Lens for professional shooting on canon. Lens selection for Canon Full-Frame

Choosing a lens is a rather serious task, both for a professional photographer and for a beginner. The fact is that there are a lot of lenses, their names are indicated by various letters and numbers. That is why it is very easy to get confused and make the wrong choice. The numbers that are indicated in the name of the lenses are their main characteristics - focal length and aperture. In order to help you choose a lens for a SLR camera, below will be a description of all its parameters, but if you do not have time to read all this, then I advise you to watch this video.

Specifications

Focal length

This parameter is measured in millimeters, thanks to it you can understand what viewing angle it has and how much it can bring closer. Among the lenses of various systems, you can find focal lengths in the range of 4.5 - 1000 millimeters or more.

Depending on the value of the focal length, all of them can be divided into:

• super telephoto lenses: 300mm and more,
• telephoto lenses: 50-300mm,
• standard lenses: 35-50mm,
• wide angle lenses: 18-35mm,
• ultra wide angle: 4.5-17mm.

Aperture

In the middle of each lens is a diaphragm, which consists of petals. Compressing and expanding, the petals allow you to adjust the diameter of the hole through which light enters the lens. As a rule, the aperture value is indicated by a number: 1.4, 2.8, 3.5, 4.

Aperture is the maximum possible relative aperture value for a particular lens.

The aperture value is considered one of the main characteristics that affect the exposure of a photograph. From this we can conclude: the higher the aperture value, the worse the lighting will be, it will be possible to shoot without fear of blurring the resulting frame. In addition, the depth of field depends on the aperture.

Fixed or zoom lens

zoom lens has a variable focal length, which allows you to change the viewing angle, i.e. zoom in on the image. Zooms are more convenient than fixed lenses, because they have the ability to zoom in on the subject you need to shoot without moving away.

However, it is worth noting that zooms are much more complex in design than fixed zooms, since they use more elements that move relative to each other. In order to buy the most suitable model, do not forget about the additional parameters of this device.

Image stabilizer

The image stabilizer is located inside. It allows you to compensate for hand shake when shooting, so that the picture will not be blurry even when shooting in poor conditions. This is a great device that helps you take high-quality photos in poor lighting conditions, as well as at slow shutter speeds. However, the presence of this device makes its cost much higher.

Focus motor

In order for auto focus to work, a motor is required. As a rule, inexpensive models use a mechanical motor. The focusing speed is not too fast, and it buzzes during use. An ultrasonic motor can be called a fast and almost silent option.

Bayonet

In conclusion, I would like to draw attention to this concept. A bayonet is a method of attaching it to a camera. Each lens fits a specific camera from a specific brand, but there are adapters that you can use to get around this if a competitor's company has a super cool lens that you need. Surely, everyone understands that the most famous competing companies: Canon and Nicon are completely incompatible with each other.

Rating of the best lenses

If you are thinking about purchasing a lens for a SLR camera, you need to take this process seriously, since each device has its own parameters, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and nuances in operation. Having carefully dealt with all this, you can choose the most suitable model. For your convenience, I have compiled a list of the top best lenses for professional cameras over the past few years. Thanks to him, you will be able to decide on the choice of this device.

• Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM
• Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8II
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
• Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
• Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6IS
• Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6IS
• Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II
  
• Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5–5.6L IS USM
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM

The best lenses for a nikkon camera

• Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
  
• Nikon 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f/1.8 Black
  
• Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D
• Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G (JAA132DA)
  
• Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
• Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D
• Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G (JAA014DA)
  
• Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR (JAA805DA)
  
• Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR (JAA795DA)
  
• Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
  
• Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G
  
• Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED
  
• Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm F2.8
  
• Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
  
• Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
  

Top Best Sony Camera Lenses

• Sony 50mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss
• Sony 18-200LE mm, f/3.5-6.3 for NEX cameras
  
• Sony 18-250mm, f/3.5-6.3 DSLRA100 (SAL18250.AE)
• Sony 50mm, f/1.4 DSLRA100 (SAL50F14.AE)
• Sony 50mm, f/1.8DT (SAL50F18.AE)

There are many moments in our life that we wanted to capture in a photo or video. Family celebrations, summer holidays, trips abroad, beautiful landscapes and architectural monuments. Many years later, we will be able to review these pictures with friends and relatives, indulging in pleasant memories of the past. Very often, even having an expensive camera does not guarantee the quality of these images. And so you want to capture important or touching moments in all its glory and with maximum clarity. To do this, you just need to choose the right lens with the right specifications.

