Best 44 lenses based on 335 expert reviews

We're used to F1.2 lenses being, well, massive. The Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S and Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USMare both heavyweight contenders. The FE 50mm F1.2 GM comes in at 1.7 pounds, about a quarter pound less than Canon and a half pound lighter than Nikon's take on the concept. It's also a bit smaller all around. At 4.3 by 3.4 inches (HD), it supports reasonably sized 72mm front filters, and doesn't make your camera system as front-heavy as the 50mm F1.2 options for other systems. Sony has really done something here, delivering an F1.2 lens that is, for all intents and purposes, no bigger than the Sony Zeiss FE 50mm F1.4 ZA. The FE 50mm F1.2 GM is one of many fast-aperture primes available for the Sony system. It's part of the G Master series, Sony's top tier of lenses. It's positioned above the Zeiss line 50mm F1.4 ZA, still available for around $1,500. Sony also offers the Zeiss 55mm F1.8 ZA for around $900, and if you don't mind a budget build (and optics), you can get the Rokinon 50...

2019-03-27 · There is no question that the Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art delivers exceptional image quality. It's a better lens than the company's lauded 35mm F1.4 Art, especially when partnered with a demanding,...

Oct 27, 2020 · The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art sports fantastic optics, a wide, bright aperture, and a classic focal length for portraiture—it's the lens to get if you don't want to spend on high-end Sony G Master...

Jan 27, 2020 · As with its slightly cheaper sibling, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens features a bright f/1.2 maximum aperture, a ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM) AF system more usually found in Canon’s super telephoto lenses which delivers fast, near-silent autofocusing, 9 rounded diaphragm blades for smoother bokeh, 85cm close-focus distance, a configurable control ring, and a weather-resistant construction.

Jul 05, 2020 · The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is coated with both Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating to reduce ghosting and flare. There are nine rounded aperture blades, and the lens is fully weather-sealed, similar to other Nikon Z S primes. NIKON Z 7 + NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S @ 85mm, ISO 200, 1/2000, f/2.8

Mar 09, 2021 · The Nikkor Z 14-24mm F2.8 S ($2,399.95) is the second ultra-wide zoom lens for Nikon's full-frame mirrorless system. Like others in the company's premium S line, it's built well, and sealed for ...

Jun 04, 2021 · The FE 35mm F1.4 GM occupies a place among Sony's top tier of lenses, the G Master series. It's supplanted Sony-made lenses with Zeiss branding at the top of the heap, though you can still buy the...

Jan 21, 2020 · Aimed primarily at portrait, fashion, wedding and event photographers, the RF 85mm F1.2L USM brings together a handful of RF-specific technologies with those seen previously in the EF line. Despite its size and weight, the lens has been designed with just 13 elements in nine groups, although some of these are necessarily quite large.

Bright f/1.4 aperture. Razor sharp optics. No distortion. Dust and moisture protection. Available for multiple systems.

Aug 28, 2020 · The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM ($2,699) is the company's first pro-grade telezoom for its full-frame mirrorless camera system, currently headlined by the EOS R5. The design is a must-have for...

Like the RF 70-200mm F2.8, the F4 edition features a retractable design. It's in contrast to 70-200mm lenses for SLRs and other mirrorless systems, which almost exclusively use internal zoom. It makes the lens as small as a typical 24-70mm when retracted, about 4.7 by 3.3 inches (HD). The F4 lens is a little smaller all around than the RF 70-200mm F2.8, and lighter—1.5 pounds versus 2.6 pounds. The lighter build means you don't need a tripod collar either, further reducing bulk. Bother inner and outer lens barrels use polycarbonate materials. A reversible lens hood is included, along with a drawstring pouch. The front element supports 77mm filters and has the expected anti-reflective and anti-smudge fluorine protection. The lens itself is protected from dust and splashes, just like others in Canon's L series. Its light gray finish is a hallmark of the L series.

