Which SLR lens offers the best value for money under $500?
This page compares 3 SLR lens with verified specifications and prices. Top options include Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III, Tokina atx-i 11-20mm f/2.8 CF for Nikon F. Prices range from £125 to £295. All data is sourced from manufacturer documentation and specialist retailers.
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Focal Length (mm) ⇅ | Maximum Aperture (f-stop) ⇅ | Maximum Magnification ⇅ | Minimum Focus Distance (mm) ⇅ | Number of Elements ⇅ | Image Stabilization ⇅ |
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Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
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£124.98 ≈ | 50mm | — | 0.21x | 0.35m | 6 | ✗ |
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This compact 50mm prime lens has a bright f/1.8 aperture for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field. Its STM autofocus motor provides smooth, near-silent focusing, making it suitable for portraits, everyday photography, and video on Canon EF-mount SLR cameras. ★ Ideal forIt offers strong value under $500 with a bright f/1.8 aperture, 0.21x magnification, 0.35m minimum focus distance, six-element design, and smooth STM autofocus at a modest price.
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Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
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£176.74 ≈ | 75 to 300mm | — | 0.25x | 1.5 m | 13 | ✗ |
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This compact telephoto zoom covers 75 to 300mm and uses a DC micro motor for autofocus. It suits Canon DSLR users who want affordable reach for portraits, outdoor sports, wildlife, and daylight telephoto photography. ★ Ideal forIt offers strong value under $500 by providing 300mm reach, 0.25x magnification, and a lightweight 480g design at a relatively low price, although it lacks image stabilization. |
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Tokina atx-i 11-20mm f/2.8 CF for Nikon F
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£295.07 ≈ | 11-20mm | — | 0.12x | 11in | 14 | ✗ |
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This APS-C ultra-wide zoom offers an 11-20mm range and a constant f/2.8 aperture for landscapes, architecture, interiors, and astrophotography. Its 14-element optical design, aspherical and low-dispersion elements, internal focusing, and focus clutch provide strong image quality and flexible operation. ★ Ideal forAt 399.00, it offers strong value under $500 with a constant f/2.8 aperture, versatile 11-20mm range, 0.12x magnification, and 14-element optical design for wide-angle shooting in low light. |
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