Best Lenses under $500 for professional use

Best Pick

Sigma Art 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM

73.9 Professional Score
24mm f/1.4 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and robust HSM autofocus system enable excellent low-light performance and sharpness. The lens's 24mm wide-angle focal length is particularly well-suited for environmental portraits and cinematic video work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who need a fast, wide prime for creative shallow depth-of-field shots.

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Price $49
Sigma Art 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM lens

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Sigma Contemporary 30mm f/1.4 DC DN

55.6 Professional Score
30mm f/1.4 Canon EF-M
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a compact prime lens. This lens is particularly well-suited for Canon EF-M mount users seeking a fast, affordable normal focal length. It is an ideal choice for APS-C shooters creating portraits or vlog-style video content where subject isolation is key.

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Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC

51.2 Professional Score
18-200mm f/3.5 Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA IS
Why we recommend this

Its 18-200mm focal range provides a versatile 11.1x zoom, making it a true all-in-one lens for APS-C cameras. The inclusion of image stabilization with auto panning detection helps compensate for its variable f/3.5-6.3 maximum aperture in lower light. This lens is best for budget-conscious travelers who want a single, lightweight lens to cover everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects.

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Best Lenses under $1,000 for professional use

Best Pick

Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM

94.9 Professional Score
18-35mm f/1.8 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/1.8 aperture across the 18-35mm zoom range provides exceptional low-light performance and background blur for a zoom lens. The robust Art-series build quality and sharp optics make it a reliable tool for demanding shoots. This lens is best for Canon DSLR photographers and videographers who need a versatile, fast prime-like zoom for portraits, events, or cinematic work.

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Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN

81.6 Professional Score
56mm f/1.4 Canon EF-M Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and 56mm focal length provide excellent subject isolation and a classic portrait perspective on Canon EF-M cameras. The lens is remarkably compact and lightweight at 281g, making it easy to carry for extended shooting sessions. This lens is best for portrait photographers and street shooters using APS-C mirrorless bodies who prioritize a fast, sharp prime with a natural field of view.

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Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM

51 Professional Score
30mm f/1.4 Canon EF-S
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 aperture and use of low-dispersion and aspherical glass elements deliver sharp images with pleasing bokeh and reduced aberrations. The 30mm focal length on an APS-C sensor provides a versatile 50.7-degree angle of view, making it more than just a portrait lens. This lens is best for Canon APS-C shooters seeking a bright, normal prime for environmental portraits and close-up detail work.

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Best Lenses under $1,500 for professional use

Best Pick

Sigma Art 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM

73.9 Professional Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and robust build quality, featuring three SLD and four aspherical elements, deliver sharp, aberration-free images. The inclusion of optical stabilization makes it a versatile choice for handheld shooting in varied lighting. This lens is best for full-frame Canon photographers who need a reliable, high-performance standard zoom for professional portraits and event work.

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Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM

49.4 Professional Score
17-70mm f/2.8 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in optical stabilization provide excellent low-light versatility for a standard zoom lens. The standout macro capability, with a focusing distance of just 8.7 inches, adds significant creative flexibility beyond typical walk-around use. This lens is best for APS-C camera users seeking a sharp, all-purpose zoom for travel and close-up photography without a dedicated macro lens.

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Sigma Sports 150-600mm 5-6.3 DG OS HSM

28.6 Professional Score
150-600mm Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 150-600mm super-telephoto zoom range and built-in optical stabilization make it a capable tool for distant subjects. The inclusion of four FLD glass elements helps control chromatic aberration for improved image clarity. This lens is best for wildlife or sports photographers on a budget who need significant reach without the cost of first-party options.

Best Lenses under $2,500 for professional use

Best Pick

Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM

70.9 Professional Score
200mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and robust optical formula with nine FLD elements deliver sharp, high-contrast images with pleasing bokeh. The lens offers reliable autofocus and stabilization for a significant price advantage over first-party equivalents. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who need a versatile telephoto zoom with professional-grade optics on a budget.

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Sigma Contemporary ZB954 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG HSM

36.2 Professional Score
150-600mm f/5 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its 150-600mm super-telephoto zoom range paired with optical stabilization, offering extensive reach for a budget-conscious price. The lens provides solid autofocus performance, making it a practical choice for capturing distant subjects without a premium cost. This lens is best for wildlife photographers or sports enthusiasts on a tight budget who need a versatile, long-reaching zoom.

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Sigma Art 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM

26.4 Professional Score
14mm f/1.8 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its exceptionally fast f/1.8 maximum aperture at 14mm makes it a standout for ultra-wide-angle astrophotography and low-light architectural interiors. The robust Art-series construction ensures optical consistency, though its 2.4kg weight is substantial. This lens is best for Canon EF-mount photographers specializing in night sky photography or interior real estate work where extreme wide-angle and fast apertures are critical.

Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 Auto Focus APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom

22.7 Professional Score
150-500mm f/5 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its 150-500mm focal range and constant f/5 aperture offer substantial telephoto reach for a budget-conscious price point. The included tripod collar and case are practical additions for a lens of this size and weight. This lens is best for photographers on a tight budget who need extreme focal lengths for distant subjects like wildlife or sports.

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Premium Lenses for professional use

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM

69.1 Professional Score
150-600mm f/5 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its 150-600mm zoom range and built-in optical stabilization, offering significant reach in a relatively lightweight and compact body. Its water and oil repellent coating on the front element makes for easier maintenance in the field. It is best for wildlife photographers and outdoor sports shooters who need a portable super-telephoto option.

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Price $2,800
Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens