Skip to content
LensVault

Recommendations

Best vintage lenses under $100

By the criteria below, the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 leads: 50mm f/1.4 on Minolta SR (MD), typically $90 used. Close behind: Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. and Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7. 8 lenses qualify.

How this list was built

  • Typical used value of $100 or less
  • Adapts to at least three modern mirrorless systems

Ordering: Fastest aperture first, so the most capable cheap glass leads. Values are used-market estimates, not appraisals, and each lens page states the basis for its range. Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so no list ranks on them.

The 8 lenses that qualify

  1. Minolta

    MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4

    50mmf/1.4Minolta SR (MD)

    Used value
    $45 to $170
    Made
    1977-1984

  2. Canon

    FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C.

    50mmf/1.4Canon FD

    Used value
    $55 to $200
    Made
    1971-1990s

  3. Minolta

    MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7

    55mmf/1.7Minolta SR (MC)

    Used value
    $30 to $120
    Made
    1968-1973

  4. Konica

    Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7

    50mmf/1.7Konica AR

    Used value
    $40 to $150
    Made
    1965-1980s

  5. Pentacon

    auto 50mm f/1.8

    50mmf/1.8M42

    Used value
    $20 to $90
    Made
    1960s-1990

  6. Asahi Pentax

    Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8

    55mmf/1.8M42

    Used value
    $35 to $130
    Made
    1958-1971

  7. Fujinon

    55mm f/1.8 EBC

    55mmf/1.8M42

    Used value
    $50 to $170
    Made
    1972-1978

  8. Helios

    44-2 58mm f/2

    58mmf/2M42

    Used value
    $25 to $130
    Made
    1958-1992

Other lists