John Holguin
As a photography enthusiast on a budget, finding high-quality DSLR camera lenses that won’t break the bank can be a challenge. However, with some research and careful consideration, I’ve discovered several fantastic options that deliver excellent performance without costing a fortune.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kit lens or add a new focal length to your collection, these budget-friendly lenses offer great value for money and can help you take your photography to the next level without emptying your wallet.
In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best DSLR camera lenses under $100, highlighting their key features, performance, and why they stand out as excellent options for photographers looking to expand their gear without overspending.
Exploring Affordable DSLR Camera Lenses Under $100
When it comes to photography, investing in a good DSLR camera lens can make a significant difference in the quality of your images. While high-end lenses can cost a fortune, there are some budget-friendly options available that offer decent performance without breaking the bank.
In my quest to find the best DSLR camera lenses under $100, I came across a few hidden gems that surpassed my expectations. These lenses may not have all the bells and whistles of their more expensive counterparts, but they are great choices for amateur photographers or those looking to expand their lens collection on a budget.
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens: This prime lens from Canon is known for its sharpness and low-light performance. It offers a wide aperture of f/1.8, making it ideal for portrait photography and capturing beautiful bokeh effects. The STM motor ensures smooth and quiet autofocus, perfect for shooting videos as well.
- Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G Lens: Nikon’s 35mm prime lens is another excellent option for photographers looking for a budget-friendly lens. With a fast aperture of f/1.8, this lens excels in low-light conditions and produces sharp images with a pleasing bokeh effect. Its compact size and lightweight design make it a versatile choice for everyday shooting.
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens: If you’re looking for a versatile zoom lens under $100, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is worth considering. This lens offers a constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios. The optical stabilization feature helps reduce camera shake and ensures sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Prime Lenses for Capturing Stunning Images
When it comes to photography, prime lenses are a must-have for any serious photographer. These lenses offer superior image quality, sharpness, and low-light performance compared to zoom lenses. They are perfect for capturing stunning portraits, landscapes, and close-up shots with exceptional detail and clarity.
One of the key advantages of prime lenses is their wide aperture, allowing you to achieve a beautiful bokeh effect that isolates your subject from the background. This creates a professional-looking image with a dreamy, blurred background that makes your subject stand out. Prime lenses are also known for their fast autofocus speed, making them ideal for capturing moving subjects or shooting in low-light conditions.
- 50mm f/1.8 Lens: This classic prime lens is a popular choice among photographers for its versatility and affordability. With a wide aperture of f/1.8, it excels in low-light situations and produces sharp images with a pleasing bokeh effect.
- 35mm f/1.4 Lens: Ideal for capturing wide-angle shots with a shallow depth of field, the 35mm f/1.4 lens is perfect for landscapes, street photography, and environmental portraits. Its fast aperture makes it a great choice for shooting in low light.
- 85mm f/1.4 Lens: Known for its flattering portrait shots, the 85mm f/1.4 lens produces beautiful bokeh and creamy backgrounds that make your subjects pop. It is a favourite among portrait photographers for its excellent image quality and sharpness.
Zoom Lenses for Versatility
When it comes to choosing a DSLR camera lens under $100, zoom lenses offer incredible versatility and flexibility for capturing a wide range of subjects. These lenses allow you to quickly adjust your focal length, making them ideal for shooting everything from landscapes to portraits to sports events.
One of the key benefits of zoom lenses is their convenience. Instead of having to switch between multiple prime lenses, a zoom lens gives you the ability to zoom in and out to frame your shot exactly how you want. This can save you time and effort when shooting in fast-paced or changing environments.
- Quick Adjustments: With a zoom lens, you can easily adjust your focal length to zoom in for close-up shots or zoom out for wide-angle views without changing lenses.
- Multiple Subjects: Zoom lenses are perfect for capturing a variety of subjects, from distant landscapes to up-close portraits, making them a versatile choice for photographers.
- Convenience: Instead of carrying multiple lenses, a zoom lens allows you to cover a wide range of focal lengths with just one lens, making it a convenient option for on-the-go photographers.
Exploring the Best Wide-Angle Lenses for Capturing Stunning Landscapes
When it comes to landscape photography, having the right wide-angle lens can make all the difference in capturing the grandeur and beauty of the natural world. Wide-angle lenses allow you to encompass a larger field of view, making them ideal for sweeping vistas, majestic mountains, and expansive seascapes.
One of the key factors to consider when choosing a wide-angle lens for landscapes is the focal length. A focal length of around 10-24mm is generally recommended for capturing wide scenes with plenty of detail. Additionally, look for lenses with a wide maximum aperture to allow for better low-light performance and creative depth of field effects.
- Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens: This lightweight and affordable lens is perfect for Canon APS-C DSLRs, offering a versatile focal range for capturing expansive landscapes with sharp detail.
- Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens: Designed for Nikon DX-format cameras, this wide-angle lens provides excellent image quality and vibration reduction technology for steady handheld shots.
- Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens: Compatible with multiple camera brands, this Sigma lens offers a wider maximum aperture for low-light shooting and creative control over depth of field.
Exploring Macro Lenses for Stunning Close-Up Photography
When it comes to capturing intricate details and exploring the beauty of tiny subjects up close, macro lenses are essential tools for any photographer. These specialized lenses are designed to provide high magnification and exceptional clarity, making them perfect for close-up photography.
Macro lenses come in a variety of focal lengths and apertures, offering different levels of magnification and depth of field. Whether you’re capturing the delicate patterns on a butterfly’s wing or the intricate textures of a flower petal, a macro lens allows you to bring out the smallest details in your subjects with stunning precision.
Key Features to Consider in Macro Lenses:
- Focal Length: Choose a focal length that suits your shooting style and subject matter. Shorter focal lengths are ideal for capturing larger subjects, while longer focal lengths offer higher magnification for smaller objects.
