Best camera lens for low light photography 

When I first started taking pictures, I discovered the fascinating world of low light photography. My search for the ideal photograph in low light brought me to discover something innovative: the best camera lens for low light photography. 

Imagine a calm evening with dancing city lights against a dusk sky. I was annoyed with the hazy results, so I sought an answer. Take a look through the lens that changed my photos. 

The narrow light was absorbed by its large aperture, revealing intricacies I never would have thought conceivable. Shadows grew close, not hostile. This lens was invaluable for capturing the romance of a starry night or the intimacy of a candlelit meal. 

Come along with me as I reveal the techniques for capturing stunning low light images, all thanks to the best camera lens any photographer could ask for.

Quick list of the best camera lens for low light photography 

Here is a quick list of the best camera lens for low light photography.

1- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens

2- Canon EF 85mm F/1.8 USM

3- Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 Lens

4- Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 G

5- Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM

6- Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

7- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO

8- Canon EF 35mm F/1.4L II USM

9- Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art

Detailed analysis of the best camera lens for low light photography.

Here is a detailed analysis of the best camera lens for low light photography.

1- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens

• The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 lens’s remarkable maximum aperture of f/2.8 makes it stand out and provides adequate light intake for outstanding low-light performance. 

• With a 0.34x maximum magnification for capturing fine details, this lens becomes an adaptable instrument for various photography subjects. 

• Conveniently sized at 82mm, the filter thread size allows filters to be easily included for artistic effects. 

• In addition to being completely weather-sealed, the mirrorless Sigma 24-70 2.8 appears to be constructed with a sturdy enough structure to endure years of misuse.

• However, for photographers looking for versatility and excellent quality shots, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 is a strong option thanks to its powerful combination of a wide aperture and adjustable focal range.

Brand	Sigma.
Type	Zoom lens.
Lens format coverage	Full-frame.
Compatible Mounting	Sony E.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	11 blades.
Lens construction	19 elements in 15 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.18 m.
Weight	1,020 g.
Adjustment	The lens has both autofocus and manual focus.

Reasons to buy:

• Fast autofocus. 
• Good bokeh effect. 
• Overall sharpness. 

Reasons to avoid: 

• Weight & size. 
• No image stabilization.

2- Canon EF 85mm F/1.8 USM

• With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, the Canon EF 85mm F/1.8 USM lens offers exceptional low light performance along with stunning background blur. 

• It does exceptionally well at catching minute details for striking close-up images, with a maximum magnification of 0.13x. 

• The lens has a 58mm filter thread size, which makes using different filters easier. 

• It is imperative to acknowledge that the Canon EF 85mm F/1.8 USM lacks weather sealing; thus, photographers must use caution when shooting in inclement weather. 

• Its optical strength and adaptability make it a popular choice for artistic and portrait photography despite this drawback.

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto zoom lens.
Lens format coverage	Full-frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	8 blades.
Lens construction	9 elements in 7 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.85 m.
Weight	425 g.
Adjustment	Ring-type USM brings the subject fast into focus.

Reasons to buy:

• Comparatively cheap 85mm lenses.
• Image sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy are excellent.
• Even in low light, fast and dependable autofocus.

Reasons to avoid: 

• No image stabilization.
• Lack of weatherproofing or dust protection.

3- Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 Lens

• With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 lens offers superb low-light performance and creative depth-of-field control. 

• Although the lens performs best in wide angles, its highest magnification is 0.19x.

• The 82mm filter thread size increases creative possibilities by being compatible with a wide range of filters. 

• This lens is also weather-sealed, which offers protection from the elements and makes it a dependable option for outdoor photography in inclement weather. 

• The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 lens is a versatile wide-angle lens with a sturdy build that appeals to creative and practical users. 

Brand	Sony.
Type	Wide-angle lens.
Lens format coverage	Full-frame.
Compatible Mounting	Sony E.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	11 blades.
Lens construction	16 elements in 13 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.28 m.
Weight	680 g.
Adjustment	Autofocus with manual focus override.

Reasons to buy:

• Great design. 
• Powerful aperture. 
• Rich packaging. 
• Versatility. 
• Weather sealed. 

Reasons to avoid: 

• No image stabilization. 

4- Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 G

• The Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 G lens produces a beautiful blur in the background and performs exceptionally well in low light thanks to its wide maximum aperture of f/1.8. 

• Its 0.16x maximum magnification is adequate for a variety of shooting situations. 

• 52mm filters can be used with the lens to achieve both protective and artistic effects. 

