Getting the best camera lenses for your DSLR or mirrorless can be challenging. This article lists the best options on Amazon to make it easier for you to select the one you need.
Using the best camera lenses is crucial in any photography. Maximising your camera’s interchangeable lens system can transform your pictures from amateurish to professional. Remember to choose lenses as per the photos you would like to shoot. If you are into taking portraits, the prime lenses will be best and for landscape photography, choose the wide-angle lenses. So, here are the ten best camera lenses to make the right choice.
However, getting the best camera lenses online is quite challenging. To simplify the shopping process, we have listed the best camera lenses on Amazon for you, along with their specifications, USPs and pros and cons. Go through the list for an objective and unbiased review to select the one that best suits your requirements.
Best camera lenses for you
1. Canon EF50MM F/1.8 STM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras
This fixed focal length prime lens is a hot favourite for everyday photography, street photography, travel, weddings and everything in between. Its 50 mm fixed focal length is considered the standard in this category and is entirely compatible with all full-range of Canon DSLR cameras.
Specification:
Lens type:Standard
Compatible devices:Canon mount
Minimum focal length:50 mm
Minimum aperture:22 f
Voltage:100 V
Product dimensions:6.92 x 3.93 x 3.93 cm
Weight:160g
Pros
Cons
Lightweight
Can flare
Sharp at f/1.8
A certain amount of fall-off at a wide aperture
Smooth and silent video focus
Slower focus
Affordable
Modest barrel distortion
Narrower view field on APS-C cameras
Omits stabilisation
Hood is missing
2. Canon EF 75-300 mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
The Canon EF 75-300mm is a lightweight, compact telephoto zoom lens perfect for shooting portraits, wildlife, and sports. It uses a DC motor of USM to drive AF. It is compatible with APS-C and full-frame format Canon DSLR cameras.
Specification:
Lens type:Telephoto
Compatible devices:Canon EF
Minimum focal length:75 mm
Minimum aperture:45 f
Voltage:240 V
Product dimensions:12.2 x 7.1 x 7.1 cm
Weight:480g
Pros
Cons
Covers full-frame sensor
Weather sealing is not available
Autofocus
Variable aperture
Slow aperture at Tele end
The lens extends while focusing
3. Nikon 50mm Nikkor F/1.8D AF Prime Lens for DSLR Camera
If there is one lens without which a full frame system may not be complete, it is the Nikon 50 mm Nikkor F/1.8D AF prime lens. The lens comes with a simple optical design making it lightweight, compact and affordable. It is bitingly sharp but will not autofocus on Nikon cameras devoid of autofocusing screws.
Specification:
Lens type:Prime lens
Compatible devices:Nikon cameras, Nikon Digital SLRs
Minimum focal length:50 mm
Minimum aperture:22 f
Voltage:240 V
Product dimensions:6.35 x 6.35 x 3.9 cm
Weight:155g
Pros
Cons
Compact and lightweight design
Manual focusing
Exceptionally sharp pictures
Not compatible with several camera models
Perfect for low-light photography
Easy to carry along
Multi-layer coating
4. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens for DSLR Cameras
Perfect for DX-format SLRs, this lens is compact and lightweight, offering quality pictures as long as you do not zoom in all the way. You can use this superb quality lens with Nikon’s very own Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilisation feature for blur-free video and photo opportunities.
Specification:
Lens type:Telephoto
Compatible devices:D7500, D5600, D5500, D5300, D3400, D3300, D500 and later models
Minimum focal length:70 mm
Minimum aperture:32 f
Voltage:12 V
Product dimensions:12.5 x 7.19 x 7.19 cm
Weight:414.58g
Pros
Cons
Compact and light
Not the right lens for manual focus
Effective image stabilisation
Narrow aperture
Long telephoto reach
Modest vignette
Superior image quality
Some form of distortion in zoom mode
Smooth and quiet autofocus
Loses resolution at length
Affordable
5. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50 mm f/1.8G Prime Lens for Nikon DSLR Camera
It is the latest from Nikon in the trending series of 50 mm lenses distinguished from the others through its in-built Silent Wave Motor and brand new optical formula featuring seven elements in six groups with one aspherical element.
