Best Lenses Under £400 in 2026

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Budget:
Any price Under £400 Under £800 Under £1,000 Under £2,000 Premium
Brand:
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Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 APS-C

62.7 Score
24mmf/1.7Nikon ZWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The bright f/1.7 maximum aperture and 24mm focal length (36mm full-frame equivalent) make this lens a standout for low-light shooting and creating distinct subject separation from backgrounds. Its compact, 136g build combined with weather sealing offers exceptional portability and durability that belies its affordable positioning. This lens is best for APS-C Z-mount photographers wanting a lightweight, everyday walk-around prime for street scenes and environmental portraits.

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Price £191
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Great Alternatives

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

Meike 35mm f/1.8 Pro AF

62.3 Score
35mmf/1.8Nikon Z
Why we recommend this ▼

The Meike 35mm F1.8 AF STM uses a 10-group, 12-element optical design with 3 ED and 2 aspherical lenses to deliver 8K-class sharpness and controlled chromatic aberration. Its STM stepping motor and NanoDrive system enable near-silent autofocus, while the adjustable aperture ring simplifies video depth-of-field changes. This lens suits portrait and street photographers using L-mount bodies like the Panasonic S5 II who want a lightweight, fast-aperture prime with smooth bokeh.

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Price £346
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Yongnuo YN 85mm f/1.8 DF DSM

51.2 Score
85mmf/1.8Nikon ZWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 346g, this 85mm f/1.8 lens combines weather sealing, a quiet DSM stepping motor, and one ED element for sharp, contrasty results on Nikon Z. It also offers a control ring, dual customizable Fn buttons, and USB firmware updates—unusual extras for a budget 85mm. Best for Nikon Z video shooters who need a lightweight, silent-focusing 85mm prime for gimbal work and close-up interview shots.

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Price £316
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Viltrox AF Z 24mm f/1.8

48.4 Score
24mmf/1.8Nikon Z
Why we recommend this ▼

The Viltrox 24mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z mount pairs a bright f/1.8 aperture with a full-frame field of view, delivering strong subject separation for its class. Its 610g all-metal construction provides a solid, tactile feel that belies its budget positioning. This lens is best for Z-mount photographers wanting an affordable, fast wide-angle prime for environmental portraits and low-light scenes.

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Price £400
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SG-image AF 35mm f/2.2

41.3 Score
35mmf/2.2Nikon ZIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Its f/2.2 aperture and built-in stabilization on a full-frame Sony E-mount offer a rare combination for low-light shooting in such a compact, all-metal body. The classic 35mm focal length and premium build quality deliver a tactile, durable experience at an aggressive price point. This lens is best for street and documentary photographers who prioritize a lightweight, agile setup with natural perspective and background separation.

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Price £147
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