Best Lenses under $500 for travel

Best Pick

Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM 28mm

68.5 Travel Score
28mm 16 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Combining an f/1.4 maximum aperture with 17 elements—including 3 aspherical and 5 ED glass—the lens delivers sharp, edge-to-edge clarity and strong contrast. Its weather-sealed barrel and HSM autofocus provide reliable, quiet performance in dusty or damp environments. It's best for landscape and street photographers who routinely shoot wide-open in low light and need a rugged, fast 28mm prime.

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Sigma AF DC 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC 18-200mm

60.9 Travel Score
18-200mm 22-40 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

The 18-200mm zoom covers a 27-300mm equivalent range on APS-C cameras, with image stabilization and auto panning detection in a lightweight 405g body. A 0.45m minimum focus and 1:4.4 magnification enable versatile close-up shooting, while 72mm filter threads support easy accessory use. This lens suits outdoor travelers and hobbyists needing a single all-in-one option for landscapes and macro work, though portraiture results remain modest.

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Sigma EX DC OS HSM 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM 17-50mm

55.7 Travel Score
17-50mm 22 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2.8 aperture and 4-stop optical stabilization anchor this zoom, with FLD glass delivering fluorite-level chromatic aberration correction for sharp, high-contrast images. Its 28cm minimum focus distance and 1:5 magnification enable near-macro versatility, and the EX-series build includes a petal hood and padded case. Best for APS-C Nikon DSLR shooters wanting a fast, stabilized standard zoom for event work and detail-rich portraits.

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Sigma EX DC HSM 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM 20mm

52.6 Travel Score
10-20mm 22 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

A constant f/3.5 aperture and HSM autofocus with built-in Optical Stabilization ensure sharp, handheld ultra-wide shots across the 10–20mm zoom range. The Super Multi-Layer coating and four aspherical elements deliver edge-to-edge clarity, and the large 82mm filter thread simplifies using polarizers or ND filters. It’s best for Nikon APS-C shooters focusing on landscape and creative close-up work, thanks to a 24cm minimum focus distance that emphasizes foreground detail.

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Sigma EX DC HSM 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM 20mm lens
Price $479
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Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC IF Aspherical Zoom 18-125mm

50.1 Travel Score
18-125mm f/3.5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its 7x 18-125mm range and optical stabilization, packed into a 385g body, deliver versatile focal length coverage with an aspherical element for improved sharpness. The Internal Focus design keeps the front barrel from rotating, simplifying the use of polarizing filters, a thoughtful touch for a budget lens. It’s a strong match for Nikon DX DSLR users wanting a lightweight, stabilized walk-around lens that can handle close-up subjects, as reflected in its highest test score for macro (59.1/100).

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Sigma EX DG 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG IF 15-30mm

35.1 Travel Score
15-30mm f/3.5 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

With a 15-30mm focal range, f/3.5-4.5 aperture, and Super Multi Coating that suppresses flare on digital bodies, this lens uses 17 elements—including two aspherical elements—to keep distortion in check. Its surprisingly strong 72.7/100 macro score delivers close-focus performance at just 30cm, adding versatility that’s rare in an ultra-wide zoom. It’s best for Nikon F-mount hobbyists who want a budget wide-angle zoom for architecture and landscapes while still getting tight detail shots at close range.

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Best Lenses under $1,000 for travel

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM 18-300mm

79.8 Travel Score
18-300mm f/3.5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

The 16.7x all-in-one 18-300mm focal range with 1:3 macro capability makes this bundle stand out for sheer versatility, supported by a Hyper Sonic Motor and Optical Stabilization. Its optical design with aspherical and ED elements ensures decent sharpness across the zoom range in a compact, travel-friendly build that pairs with extensive accessories. Best for street photographers and Nikon DX hobbyists needing a single-lens solution that can also capture detailed close-ups without switching glass.

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Sigma 723-306 135-400mm

55.2 Travel Score
135-400mm f/4.5 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

A 135-400mm f/4.5-5.6 zoom lens with 1 aspherical and 3 ED elements delivers super-telephoto reach in a compact 104-gram body. Its minimal weight makes it practical for all-day handheld shooting without the bulk of typical telephoto zooms. It’s best for street photographers needing a discreet, lightweight super-telephoto lens for candid captures.

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Sigma EX DG OS APO 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX OS APO RF Telephoto Zoom 80-400mm

38.7 Travel Score
80-400mm f/4.5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

The constant f/4.5 aperture across the 80-400mm range, Optical Stabilization, and four SLD glass elements deliver sharp telephoto images with controlled chromatic aberration. Its Hyper Sonic Motor provides fast, quiet autofocus with full-time manual override, and the lens barrel remains a fixed length during zooming for easier handling. This lens suits Nikon F-mount shooters who need a single super-telephoto for distant wildlife and close-up detail without swapping optics.

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Best Lenses under $1,500 for travel

Best Pick

Sigma Art 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM 12-24mm

60.6 Travel Score
12-24mm 22 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The ultra-wide 12-24mm focal range with constant f/4 aperture and FLD/aspherical elements provides sharp, low-distortion images across full-frame Nikon F mounts. Weather-sealed construction and a 9-blade diaphragm add rugged durability and smooth background blur for outdoor shooting. This lens is best for travel photographers who need an expansive field of view and sealed build for landscapes and architecture.

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Price $1,280
Sigma Art 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM 12-24mm lens

Best Lenses under $2,500 for travel

No lenses found Under $2,500 for this category.

Premium Lenses for travel

Best Pick

Sigma Sports 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM 500mm

31.9 Travel Score
500mm 32 Nikon F IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/4 aperture combined with two FLD and one SLD element delivers exceptional clarity and chromatic aberration correction, while the magnesium alloy body provides a dust- and splash-proof build at 3310g. Its optical stabilization offers a 4-stop advantage, and the Hyper Sonic Motor provides fast, accurate autofocus that excels in challenging low-light conditions. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a durable, hand-holdable 500mm prime with full-frame coverage and reliable weather sealing for extended outdoor shoots.

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Price $6,599
Sigma Sports 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM 500mm lens