Specification:
Lens type:Standard
Compatible devices:AS, SWM, M/A, FX
Minimum focal length:50 mm
Minimum aperture:16 f
Voltage:240 V
Product dimensions:5.3 x 7.2 x 7.2 cm
Weight:185g
Pros
Cons
Compact
The aperture ring is missing
Sharp
Cannot reduce vibration
Inexpensive
Fast aperture
6. Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35 mm f/1.8G Prime Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Camera
This camera lens has a sleek form factor, a bright aperture and a regular view field. It comes in an exclusive design that suits those who need to work in difficult lighting conditions. The lens design also enables improved field depth control for working with select focus procedures and isolating different subjects.
Specification:
Lens type:Wide angle
Compatible devices:Nikon DX, Nikon FX, Nikon F
Minimum focal length:35 mm
Minimum aperture:22 f
Voltage:100 V
Product dimensions:5.3 x 7 x 7 cm
Weight:200g
Pros
Cons
Light and compact
Barrel distortion
Inexpensive
No optical stabilisation
Bright aperture
Rough-feeling and narrow manual focus ring
Crisp images
Purple fringing is visible in high-contrast pictures
7. Tamron B018-N 18-200 F/3.5-6.3 DI II VC Nikon Mount Lens for Nikon DX DSLR Cameras
The Tamron B018-N 18-200 F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC lens is specifically designed for the DX format Nikon F mount DSLRs. It can offer a focal length range equal to 27-300 mm, and its optical design features one dispersion element and one hybrid aspherical element that reduce aberrations and distortions throughout the zoom mode for colour-accurate, sharp and clear imagery.
8. Sony SEL1635GM 16-35mm f/2.8-22 Zoom Camera Lens
This premium-range wide-angle zoom lens from Sony features extreme ED and aspherical components, an 11-blade aperture, Nano AR sealing, and an internal Direct Drive SSM focus motor. This weather-sealed lens with fluorine covering in front keeps away fingerprints and dirt. Its minimum focus distance is 0.28m, while it renders a maximum magnification of 0.19 xs.
Specification:
Lens type:Wide Angle
Compatible devices:Sony A and Sony E
Minimum focal length:16 mm
Minimum aperture:22 f
Voltage:220 V
Product dimensions:12.16 x 8.85 x 12.16 cm
Weight:680g
Pros
Cons
Outstanding sharpness
Highly expensive
Well-controlled distortion
Ideal for high-paying professional photography
Low central CA
Accurate and fast AF
Beautiful bokeh
Good construction quality
9. Sony FE 90 mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS Standard-Prime Lens for Mirrorless Cameras
This is one of the best camera lenses that will let you get very close to your subject while revealing new picture possibilities. Its external body features a couple of additional switches. You can choose a focus range with one button with options like full, infinity to 0.50 and 0.5m to 0.28m. The other switch is for turning the optical steady feature on or off.
Specification:
Lens type:Macro
Compatible devices:Sony
Minimum focal length:90 mm
Minimum aperture:22 f
Voltage:110 to 120 V
Product dimensions:13 x 7.9 x 7.9 cm
Weight:602g
Pros
Cons
Rugged feel
The motor makes a high-pitch noise
Durable
Expensive
Accurate focus distance on the barrel
Stunning close-focus length
MF/AF clutch switch
10. Sony E-Mount 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Telephoto Lens
Measuring 4.25 inches in length, the Sony 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 lens is a must-try. Extremely lightweight and compact, this lens has a good build quality; however, it feels slightly flimsy at the same time. It has been built to last long and offers stellar performance within an affordable range. Available in minimalist and simple design, it provides comfortable and smooth operation.
