As we know that creativity has nothing to do with the budget, today I bring you a series of very cheap objectives so that you can let your photographic creativity fly with little money. For less than 200 euros you can buy optics that will allow you to take those photos you've dreamed of so much, whatever brand you are ? .
- Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD MACRO 1:2
- Yongnuo YN 100mm f/2
- 7Artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Manual
- Meike MK 12mm f/2.8
- Canon Pancake EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM
- 50mm f/1.8 (Canon, Yongnuo, Sony, Fujifilm)
- Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
TELEPHOTO
1.TAMRON AF 70-300MM F/4-5.6 DI LD MACRO 1:2 (NIKON, CANON AND SONY)
It is a compact telezoom with 1:2 macro magnification that works for both full frame and APS-C cameras. Allows you to capture macro photos with a minimum focusing distance of 0.95m in the 180-300mm focal range.
- Focal length: 70-300mm
- Maximum aperture: f/4-5.6
- Minimum aperture: f/32
- Diaphragm Blades: 9
- Minimum focus distance: 0.95m
- Maximum magnification ratio: 1:2
- Filter diameter: 62mm
- Viewing angle: 34º-8º
- Weight: 458g
- Dimensions: 76.6 x 116.5mm
- Ideal for: portraits, wildlife photography, insects, flowers...
- Available for: Canon, Nikonand Sony/Minolta
- Sample photos:
PROS AND CONS
Undoubtedly, its greatest advantage is its value for money and its versatility, both in focal length and in the type of photos it allows you to take.
On the other hand, it is not a very bright lens and it does not have a stabilizer.
This Tamron does not offer exceptional quality at the level of the most demanding photographers. Now, for fans and those who start, it has a quality that does not disappoint.
In short, an objective that for very little money opens up a whole world of possibilities.
Note: The 70-300mm has been sold with an integrated motor for Nikon D40, D40X and D60 mounts (model A17NII) since approximately February 2008. The A17N model, which was on sale until February 2008, is only compatible with the mounts D40/D40X/D60 in MF mode, because there is no built-in motor.
2. YONGNUO YN 100MM F/2 (NIKON AND CANON)
This ideal telephoto lens for portraits is available from Nikonand for canon. If you are looking for a bright 85mm for your portraits but you do not have the budget and being able to take them is above sharpness or impeccable image quality, this is your objective.
- Diaphragm Blades: 9
- Minimum focus distance: 0.90 m
- Maximum aperture: f/2
- Minimum aperture: f/22
- Focal distance: 100mm
- Focus: Autofocus and manual focus
- Filter diameter: 58mm
- Dimensions: 76.6 x 122mm approx
- Weight: approx 390g
- For Full Sensor and APS-C
- You can see some sample photos in this Flickr group
It is true that it is weak in sharpness and that it presents many aberrations, but this should not be a problem for an amateur who has no other pretensions than to enjoy their creativity, learn, practice or have family memories but with a bit of art and care.
If you are looking for something more professional or you are more demanding in terms of quality, you will have to go for other types of more expensive lenses, which cost approximately triple ? .
ANGULAR
3. 7ARTISANS 7.5MM F/2.8 MANUAL (PANASONIC AND OLYMPUS)
In this case I present to you a very bright manual focus fisheye .
- Diaphragm Blades: 12
- Minimum focus distance: 0.12 m
- Focus: Manual
- Maximum aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum aperture: f/22
- Focal length: 7.5mm
- Viewing angle: 170º
- Aluminum body and copper core
- Weight: 278g
- Frame: Micro Four Thirds
- Available for Panasonic and Olympus
- Compatible with: Panasonic g1, g2, g3, g5, g6, g7, gf1, gf2, gf3, gf5, gf6, gm1, gm5, gm10, gx1, gx7, gx8, gh1, gh2, gh3, gh4; Olympus epm1, epm2, e-pl1, e-pl2, e-pl3, e-pl5, e-pl6, e-pl7, e-m1, e-m5, e-m10.
- Photos taken for this purpose: You can see a large sample of images taken by users at this link.
PROS AND CONS
The best thing about this lens is the price, fisheye lenses are much more expensive and this one offers great possibilities at a very affordable price.
The drawback, in addition to the fact that it is only available for one brand, is that it only has manual focus. If it is not an inconvenience for you and you are looking for a lens of this type, you will love it.
4. MEIKE MK 12MM F/2.8 (MICRO FOUR THIRDS, FUJI, SONY)
Another angular lens , this time with a smaller viewing angle, although ultra-wide. It is also very bright and manual focus.
- Focus: Manual
- Focal length: 12mm
- Maximum aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum aperture: f/22
- Minimum focus distance: 0.10m
- Diameter: 72mm
- Weight: 360g
- Dimensions: 66x78mm
- Available for: Sony , Fujifilm , Olympus and Panasonic; with mounts: Micro Four Thirds*, FujiX**, Sony E.***
- Photos: in this linkYou will see some photographs taken with this objective.