We have compiled a list of the best lenses based on expert reviews and reviews from real buyers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors on the global equipment market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:

1. Canon
2. Nikon
3. Tamron
4. Sigma
5. Samyang

* Prices are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Lenses: Type: wide angle

Type: wide angle

Main advantages

• Full-frame fast lens with FR - 35 mm. This is the most commonly used lens in both amateur and professional photography. Suitable for shooting architecture, interiors and nature without significant perspective errors. Also suitable for reportage photography
• Good image clarity throughout the frame. Virtually no chromatic aberration due to the use of new Blue Refractive technology (optics refraction in the blue spectrum)
• Sealed body. The front and rear lenses are coated with a fluorine-based grease and water repellant, so the lens is protected better than its competitors.

Autofocus / For Canon / Type: telephoto / Type: wide angle

Main advantages

• Professional-grade wide-angle optics with 15mm more zoom than previous models. Thanks to the large maximum aperture, high-quality images are obtained even in low light
• The front block of lenses, when the image is enlarged, moves forward and backward along the axis, but does not go beyond the boundaries of the lens. This allows you to freely use any light filters.
• The lens design consists of 11 groups containing 16 elements. Updated double-surface larger diameter optics (GMo) deliver virtually distortion-free images

For Canon / Type: wide angle

Main advantages

• The lens belongs to the class of tilt-shift optics. It is able to rotate (tilt) and simultaneously shift (shift) relative to several coordinate axes
• Design features make it possible to shift the optical axis from the center of the frame. The matrix captures various fragments of the image transmitted by the lens. You can shoot without changing the position of the camera and without disturbing the perspective, avoid the effect of vertical blocking of straight lines
• The lens is designed for a specific segment to create wide-format images without geometry distortion, so there is no need for post-processing software

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Lenses: Type: Telephoto

Type: standard / Type: telephoto

Main advantages

• Recommended for installation on SLR cameras with APS-C image sensors.
• The lens body is completely protected from moisture and dust ingress
• The design uses the most modern optical-mechanical technologies to achieve the highest performance in the smallest size. The lens allows you to take equally high-quality pictures, both at close and at long distances. Has a macro function
• Autofocus is performed using the installed motor. High speed of focus change is achieved due to the small travel of the ring, only 60 degrees

Autofocus / For Canon / Type: telephoto

Main advantages

• High-quality budget optics with a focusing range of 70 - 200 mm, almost as good as more expensive models
• The lens does not change size when adjusted, thanks to a full-fledged ring USM autofocus drive. Quiet and fast focus changes with just 40 degrees of ring rotation
• It is possible to limit the distance from 3 meters to infinity. This will further speed up the autofocus. Manual tuning is available in any mode. The ring is wide and comfortable, with a smooth ride without “biting” with a 120-degree turn
• Minimal geometric distortion

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Lenses: Type: macro lens

Autofocus / For Canon / Type: macro lens

Main advantages

• Top L-series lens with excellent image and build quality. Canon's first macro lens with built-in Image Stabilizer
• The stabilizer is made using a new technology that can compensate for shifts of varying intensity. The moving optics are supported by ceramic ball bearings. Low friction bearings ensure smooth movement of the elements when shooting
• Sealed housing protected from moisture and dust
• There are three focus limiting modes depending on the distance and shooting mode to speed up the work and improve the quality of pictures.

Autofocus / For Nikon / Type: macro lens

Main advantages

• One of the best lenses for macro photography. Completely new design compared to its predecessors
• Applied internal focusing driven by an ultrasonic motor. Good image quality is provided by the built-in stabilizer. Installed nano-crystal coated optics. There is no aperture ring.
• M/A mode gives you the ability to constantly change focus with the outer adjustment ring
• With a minimum depth of field, in shooting at close distances, distortion is completely absent. Finely detailed image details in portrait shots

Autofocus / For Nikon / Type: macro lens

Main advantages

• Professional macro lens EX series with fixed focus - 105mm. It shoots great in a ratio of 1:1. Focus range from zero to infinity
• Built-in ultrasonic autofocus and optical image stabilization
• Multi-coated optics eliminate glare and multiple reflections, creating natural contrast in the picture
• Nine-bladed, rounded-edge diaphragm (used mostly on more expensive lenses) improves out-of-focus backgrounds and makes images appear softer

Autofocus / For Canon / Type: macro lens

Main advantages

• The lens is designed for EOS digital cameras with an APS-C sensor and an EF-S optics mount. Allows you to get a high-quality image during macro photography at a scale of 1: 1
• The minimum focal length is only 20 cm (approximately 10 cm from the front lens). This makes it possible to get as close as possible to the object and fill the frame with the smallest details.
• The ultrasonic AF drive motor operates quietly and quickly for crisp images. Manual setting is available in any shooting mode
• Wide aperture, when shooting portraits, reduces the depth of field and smoothly blurs the background, clearly highlighting the subject being shot

