Buying a lens is a challenging decision. One has to factor in the performance, built quality, weight, and size. When all that is done, it boils down to one thing: price point. The latter is a challenge for many, especially when running on a tight budget. We know how it feels, so we have made a cohesive list to help you to choose from. The options are varying, and it can truly help beginners get better prime lenses under $500.
Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary: It Works!
The Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary is a perfect lens for Sony APS-C camera users. It features nine rounded diaphragms, a minimum focusing distance of 9.8 in, and a maximum magnification of 1: 9.9. It has a fast aperture, great weather sealing, really fast autofocus, great bokeh, and really sharp image quality. We did not find any drawbacks for this lens, so you must get this while you can.
Sigma 19mm f2.8 DN: An Oldie but Goodie
The Sigma 19mm f2.8 DN is a perfect choice for Micro Four Thirds users. The lens has a 7.9-inch minimum focusing distance, a 1:7.4 maximum reproduction ratio, and a seven-bladed diaphragm. The lens offers good image quality and build, but autofocus is slightly slower. However, if you have an MFT camera and are on a tight budget, then this is one the better prime lenses under $500 out there.
Fujifilm 23mm f2 R WR: One of the Best Prime Lenses Under $500
The Fujifilm 23mm f2 is a weather-sealed lens featuring nine rounded diaphragms, a close focusing range of 22cm, a maximum magnification of 0.13x, and weighs 80g. The lens has several great features, which include good image quality, fast autofocus, great color rendition, compactness, and a smooth aperture ring. The images are sharp, too, and also have a nice bokeh. This is one of the prime lenses under $500 that can be used for various genres, from street to environmental portraits.
Olympus 25mm f1.8: A Classic
The Olympus 25mm f1.8 is an MFT lens with a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches, a maximum magnification of 0.12x, seven aperture blades, and a weight of 136 g. The lens has great sharpness, fast autofocus performance in different lighting conditions, and smooth bokeh. Overall, it is a perfect lens for your needs.
Sony 28mm F2: A Small Wonder
Designed for street and architecture photographers, the Sony 28mm f2 comes with nine aperture blades, no image stabilization, weather sealing, and weighs 199 grams. Some of its pros include excellent sharpness at any aperture and a bokeh that is pleasing, lightweight, and compact size. This is one of the prime lenses under $500 that can become a go-to optics for your photography.
Viltrox 35mm F1.8: For Street Photographers
The Viltrox 35mm f1.8 is perfect for Nikon Z mount street photographers. The lens just weighs 370g, has nine aperture blades, a bright aperture, and a close focusing distance of 0.4m. The image quality is similar to Nikon 35mm F1.8S, the build is better, snappy autofocus, and the sharpness is really good. There is also an aperture ring for those who want to use it and a USBC port for firmware upgrades.
Tamron 35mm F2.8 Di III OSD: An Amazing Lens
The Tamron 35mm F2.8 Di III OSD is designed for Sony full frame mirrorless cameras. The optics has a close focusing range of 5.9 in (15 cm) and a reproduction ratio of 1:2. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy for one to carry around. In addition, it has great weather sealing, excellent image quality and razor sharp image quality. The creamy bokeh will make it a great option for your varying needs.
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 USM IS: A Macro Marvel
Consrtuected with 11 elements in 9 groups, the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 USM IS comes with built-in image stabilization. It is a lens that is designed for fun as well as serious work. It has a close focusing distance of 0.17m and weighs 305g. Some of its striking features include fast autofocus, gorgeous bokeh, and sharpness that is close to Canon L series lenses. Once it is on your camera, you won’t feel like taking it off.
Nikon 40mm F2 Z: One of Our Favorite Prime Lenses Under $500
The Nikon 40mm f2 Z is build with 6 elements in 4 groups, features a nine-blade diaphragm, and offers a short 0.96ft (0.29m) minimum focusing distance. The lens is dust and drip-resistant and weighs only 170g. The lens is one of Nikon’s better offerings, which gives great image quality and colors, a speedy autofocus and creamy bokeh. It’s small so it is also easy to carry around.
