The Top 17 Most Outstanding Lenses on the Market
July 13, 2011 
70 Comments
DSLR lenses
Unlike most photographers that buy either Canon or Nikon and stick with it, I switched from Canon to Nikon about a year ago. Shooting both brands has helped me to see the advantages and disadvantages of both systems. It also has helped me to know what the best lenses are for both brands. Most beginning and intermediate photographers stick with their kit lenses for a year or two, but eventually they feel like they want more quality. If that’s you, then it is time to start figuring out which lenses will give you the best results.
It would be impossible to make a list of lenses that pleases everyone. We all shoot different types of photography on different cameras and we all have different budgets. However, I believe this list is helpful to most photographers who want to become better acquainted with the best lenses for their camera to avoid spending money on junk. In short, you could say that these are the “smash hit” lenses that are popular because of price and broad appeal. There are certainly a dozen or more great lenses that have fantastic optical quality, but are more specialized to a certain group of photographers.
Outstanding Nikon Lenses
Nikon 28-300mm ED VR AF-S Lens – I know of no other lens on the market that offers such fantastic optical quality at such a low price point and with such an OUTSTANDING zoom range. Great photowalk and travel lens and I love that it is FX format. In fact, I would say that, for around $950, this is the best deal on any lens on the market other than the 50mm prime. See my full review of the Nikon 28-300mm lens here.
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 AF-S Lens – This lens is outstanding in every way. It is widely (sorry for the pun) considered to be the best wide-angle landscape lens ever produced. I could hardly disagree. This lens is RAZOR SHARP!
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens – This is NOT the 50mm f/1.8D that we have seen for years. This is the new, updated version of the lens that came out this year with a new silent-wave motor and improved optics that make this lens outstanding. I was thrilled when Nikon announced this lens because I never recommended entry-level Nikons since they don’t have a focus motor that was required for the old Nikon Nifty Fifty.
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 ED AF-S Lens - For professional portrait photographers, this is probably the most popular portrait lens on the planet. I personally don’t own this lens because I feel more comfortable shooting portraits with a longer focal length, but I am in the minority on this point. This list would be incomplete without this lens.
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II Lens – Many portrait photographers prefer shorter focal length primes for most portraits, but this lens is my personal go-to choice for portraits. I shoot most weddings with the 70-200mm and only feel the need to switch lenses occasionally. Sharp as a tack through most of the focal range, too.
Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Lens - I know… I know… this lens costs more than many used cars. However, it would be difficult or impossible to argue that there is a better sports lens than the Nikon 400mm f/2.8. I shot it a few months ago and was BLOWN AWAY. Can I give a more positive review of this lens?
Best Canon Lenses
Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens - Without a doubt, this is the best wide-angle lens available for Canon DSLR cameras (but most people consider it to be slightly inferior to the comparable Nikon 14-24mm). It is sharp as a tack, fast, and has a convenient zoom range; however, I would only recommend this wide-angle lens for photographers with full frame cameras. If you own a crop sensor camera, then I’d get the 10-22mm. If you don’t have any idea what I just said, check out this previous post on the difference between wide angle and crop sensor DSLR cameras.
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L UD Lens – For architectural photographers or landscape photographers who are fanatical about depth-of-field, this lens is the perfect choice. It’s sharp and it impresses your friends when you bend the lens. What else could a photographer ask for?
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 USM Lens – At around $99, the price is outstanding and the optical quality for that price is very good. For photographers who like to be close to the subject and don’t mind shooting primes for portraits, this lens is the obvious choice.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM – For professional portrait photographers, this is probably the most popular portrait lens on the planet. I personally don’t own this lens because I feel more comfortable shooting portraits with a longer focal length, but I am in the minority on this point. This list would be incomplete without this lens.
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 II USM Lens – This is one of the most coveted lenses for Canon portrait photographers. While I personally prefer the convenience of a zoom lens for portraits, there can be no argument that this lens is anything other than outstanding.
Canon EF 100mm Macro Lens – This is truly a fantastic macro lens. Perhaps its greatest feature is the silent-wave motor. The only negative to this lens is that I generally prefer to shoot at a slightly longer focal length than 100mm for macro shots, but this is perfect for any subject that won’t move away from the lens (i.e. no bugs). Canon offers a 180mm macro lens, but it is so expensive that there is nothing “outstanding” about it at the price of $1,800.
Canon 135mm f/2 Lens – As I mentioned previously, I tend to prefer zoom lenses for portraiture, but most pros LOVE this lens for portraits. It’s screaming fast and has a very convenient focal length.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM Lens – Many portrait photographers prefer shorter focal lengths for most portraits, but this lens is my go-to choice for portraits. I would feel quite comfortable shooting almost an entire wedding using only this lens.
Best Third-Party Lenses (Usually available for Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax DSLR Cameras)
Tamron AP 28-75mm f/2.8 XR ZL Di LD Aspherical Lens - The good folks at Tamron let me test out this lens a few weeks ago. This specific lens was INCREDIBLE!!! It only costs around $500 and is sharp, fast-focusing, and is a remarkably good macro lens to boot. I was focusing to within 6 inches! Seriously, this lens is a truly outstanding alternative to the Canon and Nikon 24-70mm lenses that cost FOUR TIMES more than this lens. I have no problem saying that this is the most outstanding third-party lens ever made. Here’s a link to the Nikon version of this lens. Here’s a link to the Canon version of this lens. Here’s a link to the Pentax version of this lens. Here’s a link to the Sony version of this lens.