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Lenses: Type: fisheye

Autofocus / For Nikon / Type: Fisheye

Main advantages

• Fisheye-Nikkor lens (fisheye) is designed to capture images with geometric radial distortion (barrel distortion) for creating 3D travel and 360 panoramas
• The maximum available viewing angle is 180 degrees (DX format)
• The compact size and low weight of 300 grams distinguish it from competitors in this class. Despite the fact that almost the entire lens is made of metal. This was achieved through an updated original design designed for use on cameras with an APS-C sensor.
• Focusing at high speed occurs without rotation and movement of the external elements of the lens

Main advantages

• Fisheye optics for APS-C DSLR cameras. Image capture 180 degrees in all directions of the frame. Great for 360° panorama shots with a minimum focus value of 13.5cm
• Due to the high aperture, detailed images of the starry sky or the northern lights are obtained. Large depth of field captures the finest details
• The lens is equipped with an SLD lens (low dispersion glass), as well as optical elements with ultra-high multi-coated

Autofocus / For Canon / Type: Fisheye

Main advantages

• The versatile fisheye zoom is designed for shooting full-frame and round images. Depending on the zoom value, the lens can be circular or diagonal "fish"
• Instant and silent autofocus with ring-type ultrasonic USM motor. Manual override available while autofocus is on
• The original coating of optical elements Subwavelength structure coating patented by Canon helps to avoid glare and halos during shooting.
• Fluorine coated front and rear lenses make cleaning easier

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Lenses Type: Standard

Autofocus / For Canon / Type: standard

Main advantages

• Art series optics are designed for portraits, wedding and documentary photography or architecture shots. With an aperture of f/1.4, you can remove all the details in the background, blurring them to a solid background, which, with a shallow depth of field, clearly highlights the subject being shot
• The minimum focusing distance is only 40 cm, with a maximum magnification of 0.18x. This is the best result compared to most 50mm competitors.
• Pictures taken on an open aperture are highly sharp and do not need to be finalized by a photo editor. Image clarity is not affected by lack of lighting or backlight

For Canon / Type: standard

Main advantages

• The optics are assembled in a metal case with a classic focal length (85 mm) for portrait shooting
• A module is installed for automatic aperture operation and exposure determination. Improved coating of optical elements.
• Excellent color reproduction without distortion
• Rubberized focus ring with tight and smooth action makes it easy to fine-tune the image.
• Manual focus setting makes it easy to achieve excellent sharpness and clarity of the picture at an open aperture. Especially when shooting portraits
• In terms of cost and aperture ratio, it is ideal for amateur photo and video shooting.

– Model with a fixed focal length;

3 - Ultra wide-angle model for non-full frame cameras.

Initially, Nikon lenses were used on Canon cameras, so the brands coexisted quite peacefully. However, everything changed in the 1980s. And, as usual, amateur photographers suffered the most losses from the outbreak of the war, since all the periphery was no longer universal. At least the Canon lens mount was used exclusively for cameras of this brand.

It is worth noting that having bought a camera, you can find a fairly simple complete lens. Its main task is to give a beginner in photography to get the first experience, play around with the settings and fill his hand. However, after a certain time and with the achievement of a new level of professionalism, the photographer does not want to stop at the existing one and dreams of making more and more perfect photographs. And if he really wants to raise the level of his work, then interchangeable, better lenses will help him in this. One way or another, but thoughts begin to arise about which lens to choose.

So, you need to immediately prioritize for yourself. A prime lens is ideal for portraiture, a macro lens for close-up shots of small objects, and a long focal length for travel or sporting events. And each type has many models, from those that we can call not expensive options (about three hundred dollars), to lenses of a high price segment, exceeding their cost of ten thousand dollars.

Each group has its leaders and outsiders. The range of lenses is updated periodically. In this comparative review, we will look at the most successful Canon lenses of the 2016 lineup, according to professionals. The starting points for evaluations will be the technical specifications and the opinion of the owners.

The best standard prime lenses for Canon

Fixed focal length models are an essential part of every photographer's arsenal. Photosensitive optics work without a flash in low light conditions, while giving a slight blur of the background. Lenses of such a plan do not distort the geometry of the area and are able to produce an image familiar to human vision. In fact, there is only one obvious disadvantage of this type of lens - this is the lack of zoom capability. Actually, if you need to approach or move away, you need to get closer or further relative to the object.

2

Score (2018): 4.6

Advantages: Excellent price. Best semi-professional model

Manufacturer country: Japan

Undoubtedly, the outstanding positive aspect here is the universality of the model. Initially looking at the specifications, photographers will scratch their heads in bewilderment - “so-so”, however, if you are a beginner amateur photographer, then the Canon EF 40 mm f / 2.8 STM will be indispensable for you. This model is a good compromise between a fixed focal length lens and a wide-angle model. Of course, you can see a slight curvature of space, but it is so minimal that it is almost unnoticeable. It is worth noting that compared to the fifty-millimeter model, it has a shorter focal length, which makes it possible to feel at ease when shooting in small spaces. At the same time, you can get good outdoor shots of nature.

