The 5 Best First Lenses to Buy Second Hand in the UK

Before you shop, keep these in mind:

1. Confirm your mount: RF, Z, E, X, EF, F, or Micro Four Thirds.
2. Know your sensor: APS‑C crop is about 1.5x on Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm and 1.6x on Canon.
3. Set a budget and decide the job you want the lens to do first. If you are moving on from a kit lens, a prime or a fast standard zoom is usually the best value “next step.

Top 5 List

1) 35 mm f/1.8 prime – best lens for street and travel

A 35 gives a natural look for family, food, travel and low‑light video. It is a classic “first prime lens” that helps you learn composition.

Good used picks:

• Nikon AF‑S DX 35mm f/1.8G
• Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS or FE 35mm f/1.8
• Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM, adapts well to RF
• Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR for a 35 mm look on APS‑C

2) 50 mm f/1.8 “nifty fifty” – best budget portrait lens

The 50 mm f/1.8 is the cheapest way to get portraits with strong subject separation. It is also great for product shots and everyday photos. The Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 STM is a well‑known example that reviewers still recommend to learners.

Good used picks:

• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
• Nikon AF‑S 50mm f/1.8G
• Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
• Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR

3) Fast standard zoom – best upgrade after the kit lens

Look for a constant f/2.8 aperture, steady autofocus, and stabilisation if your body does not have IBIS. On APS‑C, 17‑50 mm f/2.8 zooms are great value. On full frame, a used 24‑70 mm f/2.8 or 24‑105 mm f/4 covers most everyday needs.

Good used picks:

• APS‑C: Sigma 17‑50mm f/2.8 OS HSM, Tamron 17‑50mm f/2.8, Canon EF‑S 17‑55mm f/2.8 IS USM
• Full frame or adapted: Canon EF 24‑70mm f/2.8L, Tamron 28‑75mm f/2.8, Nikon 24‑85mm VR

4) 70‑300 mm or 55‑250 mm – best budget telephoto lens

This is the easy route to sports, school events, pets at the park and distant landscapes. Start with a light telephoto that keeps costs down.

Good used picks:

• Canon EF‑S 55‑250mm IS STM
• Nikon AF‑P 70‑300mm DX VR
• Sony E 55‑210mm OSS
• Canon EF 70‑200mm f/4L for affordable full‑frame reach

5) 90–105 mm macro – best macro lens for product and food

True 1:1 magnification for tiny subjects, craft shots, jewellery and food. A 90–105 mm macro also works as a sharp portrait lens. Macro lens guides are refreshed often because demand stays high with creators and online sellers.

Good used picks:

• Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro
• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
• Nikon AF‑S 105mm f/2.8G Micro VR
• Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

35 mm vs 50 mm: which first lens should I buy?

If you shoot people in tighter spaces, pick a 35 mm. If you want classic portraits with more background blur, pick a 50 mm. Both are solid “best first lens” choices, and both are easy to sell later if you change systems.

Brand‑specific starter tips

These long‑tail queries convert well because buyers already have a model in mind.

• Best first lens for Canon R50 or R100: start with a compact prime for everyday use, then add an RF‑S telephoto if you need reach. Guides for R50 lenses are popular this year.
• Best first lens for Nikon Z50: a small prime plus an adapted F‑mount zoom is a budget way to start.
• Best first lens for Sony a6000: look at a 35 mm or 50 mm prime for portraits, then a Tamron or Sigma standard zoom if you want video too. Recent a6000 lens roundups still pull strong interest.
• Best first lens for Fujifilm X‑series: the XF 23 mm f/2 or XF 35 mm f/2 are light, weather‑resistant and beginner‑friendly.

35mm vs 50mm Street Photography: Choosing the Perfect Lens

How to check a used lens in 60 seconds

• Shine a phone torch through both ends. A little dust is normal. Avoid haze or web‑like fungus.
• Toggle the aperture and check that the blades move cleanly.
• Test autofocus and stabilisation. No grinding and no jitters.
• Check filter threads and the mount for dents.

FAQ

1. Is it worth buying used lenses?
Yes. Lenses age slowly and hold value. You can step up a level in image quality for much less than new price, especially if you choose common primes and last‑gen zooms. The used market is structured, with grading and warranty pages from major UK retailers.

2. What lens should I buy after my kit lens?
A fast prime like a 35 mm or 50 mm is the cheapest visible upgrade. If you want one lens that covers most situations, a used 24‑70 mm f/2.8 or a 17‑50 mm f/2.8 on APS‑C is a safe “best first lens after kit” choice.

3. Where can I find deals on second‑hand lenses in the UK?
Start with MPB, Wex Photo Video, Park Cameras, London Camera Exchange and CameraWorld. All are established UK options with clear grading.

4. Where to buy with UK warranties

MPB lists condition grades and warranty info on every lens. Park Cameras and Castle Cameras also state warranty periods on used items.

Also read this: How to Save Hundreds by Buying Second-Hand: A Beginner’s Guide to MPB. 

This article is part of our complete series on building your tech ecosystem. For the big picture, check out our main hub: The Ultimate UK Guide to Tech Gadgets (2025): Build Your Perfect Ecosystem.