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens – This lens makes the list for being the cheapest high-quality wide-angle lens available. Its fast aperture and advanced optics set it apart from the competition at this price point. This lens is made to fit both Canon, Nikon, and Sony DSLRs. Here’s a link to the Canon version. Or here is a link to the Nikon version. Or here is a link to the Sony version.
Sigma 50-500mm Lens – This is the only lens being included on this list that does not have drop dead amazing optics. This lens produces acceptably sharp, but not ridiculously sharp, images. It has a good autofocus and a convenient focal range, but what makes this lens outstanding is that it allows tens of thousands of hobbyist photographers to shoot wildlife and sports who otherwise would not be able to afford a true telephoto lens. Generally, wildlife/sports lenses cost well over $6,000; therefore, the availability of this lens has broken down barriers in the industry and created opportunities for photographers. Here is a link to the Canon version of this lens. Here is a link to the Nikon version of this lens. Here is a link to the Sony version of this lens.
I went to my supplier site to buy one ..
The Tamron AP 28-75mm f/2.8 XR ZL Di LD Aspherical Lens
is reportedly NOT compatible with the Canon Full frame 1ds or 5d
Canon 50 1.4, really? One of the worst fast 50′s on the market. How the heck is this an outstanding lens? Soft wide open, doesn’t have true USM, known for AF motor failure, poor build quality. Yes, outstanding indeed.
How can you possibly include the Canon 50mm f/1.4 on this list?
It’s probably the worst lens that Canon have ever made – build quality is poor, AF is very poor and it’s not critically sharp until you step it down which defeats the point of it being f/1.4.
For 50mm lenses for Canon the only sensible options are Canon 50mm f/1.2L or Sigma 50mm f/1.4 (which is massively better in every respect than the Canon f/1.4)
I own (and have owned) a lot of different lenses and the Canon 50mm f/1.4 is the only lens I regret buying.
As for macro lenses, the Sigma 150mm with OS is amazing.
That’s one good list! Since you have listed the Nikon 24-70/2.8, which for now is out of my price range! Due you think its predecessor the 28-70/2.8 second hand would still be a good buy?
The Tamron 28-75 was the first lens I bought in 2006 with my Rebel XT. The lens developed sharp, colorful photos. It is a great buy for the money. HOWEVER, it did not work too well indoors. It would struggle to focus and I missed a lot of candid shots because of it. I also found the 28mm wide angle a bit limiting. I replaced it with the Canon 24-105. That’s a great lens and I wish it would’ve made your list.
Excellent information! Surprised the Canon 135mm f2 wasn’t in the list
As a canon shooter for 20 years, the best (full frame) lenses in my opinion, in this order are (money no object):
1. 200 f/2
2. 135 f/2
3. 85 f/1.2 II
4. 35 f/1.4
5. 100 f/2.8 Macro
6. 24-105 f/4
The first lens lens to buy would be the 35 1.4L. I don’t shoot lover than 200mm or wider than 24mm.
Jim-
I appreciate the time you spend reviewing and compiling these lists. It’s always good to have another perspective. I’m a Nikon shooter so I can’t speak to anything outside of this brand. I do own all of the Nikon lens you list except the used car (400mm f/2.8). I must say that the highest quality lens I have used is the Nikon 85mm 1.4D. Like I told my class, when I pull out that lens an Angelic Choir sings and pixie dust flys out the end. I understand the flexibility that both 24x70mm and the 70x200mm provide and I use them both extensively for portraits. But, when (like Eddie in Christmas Vacation)you want to get something real nice I go the 85mm first.
I’m a wedding/event photographer and my BEST lens is the Canon 24-105 f4.
I use this lens for 95% of my pictures. It is sharp and well balanced.
(I do have other lenses)
I use the 16-35 f2.8 Canon lens for the other 5%
I am supprised that this workhorse lens wasn’t mentioned.
@royreddy I have the Tamron 28-75/2.8 and use it with my Canon 5DII…it is designed for full frame cameras.
Which 100mm/2.8 Canon are you referring to, the USM or the pricier L version??
I agree with all except the 28-300 mm. I bought it and returned after 48 hrs. It jumped to f/5.6 around 150mm. I would rather use my 70-200 with a 1.7 TC; sharper and faster.
Just well not say about portrait photography, we change to all category of photography range, the much more suitable in the range , let say Canon, the choice like 17-40L, 16-35L, 24-70L, 70-200L and 50mm is likely to be the perfect combination on all round photography category.
Probably there might be people who like me are lazy, you can try 28-300L plus a 400L for a complete range if you are more in extreme photography or sports. Guess so.
The nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S is actually a FX lens, nikon never had a 50mm prime on DX. cheers
Hi Jim, I am an amateur photographer and in search of a good all around lens to use for portraits (mainly family, babies and maternity). I have my nikkor 35mm 1.8g and been using it for babies. On a recent shoot (family group of 11), I tried using this lens and I wasn’t as comfortable as my 18-105mm f3.5 (kit lens with my D90). So, now, I am in search of a good zoom lens. Would you suggest the Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF)? Will it work with my D90?
@Carol, yes the Tamron 28-75 will work with your D90 and yes I would definitely recommend it. It’s a very nice lens for a very nice price.
sir which canon telephoto zoom lens for canon t2i my budget is 15000 INR.(INDIA) SUGGEST ON MY ID.
i’ve been reading great reviews on the tokina 50-135 and sigma 50-150. any thoughts on that?