Professionals and amateurs distinguish a very good, high-quality assembly, which is surprising for this class and segment of devices. Bayonet, the ring of which is made of alloy, excellent plastic with the addition of rubber. The dimensions of the model are very compact, which will be indispensable when traveling. The image pleases due to not sharp transitions of the colors of the palette, the color scheme is closer to pastel colors. Autofocus works flawlessly.

The maximum aperture of 2.8, at this focal length, you can not expect amazing blur in the background, but what this model produces is quite enough to enjoy the picture. According to reviews, in this respect it can be compared with an inexpensive fifty-millimeter model with a sensitivity of 1.8. However, in low light conditions, taking pictures is quite problematic. You need a flash to take, for example, a good photo when using light from a window in the back of the room. It can be noted quite noticeable motor noise.

What else can be noted? This is the focus promised by the manufacturer without jerks, an adaptation to the ability to shoot video. However, here it is worth returning to the rather noticeable noise of the motor, which violates the sound picture. This optics can hardly be recommended as a reportage.

Score (2018): 4.7

Advantages: The best ratio between cost and quality. Most popular model

Manufacturer country: Japan

This Canon model is the best-selling in the market due to two factors. So, let's figure out what contributes to the popularity of this lens. Undoubtedly it is:

• Wide functionality and quality of workmanship
• The perfect combination of the resulting functionality for quite adequate money.

As for the cost, it is definitely not so high and affordable for many beginners, but the functionality is enough for quite professional work in portrait mode. If we take into account competitors with a more affordable price, then our hero of today's comparative review does not leave them the slightest chance. The mass of the model is almost 300 grams, but, taking it in hand, you understand that this is a thing “with a capital letter”.

The lens captures a very sharp image and very exciting background blur. Stunning bokeh is created with an 8-blade diaphragm. The model is very photosensitive, so shooting without a flash in low light conditions is not a problem for the owner. However, the owners highlight the fact that opening aperture 1.4 is of little use for work. There is a decrease in clarity, the appearance of artifacts, which undoubtedly leads to image deterioration. The model will be a good choice for both full-frame cameras and models with a crop factor. However, when used in tandem with cheap devices, the full potential of this lens will not be used, at most waist-length portraiture. Portrait shooting in full growth and landscapes will not be able to bring a particularly impressive effect, but you can squeeze out a bold "four" shot.

The autofocus motor operates quickly and at a minimum volume level, but it does not have good tenacity. As disadvantages, constructive fragility can be noted: the manual adjustment ring is made of plastic and you need to be very careful with it.

The best standard zoom lenses for Canon

If you're just getting started with photography, then zoom lenses are the best option for you. On the spot, you can zoom in or out of your subject by simply adjusting the zoom ring. This feature is available in most digital "soap dishes", which makes it familiar. However, genre optical equipment with equal settings is able to create a better picture, versatility in this case is not beneficial. It should be noted that by zooming in or out of objects, you not only change the fill of the frame, but also change the viewing angle. A complete lens with a focal length of 18-55mm at a minimum of focus values ​​will turn into a wide-angle, and at a maximum - into a portrait lens. The capabilities of the starter lens included in the kit are not great, so when going on a trip and planning to create detailed photo reports, take a closer look at lenses with an extended focal length range and with the use of enlightenment.

Score (2018): 4.6

Advantages: Best kit lens alternative for non-full frame cameras

Manufacturer country: Japan

In all the variety of models with the APS-C frame format (used mainly in entry-level devices), the hero of our review is quite expensive. This is due to the fact that much attention was paid here to the technical process in production. The owners note that the lens is worth the money.

The narrowed range made it possible to increase the efficiency during the operation of this lens. The output images have a sufficient level of sharpness in almost the entire range of the FR. The main difference from many competitors with a more affordable price is a three-stage stabilizer. Thanks to him, it is very pleasant to take pictures using a short shutter speed “by hand”. This model has good light sensitivity, which guarantees the possibility of operation in low light conditions.

Since this lens works in the APS-C format, of course, there were some problems. There is a certain decrease in brightness at the edges and geometric distortions are possible. However, all this is not very pronounced and it is quite possible to put up with it or try to beat it. It should also be unequivocally written down as a minus flimsy case, which, during long-term operation, backlash and can even fall out of the device under the pressure of its mass. However, nevertheless, this lens will leave far behind the complete one in terms of the totality of technical characteristics.

Score (2018): 4.8

Advantages: The best ratio between cost and quality. Big features for a small price

Manufacturer country: Japan

The model has a democratic price tag, a presentable appearance, and its weight is a little less than half a kilogram. If you look at its technical parameters, you might think that it is similar to the kit included in the delivery of the camera, however, its main strong point is a higher FR coverage, from wide-angle matrices to matrices with increased focus. The owners highly praise the focusing of the model in automatic mode. The stabilizer, of course, there are not enough stars from the sky, nevertheless, its abilities are quite acceptable.

