Best Lenses under $500 for best value

Best Pick

Panasonic LUMIX G G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH.

94.9 Budget 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.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm F/3.5-5.6 G Power O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds

90.2 Budget Score
12-60mm f/3.5 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its compact 227g Micro Four Thirds design and splashproof build make it a durable, lightweight travel companion. The 12-60mm range (24-120mm equivalent) provides versatile focal lengths for daily shooting, aided by integrated Power O.I.S. stabilization. This lens is best for travel photographers and videographers needing a reliable, all-weather zoom paired with a compatible Lumix camera body.

Read Full Review
Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm F/3.5-5.6 G Power O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds lens
Price $330

Panasonic Yongnuo YN25mm F1.7M Auto Focus Standard

85.9 Budget Score
25mm f/1.7 Olympus and Panasonic IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.7 aperture and STM motor provide strong low-light performance and quiet autofocus, ideal for video work. The lightweight 198g build makes it a highly portable standard prime for Micro Four Thirds systems. This lens is best for vloggers and street photographers needing a fast, discreet lens for run-and-gun shooting.

Read Full Review

Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8

80.5 Budget Score
50mm f/1.8 L-Mount Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture and focus breathing suppression make it a strong, compact choice for L-mount videographers needing smooth bokeh and reliable performance. The lens is notably lightweight at 301g, enhancing its portability for all-day handheld shooting. This 50mm prime is best for hybrid shooters and portraitists within the L-mount ecosystem who prioritize video functionality and natural background separation.

Read Full Review

Panasonic LUMIX G X Vario G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S.

66.3 Budget Score
175mm f/4 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its 90-350mm equivalent focal range provides a versatile telephoto reach in a compact package, supported by Power Optical Image Stabilization for handheld shooting. The lens incorporates a Nano Surface Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, enhancing contrast in challenging light. This lens is best for photographers needing a lightweight, extended zoom for portraits or distant subjects like wildlife, where its stabilization is a key asset.

Read Full Review
Panasonic LUMIX G X Vario G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. lens
Price $448
Check Price at Amazon
Also available open box & refurbished:

Best Lenses under $1,000 for best value

Best Pick

Panasonic Lumix G Vario G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II Aspherical

90.6 Budget Score
14-140mm f/3.5 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its versatile 14-140mm zoom range and durable, splash-resistant build make it a reliable all-in-one travel option. The inclusion of Power O.I.S. stabilization and quality optics with aspherical and ED elements ensures sharp images even in challenging lighting. This lens is best for travelers and landscape photographers who need a single, compact lens to cover wide-angle to telephoto perspectives.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

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

89 Budget 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.

Read Full Review

Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

83.9 Budget Score
20-60mm f/3.5 L Mount Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a versatile 20-60mm focal range in a compact, 349g body, offering a rugged, dust/splash/freeze-resistant design for harsh conditions. This lens excels in video recording with smooth exposure changes and suppressed focus breathing, making it a strong performer for its class. It is best for hybrid shooters and videographers using L-mount cameras who need a durable, wide-to-standard zoom for field work and close-up shots.

Read Full Review

Panasonic LUMIX G X Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH POWER O.I.S.

82.7 Budget Score
35mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in POWER O.I.S. stabilization make it a versatile, fast wide-angle zoom for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The lens offers a practical 24-70mm full-frame equivalent focal range in a compact, 306g package, balancing performance with portability. It is best for photographers needing a reliable, all-purpose zoom for everyday shooting and stabilized video work.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under $1,500 for best value

Best Pick

Panasonic G LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm / F1.2

80.9 Budget Score
43mm f/1.2 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture excels in low-light portrait situations, allowing for excellent subject isolation. The lens's advanced nano surface coating effectively reduces ghosting and flare for cleaner images. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a fast prime with exceptional rendering and bokeh quality.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0 Professional MFT

78.8 Budget Score
8-18mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

With a constant f/2.8 aperture across its 8-18mm zoom range, this lens delivers consistent performance for wide-angle shooting. Its Micro Four Thirds mount and compact 2.25x zoom design make it a versatile and portable option for travel and landscape photographers. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds users needing a reliable, wide-angle zoom for environmental portraits and travel vlogging.

Read Full Review

Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f/4 O.I.S.

65.5 Budget Score
70-200mm f/4 L-Mount IS
Why we recommend this

With a constant f/4 aperture and built-in optical stabilization, this telephoto zoom excels in low-light and handheld video situations. Its high budget score indicates it delivers strong performance at a notably affordable price point for a pro-grade lens. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers and videographers needing a reliable, stabilized telephoto for portraits or events.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under $2,500 for best value

Best Pick

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH.

95.2 Budget Score
25-50mm f/1.7 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/1.7 aperture across the 25-50mm zoom range provides exceptional low-light capability and background blur for a Micro Four Thirds lens. It meets strict Leica optical standards, ensuring professional-grade sharpness and rendering for photographers and videographers. This lens is best for Panasonic LUMIX shooters prioritizing portrait work and run-and-gun video where a fast, consistent aperture is critical.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm f/5-7.1 O.I.S.

35.9 Budget Score
500mm f/5 L-Mount IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 500mm focal length and f/5 aperture provide a long reach for a full-frame camera, while its Dual I.S. system offers 7 stops of stabilization for handheld shooting. The lens also features a close focus distance of 2.6 feet, enabling detailed near-macro work at a 1:2.8 magnification ratio. This lens is best for wildlife photographers needing a versatile telephoto option and for detail-oriented shooters capturing subjects like insects or small birds.

Read Full Review

Premium Lenses for best value

Best Pick

Panasonic Panasonic Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 Aspherical

29.8 Budget Score
200mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/2.8 aperture and built-in optical image stabilization enable sharp, low-light telephoto shots, supported by a robust, weather-sealed construction. The inclusion of a 1.4x teleconverter extends its reach, while the Leica-branded optics with Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion elements ensure high resolution. This lens is best for professional wildlife and sports photographers using Micro Four Thirds systems who require a durable, long-reach prime.