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January 4, 2026

Top 10 Most Underrated Lenses

For new photographers, the temptation is to buy the newest camera body. However, investing in the lenses listed below provides a much higher return on investment.

Camera bodies are like smartphones, they lose 50% of their value the moment a newer model is released. High-quality lenses hold 80–90% of their value indefinitely. A $3,000 camera with a basic kit lens cannot produce the blurry backgrounds (bokeh) or sharp subjects that a $200 "Nifty Fifty" (50mm f/1.8) can. The lens dictates the style and "wow factor" of your images, not the sensor. Most beginners want a new camera to get started. However, a "fast" prime lens (like the Viltrox 56mm f/1.4) can make a new photographer level up much faster. You will likely change your camera body every few years, but a great lens is a "forever" tool. If you have $500 to spend, putting it into one of the lenses on this list will improve your photography more than any new camera body ever could. That said, here is a list of the best bang for your buck lenses:

1. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

The legendary "Nifty Fifty." It is the smallest, cheapest, and most essential lens for any Canon mirrorless shooter looking for professional-grade portraits.

  • New: ~$200 | Used: ~$165

2. Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

The gateway lens for Sony full-frame users. It provides the classic 50mm perspective with a fast aperture that kit zooms simply can’t match.

  • New: ~$250 | Used: ~$160

3. Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN (Contemporary)

Available for Sony, Fujifilm, and Canon RF-S. This replaces the standard kit lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture, making it a professional workhorse for travel.

  • New: ~$549 | Used: ~$440

4. Nikon Z 40mm f/2

A "muffin" lens that is incredibly sharp and light. It’s the perfect middle ground between a wide-angle and a portrait lens, ideal for street photography.

  • New: ~$275 | Used: ~$220

5. Fujifilm XC 35mm f/2

For Fuji shooters who want the "magic" of their glass without the premium price tag. It uses a plastic build but retains the exact same optical quality as the $400 XF version.

  • New: ~$199 | Used: ~$160

6. Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 (APS-C)

A portrait specialist for Sony, Fujifilm, and Nikon Z. The f/1.4 aperture allows for extreme background separation and incredible low-light performance.

  • New: ~$299 | Used: ~$230

7. Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD

The ultimate "one-lens" solution for crop-sensor cameras. It includes image stabilization and a massive zoom range, perfect for event and wedding beginners.

  • New: ~$699 | Used: ~$510

8. Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM

A tiny ultra-wide lens that is a favorite for vloggers, landscape enthusiasts, and architectural photographers on a budget.

  • New: ~$280 | Used: ~$230

9. TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 (New Entry)

Available for Fujifilm, Sony, and Nikon Z. This is a pancake lens that makes your camera pocketable. It features autofocus and a vintage look for an unbeatable price.

  • New: ~$150 | Used: ~$120

10. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN (New Entry)

Widely considered the sharpest lens for APS-C cameras at this price point. The f/1.4 aperture is remarkably bright, making it a favorite for indoor family photos and street work.

  • New: ~$330 | Used: ~$250

Why Lenses Beat Bodies: The Bottom Line

When building your kit from this list, remember that lenses are tools, while bodies are computers. A camera body loses half its value in 3 years; these lenses will hold 80% of their value for a decade.

What’s Next for Your Business?

-Check out our other guides to level up your photography workflow:

Images by Tyler Branch