Also, definitely, as a plus, a low noise level during operation can be noted, which allows you to shoot videos of sufficient quality. The engine without jerks and instantly takes into focus, eliminating extraneous noise and subsidence in clarity.

And finally, as a negative side, we can single out an extremely low photosensitivity, but do not forget that this model is positioned as very affordable.

In summary, we can say that the EF-S 18–135 mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM is an excellent solution for a beginner taking his first steps in photography, combining low cost and optimal technical parameters.

Score (2018): 4.9

Advantages: The best reportage model for full-frame cameras

Manufacturer country: Japan

Masters of photography have long appreciated the leader of our comparative review. The rich FR range makes it possible to take pictures both at a short distance and at a distance. It can be called just a godsend for people who specialize in shooting nature, as well as various events. An extremely fast motor, fairly tenacious focusing in automatic mode - all this allows you to take amazing pictures in almost any situation.

However, there is one thing that is inherent in all the models considered in this review - a small photosensitivity. Accordingly, we can conclude that this lens is easier to work in open areas than in confined spaces. Shots at a distance boast a good bokeh effect, but sharpness raises a lot of questions from amateur photographers.

The disadvantages of this model include the functionality of the stabilizer, which, frankly, does not pull the L-series models. A small light sensitivity is leveled by the quality of the camera, so the purchase of this lens will be justified if you have a professional Canon camera. This symbiosis allows you to get a fairly sharp output image at cranked ISO without additional lighting.

The best telephoto lenses for a Canon camera

Undoubtedly, the size of this type of lens guarantees you genuine interest from the people present in the process. Focusing on objects at a great distance occurs due to the most complex mechanism hidden behind the spectacular appearance of the device. It's no joke, because individual specimens of representatives of this type of lens can be more than 100 centimeters.

It is worth noting the extremely difficult technology of their production, an expensive price tag, and at the same time a rather narrow range of use. Their presence is difficult to overestimate when working in open areas to capture landscapes or various events, but these are rather exceptional cases in the work of a photographer.

It is worth saying that much more versatile than the model with a variable FR, the models with a fixed FR, as we mentioned, are needed for an extremely narrow range of work. These lenses are acclaimed for delivering images with very good sharpness and stunning bokeh, while being able to work far enough away from the subject.

Score (2018): 4.8

Advantages: The best telephoto lens for non-full frame cameras

Manufacturer country: Japan

The lens has a very affordable cost and at the same time has a good, high-quality image. For devices that work with a partial frame, it is the most optimal solution, and if it is supplemented with the lens included in the package, then a beginner can work in the entire spectrum of FR.

The system functions without jerks, and looking at it for the first time, there is a feeling of good quality. Positioning on a budget niche can be detected just by looking at the plastic mount ring. The device has a fairly large mass, you should be careful during operation, otherwise, under the weight of the mass, the fasteners will most likely give up.

The stabilizer does not give the impression of being fast, but when it works, you can immediately see it. People who have been involved in photography for a long time will undoubtedly pay attention to geometric distortions, a certain sluggishness in automatic focusing mode, to the fact that sharpness could be better and low ISO. We do not argue, this is the place to be, but it is difficult to count on a device of a higher class at this price. In general, the model gives the impression of being reliable, of course, with a very attractive price, and thus takes an honorable third place in our comparative review. The lens is solid, definitely worth the money and deserves the title of the best budget telephoto lens.

Score (2018): 4.8

Advantages: The best prime lens

Manufacturer country: Japan

Masters of photography have long identified this model for themselves due to its amazing sharpness. Undoubtedly, as the advantages of the model, one can also note a solid and high-quality assembly, lightning-fast focusing, an image pleasing with a color palette, and excellent work with blurring the background. You can also notice that this glass will be a very good solution for creating portraits if you work in large, open spaces. And since the shooting will take place at a sufficiently large distance, there should be nothing and no one else in the working area.

Sufficiently high light sensitivity, in tandem with an expensive professional device, they can make excellent photo quality even in low light conditions. This technique will be ideal for working with complex lighting, such as at a concert.

With such amazing specifications, the model is sold at a very good price and can safely be called the optimal combination of price tag and functionality. Focusing on the opinion of the owners, we can conclude that this model is practically flawless. However, experienced photographers may reproach the lack of a stabilizer, as well as protection from external influences. As you understand, when buying a lens, these points are rather secondary.