Specification:
Lens type:Telephoto
Compatible devices:Sony E
Minimum focal length:55 mm
Minimum aperture:55 f
Voltage:240 V
Product dimensions:10.8 x 6.38 x 6.38 cm
Weight:345g
Pros
Cons
Good zoom range
Image quality needs to improve
Optical stabilisation
Weather sealing is not available
Solid telephoto extent
Stylish design
Three best features
Product
Feature 1
Feature 2
Feature 3
Canon EF50MM F/1.8 STM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras
Standard
50 mm
22 f
Canon EF 75-300 mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Telephoto
75 mm
45 f
Nikon 50mm Nikkor F/1.8D AF Prime Lens for DSLR Camera
Prime lens
50 mm
22 f
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens for DSLR Cameras
Telephoto
70 mm
32 f
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50 mm f/1.8G Prime Lens for Nikon DSLR Camera
Standard
50 mm
16 f
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35 mm f/1.8G Prime Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Camera
Wide Angle
35 mm
22 f
Tamron B018-N 18-200 F/3.5-6.3 DI II VC Nikon Mount Lens for Nikon DX DSLR Cameras
Telephoto
18 mm
6.3 f
Sony SEL1635GM 16-35mm f/2.8-22 Zoom Camera Lens
Wide Angle
16 mm
22 f
Sony FE 90 mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS Standard-Prime Lens for Mirrorless Cameras
Macro
90 mm
22 f
Sony E-Mount 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Telephoto Lens
Telephoto
55 mm
55 f
Best value for money
The Canon EF50MM F/1.8 STM Lens is your go-to lens if you want the best value-for-the-money camera lens for your Canon DSLR. Though it lags in zoom extent, focus on its compositional aspects that are more crucial in photography than zooming. And lastly, its reasonable price makes it a fantastic value-for-money lens.
Best overall
The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300 mm, f/4.5-6.3G ED VR lens for DSLR cameras is the best overall telephoto lens designed to capture the action from a distance. Therefore, it best suits those who want to click images where they need to get as close to the subject as possible- such as sporting or wildlife environments. Its stepping motor enables quicker and quieter autofocusing, which is specifically beneficial when capturing videos.
How to find the best camera lenses?
Choose the best camera lens by considering the following factors:
Focal length:It is the distance from the lens centre to the sensor when the subject is focused. Remember, the higher the focal length number, the longer the zoom and the shot will be wider when the focal length number is lower.
Look for wide-angle focal lengths if you want to fit more into your frame, such as 14mm, 20mm, 24mm, 28mm and 35mm. And to be close to the subject, opt for telephoto lenses with focal lengths ranging between 50mm and 100mm. Always get a lens with an f2.8 aperture so adequate light passes through easily.
Aperture:It measures the amount of light entering the camera. A small aperture number, such as f1.2, means a wider opening that lets in more light into the lens, perfect for photography in low light. If you are a professional photographer, choose wide-maximum-aperture camera lenses with f/1.4, f/1.8 and f/2 apertures. Beginner-level photographers can do with f/4 and f/5.6 aperture lenses.
Best camera lenses price list
S.no
Product
Price
1.
Canon EF50MM F/1.8 STM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras
₹9,995
2.
Canon EF 75-300 mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
₹30,441
3.
Nikon 50mm Nikkor F/1.8D AF Prime Lens for DSLR Camera
₹7,450
4.
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens for DSLR Cameras
₹23,700
5.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50 mm f/1.8G Prime Lens for Nikon DSLR Camera
₹17,751
6.
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35 mm f/1.8G Prime Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Camera
₹18,000
7.
Tamron B018-N 18-200 F/3.5-6.3 DI II VC Nikon Mount Lens for Nikon DX DSLR Cameras
₹18,990
8.
Sony SEL1635GM 16-35mm f/2.8-22 Zoom Camera Lens
₹1,67,890
9.
Sony FE 90 mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS Standard-Prime Lens for Mirrorless Cameras
₹61, 760
10.
Sony E-Mount 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Telephoto Lens
₹21,850
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The best camera lenses on amazon that can enhance your photography
The most basic types of camera lenses are zoom and prime, available with varied apertures and focal lengths. The lens’s focal length determines how wide or narrow the angle will be, while the aperture affects the brightness levels and field depth of the images clicked.
The wide-angle camera lenses help capture wide skyscapes and panoramas. On the other hand, you can use telephoto lenses to shoot action, portraits, astronomy and wildlife.
No, all the camera lenses do not fit or work with all the camera models. The DSLR lenses might not be suitable for mirrorless cameras, and lenses from one brand do not work on others.
To pick an ideal camera lens for your requirement, focus on what you want to photograph. Are you looking to capture landscapes or portraits? Choose a lens with a proper focal length range based on your subject.
Camera lenses focus light from what an individual sees through the viewfinder into a small, 35mm standard spot on the back of the film, mirrorless or DSLR camera. Without a lens, your camera will produce white light images.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so ... we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. Read more