-friendly, stabilized zoom for casual wildlife photography or capturing distant action in good light.

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Viltrox Air AF 9mm f/2.8

72.8 Travel Score
9mm f/2.8 Sony E, Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its ultra-wide 9mm f/2.8 aperture and 113.8° field of view are ideal for expansive landscapes and dynamic vlogging. The lens is exceptionally portable at 176g and features a close 0.13m minimum focus distance for detailed near-macro shots. This lens is best for travel vloggers and landscape photographers who need a lightweight, wide-angle option for capturing immersive scenes and creative close-ups.

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Viltrox AF 85mm F2 EVO FE

72.3 Travel 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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Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO G Vario 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ASPH. Mega O.I.S.

70.5 Travel Score
45-150mm f/4 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its Panasonic Mega O.I.S. stabilization and near-silent STM focusing make it a strong choice for handheld video work. The lightweight 318g build and versatile 90-300mm equivalent zoom range offer great portability for travel. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds videographers and travel photographers needing a compact, stabilized telephoto.

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Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8S

70.1 Travel 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 Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN

70 Travel Score
56mm f/1.4 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and 89.6mm full-frame equivalent focal length deliver excellent subject isolation for portraits. The compact 289g build and responsive stepping motor autofocus make it highly portable for street photography. This lens is best for Canon RF APS-C shooters prioritizing lightweight portrait and candid work over weather sealing or extreme close-ups.

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