If you just unboxed a new mirrorless or DSLR camera, it probably came with a kit lens. Often a mid-range zoom lens (such as 18-55mm), these bundled cylinders are ideal to get started with. But because they are built on a budget, their performance is usually limited. If you're ready to take the next step with your photography, it's probably time to look at the best second lenses.
Additional lenses unlock new shooting possibilities for your camera, allowing you to take better photos of specific subjects and settings. For example, fast prime lenses allow you to experiment with depth of field in street and portrait photography. Telephoto zoom lenses get you much closer to your subject, while longer models are ideal for capturing images of wildlife and action. There are also macro, wide-angle and premium zoom lenses on the market.
With so many lens choices available, it can be difficult to choose the right lens for your needs and budget. That's why we've rounded up some of our favorites in the list below. Since it's impossible to cover all the options available for every camera model and mount, we've instead selected a handful of top deals on the best mirrorless cameras and the best DSLRs. Each has been chosen as a good example of what to look for when shopping for a second lens.
And remember: you don't have to cover every focal length in your gear bag; it's smarter to buy only the lenses you need for the photos you like to take.
Best second lenses for mirrorless cameras
Different manufacturers use different mounts for their mirrorless cameras, so you should choose a lens that suits your specific model. If none are listed below, check out our special reviews of the best Sony lenses , the best Canon RF lenses , the best Nikon Z lenses , and the best Micro Four Thirds lenses (a mount used by Panasonic and OM System).
The handy fifty
A fast prime with a fixed focal length of 50mm, the so-called nifty fifty, is a very useful second lens. The large maximum aperture is ideal for portraits and useful in low light. It is also compact, affordable and, in combination with a full-frame sensor, offers a field of view comparable to the human eye. This Canon RF model is a good example of this: sleekly designed and lightweight (160 g). The aperture of f/1.8 ensures a pleasantly shallow depth of field. It's also cheap.
The all-round zoom lens
Starting wide angle and zooming to telephoto, this 24-120mm lets you cover a lot of bases without having to change lenses. Although it overlaps with the range of a 24-70mm f/4 kit lens, it zooms in much further while maintaining the same maximum aperture. That makes it a very versatile lens for photographing a range of everyday scenarios. In addition, the lens is consistently sharp across focal lengths. If you prefer an even greater range over a constant aperture, consider the Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4G OSS
The telephoto zoom
Whether you want to photograph wildlife or sports, the 70-200mm is a classic telephoto lens, with a reach that's useful in a variety of scenarios. Like 24-70mm zoom lenses, the 70-200mm typically comes in two configurations: a fast f/2.8 version with a professional price tag, and a smaller, more affordable f/4 option. This stabilized Sony track represents the latter. It's a remarkably flexible lens, with excellent image quality, fast AF and semi-macro support for close-range focusing.
Best Second Lenses for DSLR Cameras
Mirrorless may be the future, but there is still an active market for DSLR cameras and matching lenses. Canon and Nikon are the only manufacturers featured in our list of the best DSLR cameras, so we've focused on lenses that suit their models below. For more recommendations, check out our specifics of the best Nikon DSLR lenses and the best Canon DSLR lenses.
Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD
The wide-angle zoom
From landscapes to architecture, wide-angle lenses let you exaggerate perspectives to capture vast scenes in a single frame. This Tamron 10-24mm zoom lens is designed for Nikon and Canon DSLRs and is one of our favorite wide-angle options for APS-C models. It handles well, while weather sealing complements the high-quality construction. It also benefits from good sharpness and contrast, aided by a fast AF system and optical image stabilization. It is sold for Canon EF and Nikon F mounts.
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM A
The 30mm prime
Like the handy fifty above, this is a fast prime that performs fantastic in low light and delivers a shallow depth of field. In combination with a full-frame sensor, 30 mm looks considerably wider. But with an APS-C body it comes close to that classic 50mm look (depending on the crop factor). It's well built, focuses quickly and is impressively sharp, even at f/1.4. Plus, it's available with a number of mounts, including Nikon F, Canon EF and Sony A.
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
The super telephoto zoom
Super telephoto lenses are fantastic for nature and sports photography. A fixed focal length provides the best performance, but a telephoto zoom is more useful for different scenarios. Take this 70-300mm lens from Canon: compatible with APS-C and full-frame models, it covers a range of telephoto lengths and stays sharp in the center of the frame. It also focuses quickly, has a handy built-in display and weighs only 710 grams.