Best Lenses under $500 for everyday use

Best Pick

Sigma Art 30mm F1.4 DC HSM

76.8 Score
30mm f/1.4 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for creative control. As a prime lens, it offers superior sharpness and image quality compared to most kit zoom lenses at this focal length. This lens is best for Canon APS-C shooters prioritizing portrait photography and cinematic-looking video bokeh.

Read Full Review
Price $439
Sigma Art 30mm F1.4 DC HSM lens

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma 883101 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS Hyper Sonic Motor

61.6 Score
18-250mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its 18-250mm focal range provides a versatile 27-375mm equivalent on APS-C cameras, making it a true all-in-one travel lens. The inclusion of optical stabilization, offering up to 4 stops of correction, is a significant advantage for handheld shooting at longer focal lengths. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers who want a single, lightweight lens for travel and general-purpose photography on their APS-C DSLR.

Read Full Review

Sigma Contemporary 30mm f/1.4 DC DN

42.8 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.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under $1,000 for everyday use

Best Pick

Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM

88.2 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.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma Contemporary 16mm F/1.4 DC DN

77.8 Score
16mm f/1.4 Canon EF-M
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a wide-angle lens. Designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras, it offers a versatile 24mm equivalent focal length in a compact form. This lens is best for portrait photographers and content creators who need a bright, wide prime for environmental shots and indoor work.

Read Full Review

Sigma 258101 105 mm f/2.8 Macro

69.5 Score
105mm f/2 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 1:1 macro capability at a 12.3-inch working distance makes it a dedicated tool for extreme close-up photography, supported by a bright f/2.8 aperture. The lens includes essential accessories like a hood and caps, adding value for photographers building their kit. This 105mm prime is best for Canon DSLR shooters specializing in detailed macro work, such as photographing insects or product details, where its magnification is critical.

Read Full Review
Sigma 258101 105 mm f/2.8 Macro lens
Price $654

Best Lenses under $1,500 for everyday use

Best Pick

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

81.9 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.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

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

63.4 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.

Read Full Review

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

43.8 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 everyday use

Best Pick

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

74.9 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.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

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

40.6 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.

Read Full Review

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

30.1 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.

Read Full Review

Sigma Art 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM

18.4 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.

Premium Lenses for everyday use

Best Pick

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

55.4 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.

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