Best Lenses under £400 for everyday use

Best Pick
16-50mmf/3.5-5.6Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The power zoom mechanism delivers smooth, silent operation ideal for video, while the retractable design and 107g weight make it exceptionally portable. Optical SteadyShot stabilization provides 4 stops of shake reduction, and the ED glass with aspherical elements controls aberrations in a compact package. This lens is best for travel photographers and vloggers who need a lightweight, stabilized standard zoom for Sony APS-C E-mount cameras.

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Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

57.9 Score
50mmf/1.8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Delivering a 75mm equivalent portrait perspective on APS-C bodies, this compact 202g lens pairs a bright f/1.8 aperture with built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization for 4 stops of shake reduction. Its lightweight build and smooth, quiet autofocus make it a discreet and affordable option for everyday shooting. This lens is best for travel and portrait photographers using Sony E-mount crop-sensor cameras who want sharp, stabilized images in a highly portable package.

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Best Lenses under £800 for everyday use

Best Pick
24-105mmf/4Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/4 aperture across a 24-105mm range, combined with 4 aspherical and 3 ED elements, delivers consistent exposure and sharpness for a true one-lens solution. The 663g build integrates Optical SteadyShot stabilization and full weather sealing, making it a durable, handheld-friendly option for unpredictable conditions. This lens is best for landscape and travel photographers who need a single, reliable zoom covering wide vistas to short telephoto details without swapping glass.

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Great Alternatives

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10-20mmf/4Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 178g with a constant f/4 aperture, this is the world's smallest and lightest APS-C ultra-wide power zoom, delivering exceptional mobility without sacrificing image quality. Its internal zoom and focus design maintains a stable center of gravity, while the power zoom mechanism enables smooth, variable-speed zooms with minimal camera vibration for solo shooters. This lens is best for vloggers and hybrid shooters using gimbals who need reliable autofocus and suppressed focus breathing for 4K video.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for everyday use

Best Pick
70-300mmf/4.5-5.6Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 70-300mm zoom range with a linear autofocus motor and Optical SteadyShot stabilization makes this lens a solid choice for handheld telephoto work. Its 854g weight and weather-sealed build keep it portable and durable for outdoor shooting, while the Nano AR Coating controls flare. Best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a versatile, full-frame E-mount zoom without prime-lens bulk.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for everyday use

Best Pick
28-135mmf/4Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A servo-powered zoom mechanism and constant f/4 aperture across the 28-135mm range make this a standout for controlled video environments. Optical SteadyShot stabilization and a Nano AR Coating ensure sharp, consistent footage, while the full-frame E-mount compatibility offers wide creative latitude. This lens is best for documentary filmmakers and event videographers who need a single, reliable parfocal zoom for run-and-gun shooting.

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Premium Lenses for everyday use

Best Pick
12-24mmf/4Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Combining a versatile 12-24mm focal range with a constant f/4 aperture, this lens delivers sharp results through 4 aspherical and 4 ED glass elements in a compact 565g body. Its dust and moisture-resistant build and Nano AR Coating ensure reliable performance with dramatically reduced flare, even in challenging light. This is best for landscape and architecture photographers who need an ultra-wide, rectilinear zoom that remains portable for extensive field work.

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