Best fast prime lenses: Top Picks
Our catalogue lists 751 fast prime lenses. Fixed lenses with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 or wider, for low light and shallow depth of field.
How these were picked. Lenses are ranked using only data in our catalogue: those with editorial notes first, then those with a photo and a buying link, newer release years where known, and faster maximum apertures as a tie-breaker. This is a data-based shortlist, not a hands-on test ranking.
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1.Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM
24mm · f/1.4 · Canon RF
A fast wide-angle prime for Canon RF full-frame cameras with a voice coil motor, aimed at astro, interiors and environmental portraits.
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2.Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
85mm · f/1.4 · Sony E
The second-generation 85mm f/1.4 G Master portrait prime for E-mount. It adds an aperture ring and is lighter than the original, at about 642 g.
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3.Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
50mm · f/1.4 · Sony E
A compact G Master 50mm for E-mount with an f/1.4 aperture and an aperture ring. It weighs about 516 g, lighter than the FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
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4.Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
135mm · f/1.8 · Canon RF
The RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM is a telephoto prime for Canon RF full-frame cameras with image stabilization, suited to portrait and event work.
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5.Sony E 15mm F1.4 G
15mm · f/1.4 · Sony E
A fast APS-C wide prime for E-mount from the G line. It weighs about 219 g, takes 55mm filters and focuses as close as 0.2 m.
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6.Canon RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM
24mm · f/1.8 · Canon RF
A wide prime for Canon RF full-frame cameras with 0.5x macro, stabilization and a stepping motor.
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7.Sony E 11mm F1.8
11mm · f/1.8 · Sony E
A wide-angle prime for APS-C E-mount with an f/1.8 aperture. At about 181 g it is compact, and it focuses as close as 0.15 m.
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8.Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
50mm · f/1.2 · Sony E
A very bright 50mm prime for full-frame E-mount with an f/1.2 aperture. It targets portrait and low-light shooters who want strong subject separation.
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9.Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM
35mm · f/1.4 · Sony E
A G Master 35mm prime for E-mount with an f/1.4 aperture, an aperture ring and linear-motor autofocus. It has a dust and moisture resistant design.
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10.Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM
14mm · f/1.8 · Sony E
An ultra-wide prime for full-frame E-mount with an f/1.8 aperture and an aperture ring. The curved front element prevents screw-in filters.
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11.Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S
50mm · f/1.2 · Nikon Z
A fast normal prime for Nikon Z full-frame mirrorless cameras with an f/1.2 aperture. Large and heavy for a 50mm, aimed at demanding portrait and low-light work.
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12.Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
50mm · f/1.8 · Canon RF
A light normal prime for Canon RF full-frame cameras with a stepping motor, often seen as the RF 'nifty fifty'.