Choosing a lens often comes down to matching focal length to the shots you actually want to take. The four lenses here span a broad range, with listed prices from $99.99 to $330. At one end is a manual super-zoom that reaches 1600mm; at the other is an open-box Canon macro prime. Between them sit a used Nikon telephoto zoom and a fast 35mm prime for Sony E-mount. Deciding which one fits requires weighing mount compatibility, focus type, and how much reach or brightness you need.
At a glance
Here's how the four compare on listed price and shooting fit.
| Lens | Listed Price | Price Bar | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivitar 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony A6500 A6400 A6300 A6100 A6000 | USD 99.99 | Manual super-telephoto wildlife shots | |
| NIKON AF-S NIKKOR ZOOM LENS 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6 | USD 150.00 | Nikon autofocus telephoto | |
| 7artisans 35mm f/1.4 III Full-Frame Manual Focus Prime Lens for Sony E Mount | USD 189.00 | Low-light street and portraits | |
| Open Box) Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Prime Macro Telephoto Lens | USD 330.00 | Close-up macro on Canon APS-C |
Quick decision
- If your subject is distant and you can shoot manually → Vivitar 420-1600mm
- If you want a used Nikon telephoto zoom with autofocus → NIKON 70-300mm
- If you want a fast prime for Sony E-mount → 7artisans 35mm f/1.4 III
- If you want a dedicated macro on Canon APS-C → Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM
Product notes
Vivitar 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony A6500 A6400 A6300 A6100 A6000
This is the longest zoom in the group and the lowest listed price of the four. It is designed for Sony Alpha bodies, including the A6500, A6400, A6300, A6100, and A6000 named in the title. Focus is manual only, so you'll be adjusting the ring yourself, and the f/8.3 maximum aperture means you'll want bright conditions. The lens uses multi-coated all-glass elements and an aluminum alloy body, and it can focus close enough for small subjects at the telephoto end. Choose it if you want a lightweight way to reach 420-1600mm without moving to a bigger lens system. The trade-off is slow aperture and manual focus.
NIKON AF-S NIKKOR ZOOM LENS 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6
This used Nikon zoom is the only autofocus telephoto zoom in the lineup. The 70-300mm range is a flexible fit for events, sports, and everyday shooting. The maximum aperture moves from f/4.5 to f/5.6 as you zoom, and focus can be set to auto or manual. The lens comes with a UV filter, hood, and caps, and the title notes it is in excellent used condition. The limitation is that it's a used item, and the mount is Nikon only, so it's intended for Nikon bodies. If you have a Nikon body, this is a practical all-around telephoto with autofocus.
7artisans 35mm f/1.4 III Full-Frame Manual Focus Prime Lens for Sony E Mount
This is the fastest prime in the group, with a maximum aperture of f/1.4. It's designed for Sony E-mount cameras and is listed as new. The 35mm focal length gives a natural perspective for street photography, portraits, and general use. The all-metal body and multilayer coating are listed features, and the aperture ring can be switched between click and stepless, which helps when shooting video. It is entirely manual focus, so this lens moves at your pace rather than tracking fast action. The fixed 35mm length also means you won't get telephoto reach. For Sony E-mount shooters who want a bright prime, this fills that role.
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Prime Macro Telephoto Lens
The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM is the only dedicated macro lens here, and it sits at the top of the price range. It mounts on Canon EF-S bodies and offers both autofocus and manual focus. The 60mm fixed focal length is good for close-up photography and portraits on an APS-C camera. The f/2.8 aperture is moderately bright, and the USM focus motor is part of the design. The item is listed as open box, which means the condition deserves your attention before purchase. The limitation is that it's a prime lens, so you frame by moving yourself rather than zooming. If macro is your priority, this is the lens to compare against the others.
Which one should you pick?
Your final choice comes down to the mount you own and the kind of shooting you do. For extreme distance from a Sony Alpha body, the Vivitar gives you the longest reach for the lowest listed price. For a used Nikon system, the 70-300mm offers autofocus and a practical everyday zoom range. On a Sony E-mount camera, the 7artisans 35mm f/1.4 is the pick for low-light and shallow depth of field. And for Canon APS-C shooters who want macro capability, the Canon EF-S 60mm stands alone in this set.
