Best Budget Lenses Under £800 in 2026
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 18-300mm
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS 18-55mm
Why we recommend this ▼
A compact 310g standard zoom with a linear motor for fast autofocus and 4-stop optical stabilization, covering 18-55mm at f/2.8-4. Its three aspherical elements and one ED element deliver good sharpness for the price, though it lacks weather sealing. Best for landscape photographers or budget-conscious users needing a versatile travel zoom, but not for portrait work (scoring just 47.5/100).
Sigma Contemporary 12mm f/1.4 DC 12mm
Why we recommend this ▼
Offering the widest angle of view among f/1.4 APS-C lenses, its 12mm focal length and bright aperture capture expansive scenes with sharp low-light detail. The compact, weather-sealed build and stepping motor provide smooth, quiet autofocus, making it a discreet tool for run-and-gun shooting. This lens is best for vloggers and landscape photographers who need an ultra-wide perspective with strong subject separation in a portable package.
Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 f1.2 75mm
Why we recommend this ▼
Its f/1.2 maximum aperture combined with a 75mm focal length (112mm equivalent on APS-C) provides strong subject isolation and low-light capability for portrait photography. Weather-sealed construction and a 13mm close focusing distance enable reliable outdoor use and adept macro performance, scoring 70.1 in that category. This lens best serves Fujifilm X-mount portrait photographers who also need sharp close-up versatility in a single, heavy-duty 1256g prime.
Tamron Di III-A 17-70mm f/2.8 VC RXD 17-70mm
Why we recommend this ▼
A constant f/2.8 aperture across its 17-70mm zoom range and built-in Vibration Compensation set this lens apart for APS-C shooters. Its moisture-resistant construction and fluorine coating add practical durability for outdoor use, while the RXD stepping motor delivers fast, near-silent autofocus. This is the ideal everyday zoom for travel and hybrid shooters who need reliable stabilization and weather sealing in a single, versatile package.
Viltrox AF 56/1.2 XF 56mm
Why we recommend this ▼
The f/1.2 aperture and HyperVCM autofocus deliver quiet, precise subject tracking for isolating subjects with smooth bokeh at the 85mm-equivalent portrait focal length. Its optical design of 8 groups and 13 elements with ED, UA, and HR glass ensures high sharpness and contrast, housed in a sturdy magnesium-aluminum alloy body. This lens suits Fujifilm X-mount portrait photographers who need a bright, fast-focusing prime for natural perspective and reliable performance in variable conditions.
Rokinon AF 75mm f/1.8 FE 75mm
SLR Magic MicroPrime CINE 25mm T1.5 Ultra Wide Angle Full Frame 25mm
