When one thinks of purchasing a lens, they look for offerings that provide good image quality, a decent build, weather sealing, and fall within their budget range. However, many young photographers do not want to invest in really expensive optics, as they are running short on cash. However, worry not; today, many third-party lens makers are filling the void for budget lenses that offer good image quality and detail. Here are a few options to add to your arsenal.
7Artisans 35mm f2
Designed for Leica and Sony users, the 35mm is an ideal prime lens for M-series cameras. It offers 7 elements in 5 groups, 10 aperture blades, and an aluminum body. The lens is well-built, despite lacking weather sealing. Since M cameras are manual, so is the lens. However, if you are using a Sony camera, then you need to practice to get the focus right. The overall image quality is pretty clean and detailed, and the bokeh is pleasing as well. Your photos will be sharp, and colors can be muted and cooler. The latter can help you get a distinct feel.
TTArtisan 40mm f2
The TTArtisan 40mm f2 is another prime lens that will come in handy in many situations. With 9 elements in 6 groups, it offers a 0.4m closest focusing distance, and is available for E Z and L mounts. The lens is perfect in many ways. It offers contrast, character, such as flare, and superb sharpness. It focuses very quickly, is smaller and faster than the Sigma’s 45mm, and the aperture ring is quite smooth. As we added, “But most of all, what you’re going to love is that when you combine it with the Real Time LUT feature on LUMIX cameras, you’ll get photos that you’re going to want to stare at.”
Viltrox AF 50mm F2 Air
Viltrox has some wonderful prime lenses, and the AF 50mm f2 Air is one such option. The lens is lightweight, weighing just 220g, and also features 3 ED lenses, 4 high-refractive elements, and 1 aspherical element. Made from plastic, the lens has minimal controls and lacks weather sealing. The focus is quite and sharp. It performs brilliantly in bright light, but it will also surprise you in low-light areas, such as when shooting images in a room with only a few lamps. The images are sharp from the center to the edges, and the bokeh is pleasing and creamy. Overall, it is a lens that is a jack of all trades.
Meike 85mm f1.8 Mark II
While we have not tested the Meike 85mm f1.8 Mark II, it surely sounds like an exciting offering on paper for just $230. The lens features a simple design, comprising 11 elements in 7 groups, and has 11 aperture blades. The latter is said to help with smooth bokeh production. It also offers 0.65m (2.1′) close focusing distance, and measures 100.2mm in length. While there are many 85mm lenses, they cost over $300. In that regard, Meike offers something that is best for young users.