Best Budget Lenses Under £400 in 2026
OM System M.Zuiko 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Panasonic G 30mm f/2.8 MEGA OIS Macro
Why we recommend this ▼
This 30mm f/2.8 delivers true 1x magnification (2x full-frame equivalent) at a 105mm minimum focus distance, stabilized by MEGA O.I.S. and a 240fps AF drive that locks focus in 0.5 seconds. Its compact all-metal build, aspherical element for corner-to-corner sharpness, and smooth bokeh expression make it a versatile performer for close-ups and portraits. It’s best for Micro Four Thirds macro shooters needing handheld life-size reproduction without a tripod.
7Artisans 12mm F2.8 Mark Ⅱ Ultra Wide Angle APS-C Manual Focus Prime
Why we recommend this ▼
With a 100-degree field of view and f/2.8 aperture, this 12mm manual focus prime uses a 12-element optical design, focusing as close as 5.9 inches for dramatic wide-angle close-ups. Its all-metal barrel and smooth focus ring provide precise control at an affordable price, though the 608g weight limits travel portability. The lens is ideal for budget-minded Nikon Z APS-C shooters wanting to experiment with ultra-wide landscapes and close-up photography without autofocus.
Meike 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye
Why we recommend this ▼
A 190-degree field of view and f/2.8 aperture deliver ultra-wide fisheye images on Canon EF-M APS-C bodies. The lens weighs just 260g and focuses down to 5.9 inches for close-up creativity, with a manual focus design for precise control. It suits Canon EF-M shooters wanting dramatic landscape, interior, and macro-style fisheye perspectives.
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 R
Why we recommend this ▼
At just 190 grams, the 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 zoom (80-300mm equivalent) delivers portable reach with nearly silent MSC autofocus. Its affordable price and compact size make it an unobtrusive second lens that pairs easily with standard kits for extended shooting. Budget-conscious Micro Four Thirds photographers capturing travel, portraits, and outdoor sports will appreciate its 3.75x range without added bulk.
Laowa 17mm f/1.8
Why we recommend this ▼
A 172g weight, 15cm close-focusing, and weather sealing make this 34mm-equivalent f/1.8 prime a uniquely versatile wide-angle for Micro Four Thirds. Its 9-element optical design and 7-blade aperture deliver sharp, high-contrast images with smooth bokeh, while manual focus offers precise control. This lens is best for street and travel photographers on Micro Four Thirds who need a fast, compact prime that can handle both expansive landscapes and close-up detail shots.
7Artisans Hope Series 16mm T2.1
Why we recommend this ▼
The T2.1 aperture and 260° focus throw allow precise manual pulls, while the 15-element optical design effectively suppresses breathing for clean footage. Weighing 600g with weather sealing and a 77mm thread, its 260mm close focus enables macro-style shots on MFT mounts. Best for MFT macro videographers and indie filmmakers seeking a wide cine lens with robust build and precise, breathing-free control.
AstrHori 9mm F2.8 APS-C Ultra Wide Angle
Laowa Zero-D 10mm f/2
Why we recommend this ▼
With a 10mm focal length (96° angle of view) and bright f/2 aperture in a mere 125g body, this manual-focus prime delivers near-zero distortion for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It includes a CPU chip for in-camera aperture control and EXIF data, along with 46mm filter threads, adding convenience for landscape shooters who use filters. Ideal for vloggers, drone operators, and lightweight videography rigs that demand a fast, pocketable ultra-wide lens.
Yongnuo YN42.5mm F1.7M II
Why we recommend this ▼
The 42.5mm focal length (85mm equivalent) and f/1.7 aperture deliver smooth bokeh and low-light capability in a tiny 146g body with STM autofocus. Its discreet, pocketable design integrates unobtrusively on small Micro Four Thirds bodies like the Panasonic G100 or Olympus E-M10 series. This lens is best for street photographers and budget-conscious portrait shooters who need a fast, lightweight prime for everyday candid work and environmental portraits.
Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 HD Fisheye
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 139.3° field of view and f/3.5 aperture on Micro Four Thirds produce bright, dramatic fisheye images, aided by a 10-element optical formula for sharpness. Manual focus and a compact 450g body offer precise, portable control for harnessing the lens’s unique distortion effects in creative photography. This lens suits visual storytellers and travel photographers seeking an ultra-wide, artistic perspective without heavy gear.
Rokinon Cine DS DS100M-MFT
Why we recommend this ▼
Offering 1:1 macro magnification with a 100mm focal length and T3.1 aperture, this lens captures detailed close-ups with smooth, de-clicked aperture control and a 9-blade diaphragm for circular bokeh. The Cine DS version adds unified focus and aperture gear positions, color-matched barrels, and dual-sided distance scales for quick lens swaps on set. It’s best for Micro Four Thirds video shooters needing a dedicated macro cine lens for product shots, nature details, and dramatic close-ups with follow-focus rigs.
Retropia Original Repurposed Disposable Camera