Best of popular lenses

Since I started this web site, I have been lucky enough to get my hands on many different cameras and lenses. The number of available lenses out there is dizzying. Quality is getting better all the time and prices are more affordable than ever before. Below is a list of some of what I think are the best lenses in their class in terms of overall quality, features, and price. I'm not going to include variable aperture short to medium telephoto zooms such as 28-85mm f-3.5-4.5. The reason is that lenses in this group are easily made and very affordable. Quality of these type of zooms are very good regardless of the brand.

1- Ultrawide angle zooms: 


If you need a fast constant aperture 17-35mm f-2.8 zoom, then pick your own manufacturer's brand. That's going to cost you between $1200 to $1500. If you don't mind starting at 20mm instead of 17mm, then Tokina's 20-35mm f-2.8 ATX Pro IF is the best in this category. This lens will cost you $700. You'll get a fast constant aperture wide-angle zoom that is very sharp and solid. This zoom produces sharp images at all focal lengths and apertures. Lens includes two multi-coated aspherical elements and Tokina's Focus Clutch Mechanism. Internal Focusing (IF) lets you use filters without having to readjust the position since the front of the lens doesn't move while focusing. The 20-35mm f-2.8 ATX PRO uses hardened Armalite finish that gives the lens a nicer feel. Lens also includes HLD (high refraction, low dispersion) glass.

2- Wide-angle zooms: 

Sigma's 24-70mm f-2.8 EX Aspherical DG DF (a long name for short lens) is a fantastic deal in this group of lenses. A typical 28-70mm f-2.8 by camera manufacturers cost you more than a grand. Sigma 24-70mm f-2.8 costs $400, but quality has not been sacrificed. You get 4 extra millimeters at the wider end than 28-70mm, a constant f-2.8 aperture, and a very solid lens. Lens includes three aspherical elements to correct spherical aberration, astigmatism and sagittal comma flare. Special Low Dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration. Dual Focus (DF) mechanism makes it possible to use manual focus when needed, yet the focusing ring does not rotate in autofocus mode. You can spend more on a Canon, Nikon, or Minolta 28-70mm f-2.8, but I really doubt if you can see a difference in picture quality.

3- Medium telephoto f-4 / f-4.5-5.6 zooms: 

This one goes to Canon EF 70-200mm f-4L USM, a beautifully made zoom which is extremely sharp, compact and lightweight. This lens includes fluorite and UD glass to control chromatic aberration. Autofocus is quiet and very fast. It has a non-rotating front and full-time autofocusing. This lens is optically as sharp as the f-2.8 version and also accepts Canon's 1.4X and 2X EF extenders. If you own another brand of camera than Canon, 70-210mm f-4.5-5.6 version of your own manufacturer is available at very affordable prices. Quality is very good. However, other manufacturers should produce their own f-4 versions of this popular zoom. The price of Canon 70-200mm f-4 is around $600 while f-4.5-5.6 models cost less than $200. What Canon offers for extra money is better glass, constant speed, and use of teleconverters. This lens is worth the price.

My favorite 70-300mm or 100-300mm is Sigma's 100-300mm f-4 EX APO IF HSM. Not because this lens is optically better than the rest. Actually most 70-300mm f-4.5-5.6 APO or L lenses are as good as this Sigma. What Sigma offers is a constant f-4 aperture which is a descent speed for a 300mm lens. Also a removable tripod collar is included. Lens uses internal focus (IF) which allows use of filters such as polarizers and graduated filters without having to re-adjust or reposition them. The main problem with this lens is its $800 price tag. Most 75-300mm f-4.5-5.6 zooms, especially APO versions cost much less while providing the same optical quality. If you need the extras Sigma offers, buy this lens. Otherwise stay with your own manufacturer. 

4- 70-210mm and 80-200mm f-2.8 zooms: 

Tamron is the way to go here. A superb lens with Low Dispersion (LD) glass and constant f-2.8 aperture. Lens is very well made and includes a tripod collar. Internal Focusing (IF) is included to make using filters easier. This zoom works well with Tamron's own 1.4X and 2X SP Pro teleconverters. Priced below camera manufacturers 70-210mm f-2.8, but more than Sigma and Tokina. You get superb sharpness and colors with this lens. Focusing ring has a cover for use in autofocus. I bet you won't see any difference in quality by paying more for another brand. Test report for this lens is coming soon.

5- 300mm Lenses: 

Canon's 300mm f-4 Image Stabilizer (IS) is the best in its class. Optically, Nikon and Minolta are equally good. What you get with Canon is Image Stabilizer which comes in handy when using this lens on a monopod or hand hold. Very compact and portable telephoto lens and reasonably priced. 300mm f-2.8 version belongs to Tamron. A favorite among pros for decades going back to Tamron's manual focus model, the autofocus version is razor sharp with excellent colors. Two LD glass provide superb sharpness at all apertures. Included are removable tripod collar, filters and circular polarizer (rear), and lens hood. All the quality for $2800. Lens works excellent with SP 1.4X and 2X teleconverters. If you need a fast telephoto for wildlife, sports, or fashion photography, Tamron is the best. More money won't get you a better glass, just extras that you probably never use.

6- Telephoto Zooms: 

I'll give this one to Canon's 100-400mm f-4.5-5.6 IS USM. A beautiful telephoto zoom with Super UD and fluorite glass and Image Stabilizer for reducing camera shake. This zoom has fast and silent autofocus, a ring that allows the user to adjust zooming friction, and tripod collar. Most importantly, is the overall image quality this lens offers at 400mm setting. This is why you are charged three times more than a Tamron, Sigma, or Tokina versions. Nikon owners can pick the 80-400mm VR (Vibration Reduction). When VR is used, you are able to use slower speeds up to 3 stops and still get sharper results than non VR or IS lenses. Three Extra Low Dispersion (LD) glass provide excellent image sharpness at all focal lengths including 300mm and 400mm range.