Score (2018): 4.9

Advantages: Best zoom lens

Manufacturer country: Japan

This model of the Japanese manufacturer boasts a solid body, which hides the function of zooming and focusing, protecting the glass from external damage. Thanks to this, the master of photography does not have to worry about any climatic surprises of nature. Due to the low light sensitivity, the images have an excellent level of sharpness, covering the entire spectrum of the FR. This optics will show itself as well as possible when working with small objects, when shooting events, portrait shooting, regardless of the lighting conditions. When working in confined spaces, it will be difficult to change position with it, which, in principle, is hinted at by its specifications. The model is equipped with a focus switching function, which will undoubtedly be appreciated by fans of shooting various events.

Taking a look at all its undeniable advantages, it is worth noting that it has a fairly small mass, so you can do without a tripod in many cases. However, the lack of a stabilizer in the arsenal is very sad, the need for which in this type of lens can hardly be overestimated, since it eliminates all the shortcomings associated with working without a tripod.

The best wide-angle lenses for a Canon camera

Actually, you can even guess that this type of lens has a huge viewing angle, they are able to fit most of the area into the picture and perfectly add volume. This is the most successful solution for shooting narrow streets. However, the original viewing angle will, of course, produce distortion. This is most pronounced in the form of rounded corners of the image. It is for this reason that they are not suitable for the role of a portrait painter. However, when working in open spaces and shooting animals, you can use it to show imagination and creativity.

Score (2018): 4.5

Advantages: Ultra wide-angle model for sub-frame cameras

Manufacturer country: Japan

This model performs well when photographing global wildlife and compact spaces, due to the fact that a huge part of the volume is able to fit into the picture. Knowing full well that there will be geometric curvature, the masters of photography try to beat this negative moment and use a certain amount of creativity. It is worth considering that distortion is not a stumbling block for this type of lens. It shows itself quite well when using backlight. There is no escape from the distortions, however, with the right selection of the composition, they do not hurt the eyes. At the same time, the sharpness is quite good in any part of the image.

This model of the Japanese company is equipped with an excellent FR - 24 cm, which in turn allows you to focus on the details of the foreground. As a plus, you can also put lightning speed and the absence of noise when focusing in automatic mode. Also, this model is distinguished by a solid assembly, found only in expensive counterparts.

Despite the rather immodest price tag, the photosensitivity of this model does not cause great delight. If we are talking about non-full-frame cameras, this optics will be quite dark, but there is nothing better in this category on the market today.

Score (2018): 4.7

Advantages: Fixed focal length model

Manufacturer country: Japan

The main advantage of this wide-angle lens is its amazing light sensitivity. It belongs to a small group of models for working in small spaces in low light conditions. "Clutch" focusing in automatic mode, the absence of noise and low weight - and we have an indispensable tool in the work of a photo master. Adding on the amazing work with the bokeh effect, we can conclude that we have in our hands an excellent solution for working with frame enlargement. However, it is worth noting that this model will not look very good with devices operating in full frame mode.

Shooting wildlife, monumental structures, and even full-length portraits - for all this, the model is just perfect. The close-up is its Achilles heel, as hibernations will be noticeable.

It is worth noting that at the maximum opening of the aperture, a certain blur will appear, but in all other cases, the lens will satisfy its owner in terms of sharpness. If taken globally, then users respond more than well to the quality of the picture. There is another annoying oversight - chromatic aberrations, in this case it is a color inversion at the edges of the lines. However, this can be easily corrected with the help of various photographic editors.

Score (2018): 4.9

Advantages: Best value for money

Manufacturer country: Japan

The most versatile wide-angle manufactured by a Japanese company. In tandem with expensive technology in full frame mode on small FRs, it easily becomes ultra-wide-angle. At the same time, the opportunity to make the viewing angle narrower, up to 4 centimeters, does not disappear anywhere, and at the output to have an image as close as possible to what the human eye sees. On non-full frame cameras, the EF 17-40 mm f/4L USM is an excellent alternative to a kit lens.

Masters of photography highlight the indestructibility of the model, all thanks to special design solutions, protection from external weather factors, as a result, you can work with it in extreme conditions without fear of harming equipment.

The indisputable advantages of the model are lightning-fast, with the absence of extraneous noise, focus operation in automatic mode, image saturation and sharpness for this type of lens. The main disadvantage that users highlight is that the lens is quite dark, however, if it works in tandem with expensive equipment that shoots in full frame mode, then this is leveled by ISO adjustment. But the specified minus played into the hands of the buyer, the price tag for this model is extremely affordable. The owners say that when working with small FRs, chromatic aberrations and distortions may appear. However, they can easily be leveled in a photographic editor.

For portrait photography, a good lens is something you can and should splurge on. Even a beginner camera, when equipped with high-quality glass, will be able to take great pictures. But on the contrary (a cool camera with an average lens) - it will not work. So perhaps, instead of spending money on an expensive camera, it is better to invest in a quality lens.

Choosing a lens for portraits is not so easy, but now we will understand what you need from a portrait glass, and which lenses are suitable for portraits.

