Best Lenses under €500 for everyday use

Best Pick

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II 18-55mm

84.7 Score
18-55mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its 4-stop optical stabilization and 204g weight make this an exceptionally portable kit lens for Canon APS-C DSLRs. The lens provides a practical 18–55mm focal range with a close 250mm minimum focus distance, delivering sharp, stabilized images at a budget-friendly price point. It's best for beginner photographers seeking a compact, all-purpose zoom for travel and everyday shooting.

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Great Alternatives

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

Rokinon AS IF UMC 85mm f/1.4 85mm

68.6 Score
85mm f/1.4 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 aperture and a hybrid aspherical element deliver sharp 85mm portraits with shallow depth of field, while the manual focus design keeps weight to 510g. Weather sealing and an 8-blade rounded diaphragm add durability and smooth bokeh at a budget-friendly price. This lens is best for portrait photographers on Pentax K full-frame cameras seeking precise manual focus control and classic rendering.

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Serounder 37mm 0.39X Professional HD Wide Angle 5-50mm

62.5 Score
5-50mm Canon EF
Why we recommend this

The 0.39x magnification and HD coating provide close-up detail within a 100mm minimum focus distance, while the wide-angle element extends spatial depth in a 213g package. Its bundled phone clip and macro lens add versatility across DSLRs, camcorders, and mobile devices, aided by a common 72mm filter thread. This lens is best for casual videographers and vloggers seeking an affordable, lightweight wide-angle option for product close-ups and establishing shots.

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TTArtisan 11mm f/2.8 11mm

59.6 Score
11mm f/2.8 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

The 180-degree field of view and bright f/2.8 aperture give full-frame shooters a distinct fishbowl distortion and low-light capability in a compact, all-metal body. Its manual focus design and close 17cm minimum focus distance enable dramatic wide-angle perspectives at an affordable price point compared to first-party options. This lens is best for full-frame Canon photographers experimenting with stylized landscapes and creative close-ups who do not require autofocus.

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BROLEO 58mm 0.25x Fisheye 58mm

56.9 Score
58mm Canon EOS
Why we recommend this

Its 0.25x fisheye converter threads onto any 58mm filter lens, using low-dispersion optical glass and a protective coating for sharp, high-definition images with minimal aberrations. The aluminum-alloy body weighs just 327g, making it portable and durable, while the removable macro insert adds close-up capability without a separate lens. This accessory is best for hobbyist DSLR shooters with 58mm-thread lenses who want an inexpensive way to experiment with fisheye distortion and macro framing on a single body.

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Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 50mm

53.5 Score
50mm 22 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

A bright f/1.8 maximum aperture combined with a near-silent STM autofocus motor makes this 50mm prime lens deliver smooth, quiet focusing for stills and video in a lightweight 159g body. The Super Spectra coating reduces flare and ghosting, while a 0.35m minimum focus distance and 0.21x magnification allow close-up shots uncommon at this price point. It's best for portrait photographers and street shooters needing an affordable, compact lens with strong low-light performance on Canon full-frame DSLRs.

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Meike MK-35mm F0.95 35mm

51.8 Score
35mm 16 Canon EF-M
Why we recommend this

The f/0.95 aperture combined with a 13-blade diaphragm creates extremely shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh for APS-C Sony E-mount cameras. At just 448g with a 67mm filter thread, it’s a compact, all-manual lens that forces deliberate focus control often missing from modern systems. This lens is best for low-light street and portrait photographers who prioritize creative bokeh over autofocus convenience.

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Brightin Star 7.5mm F2.8 III Ultra Wide Angle Fisheye

50.3 Score
f/2.8 for Canon EF-M IS
Why we recommend this

Its extraordinary 190-degree field of view and bright f/2.8 aperture capture expansive skies and tight interiors with minimal light falloff, aided by an 11-element, 9-group optical design that includes low-dispersion glass. The lens weighs just 260g and uses a 5-blade aperture to produce 10-point star effects, making it a compact, creative tool for dramatic wide-angle shots. This manual-focus fisheye is best for astrophotographers and architecture shooters on Canon EF-M mount who prioritize a distinct, sweeping perspective over autofocus convenience.

