Top 10 Affordable Lenses Every Photographer Should Consider
Every photographer knows that the secret to capturing stunning images lies not only in the camera body but also in the lenses used. Finding the ideal lens for your photography requirements can be difficult, given the vast number of lenses currently available in the market.
However, photography can be an expensive hobby and even more expensive as a profession, but investing in quality lenses doesn't have to break the bank. By choosing from our list, you can expand your photographic capabilities without emptying your wallet. Once you've ordered your lens, you can sit back and relax with some online games to pass the time between ordering and delivery!
We want to help you out, so we're sharing our top 10 affordable lenses that every photographer should consider adding to their collection. The list was created to offer a wide range of different cameras we can while keeping regard for quality as a key factor as well as making it wallet-friendly.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Affectionately known as the "nifty fifty," the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a must-have lens for any photographer. Its large f/1.8 aperture allows for exceptional low-light performance and beautiful background blur, making it ideal for portraits, street photography, and more. With a price tag under $150, it's an incredible value for the quality it offers.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
For Nikon users, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is a versatile and affordable prime lens. With a 35mm focal length, it's perfect for everyday shooting, including landscapes, portraits, and street photography. The f/1.8 aperture ensures excellent low-light performance and smooth bokeh. Priced around $200, it's a great investment for Nikon photographers.
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
This versatile zoom lens from Sigma offers a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout its focal range, making it ideal for various photography styles, from landscapes to portraits. The Optical Stabilization (OS) feature helps reduce camera shake, ensuring sharper images. At around $300, it's an affordable alternative to pricier f/2.8 zoom lenses.
Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS
Sony mirrorless camera users should consider the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS lens for its affordability and performance. With a fast f/1.8 aperture and Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization, this lens is perfect for low-light situations and portraits with smooth background blur. Priced at under $300, it's a fantastic addition to your Sony E-mount collection.
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
For those looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD is a fantastic choice. With a versatile focal range and constant f/2.8 aperture, this lens is ideal for everything from landscapes to events. At around $800, it's significantly cheaper than its Sony counterpart.
Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS
The Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS is a budget-friendly ultra-wide-angle lens available for various mounts, including Canon, Fujifilm, Micro Four Thirds, and Sony. With its wide field of view and fast f/2.0 aperture, it's perfect for astrophotography, landscapes, and architecture. Priced at around $300, it's a steal for wide-angle enthusiasts.
Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8
Micro Four Thirds users will love the Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8 lens for its compact size, lightweight, and excellent image quality. With a fast f/1.8 aperture, it's ideal for portraits and low-light photography. Priced at around $400, it's an affordable and essential addition to your Micro Four Thirds kit.
Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR
For Fujifilm X-series users, the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR is a compact, affordable, and high-quality prime lens. With its 35mm equivalent focal length and f/2 aperture, it's perfect for various photography styles, including street, portraits, and low-light situations. Its weather-resistant construction adds to its appeal, and at a price of around $400, it's a great value for Fujifilm photographers.
Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH
Panasonic Lumix G users will appreciate the 25mm f/1.7 ASPH lens for its affordability and performance. With an equivalent 50mm focal length on a Micro Four Thirds system, this lens is suitable for everyday photography and low-light situations thanks to its f/1.7 aperture. Priced at under $150, it's a budget-friendly option for Panasonic shooters.
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II
The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II is an affordable ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for APS-C cameras. With its constant f/2.8 aperture and sharp image quality, it's perfect for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography. Available for Canon and Nikon mounts, this lens is priced at around $400, making it a budget-friendly choice for wide-angle enthusiasts.
We hope our list helped you find out some solutions for your photographic needs or have a clearer vision of what you can make out of your budget. These lenses can help you out in pursuit of capturing moments.