Budget lenses are a necessity for amateur and semi-professional photographers. Not everyone can afford to drop $1,000+ on a brand new lens, so the budget oriented shoppers look for lenses in the sub $1,000 range to give them solid performance without breaking the bank.
Today we are looking at the top budget lenses for each mirrorless system. These can include OEM and third-party glass and the only determining factors here are the cost to performance ratio, and overall price point. These are based on our own reviews and personal experience, so lets get into it…
Sony Mirrorless
The Sony mirrorless system has come a long way in terms of budget lens availability. Where most native lenses were once quite expensive when compared to similar focal lengths from other manufacturers, now there are some more budget-friendly options available for photographers to take advantage of.
Top Budget Pick: Sony 50mm F1.8
In our full review we said, “Generally speaking in terms of nifty 50 lenses, you can’t really get much better here. Sony’s 50mm f1.8 is right up there with the Canon 50mm f1.8 in terms of image quality. It’s got great color output, is very sharp, very little chromatic aberration (and even then you’ve really got to look for it) and bokeh that isn’t bad overall.”
For the price, you can’t really find a much better budget lens for the Sony ecosystem than the 50mm F/1.8. For $250 you are getting a quality lens that will serve you well until you can afford to jump up into the G Master territory. Pick it up on Amazon, Here. (Its actually on sale right now for $200 too, making it an even better deal.)
Other Budget Sony Mirrorless Picks
- Sony FE 28mm F2 – Our Review – Buy One
- Sony 20mm F2.8 – Our Review – Buy One
Fujifilm X-Series
Fujifilm has a decent selection of branded budget glass, as well as some decent options from third-party manufacturers like Rokinon/Samyang. In fact, most of Fujifilm’s prime lenses are still very budget friendly, even the F1.4 options.
Top Budget Pick: Fujifilm 35mm F2
In our review we said, “It is the fastest to focus Fujifilm lens to date and finally makes candid street photography with a Fujifilm camera viable when it comes to using autofocus. For this reason alone, many photographers will greatly, greatly appreciate this lens and how quickly it can perform.”
This lens is honestly a great deal in Fuji’s system, offering weather sealing, fast AF, and excellent image quality at a great price. If you are looking for a great normal lens, this is a one to grab, budget or not. You can pick it up on Amazon, here.
Other Budget Fuji X-Series Picks
- Fujifilm 27mm F2.8 – Our Review – Buy One
- Rokinon 14mm F2.8 – Our Reivew – Buy One
Micro Four Thirds
Micro Four Thirds is a very solid mirrorless ecosystem with great budget options from both Olympus and Panasonic, as well as third party manufacturers. So while there are many great options to choose from, here are our picks:
Top Budget Micro Four Thirds Pick: Sigma 19mm f2.8 DN II
In our review we said, “Overall build quality has improved dramatically. Instead of black plastic, the new series of lenses comes in a lightweight metal construction that can be had in either a gloss black or sliver finish. The lenses feel great in the hand and are relatively lightweight for their size. I wouldn’t put the build quality in the same class as the Olympus 12mm or the Panasonic 25mm (which is actually a plastic lens but very well made), but I think these may be the best bang for your buck with it comes to build quality for the price.”
Sigma’s mirrorless art lenses certainly don’t get the same attention or acclaim as their DSLR art series brethren, but this is one lens that you should consider when looking into budget options for micro four thirds, no doubt. You can find it over on Amazon here.
Other Budget Micro Four Thirds Picks
- Olympus 25mm F1.8 – Our Review – Buy One
- Panasonic 15mm F1.7 – Our Review – Buy One
