Bottom Line: Well, I don’t want my first opinion article to be a rant, but here we go—cheap lenses are worthless for a professional photographer! Go big or go home; this is an investment for the long run.
One word before we start, I am the biggest believer that the photographer is the one that create amazing pictures and gear is just the means to achieving this, while I am the first person to say “stop chasing new gear” it’s important to note this article take the perspective of a commercial photographer who makes a living from photography.
While selling some of my gear and ordering new equipment, I found myself without my regular mid-range lens (24-70mm f/2.8). I had an upcoming shoot and needed a lens for detail shots.
I came across the Canon 28-70mm f/2.8, an STM lens marketed as a more “cost-efficient” alternative to the Canon L Series, which comes with a USM motor (faster than STM). Reading about Canon’s lens motors got me thinking: why are professional lenses so expensive, and what about those cheap lenses I constantly see on Amazon?
So, I figured—why not test one of these budget lenses on a photoshoot (because I don’t already have enough things to focus on during a large shoot)? I ordered the Meike 85mm f/1.8 for Canon, which is similar to other budget-friendly brands like Prime Tdow 85mm f/1.8, JINTU 85mm f/1.8 MF, and TTARTISAN 75mm f/2.0.
You know the saying YGWYPF (you get what you pay for)? Well, that absolutely holds true here.
I didn’t expect a fast motor, and I knew it would be slower to focus—but oh man, this reminded me of the first digital camera lenses from 20 years ago, complete with squeaky noises and frustrating focus hunting.
While I could rant about these lenses for a few more pages, let’s structure this properly.
Meike, Tdow, JINTU 85mm f/1.8 Review
Value for Money
If you’re a professional photographer or getting paid for your work, do yourself a favor—don’t waste your time or your clients’ time with this lens.
It’s slow. 25% of the time, the focus was off, resulting in unusable images. It’s simply not a reliable tool for working photographers. While it technically produces images, considering the focus faults (when I thought it found focus, but it didn’t), the noise while trying to focus, and the overall image quality—I wouldn’t ever attempt using this lens again for a paid shoot.
Focus Quality
When it nails the focus, the results are great. However, when 25% of the images lack sharpness due to inaccurate focus, it becomes unusable for professionals. The phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” exists for a reason—quality matters.
Motor Performance
It’s loud. It’s squeaky. It’s slow.
For a photographer focused on producing high-quality images efficiently, this lens is more of a headache than a helpful tool.
Cost Comparison
This budget lens costs about four times less than an STM lens and ten times less than a USM lens—and it performs four to ten times worse than either.
Longevity
Honestly, I have no idea. I returned it after one shoot.
Even Amazon practically warns you with its “Frequently Returned” disclaimer, and I chose the version with the best reviews.
For reference, my Canon lenses held up well for over 10 years, and I only sold them because I was upgrading my setup.
Should You Buy Cheap or Expensive Lenses as a Beginner?
Today, there are three options:
- The budget versions—like the ones I tested, from brands offering ultra-cheap lenses.
- The mid-tier manufacturer versions—affordable models from Canon or Nikon (e.g., 50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, 28-70mm STM f/2.8).
- The professional-grade lenses—like the Canon L Series, designed for long-term professional use.
I wouldn’t recommend the cheapest version to anyone. If you already know you’re pursuing a career in photography or committing to a long-term hobby, go professional. A high-quality lens, when properly cared for, lasts 8 to 15 years.
After more than 20 years in business, I’ve sold 100% of my lenses in perfect condition—even after 8 years of use.
If you’re just starting out, opt for the manufacturer’s mid-tier line, which offers the best balance between price and performance.
Should Professional Photographers Buy Expensive Lenses?
Your clients don’t care about your gear, how much you paid for it, or which brand you use—they pay you for results. Your equipment is just a tool to make your life easier.
Since professional lenses hold up for years, I recommend investing in them unless you’re buying backup gear or a secondary lens that won’t be used often.
How Much Should You Spend on a Camera Lens as a Beginner?
Think of your gear as an investment in your craft and career.
If you can afford it, go for the premium lenses—you’ll enjoy them for years. If not, start with essential lenses from the lower-tier manufacturer lineup and upgrade as you go.
How Long Do Camera Lenses Last?
In my experience, flagship lenses last anywhere from 8 to 15 years when properly maintained.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for sticking with me through this rant! Buying those budget lenses while waiting for my new L Series was a terrible experiment that—on a different day—could have cost me a client.
During a photoshoot, I already have enough things to worry about. Constantly checking each image to confirm it’s actually in focus? That’s one thing I never want to do again.