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Canon High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Zoom 420-1600mm

45.6 Score
420-1600mm f/8.3 Canon EF, Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Offering a 420-1600mm constant f/8.3 aperture in a 1080g body, this manual-focus EF-mount lens delivers extreme telephoto reach without the heavy, costly build of first-party equivalents. Its budget price and included 2X teleconverter push magnification even further, making super-telephoto lengths accessible at a fraction of typical cost. It suits cost-conscious hobbyists capturing stationary distant subjects like the moon or perched wildlife, provided they use a tripod, manual focus, and ample light.

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Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS 10mm

45.2 Score
10mm 22 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

A bright f/2.8 aperture, 110-degree ultra-wide view, and 9.5-inch close-focusing distance deliver versatile performance for APS-C shooters with this manual-focus 10mm prime. Its inner-focusing design maintains a constant length and non-rotating 77mm front thread, allowing easy use of polarizing filters and the integrated petal hood. Landscape and architectural photographers on APS-C systems will value the fast, rectilinear wide angle and close focusing for dramatic, sharp perspectives.

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Rokinon Series II 85mm f/1.4 85mm

44.6 Score
85mm 22 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The lightweight 57g build and fast f/1.4 aperture make this manual-focus 85mm prime a standout for low-light portraiture, with an AE chip enabling auto-metering on Sony E-mount bodies. Its internal focusing mechanism and multi-layer coating deliver nearly zero chromatic aberration with smooth bokeh, while the compact aluminum and glass construction adds durability. Best for portrait photographers seeking an affordable, sharp prime who are comfortable with manual focus.

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AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 2X Macro 120mm

43 Score
120mm 22 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 120mm focal length paired with 2:1 maximum magnification captures extreme close-ups at a bright f/2.8 aperture on full-frame Nikon Z bodies. The 13-blade diaphragm delivers smooth bokeh, and a weather-sealed build with front screw holes supports external macro lights. Macro shooters who need twice life-size reproduction and deliberate manual focus will find this lens ideally suited.

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Sigma MC-11

41.6 Score
Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

The Sigma MC-11 enables Canon EF lenses to retain autofocus, image stabilization, and EXIF metadata when used on Sony E-mount cameras. Its firmware-updatable design and solid metal build ensure reliable performance with a broad selection of Sigma and Canon optics. This converter is best for portrait shooters adapting EF glass to E-mount and willing to trade macro precision for dependable autofocus at a budget-friendly price point.

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Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS 16mm

38 Score
16mm 22 Canon EF-S
Why we recommend this

With a bright f/2.0 aperture and 13-element optical design featuring aspherical and ED glass, this manual-focus lens delivers sharp, low-distortion 16mm coverage (25.6mm equivalent) on APS-C Canon EF-S bodies. Its compact, rugged build and fully manual focus provide precise tactile control for deliberate outdoor and travel compositions. This lens is best for landscape and astrophotography shooters on APS-C Canon cameras who need a fast wide-angle prime with hands-on focus.

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Tokina SZ SZ 8mm f/2.8 8mm

37.4 Score
8mm 22 Canon EF-M
Why we recommend this

A 180° angle of view and a fast f/2.8 aperture define this 8mm manual-focus fisheye, enabling dramatic ultra-wide perspectives in a compact 280g body. Smooth manual focus and multi-coated optics deliver precise control and quality for close-ups as near as 4 inches, though it lacks weather sealing. This lens fits photographers and vloggers seeking distinctive, distortion-rich shots for social media and creative landscapes, but it struggles with action subjects.

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Rokinon Cine XN14-C 14mm

28.5 Score
14mm 22 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its unified focus and aperture gear positions across the XEEN lineup, combined with a long 200-degree focus throw, make it a practical tool for rig-swapping on set. The durable aluminum body, tripod mount, and X-Coating for controlled flares add professional reliability that specs alone don't convey. This lens is best for video shooters needing an affordable, manual-focus wide-angle prime for full-frame Canon EF systems.

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Best Lenses under €900 for everyday use

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN 56mm

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

The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN delivers exceptional sharpness with its f/1.4 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm, plus weather sealing for durability. At just 73g, it's remarkably portable while scoring 93/100 for portraits and 93.9/100 for street photography. Best for APS-C shooters needing a fast, lightweight portrait lens with reliable autofocus and low-light capability.

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Great Alternatives

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

Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF 28mm

64.9 Score
16-28mm f/2.8 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 15-element optical design prioritize high contrast and rich color gradation, making it particularly suited for landscape and black-and-white work on full-frame DSLRs. The focus ring’s rotation direction matches proprietary Canon and Nikon lenses, while the 939g build features a balanced, slim housing for confident handling. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers using Canon or Nikon full-frame DSLRs who need high contrast and precise control, but not for travel due to its weight.