Apr 29, 2021 · The Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G lens features an aperture ring that has 1/3EV stops ranging from f/2.5 to f/22 and an Auto setting if you prefer to set the aperture via the camera body. There's also a Click switch on the lens barrel that lets you de-click it for silent operation during movie recording, something that the Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN notably lacks.

Mar 23, 2021 · Like the Sigma 45mm, the Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G is a small lens, one that can rest comfortably in the palm of your hand. Sony's lens is just a smidge smaller than the Sigma, at 1.8 by 2.7 inches (HW),...

Nov 14, 2019 · Features of the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S lens include a design of 12 elements in 10 groups, along with a 9-blade rounded aperture. At 24mm, it should be useful for a number of different subjects, including landscapes, street and even environmental portraits.

Feb 25, 2020 · With the FE 20mm F1.8 G ($899.99), Sony adds a bright, wide-angle prime lens to the E-mount full-frame mirrorless system. It has plenty of appeal for photographers who want to get some bokeh in...

Jan 23, 2021 · Just like its 24mm f/1.8 S brother, the Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S is noticeably longer than the F-mount 20mm f/1.8G lens. However, it is shorter and almost twice lighter compared to the Sigma 20mm f/1.4 Art. Another advantage is that you don’t have to use the FTZ adapter, which only adds more weight and bulk to the setup.

Very bright aperture Edge-to-edge clarity Minimal distortion Dust and splash protection Fluorine lens coat

The FE 12-24mm f2.8 GM shares the same focal range as the earlier FE 12-24mm f4G, but with an aperture that’s one stop brighter. As a member of the G Master series, Sony also claims the f2.8 model delivers higher resolution and contrast especially towards the corners, reduced flare and ghosting, and remains rectilinear out to the extremes too.

The Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 Di III is a small and light telephoto zoom with a constant f2.8 aperture that's designed for Sony’s E-mount mirrorless cameras. It produces very good image quality including a soft Bokeh and very usable close-up performance in a package that is much smaller, lighter, and cheaper than Sony's FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM.

Jul 02, 2020 · Thanks to its collapsible design, the Nikon Z DX 16-50mm VR is tiny when fully retracted, resembling a pancake lens. At a mere 135 grams, it is impressively light – in fact, it is the lightest DX / APS-C lens Nikon has produced to date!

Jul 03, 2019 · The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports ($1,499) certainly fits the bill, and while it doesn't quite match the optics of more expensive options, it's no slouch either. You won't find a better...

Aug 21, 2019 · The FE 35mm F1.8 is the priciest of the bunch, at $750. This is noticeably more expensive than the film-era 35mm F1.8 lenses of yore, but as we'll see, just like the recently-reviewed Nikon Z 35mm F1.8 S, it belongs to a new generation in more ways than just one.

Jun 07, 2021 · The Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM lens captures ultra-wide photos with a bright aperture to defocus backgrounds. It's smaller than a zoom, a plus for use on drones and gimbals.

Jan 13, 2020 · The Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art is a bright-aperture general-purpose zoom for Sony e-mount and Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras, that's a viable alternative to the original 24-70mm f2.8 lenses from Sony and Panasonic - not to mention Canon and Nikon, should Sigma develop RF and Z-mount versions.

Apr 08, 2021 · The Canon SLR system has long included a light, affordable standard prime lens. The zeitgeist has applied the Nifty Fifty moniker to the concept, and the RF 50mm F1.8 STM ($199.99) is the latest...

2020-05-18 · The Fujinon XC 35mm F2 ($199.99) drops the weather protection and halves the price, earning our Editors' Choice in the process. No Frills, No Problems The XC 35mm is as basic as it gets. It's a...

Sep 04, 2020 · The Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM is an ultra-wide zoom lens that's built to high standards, and includes both optical stabilization and an f/2.8 aperture—a rare combination among its peers. MSRP...

Light and compact. Inexpensive. Excellent resolution. 1:2 magnification. Dust, splash, and fluorine protection.

