Best Travel Lenses Under €500 in 2026
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R micro-four-thirds
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Yongnuo YN 17mm f/1.7 micro-four-thirds
Why we recommend this ▼
A bright f/1.7 aperture and 17mm wide-angle field of view are packed into a mere 180g body, using 2 aspherical and 2 ED elements with nano multi-layer coating to suppress aberrations. The lens features a weather-sealed metal mount, full-time manual focus override, and an included lens hood for durable, precise control. It suits Micro Four Thirds travel and landscape shooters who need a lightweight, weather-resistant prime for unpredictable conditions.
Laowa 17mm f/1.8 micro-four-thirds
Why we recommend this ▼
Weighing just 172g with a bright f/1.8 aperture and weather sealing, this manual-focus lens delivers sharp, high-contrast images with minimal distortion across the Micro Four Thirds frame. Its 15cm minimum focus distance enables 0.2x magnification close-ups with smooth bokeh from the 7-blade diaphragm, adding macro-like versatility to a compact wide-angle. This lens is best for street and travel photographers who prioritize a lightweight, all-metal build and precise manual control over autofocus convenience.
7Artisans 12mm f/2.8 Mark Ⅱ Ultra APS-C
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 8mm f/2.8 Fisheye APS-C
Why we recommend this ▼
The Meike 7.5mm F/2.8 is a fully manual, all-metal fisheye lens with a fast f/2.8 aperture and 9 elements in 11 groups, built for Canon EF-M mount cameras. Its compact, lightweight construction and sharp color contrast make it a practical choice for astrophotography and street shooting, though it requires enabling "M mode" or "Release without lens" in camera settings. This lens suits Canon EOS M-series owners who want an affordable, durable circular fisheye for creative portraits and night sky shots, not landscape work.
