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The Best SLR Camera Lenses under $230

★ Top Choice

Canon

EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

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From $125

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♥ Runner Up

Nikon

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

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From $196.95

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Best Daytime

Nikon

AF-S FX Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G.

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From $216.95

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Our pick

Sony

FE 50mm f/1.8

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From $226

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Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

★ Top Choice
BUY NOW From $125

Features

  • Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meter) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x.
  • Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography; Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 40º, 27º,46º.
  • 80 millimeter effective focal length on APS C cameras, 50 millimeter on full frame cameras.Lens Construction: 6 elements in 5 groups.
  • Stepping motor (STM) delivers near silent, continous Move Servo AF for movies and smooth AF for stills.
  • 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8.

Pros

  • ⊕ Quiet auto-focus performance.
  • ⊕ Ideal for everyday photography.

Cons

  • ⊖ Some longevity concerns.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

♥ Runner Up
BUY NOW From $196.95

Features

  • Compatible formats is dx and fx in dx crop mode.Maximum Reproduction Ratio:0.16x.
  • F Mount Lens/DX Format. Picture Angle with Nikon DX Format 44 degree.
  • Lens not zoomable.
  • Aperture Range: f/1.8 to 22 ; Dimensions(approx.):Approx. 70 x 52.5 millimeter.
  • 52.5 millimeter (35 millimeter Equivalent). Rear Focusing; Manual Focus Override.
  • Silent Wave Motor AF System. Accepts filter type is screw on.Lens Construction:8 elements in 6 groups.

Pros

  • ⊕ Inexpensive.
  • ⊕ Crisp images.
  • ⊕ Bright aperture.
  • ⊕ Compact and light.
  • ⊕ Compact, lightweight design.

Cons

  • ⊖ Some barrel distortion.
  • ⊖ No optical stabilization.

Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G.

Best Budget Nikon
BUY NOW From $216.95

Features

  • Optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both FX and DX format D SLRs.
  • Fast, upgraded f/1.8, compact FX format prime lens. The picture angle with 35 millimeter (135) format is 47 degree and the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.15X.
  • Lens not zoomable.
  • Newly developed optical system with Aspherical lens element, Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM).
  • Focal Length 50 millimeter, Minimum Focus Distance 1.48 feet (0.45 meter).
  • M/a Focus Mode Switch, Filter Thread 58 Millimeter, Autofocus: Yes. Dimensions (Approx.) (from the Camera Lens Mounting Flange): Approximately 2.83 Inches Diameter X 2.01 Inches.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

Our pick
BUY NOW From $226

Features

  • Double-gauss configuration suppresses field curvature & distortion, Metal mount adds solid durability as well as a sophisticated feel, Fast DC motor focus actuator system drives all lens groups.
  • Compact, lightweight design ideal for full-frame E-mount cameras, Aspherical element controls spherical aberration and coma.
  • In-the-box: Hood (ALC-SH146), Lens front cap (ALC-F49S), Lens rear cap (ALC-R1EM).
  • 75mm (35mm equivalent) focal length with APS-C sensor. Angle of View (APS-C) : 32 degree.
  • Large F1.8 maximum aperture enables beautiful defocusing effects, 7-blade circular aperture creates beautiful defocused bokeh.

Pros

  • ⊕ Good image quality.
  • ⊕ Light and compact.
  • ⊕ Minimal distortion.
  • ⊕ Compact and lightweight.

Cons

  • ⊖ Slow focus.
  • ⊖ Build feels basic.
  • ⊖ Vignetting wide open.
  • ⊖ Omits optical stabilization.

Specs

  • Aperture blades: 7.
  • Weather seals: No.
  • Filter thread: 49mm.
  • Weight: 186g.
  • Maximum aperture: f/1.8.
  • Dimensions: 69 x 60mm.
  • Focal length: 50mm (75mm APS-C).