*Compatibility note: Micro 4/3 cameras with APS-C Live MOS sensor (Olympus and Panasonic Lumix) Olympus EM1, M5, M10, EP5, EPL3, PL5, PL6, PL7 …
Panasonic Lumix GM1, GM2, GX1, GX2, GX7, GX8, GF5, GF6, GF7, GH3, GH4..
**Compatibility Note: Fujifilm cameras with APS-C sensor and X-mount bayonet
Fujifilm X-A1, X-A2, X-E1, X-E2, X-E2s, X-E3, X-M1, X-T1 , X-T10, X-T2, X-T20, X-Pro1, X-Pro2 …
***Compatibility note: Sony cameras with APS-C sensor and bayonet mounting on Sony NEX3,NEX3N,NEX5,NEX5T,NEX5R,NEX6,NEX7,A5000,A5100,A6000, A6100,A6300,A6500...
5. CANON PANCAKE EF-S 24MM F/2.8 STM
This is the lens with the widest angle of view you can find for less than 200 euros for Canon . And it may be almost closer to standard lenses than to wide angle ones.
Now, since I've had it as soon as I take it off the camera, it's my go-to lens and I'm very happy with it. (I haven't found anything similar for Nikon , but please, if you know something like this, tell us about it in the comments ?? , we will be eternally grateful, especially Nikon users ).
It is ideal for travel, street photography, social or to always wear it. I use it in my camera, which is APS-C format, which you always ask. Some sample photos:
STANDARD
Standard lenses are those that offer you a vision as close to that of the human eye in terms of possible distortions. Its greatest advantage is its versatility, since it allows you to cover very different topics.
6.50MM, F/1.8
If you frequent the blog, you'll already know that this is one of our favorite lenses, especially if you can't afford the 50mm f/1.4, Mario's favorite.
It is a fixed objective that offers great sharpness and is very bright. Which allows you to take photos in low light and get heart-stopping blurs. You have it reviewed.
It is ideal for portraits, low light photos, travel, social and daily use…
As in this case they vary from one objective to another, depending on the brand and beyond the price, I will give you the characteristics and price of each one of them.
CANYON
I am really happy with this prime lens that gives me wonderful bokeh and incredible sharpness.
- Focal length: 50mm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum aperture: f/22
- Focus motor: STM
- Minimum focus distance: 0.35m
- Diaphragm Blades: 7
- Filter diameter: 49mm
- Dimensions: 69 x 39 x 39mm
- Weight: 160g
- Photos: in the following gallery I leave you some photos that I have taken myself with this objective (as I know you are going to ask me, they have been taken with an APS-CC camera. As you can see, it covers a wide range of subjects.
YONGNUO
The cheapest version of the 50mm f/1.8 comes from Yongnuo, available for Canon and Nikon. Obviously you can't ask for the same image quality as that of Canon, for example, but to start and experiment or if you can't afford more, it's a good option. These are its main features:
- Focal length: 50mm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum aperture: f/22
- Focus motor: STM
- Minimum focus distance: 0.45m
- Filter diameter: 52mm
- Dimensions: 100 x 80 x 40mm
- Weight: 118g
- Available for: Canonand Nikon
SONY
The version for Sony with A-Mount and APS-C sensor has a focus motor, weighs 170g and the filter diameter is 49mm. The minimum focusing distance is 0.34m and it features 7 diaphragm blades. It also has a stabilizer and silent autofocus and its dimensions are 70 x 45mm. The price: N/A
FUJIFILM
For Fujifilm and X-mount users we have this very cheap lens from 7Artisans.
- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum aperture: f/16
- Aluminum and copper body
- 12 diaphragm blades
- Thread diameter: 52 mm
- Weight: 168g
- Photos taken for this purpose: you can see a sample at this Flickr link
- Compatibility: Fuji X-A1 x-a10 X-A2 x-a3 x-at x-m2 X-T1 X-T10 X-M1 x-t2 x-t20, X-Pro1, X-Pro2, X-E1, X -E2, X-E2S
7. NIKON AF-S DX NIKKOR 35MM F/1.8G
The closest thing to the Canon 50mm for Nikon in terms of price is this 35mm, which has a little more angle of vision, but is just as bright, versatile and also with a heart-stopping blur.
- Focal length: 50mm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum aperture: f/22
- Viewing angle: 44º
- Focus Motor: Silent Wave Motor
- Diaphragm Blades: 7 (rounded)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.3m
- Filter diameter: 52mm
- Dimensions: 70 x 52.5mm
- Weight: 200g
- mount: F
- Ideal for street photography, travel, portraiture and everyday use
- Gallery: here you can see the sample gallery of the brand
I hope that with this list of objectives you will find one that suits you. As I have already said, some are not suitable for the most demanding in terms of quality, however, in terms of creativity and artistic possibilities, none of them will disappoint you, especially given the price they have.
If you know of any other lenses that should be on this list (below this price, of course), please add them in the comments so other readers can benefit. Let's be generous, with our creativity and with the community. Thanks and see you soon.
