Brightin Star AF 11mm f/2.8 II 50mm

It's a $70 ultrawide macro lens that somehow delivers sharp, distortion-free images and 2:1 close-ups. If you can live without autofocus, this is the best budget fun lens we've tested.

We were floored by the macro capabilities. This thing can do 2:1 reproduction, meaning tiny subjects fill the frame in ways most wide-angle lenses can't touch. Add in nearly zero distortion and surprisingly sharp optics with good stabilization, and you've got a manual focus lens that's a joy to use for creative photography. The fixed f/5.6 aperture is slow, but for landscapes and close-ups it's rarely a problem. The 5-blade diaphragm creates fun 10-point sunstars, though bokeh is nothing special. The manual focus ring is smooth, but the build feels a bit plasticky—not surprising at this price.

There's no direct competitor in Canon RF mount at this price point—Laowa's 9mm f/5.6 is similar but costs over $500 and lacks stabilization. The Viltrox Air 15mm f/1.7 is a faster, autofocus wide-angle for E-mount, but not as wide or macro-capable. For Canon shooters, if you need autofocus and more versatility, the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is a better everyday wide prime. But if you crave an insanely wide, distortion-free view with macro powers, the Brightin Star stands alone.

At $70 from Amazon, this lens is an absolute no-brainer if you shoot Canon RF and want to experiment with ultrawide or macro. The price jumps wildly at other retailers—some list it at $500, which is a rip-off. Skip those and grab it from the right place. Even if you only use it occasionally, the image quality per dollar is off the charts.

This is a weird and wonderful lens. For under $70 if you buy from the right place, you get a full-frame 132° field of view with zero fisheye distortion, plus a close-focus capability that lets you practically touch the subject. It's a manual focus, fixed-aperture oddball that punches way above its weight in optical quality and macro performance. But don't expect autofocus, weather sealing, or anything resembling premium build—this is a budget lens through and through.

If you need a general-purpose wide-angle with autofocus, this isn't it. Grab the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 instead—faster, smaller, and way more versatile. This lens is for photographers who know they want a manual focus, ultra-wide macro tool and won't mind its quirks.

The Brightin Star 9mm F5.6 is a specialty lens that delivers remarkable optical performance for pennies. It's not for everyone—manual focus, slow aperture, and a budget build will turn off casual shooters. But for landscape, architecture, and creative macro on a Canon RF body, it's a steal at $70. Buy it from the right vendor, and you won't regret it.