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Canon EF EF 35mm f/2 IS USM 35mm

62.3 Score
35mm 22 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The bright f/2 maximum aperture and 4-stop optical image stabilization allow sharp handheld shooting in low light, while the ring-type USM delivers fast, accurate autofocus. Its micro-stepping AF drive enables near-silent focus pulls for video, and the compact 335g build makes it easy to carry all day. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers on Canon EF bodies who need a stabilized 35mm prime with refined, quiet focus control.

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Tamron SP B001C700 10-24mm

59.8 Score
10-24mm 22 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Covering a 10-24mm range (16-37mm equivalent) with built-in stabilization, this lens delivers versatile ultra-wide coverage in a lightweight 406g design. Its compact build and 77mm filter thread make it a cost-effective entry into wide-angle photography without sacrificing filter compatibility. Best for APS-C Canon shooters needing an affordable, stabilized lens for landscapes, architecture, and tight interior spaces.

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Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM 22mm

61.6 Score
10-22mm 22-27 Canon EF-S
Why we recommend this

With an ultra-wide 10-22mm zoom (16-35mm equivalent) and a fast, quiet ring-type USM autofocus, this lens weighs just 385g, making it ideal for travel. Its 3 aspherical elements and 1 Super-UD element deliver sharp, detailed images across the frame, though the f/3.5-4.5 aperture limits low-light performance. Best for landscape and travel photographers seeking a compact, high-optics wide-angle zoom for Canon APS-C bodies.

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Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2 85mm

58.3 Score
85mm f/1.4 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

With a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, Ultrasonic Dual Linear USM autofocus, Ultra Multi-Coating, and a 9-blade diaphragm, this lens captures sharp portraits with smooth bokeh. Its lightweight 485g build and weather sealing make it a portable choice for travel and on-location shoots. Ideal for Canon EF full-frame portrait photographers needing fast, shallow depth-of-field work without heavy gear.

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Tokina atx-i 11-20mm f/2.8 CF 20mm

58.3 Score
11-20mm 22 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

With a constant f/2.8 aperture, 11-20mm focal length (17.6-32mm equivalent), and 3 aspherical plus 3 ED elements, it delivers consistent brightness and sharpness in a weather-sealed body. The One-Touch Focus Clutch mechanism enables rapid AF/MF toggling, and the 570g weight makes it portable for outdoor use. It’s best suited for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography photographers needing a rugged ultra-wide zoom on Canon APS-C DSLRs.

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7Artisans Infinte Series 24T2.1 EF B 24mm

51.2 Score
24mm Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Featuring a T2.1 large aperture and full-frame 43.5mm image circle, this 24mm cine lens uses nano multi-layer coatings to suppress flare and ghosting for clean 4K/6K footage. An embedded floating lens structure controls focus breathing, while micron-level assembly and gear shock absorption provide smooth, stable manual focus operation. Best for professional cinematographers shooting documentaries, commercial ads, and narrative scenes where precise focus and cinematic depth of field are critical.

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Rokinon Tilt-Shift TSL24M-C 24mm

35 Score
24mm 22 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

With a 24mm focal length and ±8.5° tilt, ±12mm shift, this full-frame Canon EF lens delivers precise perspective control for architecture and product shots. Its optical design packs two aspherical and two ED elements with UMC coating to cut flare, housed in a portable 680g body. This manual-focus lens best serves architectural and macro photographers who need to correct converging lines and extend depth of field at close range.

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Best Lenses under €1,500 for everyday use

No lenses found Under €1,500 for this category.

Best Lenses under €2,500 for everyday use

Best Pick

Canon L EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM 400mm

62.6 Score
100-400mm f/100 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Integrating one fluorite and one Super UD element with Air Sphere Coating, this lens delivers sharp, high-contrast images with minimal aberrations, supported by a 4-stop Image Stabilizer for handheld clarity. A rotating zoom ring with adjustable torque and comprehensive weather sealing with a fluorine coating set it apart for reliable, precise control in tough conditions. It’s best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a rugged, stabilized telephoto zoom for tracking fast-moving subjects from a distance.

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Premium Lenses for everyday use

No lenses found for this category.