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Buying guide: how to choose a camera lens

A lens is chosen first on its brightness, its ability to focus up close, and the quality of its background blur. These three measured criteria explain most of the score differences before price even comes into play.

What to check

Lens brightness This criterion measures the maximum aperture the lens allows. The wider it is, the better the lens captures light in dim conditions and the easier it blurs the background. On the site, the bar grows longer as the aperture value rises: the dimmest lenses sit around a low value, the median sits well above that, and the brightest lenses reach far higher figures still. Anyone shooting indoors or in low light should check this score first, ahead of any other feature. Market median: 2.8
Closest focusing distance This criterion shows the shortest distance at which the lens stays sharp. Here, a shorter distance means a better score: the bar grows longer as the figure drops. The weakest lenses sit around a fairly long distance, the median comes in well below that, and the best lenses allow an even closer approach. This criterion matters most for anyone photographing small subjects or fine details without having to step back. Market median: 0.3 m
Background blur quality This criterion measures the number of blades that make up the diaphragm. The higher the number, the rounder and more natural the background blur looks rather than angular. The score follows this logic: the bar grows longer with more blades. The weakest lenses have few blades, the median sits one step above, and the best lenses have noticeably more. This criterion matters most for portraits and subjects set against a blurred background. Market median: 9
Mount compatibility Before comparing scores, check that the lens actually fits the camera body in mind: each mount is specific to a brand or body range. A mismatched lens simply will not work, however good its optics. It is also worth checking the size and weight stated on the product sheet, since these affect everyday comfort alongside brightness, focusing distance, and background blur.

Benchmarks based on 30 recent market listings, collected on 2 October 2026.

What you get for each budget

Under €150

At this level, lenses cover simple needs, with brightness and background blur often close to the median or below it.

€150 to €500

This range brings more versatile lenses, where brightness and focusing distance approach the median or go beyond it.

Over €500

Beyond that, the brightest lenses appear, capable of very close focusing and a particularly rounded background blur.

Frequent mistakes

Picking a lens without checking it matches the camera’s mount.
Confusing maximum aperture with the aperture actually used in practice, which can be set narrower.
Overlooking the closest focusing distance for close-up photography.
Focusing on price alone without checking the brightness or background blur score.
Forgetting that fewer diaphragm blades give a less natural blur, even with good brightness.