Essential Lenses under $500

Mixing a wide-angle design with an fast aperture, the 16mm f/1.4 DC DN is part of Sigma's Contemporary series of lenses and is designed for use with APS-C-format Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.

This lens is adept at working in low-light conditions and also affords increased control over depth of field for selective focus control. The optical design makes use of several low dispersion and aspherical elements, which control color fringing and various aberrations in order to provide high sharpness and clarity throughout the aperture range.

Individual elements also feature a Super Multi-Layer Coating to suppress flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions. Benefitting the optical assets, this lens also sports a stepping AF motor for quick, quiet, and smooth focusing performance that suits both still photography as well as video applications.

• covers super35 sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon EF-M / Micro Four Thirds / Sony E / Leica L

A very small, very light all-rounder lens. Offering a natural perspective along with a fast aperture, the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM from Canon is a versatile normal-length prime.

This lens also features a Gaussian optics design, along with two high refractive index elements, to control spherical aberrations and distortion for high sharpness and clarity. A Super Spectra coating has also been applied to suppress flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy when working in difficult lighting conditions.

Complementing the optical design is a micro ultra sonic motor (USM), which enables quick and quiet autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus control.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon EF

The FUJIFILM 15-45mm is and is the smallest and most lightweight interchangeable zoom lens compatible with the "X series".

Team it up together with any of the latest batches of Fujifilm's modern mirrorless camera and you can enjoy excellent portability and comfortable shooting. We have been using this lens on most if not all the new cameras from FUJIFILM, AND around the globe!

Yes, there are sharper faster lenses out there, but for the size/price/image quality, it is unbeatable.

• covers super35 sensors
• Available Mounts: FUJI X

Sporting a slim and portable form factor, the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR from FUJIFILM is characterized by its updated exterior design and versatile 41mm equivalent focal length for everyday shooting.

Now featuring a weather-sealed construction, this wide-normal prime also incorporates a manual aperture ring for intuitive and tactile exposure control, however an 'A' position can also be used for camera-based settings adjustments.

• covers super35 sensors
• Available Mounts: FUJI X

Developed as a compact zoom that is ideal for travel, the Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. from Panasonic is a Micro Four Thirds system lens that spans a versatile 24-120mm equivalent focal length range.

Covering wide-angle to telephoto perspectives, the lens' design incorporates three aspherical elements and one extra-low dispersion element to reduce spherical and chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range for increased clarity and image sharpness.

Additionally, an apt POWER Optical Image Stabilization system compensates for the effects of camera shake and is also compatible with cameras featuring Dual I.S. for robust stability to benefit handheld shooting in difficult lighting conditions. Further cementing its place as a versatile and ideal lens for photographers on-the-go, this 12-60mm lens sports a dust- and splash-proof construction for use in harsh environments.

• covers MFT sensors
• Available Mounts: MFT

Sleek and versatile, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a well-rounded zoom covering wide-angle to short telephoto focal lengths to benefit working in a wide variety of conditions.

A variable maximum aperture also helps to maintain a compact profile to suit everyday shooting needs. Complementing the flexible design is a unique Center Macro Focus position, which enables working with close-up subjects at a 1:2 maximum magnification ratio, and an Optical Image Stabilizer also helps to achieve sharp imagery by minimizing the appearance of camera shake.

Also, an STM motor affords impressively quiet and smooth autofocus performance and full-time manual focus override. Additionally, a configurable Control Ring lets you adjust exposure settings, including ISO, aperture, and exposure compensation, from the lens itself.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon RF

Compact and versatile: the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 is a wide-angle to long-normal zoom characterized by its retractable design and sleek profile.

This lens is ideal for walkaround, everyday shooting, and the flexible focal length range benefits a wide range of subject types. The optical design incorporates three aspherical elements, which help to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations and promote greater sharpness and accurate rendering.

Complementing the optics is a linear motor and internal focusing design, which achieve quick and quiet autofocus performance for both photo and video needs. The lens body is also weather-sealed to permit working in trying environmental conditions.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Sony E

Featuring a slender profile and a slightly wider-than-normal focal length, the Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIS Aspherical from Voigtlander is a versatile prime well-suited to everyday shooting.

The double Gauss optical design employs a single aspherical element, as well as ultra-high refractive index glass, to produce well-controlled, sharp imagery void of spherical aberrations. Its slightly wide focal length pairs with the bright f/2 maximum aperture to benefit making shallow depth of field imagery as well as working in low-light conditions.

The smooth manual focus operation also contributes to controlling focus position, and both depth of field and focus distance scales are featured on the metal lens barrel to aid in pre-focusing or setting hyperfocal distance.

This lens' physical design also features a scalloped focus ring to recall classic lens designs of the 1960s as well as afford more secure handling during use. Mixing the classic-inspired design with contemporary usage, the lens also sports an AI-S type CPU to permit in-camera adjustment of the aperture setting for faster, more intuitive exposure control.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Nikon F

Utilizing a multi-layer coating process for consistent color rendition from lens to lens the Rokinon 85mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens answers the challenge of assembling a set of lenses over time.

The lens comes in Canon EF Mount and it features industry standard geared focus and iris rings that share common position with other Rokinon Cine DS lenses. To aid focus pullers who have to work both sides of the lens, the aperture and focus scales are marked on both sides of the lens.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon EF / Micro Four Thirds / Nikon F / Sony E

Choosing a smaller size over bulk and weight, the SLR Magic MicroPrime Cine 25mm Lens covers full-frame sensors and features a Sony E-mount (but also comes in MFT or FJUI X Mount).

Each lens in the MicroPrime Cine series features similar size and weight with consistent lens gear positions for rapid lens changes and easier re-balancing when changing lenses on a gimbal. The lens incorporates a 13-blade iris that provides a pleasing bokeh with natural-looking, out-of-focus highlights.

The odd number of iris blades also reduces the appearance of flare off the blades. The lens has an internal focus design so the front of the lens doesn't rotate when focusing, and it has an 85mm outer diameter for compatibility with a wide number of clip-on matte boxes.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Sony / MFT / FUJI X

Featuring a T2.2 maximum aperture, low-dispersion glass, and high refractive index, the MFT-mount 16mm T2.2 Manual Focus Wide Angle Cinema Lens from Meike is a bright cine prime suitable for high-resolution cine cameras.

The large aperture allows working in difficult lighting conditions and offers increased control over depth of field. The lens produces results with low distortion, while its multilayer coating reduces flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color accuracy.

With an all-metal housing, this manual focus lens also has a robust design. The minimum focus distance from the image plane is 7.9", so you can get very close to your subject and achieve close-up wide-angle shots with sharp focus.

• covers MFT sensors (other focal lengths also cover super35 sensors)
• Available Mounts: MFT (other focal lengths are also available in Sony E and FUJI X)

The Sniper lenses from SIRUI are far from being optically perfect, yet, there is something in their images that is very engaging! That “creamy/dreamy” look when filming wide open is rather appealing. If communication between the camera and lenses can be improved, they can become a truly valid option in the creator’s arsenal as their price is hard to beat.