• It’s crucial to remember that this lens is not completely weather-sealed. 

• Nothing wobbles outside, and the metal mount has a rubber gasket to remove moisture and dust. 

• However, there aren’t many locations where an object could enter. Simply give it proper care to ensure a long life.

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (DX).
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	8 elements in 6 groups.
Minimum focus distance	30 cm.
Weight	200 g.
Adjustment	Rear focusing, manual focus override.

Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight. 
• Easy to carry. 
• Wide aperture. 
• Versatility. 

Reasons to avoid: 

• No image stabilization.
• No weather sealing.

5- Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM

• With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM lens offers remarkable low-light performance and creative depth of field control. 

• Its 0.25x maximum magnification allows it to capture fine details, making it suitable for various photography genres. 

• Users may quickly improve their photographs with filters because of the lens’s tiny 43mm filter size. 

• While reducing flare and ghosting, optimal lens placement and coatings help produce outstanding color balance.

• Since the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM is not weather-sealed, it is advisable to use caution when the weather is bad. 

• Its outstanding optical performance and reasonable price make it a popular option for photographers looking for a high-quality prime lens despite this drawback.

Brand	Canon.
Type	Macro lens.
Lens format coverage	Full-frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon RF.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	6 elements in 5 groups.
Minimum focus distance	30 cm.
Weight	160 g.
Adjustment	Video and photo recording use a Gear-Type STM stepping motor for smooth, silent continuous autofocus (AF).

Reasons to buy:

• A wide aperture (f/1.8) for low light and creative depth of field.
• Small and light for transportation.
• Stepping Motor (STM) for quiet autofocus.
• Prime lens affordability.
• Suitable for many photography styles.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Not weatherproof for harsh circumstances.
• Metal lenses may feel stronger than plastic ones.
• No image stabilization.

6- Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

• With a maximum aperture range of f/4.5 to f/5.6, the wide-angle adaptability of the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens is evident. 

• With a maximum magnification of 0.15x, it clearly and detailedly records large-scale scenes. 

• Because the lens has a 67mm filter size, photographers can use different filters to improve their photos. 

• It is weather-sealed, though.

• It is a well-liked option for wide-angle fans looking for something affordable because of its lightweight construction and optical stabilization.

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide-angle lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.22 m.
Weight	240 g.
Adjustment	Noiseless video shooting using a stepping motor.

Reasons to buy:

• Ultra-wide 10-18mm focal range for innovative compositions and big landscapes.
• Camera shake reduction with image stabilization.
• STM (Stepping Motor) provides quiet, smooth autofocus for video.
• Compact and lightweight for portability.
• A wide-angle camera on the cheap.

Reasons to avoid: 

• For APS-C sensors, not full-frame Canon cameras.

7- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO

• For Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO lens offers excellent performance and versatility. 

• With a fixed f/4 aperture throughout its focal length, this lens guarantees reliable exposure and excellent low-light performance. 

• With a 0.3x maximum magnification, it captures details up close. 

• With the lens’s 72mm filter size, users can add different filters to improve their images. 

• The Olympus 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO is also weather-sealed, which increases its appropriateness for tough outdoor photography conditions and protects it from dust, spills, and freezing temperatures.

Brand	Olympus.
Type	Wide-angle lens.
Lens format coverage	Micro Four Thirds.
Compatible Mounting	Micro Four Thirds.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.15 m.
Weight	561 g.
Adjustment	The lens has autofocus.

Reasons to buy:

• Flexible 12–100mm focal range for diverse shooting situations.
• Consistent exposure throughout zoom with f/4 aperture.
• Effective shaking reduction with image stabilization.
• Weatherproof construction for tough circumstances.
• Sharp, detailed images due to high optical quality.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Pricey compared to other lenses.
• Larger and heavier than lesser zoom lenses.
• Not for full-frame cameras but for Micro Four Thirds.

8- Canon EF 35mm F/1.4L II USM

• Professional-grade prime lenses, such as the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens, are renowned for their outstanding optical performance. 

• This lens has an amazing f/1.4 maximum aperture, which makes it excellent in low light and allows for beautiful background blur in artistic compositions. 

• Even though it has a 0.21x maximum magnification, which enables precise close-ups. 

• With its 72mm filter size, the lens works with a wide range of filters. 

• The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is also excellent for harsh shooting settings because it is weather-sealed, providing strong protection against dust and moisture.

