Top 5 Best Quality Camera Lenses Under $1000

Are you tired of using the standard kit lens that came with your camera? Have you been searching for an affordable lens to get your photography to the next level lately? You have come to the right place, as we have curated a list of the best camera lenses you can get without compromising your budget.

Photography has long been considered a popular hobby and a career choice, but recently, there has been growing discussion about its therapeutic benefits. With loads of people opting for photography, the need for aiding equipment is also increasing. According to an estimate, 1.84m DSLR cameras were shipped in 2022 around the world.

However, when it comes to the lenses, people don’t look beyond the primary 18–55mm lens that comes with the box. This is because of the difficulty in choosing as there are many camera lens types. We have made it easy for you to make the right choice. You can choose the one that fits you the best from the list of camera lenses below.

Zoom-in Shots (wild-life, sports): Sony Alpha 70–350mm

Everyday use and out travels: Tamron F/2.8 17–70mm

Portraits: Canon EF 85mm F/1.8

Best value for money: Nikon Nikorr Z 50mm F/1.8

Wide-angle shots (landscapes, architects): Sigma 18–35mm F/1.8

1. Sony Alpha 70–350mm

Compatible with several cameras, this lens has a range of features, including 5× super-telephoto zoom, lightweight (22oz), optical stabilization, large aperture, and a specialized design that makes it dust & moisture-resistant.

If you love wildlife, sports, and landscape photography and are outgoing, this is the right lens for you. The lightweight feature makes it ideal for the outdoors. Moreover, you can program the focus-hold button to any other function. Also, you don’t have to carry a camera lens cleaning kit because of the dust-resistant design.

Price: $998

Benefits

• Compact size
• 5× zoom advantage
• Good for outdoor activities

Drawbacks

• Not good in low light

2. Tamron F/2.8 17–70mm

With manufacturers claiming this lens to be the world’s first high-speed standard zoom lens for APS-C cameras, this provides a large aperture of 2.8mm and a focal range of 17–70mm. This makes it to be ideal for day-to-day casual photography.

Moreover, this lens will be an excellent companion for outdoor travel and vacations because of its compact design. Not only can it capture details in a wide-angle shot, but also it can take good pictures with blurred backgrounds.

Price: $699

Benefits

• The easy-to-carry design fits easily in a camera & lens backpack.
• Adequate for everyday use.

Drawbacks

• The built-in stabilizer may not be the best.
• You may experience some flairs at the edges of the images.

3. Canon EF 85mm F/1.8

Canon’s 85mm holds the number three spot on the list of camera lenses priced under $1000. If you are the one who likes to take more portraits, this lens will be best for you. Included in the category of medium telephoto lenses, it provides a maximum aperture of 1.8mm.

Despite being extremely lightweight (15 ounces), the lens does wonders to produce stunning background blur. In addition, the ring-type Ultra-Sonic Monitor (USM) swiftly brings the subject into sharp focus. This prevents the lens from rotating while auto-focusing, keeping the inside dust free, hence minimizing the use of a camera lens cleaning kit.

Price: $499

Benefits

• Excellent portraits
• Sharp images with more blur background
• Inexpensive
• Lightweight

Drawbacks

• No image stabilization
• Slow autofocus

4. Nikon Nikorr Z 50mm F/1.8

The iconic 55mm prime is another competitor among different camera lens types delivering exceptional image quality throughout the frame. It exhibits no distortion, even when capturing wide-open shots, and produces stunning background images. This could become your next go-to lens.

If you are a person who likes to shoot in low-light settings, this will be a perfect match for you as it has been regarded as one of the best low-light performing lenses by its users. One of the prominent features of the lens (among many others) includes raw imaging power and video capabilities.

Price: $526

Benefits

• Performs excellent in low-lights
• Raw photo-taking and video-shooting ability
• Great value for money

Drawbacks

• The bokeh is not the most natural

5. Sigma 18–35mm F/1.8

Built with Thermally Composite Material (TSC) for durability, this lens is a game changer in photography because it is the first wide-angle-to-standard zoom lens with a 1.8mm large aperture. It can be used for various photography genres, such as landscape, still image, portrait, wide-angle shot, and close-up.

This lens is specifically designed for APS-C sensors providing an equivalent focal length of 27mm-52.5mm on a 35mm camera.

Price: $658

Benefits

• Wide-angle shot
• Great build quality

Drawbacks

• Problems with auto-focus
• May cause problems while travelling due to its large size

Factors to Take Into Account While Purchasing

Considering the many camera lens types present, you do not have to break the bank to get your hands on high-quality camera lenses. Although buying used camera lenses is a popular choice due to their affordability, still many passionate enthusiasts who can afford opt for high-end, top-of-the-line lenses.

Regardless of the high-end and budget series, there are certain things to consider while getting a lens. Jotted down are the few factors which will help you in your buying decision.

Aperture

The amount of light a lens can gather depends upon its aperture. A larger aperture ensures more light capturing. This results in improved performance in low lights. In addition, it gives you more creative control over the background blur (bokeh) of your photos. If you will be working more in low-light conditions, buy yourself a lens with a larger aperture.

Focal Length

The focal length determines the angle of view (how much of the scene will be captured) and the magnification. Wide-angle lenses (below 35mm generally) are perfect for landscapes. Standard lenses (between 35mm to 70mm) are versatile for everyday photography, and telephoto lenses (above 70mm) are suitable for wildlife and sports. Consider the type of photography you intend to do and choose the focal length accordingly.

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization (IS) or Vibration Reduction (VR) is a feature that compensates for shaky hands or any vibrations in the camera. Consider buying a lens having built-in optical stabilization for crispy and sharp images.

Compatibility

While making a purchase, it is essential to verify the lens compatibility with your camera. Because some brands have their own mounts, you need to pick a lens compatible with your camera model.

Build Quality

The durability matters if you plan to use your lens in outdoor environments. Look for a lens with weather sealing and built with durable materials. This will help the lens bear harsh outdoor environments and will last longer.

Autofocus

Autofocus is another factor, crucial especially for action photography, such as sports events. Look for a lens with Ultrasonic Motor (USM) or similar technologies if you are into that kind of photography niche.

Bottom Line

Finding a high-quality camera lens under $1000 isn’t a dilemma. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, the lenses mentioned above can take your photography game to the next level and provide excellent value for money.

Considering your specific needs, shooting style, and budget, get yourself a lens and inspire the world with your stunning photos. Don’t forget to buy a camera lens hood and a cleaning kit for extra protection.