Best Budget Lenses Under £400 in 2026
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR 40mm
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Sigma Art 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM
Why we recommend this ▼
The constant f/4 aperture across a 24-105mm range, paired with a complex 19-element optical design using FLD and SLD glass, delivers sharp, aberration-free images for high-resolution Nikon F bodies. Its Hyper Sonic Motor and Optical Stabilizer provide fast, quiet autofocus and effective shake compensation, while the bundled filter kit adds immediate shooting value. This lens is best for landscape and travel photographers needing a single, durable full-frame zoom that balances optical performance with everyday versatility.
BENOISON 420-Nikon--F 420-800mm
Why we recommend this ▼
The 420-800mm zoom range on a full-frame F-mount body provides extreme reach for distant subjects, though the manual focus and variable f/8.3-16 aperture demand careful technique and ample light. Its lightweight 717g build and direct F-mount compatibility eliminate the need for adapters, making it a portable option for Nikon DSLR users. This lens is best for hobbyist wildlife observers and moon photographers on a strict budget who are comfortable working entirely in manual mode.
Samyang AF MF 85mm f/1.4 WS Mk2 85mm
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.
Rokinon 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS 10mm
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 10mm f/2.8 focal length combined with Nano Crystal Coating, ED and two aspherical elements delivers 110-degree edge-to-edge coverage on APS-C Nikon bodies, aided by an AE chip for auto metering. The manual-focus lens includes built-in stabilization and an inner focusing system that maintains a constant length while enabling a 9.5-inch close-focus distance for near-macro shots. This lens is best for architectural and landscape photographers who need dramatic ultra-wide perspectives, as well as journalists working in confined spaces.
Nikon 2042 36mm
Why we recommend this ▼
This set transforms existing Nikon F-mount lenses for close-up work by adding 12mm, 20mm, and 36mm extension tubes between the body and lens. The hollow design maintains full electronic coupling for autofocus and auto-exposure, a key differentiator from cheaper manual-only tubes. It is best for Nikon DSLR shooters wanting to experiment with macro photography without investing in a dedicated macro lens.