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide-angle lens.
Lens format coverage	Full-frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.28 m.
Weight	760 g.
Adjustment	Autofocus with full-time manual.

Reasons to buy:

• Focusing close allows usage in cramped spaces.
• Subjects with minimal wide-angle distortion.
• Built to last and weatherproof.

Reasons to avoid: 

• No image stabilization.

9- Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art

• The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art zoom lens is known for its wide aperture and sharpness. 

• With a constant aperture of f/1.8 over its focal range, this lens shines in low light and allows creative depth of field adjustment. 

• Its 0.23x maximum magnification is sufficient for close-ups. 

• The lens accepts 72mm filters for versatility. 

• The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art is not weather-sealed, so use caution in bad weather. 

• However, photographers wanting high-quality zoom love its optical brilliance.

Brand	Sigma.
Type	Wide-angle lens.
Lens format coverage	Full-frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.28 m.
Weight	810 g.
Adjustment	Ultrasonic ring-type AF motor with continuous manual focusing.

Reasons to buy:

• A fast and constant aperture of f/1.8 for low-light performance.
• High image quality and sharpness throughout the zoom range.
• Versatile focal range (18-35mm).

Reasons to avoid: 

• No image stabilization.
• Not weather-sealed. 

What to look for in the best camera lens for low light photography

1- Aperture

The aperture becomes a crucial guide when experimenting with the best lens for low light photography. f/1.8 or f/2.8 lenses are good choices if you want to let more light into the sensor. 

This allows you to capture the subtle elements of darkness, bringing details to life and producing breathtaking compositions. A wider aperture increases the brightness of your images while also adding a dreamy background blur to make your evening photos look better.

2- Image Stabilization

Under the cover of night, stability becomes a silent ally. The image stabilization feature of the best camera lens for low-light photography should compensate for hand tremors and vibrations. 

This guarantees that, even in low light, your photographs will be clear and sharp even at slower shutter speeds. Accept image stabilization as the defender of clarity, which gives you the confidence to capture moments without worrying about unintentional blur.

3- Zoom or prime lenses

Selecting a prime or zoom lens is an essential decision for your nighttime adventures. Wider apertures are a common feature of prime lenses with fixed focal lengths, such as 50mm or 85mm, which makes them perfect for situations with low light. 

However, a zoom lens such as a 24-70mm offers more compositional flexibility. To choose the ideal lens for your low-light travels, consider your shooting style, including whether you like the flexibility of diverse views or the close-up nature of fixed focal lengths.

4- Compatibility

The compatibility between your camera and lens is crucial to the photographic symphony. Make sure the lens you select fits your camera body properly, considering things like sensor size and mount type. 

Your equipment can be fully utilized by pairing it perfectly with the best camera lens for low-light photography. Because of this compatibility, you may easily deal with the complexities of low light conditions and use your lens as a component of your creative vision. 

Pick carefully, and let your camera and lens dance together under the night sky lit by the moon.

Best camera lens for low light photography FAQs

Should I start with a prime lens or a zoom lens?

For beginners, a prime lens might be a more manageable and cost-effective choice. They help to lessen camera shake and noise, are lightweight, and have a constant focal length that doesn’t need to be adjusted. Conversely, zoom lenses can be costly and challenging for novices to use.

Is a 50mm lens good for low-light photography?

Yes, a 50mm lens has a wide aperture that lets more light into the camera to take excellent photos in dimly lit areas.

What is an ultra-low light camera?

Often called “starlight cameras,” ultra-low light security cameras are made to record and transmit high-quality video in nearly complete darkness and other extremely low-light situations.

Which camera is best for low light photography?

The Nikon Z7 II is the greatest camera overall for taking low-light pictures, but it’s also an excellent all-arounder in almost all circumstances. Although most manufacturers now choose mirrorless cameras over DSLRs, the Nikon D850 gives them serious competition.

Conclusion 

These camera lenses have become my nighttime companions in the dim light of discovery, adding magic to the combination of my photography journey. 

The best lens for low-light photography allowed searching for rare low-light photos to become an exciting adventure rather than a frightening task. My craft has been boosted by their ability to capture the essence of darkness and paint it with bright colors. 

Every frame now bears witness to the brightness these lenses bring to the shadows, whether in moonlit landscapes or dark streets. I encourage other photographers to utilize these amazing partners to fully explore their low light photography efforts as I approach the end of another chapter. 

A masterpiece of pictures that capture the essence of moments long after the faded night unfolds in the gentle click of these lenses, exposing the dance between light and darkness ahead.