- Maximum Aperture: A wider maximum aperture allows for more light to enter the lens, enabling better low-light performance and creating a shallow depth of field for artistic effects.
- Image Stabilization: Some macro lenses come equipped with image stabilization technology to reduce camera shake and ensure sharp, blur-free images, especially when shooting handheld.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the macro lens you choose is compatible with your camera model to achieve optimal performance and seamless integration with your gear.
Portrait Lenses for Stunning Portraits
When it comes to capturing beautiful portraits, the right lens can make all the difference. As a photographer, I have found that investing in a high-quality portrait lens is essential to achieving stunning results. Whether you are shooting professional portraits or capturing precious moments with your loved ones, having the right lens can elevate your photography to the next level.
One of my favorite portrait lenses is the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. This lens is known for its versatility and ability to produce sharp images with a pleasing background blur, also known as bokeh. The wide aperture of f/1.8 allows for excellent low-light performance and creates a beautiful separation between the subject and the background, making your portraits truly stand out.
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: This lens is a popular choice among photographers for its affordability and exceptional image quality. It is lightweight, compact, and perfect for both beginners and experienced photographers.
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G: Another great option for portrait photography, this lens offers a wider field of view, making it ideal for capturing environmental portraits. The fast aperture of f/1.8 ensures excellent performance in low-light conditions.
- Sony FE 85mm f/1.8: If you prefer shooting portraits with a longer focal length, this lens is a fantastic choice. The 85mm focal length provides a flattering perspective for portraits, and the wide aperture of f/1.8 delivers beautiful bokeh for stunning background separation.
Telephoto Lenses for Capturing Distant Subjects
When it comes to photography, capturing distant subjects can be a challenge. That’s where telephoto lenses come into play. These specialized lenses are designed to magnify distant subjects, allowing you to get up close and personal with your shot.
Telephoto lenses are a must-have for wildlife photographers, sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking to capture details from afar. With a telephoto lens, you can isolate your subject from the background, creating stunning images with beautiful bokeh.
Key Features of Telephoto Lenses:
- Zoom Range: Telephoto lenses typically have a long focal length, ranging from 70mm to 300mm or more, allowing you to zoom in on distant subjects.
- Image Stabilization: Many telephoto lenses come with image stabilization technology to reduce camera shake and ensure sharp images, especially at longer focal lengths.
- Fast Aperture: A wide aperture, such as f/2.8, allows for better low-light performance and the ability to create a shallow depth of field for stunning portraits.
- Weather-Sealed Construction: Some telephoto lenses are weather-sealed, making them ideal for outdoor shooting in various conditions.
Kit Lenses for Beginners
As a beginner in photography, choosing the right lens is crucial for achieving great results. Kit lenses are a popular choice for beginners as they offer versatility and are usually affordable. These lenses are designed to cover a range of focal lengths, making them suitable for various types of photography.
One of the advantages of kit lenses is that they are lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for beginners who are still learning the basics of photography. They are also typically compact, making them convenient to carry around for everyday shooting.
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II: This lens is a common kit lens for Canon DSLR cameras and offers a versatile focal range for capturing a variety of subjects.
- Nikon AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR: Nikon’s kit lens provides image stabilization and a silent autofocus motor, making it a good choice for beginners.
- Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS: This kit lens for Sony mirrorless cameras is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for everyday shooting.
Third-Party Lenses for Budget Buyers
For budget-conscious photographers looking to expand their lens collection without breaking the bank, third-party lenses offer a great alternative to brand-name options. While some may be hesitant to stray from the major camera manufacturers, third-party lenses can provide excellent performance at a fraction of the cost.
Summary
When shopping for a DSLR camera lens under $100, consider third-party options like the ones mentioned above. These lenses offer good value for money and can help you achieve professional-looking photos without emptying your wallet. Be sure to do your research and read reviews to find the best lens for your needs and budget.
Best dslr camera lense under 100
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens, Fixed Focal Length Prime Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, Black
Features
| Part Number | 4515C002 |
| Model | 4515C002 |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2020-12-03T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 50mm |

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85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens - EF Lens for Canon, Medium Telephoto Lenses Manual Camera for Canon EOS Rebel T8i T7i T7 T6 T6s T6i SL3 SL2 90D 80D 77D 4000D EOS-1D...
Features
| Part Number | Portrait Lens |
| Model | B-85 |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Color | Black |
| Size | For Canon DSLR (EF/EF-S mount) |



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Sony - FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens (SEL24105G/2)
Features
| Part Number | SEL24105G/2 |
| Model | SEL24105G/2 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2019-08-30T00:00:01Z |

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Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens, Medium Telephoto Lens, Macro Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, Black
Features
| Part Number | 4514C002 |
| Model | 4514C002 |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2021-07-29T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 100mm |





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Q&A:
What is the best DSLR camera lens under $100?
One of the highly recommended DSLR camera lenses under $100 is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens. It offers great image quality, wide aperture for low-light photography, and a compact design at an affordable price point.
Are there any other affordable DSLR camera lenses under $100 worth considering?
Another popular option is the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens. This lens provides excellent image quality, a wide aperture for creative photography, and is compatible with Nikon DSLR cameras. It is a great choice for portrait, landscape, and everyday photography.