Jun 26, 2019 · The Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro is a lightweight, versatile lens for Canon's new EOS R system. Promising good close focus capabilities and built-in stabilization, is this the perfect lens for EOS R and RP shooters? Find out in our full review.

While it's a tad pricey for a zoom lens, the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a great performer that pairs perfectly with the EOS R. It offers the stabilisation (five stops of it) that the body lacks and the new Control ring is a revelation.

Feb 05, 2020 · The Tamron 24mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 lens is a strong value proposition for Sony photographers, delivering excellent images and quality construction at a bargain price. Get Our Best Stories! Sign...

Jul 14, 2021 · Canon has attempted to reinvent the super-telephoto lens with its lightweight, affordable RF 600mm F11 IS STM ($699.99). It's one of a pair of lenses of this type you won't find for any other...

Jun 17, 2020 · The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR covers a bigger zoom range than basic starter lenses, but is still available as a discounted add-on in camera kits.

Jun 10, 2021 · The RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM is more practical for everyday photography, and our Editors' Choice winner for Canon RF system owners. Thanks to Lensrentals for providing equipment for this review.

Jul 14, 2021 · The RF 800mm F11 IS STM ($899.99) is the bigger, longer lens of a pair of ultra-telephoto primes for Canon's full-frame mirrorless camera system. It sports an extremely long focal length, perfect ...

Mar 29, 2021 · The Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens is a very compact, lightweight standard zoom lens for full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras. It boasts a constant F2.8 maximum aperture across its zoom range and is available for both the Sony E-mount, as well as for Leica, Sigma and Panasonic cameras from the L-mount Alliance.

May 28, 2020 · The Rokinon 18mm F2.8 AF Sony E ($399.99) is a svelte lens with a big, wide view. It's priced affordably and offers a bright aperture and fast autofocus, but it cuts some corners when it comes to...

Feb 27, 2020 · The Sony E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS LE is a good choice if you value zoom power and don't want to change lenses when using your a6000-series camera. MSRP $848.00 $848.00 at Amazon

Mar 16, 2020 · The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 12-200mm F3.5-6.3 ($899.99) is one of the longest all-in-one zooms you can get for a Micro Four Thirds camera. It covers a wide angle through an extreme telephoto view, and...

Mar 23, 2021 · The Sony FE 24mm f2.8 G is an attractive mid-priced prime lens for anyone who enjoys wide-angle photography. The quality is sharp across the frame even at large apertures, the focusing quick and quiet and the lens well-featured with weather-sealing, a focus hold button and de-clickable aperture ring.

Feb 27, 2020 · The Sony E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS is a niche version of the 11x lens built for video with a smooth, adjustable speed servo-powered zoom. Get Our Best Stories! Sign up for What's New Now to get...

At its core, the Burnside 35 is a full-frame 35mm f/2.8 lens that offers the same Petzval-like “swirly bokeh” effect found in the Lensbaby Twist 60. It has a similar look and feel to the...

Feb 26, 2020 · The Sony E 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 PZ OSS is a low-cost zoom that puts more emphasis on size and weight than absolute image quality. Get Our Best Stories! Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories...

The E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS LE is an update to the industrial design, not the optics, for the earlier E 18-200mmthat remains in market. It does make one sacrifice for a smaller, lighter build, dropping the Active Shot video stabilization feature. If you're primarily a videographer, you'll want to think about the standard version or the Power Zoom variation, but photographers will be happy with the stabilization provided by the OSS LE. The lens is finished in black, with a lightweight aluminum outer barrel. It comes in at 3.8 by 2.7 inches (HD) and 16.2 ounces, a little smaller and lighter than the earlier silver-and-black version. Its front element is the same size, but since the barrel is a little smaller it supports 62mm filters rather than those that use a 67mm thread size. Sony doesn't include dust and splash protection, reserving that feature for its premium G series and full-frame FE lines. Basic protection, in the form of front and rear lens caps, as well as a petal-style len...