Skip to main content
Best Prime Lenses

The Best Prime Lenses of 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Best Prime Lenses

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Learn more about our product testing
Product image of Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A
Best Overall

Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A

The 50mm f/1.4 is the pick of the litter, capable of astounding image quality, sharpness, and bokeh. Read More

Editor's Choice Product image of Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

If you're a Canon shooter, for macro there's no better option. It's razor sharp, offers image stabilization, and has a superb close focal distance that also works as a dandy portrait lens in a pinch. Read More

Editor's Choice Product image of Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2

It's a little big for a mirrorless lens, but it's a must-own for any mirrorless shooter with the cash to burn. Read More

Product image of Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR

While the pricier f/1.4 has smoother bokeh and shallower depth of field, the f/1.8 arguably has better image quality, is cheaper, and is lighter. Read More

Product image of Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD

With creamy smooth bokeh and a focal length perfect for portraits, this lens is ideal for professional photographers of all stripes. Read More

Even though many shoppers want long zoom lenses, the key to super-sharp photos is a prime lens. Since primes are stuck on one focal length with no zoom, they can optimize for sharpness at that one length. They're generally the highest-quality lenses you can buy in any lens family, and an excellent way to wring the most out of your camera.

Whether you're a Fujifilm X-mount owner, a Micro Four Thirds photographer, or even a Canon or Nikon DSLR owner, we've compared across all available prime lenses in this article to find out which are the very best.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Product image of Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A
Best Overall
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A

Sigma's ART series lenses have quickly built a reputation for exemplary image quality, killer craftsmanship, and best-in-class value for the money. The 50mm f/1.4 is the pick of the litter, capable of astounding image quality, sharpness, and bokeh. It's a little bigger than other 50mm f/1.4 lenses, but it's available for Canon and Nikon DSLRs and goes toe-to-toe with any lens those companies have right now.

Product image of Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

For any photographer looking to capture small objects, such as jewelry, bugs, or just fine details, you'll need a macro lens. If you're a Canon shooter, there's no better option than the 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. It's razor sharp, offers image stabilization, and it has a superb close focal distance that also works as a dandy portrait lens in a pinch. For less than $800, it's a terrific investment for Canon fanatics.

Product image of Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2

If you've bought into the Micro Four Thirds system (or are thinking about it), the 42.5mm f/1.2 Nocticron is as good as it gets. It's a telephoto portrait lens with creamy smooth bokeh and quality co-signed by Leica. It's a little big for a mirrorless lens, it's one of the best lenses we've ever tested and a must-own for any mirrorless shooter with the cash to burn.

Product image of Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR

If you're shooting a Nikon DSLR and you want a top-notch portrait lens, it's hard to do better than the AF-S 85mm f/1.8G. While the pricier f/1.4 has smoother bokeh and shallower depth of field, the f/1.8 arguably has better image quality, is cheaper, and is lighter. It's a perfect storm of portrait goodness that outperformed the 85mm f/1.4 in our lab tests, and at under $500 it won't break the bank, either.

Product image of Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD
Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD

Fujifilm is playing by its own rules these days, debuting pro-grade cameras and riding high from the popularity of its Instax instant film cams. But if you're invested in Fujifilm's X-series cameras, the 56mm f/1.2 lens is as good as it gets. With creamy smooth bokeh and a focal length perfect for portraits, this lens is ideal for professional photographers of all stripes. It's pricey, but man is it worth it.

Meet the tester

Reviewed Staff

Reviewed Staff

Contributors, Writers, Editors

@reviewed

The Reviewed staff is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA. Backed by our knowledgeable writers and rigorous test labs, we're working hard to make sure you can make the right decisions about what to buy.

See all of Reviewed Staff's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

Shoot us an email