What to consider when choosing a portrait lens?

You need to start from the beginning: variable or fixed focal length? We have already talked about the difference between the two types of lenses. So, if you take zoom lenses, then the focal length in them can vary from 24mm to 70mm, from 70mm to 200mm, etc. The choice is huge and such lenses are convenient and extremely useful for a large number of shootings. Plus, they are much easier to transport (after all, you don’t need to take several glasses with you, one is enough).

A fixed focal length will provide the best image quality and clarity. If you know exactly what kind of shooting you are going to shoot, it is better to choose a prime lens.

For portrait photography, a prime lens is an ideal choice, as quality and clarity are very important in this type of shooting.

Focal length

When choosing a portrait lens, be sure to decide on the desired focal length. Consider where you are going to shoot, how much space there will be, how much surroundings you will need in the photo, how close to the model you plan to be. For standard portraits, lenses with a focal length of 35mm to 200mm are usually used. But in general, it all depends on preferences, style and model.

How many lenses are you willing to carry?

If you are most comfortable moving around with a single lens, you should look into zoom lenses. Glass with a focal length of 24-105mm is suitable for almost any shooting. But if you are a fan of prime glasses, but dream of shooting in different genres, you will have to stock up on a bag and additional lenses. Many professional photographers do just that, changing glass on the run or even using multiple cameras with different lenses.

How many people will be in the frame?

If you're planning on shooting with large groups of people, a wider-angle lens will suffice to capture all the characters. You need to remember that a wide angle leads to distortion: people at the edges of the frame will either be larger or stretched. So the width of the corner should also not be too large. Never forget that by taking a step back, you will capture more people in the frame without distorting the photo.

Available shooting space

If you shoot outdoors, there are more options, depending on your preferences. Inside you will have to take a more wide-angle glass. A 70-200mm zoom or 85mm prime lens is good for open spaces. The focal length is less suitable for shooting indoors.

bokeh

The larger the aperture (and the smaller the number of f-stops), the more bokeh you get. If you want to take photos with beautiful, blurry bokeh, you can look at special portrait glasses.

Matrix size

For the correct alignment of the exposure, it is important to consider the matrix. Remember that the size of the sensor (crop or full format) will be reflected in the focal length. That is, different distances will behave differently on different types of matrices. For example, 50mm will look longer on a cropped matrix.

Price

Of course, the size of the wallet plays a decisive role. We only recall that it is better not to save on high-quality glass.

Best Canon Portrait Lenses

Best Nikon Portrait Lenses

With so many to choose from, it's not easy to make a decision. So it all comes down to personal preference. We recommend that you always thoroughly familiarize yourself with the lens and try it in action before purchasing.

13.10.2010 24220 It is interesting 0

This review brings together the most incredible (at the time of writing) lenses that have ever existed. Of course, military companies probably have more impressive specimens in their arsenal (hello NASA!), But in this review we will talk about lenses for SLR cameras that professional and highly paid photographers can really buy.

Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 1700mm f/4

When it comes to non-mirror lenses, the Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 1700mm f/4 is the leader among non-military lenses. This "monster" among lenses was announced and shown at Photokina in 2006. The Zeiss Apo Sonnar T is positioned as a lens for "a consumer with very high demands and a very high interest in remote wildlife photography." At the moment, it was not possible to find out who this “consumer” is, or at least who ordered such a lens for himself. However, such lenses have inscriptions in Arabic, as well as the coats of arms of the State of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

No wonder the Zeiss Apo Sonnar T, which was designed for use with the Hasselblad 203FE medium format camera, is so huge that you can't immediately see the actual camera it's attached to!

The lens uses 15 optical elements in 13 groups, and some lenses in it weigh up to 25 kg, as a result, this optical monster reaches a weight of 255 kg! Isn't this the kind of lens you want to travel with often? No less impressive is the process of working with the lens - focusing. To do this, Zeiss uses a special servo system similar to those used in industrial telescopes. Despite the monstrous size, the excellent design of this lens deserves all praise.

Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM

Although this lens cannot be compared to the Zeiss Apo Sonnar T, it is one of the longest lenses and also (at $80,000 without discounts) one of the most expensive lenses ever made.

Originally designed for the FD mount, the lens was released for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games in a quantity of 5 pieces for media coverage of this sporting event. After that, the lenses were returned back to Canon to reappear on the market later, but in a version for the more familiar EF mount.

During its production, Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM lenses have been bought and used by newspapers and magazines to cover events such as the World Championships, baseball games, Formula 1 races, the election of the Pope, the Olympic Games and other important events. According to Canon, several lenses were bought by private photographers.

If you are a member of the Canon CPS (Canon Professional Services) program, then you have a chance to purchase such a lens. Otherwise, you're out of luck. It is almost impossible to find such a lens in the used section, Canon stopped producing this limited series a few years ago.

Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8

If you were to visit the PMA (Photo Marketing Association) exhibition, for example, you would definitely notice a huge khaki lens at the Sigma booth. Announced and unveiled at the PMA in 2007, the Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 lens (which can be zoomed to 400-1000mm with 2x teleconverters) is no match for the lenses above. However, it is the fastest in terms of focusing speed! And it absolutely lives up to the recommended price of $38,000.

The lens weighs 15.7 kg. (nearly $2,000 per kilogram!) and measures 72.6 x 23.6 cm. The combination of ultra-zoom capabilities and aperture of 2.8 up to 500mm makes this lens one of the best lenses in the class for shooting wildlife, sports events and the night sky.

Buy an optional converter and get 400-1000mm focal ranges and 5.6 aperture at 1000mm, fast focusing and zooming! A special Li-Ion battery is built into the lens, which provides focusing, as well as changing the focal length. Want to know focus distance? Just look at the built-in LCD screen! You can also install various 72mm filters in the back of the lens, including even a polarizing one! However, when attaching additional filters, you will need a separate lens case.

Canon 5200mm F/14 Mirror Lens

Using a group of mirrors and a huge body, Canon managed to "stretch" the focal length of this SLR lens to 5515mm!!! How far does this "gun" hit? Official documentation promises excellent focusing from 25 to 50 kilometers! However, in order for you to focus on the subject, it must be at least 120 meters away.

While the mirrors inside this lens helped make it more compact (compared to a Zeiss 1700mm lens!), the lens weighs around 100kg, not counting its massive stand. The rest of the "data" of the lens is also impressive: 50 cm high, 64 cm wide and almost 2 meters long!

Carl Zeiss" 50mm Planar f/0.70

The Carl Zeiss "50mm Planar f / 0.70" lens was honored to become the fastest lens. This lens was designed and used to capture the dark side of the moon for the first time in 1966.

Rumor has it that Stanley Kubrick himself remade it for cinema and shot some great candlelight scenes in Barry Lyndon. The lens was also used in the filming of such films as "Schindler's List", "The English Patient", "Shakespeare in Love". In total there are 10 copies of this lens.

Canon S-type 50mm f/0.95

Slightly wider than conventional photography lenses, the Canon S-type 50mm f/0.95 has an aperture of f/0.90. At one time, this lens, which is 4 times faster than the human eye, was the fastest in the world. Although the SLR version was never released, it was introduced in 1961 for Canon 35mm cameras.

Intended as a standard lens for the Canon 7 rangefinder, the S-type 50mm f/0.95 was attached to it with three pins. This is a "Gauss" type lens, which used two "opposite" lenses, which ultimately canceled out chromatic aberrations. It was patented by Alvan G. Clark and contained several elements in five groups. Canon discontinued this lens in the early 1970s. In those days, in Japan, the lens cost 57,000 yen, i.e. about $ 1.150, which at that time was very expensive.

Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95

In 1975, shortly after the discontinuation of the Canon S-type 50mm f/0.95, Leica released its fastest lens ever. Nicknamed the "King of the Night", this lens was 11% faster than its predecessor.

The letter M in the name of the lens indicates that it was designed for Leica's own "m-mount" mount. It could also be connected to MFT (Panasonic) cameras using the DMW-MA2M adapter.

Definitely, this lens is very good in low light conditions and for shooting with especially shallow depth of field. At the time of this writing, the lens was not available for order, however, its estimated cost is $10,500.

Nikon 6mm F/2.8 Fisheye

The Nikon 6mm, the world's first lens with a 220-degree field of view, has given new meaning to the adage of eyes in the back of your head. The f/5.6 version first appeared in 1969 in AI and AIS versions.

The latest version of this lens, f / 2.8, has become the top. The lens allows you to shoot "circular" photos and focus at a distance of 25 centimeters. Of course, you can forget about filters, but Nikon took this into account and built in a Skylight filter, yellow, orange and red filters.

Used in scientific, industrial and mission-critical applications, this lens is available on special order only. It cost $6,000 in the 70s and is recently available in used condition on Ebay for $34,290+$150 shipping.

Sigma 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM circular fisheye

Sigma currently offers several interesting ultra wide angle lenses - the 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM fisheye AF and the 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM.

The manufacturer's 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM offers macro focusing at 13.5cm, and like Nikon's 6mm lens, is used for scientific purposes as well as creative photography. It is much smaller, lighter and cheaper; the recommended price is $1,500.

8-16mm Designed for APS-C cameras with an effective focal length of 12-24mm, it is a straight wide-angle lens with a twist effect. It is possible to add special rings on the front of the lens to get a circular effect (vignetting). The 8-16mm is tiny and inexpensive compared to the $1100 Nikon 6mm.