The lens is the most important part of the camera. A good lens is capable of stretching a camera with a mediocre matrix, and vice versa - a bad lens will “kill” even the highest quality camera.
Our short guide will help you not to get confused in the world of lenses; We've selected the very best camera lenses for 2020 in every category from zoom to fisheye. Happy filming!
Best zoom lenses
3. Tamron 100-400mm f / 4.5-6.3 Di VC USD
The average price is 49,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- Zoom telephoto lens
- Nikon F mount, built-in motor
- built-in image stabilizer
- auto focus
- closest focusing distance 1.5 m
- dimensions (DхL): 86.2 × 196.5 mm
- weight: 1115g
If you don't feel like messing around with complicated settings, then the Tamron 100-400mm f / 4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is the best choice. It's easy to use and perfect for those who don't want to overpay for professional delights they won't use.
This model costs a little more than its counterpart from Sigma with the same focal length, but the picture clarity is very good, and the 4x zoom will allow you to get great shots. However, for a small hand, it can be difficult to handle more than a kilogram lens.
pros: ease of operation, ease of use.
Minuses: Heavy, tripod not included as standard.
2. Tamron SP AF 70-200mm f / 2.8 Di VC USD G2
The average price is 70,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- Zoom telephoto lens
- suitable for Canon EF and EF-S
- built-in image stabilizer
- auto focus
- closest focusing distance 0.95 m
- dimensions (DхL): 88 × 193.8 mm
- weight: 1500g
The lens is a continuation of the previous model, Tamron 70-200mm. Compared to its older brother, the new generation has improved optics, more accurate autofocus and a completely new five-stage and three-mode image stabilizer (there is static, there is panoramic, and even a rare beast - exposure).
The main advantage of this lens is shooting moving objects. It is also fully protected along the entire length of the case and the mount from moisture, dust and other troubles.
pros: sharpness, color, speed and quality of autofocus.
Minuses: no.
1. Canon EF 70-200mm f / 2.8L IS II USM
The average price is 84,300 rubles.
Characteristics:
- Zoom telephoto lens
- suitable for Canon EF and EF-S
- built-in image stabilizer
- auto focus
- close focusing distance 1.2 m
- dimensions (DхL): 88.8 × 199 mm
- weight: 1490g
Professional photographers love to use this lens. And it's understandable why - everything in it speaks of quality, from fluorite glass to two image stabilization modes.
It consists of five low-dispersion elements, which reduces the probability of color distortion to almost a negative value. The ring-type autofocus is very fast and accurate, the aperture is excellent. Of course, the case is protected from moisture and dust.
Want to dive into the world of professional photography? Wondering which lens to choose for Canon? Can you afford the EF 70-200mm f / 2.8L IS II USM? Don't look for another.
pros: sharpness, focus, stabilization, color rendition.
Minuses: The stabilization makes a little noise when turned on and off.
Best fish-eye lenses
3. Samyang 12mm f / 2.8 ED AS NCS Fish-eye Sony E
The average price is 29,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- fisheye lens
- Sony E mount
- manual focus
- minimum focusing distance 0.2 m
- dimensions (DхL): 77.3 × 98.7 mm
- weight: 525g
Unlike their more versatile (and more expensive) counterparts, which occupy the first and second places in the fish-eye lens ratings, respectively, the lens of the Samyang 12mm f / 2.8 ED AS NCS is diagonal rather than round. Although outwardly it looks 100% round and protrudes strongly beyond the edge of the case. However, do not be afraid for the safety of the lens - it is reliably protected.
The lens itself is made from tough yet lightweight aluminum alloy, and the optics include three ED elements. So we can say goodbye to chromatic aberrations, that is, color distortions.
Although the lens from Samyang has been developed for Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony cameras, the same manufacturer can also find lenses for Canon M, Fujifilm X and Samsung NX. The image quality is pleasantly surprising in all variants.
pros: Image quality, excellent sharpness.
Minuses: too large a range of rotation of the scroll wheel, it is inconvenient to turn it blindly.
2. Nikon 8-15mm f / 3.5-4.5E ED AF-S Fisheye
The average price is 98,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- fisheye lens
- Nikon F mount, built-in motor
- auto focus
- minimum focusing distance 0.16 m
- dimensions (DхL): 77.5 × 83 mm
- weight: 485g
As Canon released seven years ago a lens with a variable focal length and, accordingly, the transition from circular to diagonal fisheye, so Nikon copied it.
Like the leader in the fisheye lens range, this model has a range of 8-15mm. Both lenses have electromagnetic diaphragm control. Although this type of mount has long been mandatory for Canon, it is still a novelty for Nikons. Therefore - attention! - Nikon 8-15mm f may not be compatible with previous generation cameras.
But unlike Canon, which has the same aperture, Nikon's lens has a variable aperture, and the higher the magnification, the higher the aperture. And do not be afraid that the image will glare, because a special option called Nano Crystal Coat will not allow this.
By the way, you don't need to remove the hood at maximum magnification. And the image quality is, of course, excellent.
pros: usability, image quality.
Minuses: price.
1. Canon EF 8-15mm f / 4.0L Fisheye USM
The average price is 55,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- fisheye lens
- suitable for Canon EF and EF-S
- auto focus
- minimum focusing distance 0.15 m
- dimensions (DхL): 78.5 × 83 mm
- weight: 540g
The uniqueness of the EF 8-15mm f lies in the following: its circularity or diagonality depends on the focal length. If the focal length is set to at least 8mm, then the lens acts as a circular fish-eye. And if this distance is increased to 15 mm, and it immediately turns into a diagonal. Whatever one may say, but it is very convenient (instead of two lenses you can carry one in your bag).
However, since the convex front element protrudes from the lens body, its cover is two-stage, the cylindrical part of which is used as a hood if the focal length is 15 mm. But at 8 mm you will have to remove it manually, otherwise it gets into the frame.
The broom firm does not knit, therefore the assembly, the quality of the images, and the sharpness of these lenses are at their best. In general, if you are an avid amateur photographer with a Canon DSLR, are not afraid of “fish eyes” and are willing to pay the required price, then choose the EF 8-15mm f - one of the best lenses on the market.
pros: excellent picture quality
Minuses: Color distortion when the aperture is open, a lot of fiddling with the hood.
Best macro lenses
3. Olympus ED 30mm f / 3.5 Macro
The average price is 15,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- wide-angle constant focal length lens
- Micro 4/3 mount
- auto focus
- minimum focusing distance 0.1 m
- dimensions (DхL): 57 × 60 mm
- weight: 128g
The top 3 best lenses for macro photography are opened by a device that occupies an intermediate position between "regular" and "professional" models, designed for shooting small objects from a short distance.
The Olympus ED 30mm f / 3.5 Macro lens has a large f 3.5 aperture with a range up to 22 and is capable of magnifying images up to 1.3x. This is a good all-round lens with sensitive autofocus, anti-reflective ring, moisture protection (it can be used for shooting underwater).
At the same time, it is quite light and small in size, so the Olympus ED 30mm f / 3.5 Macro can be easily carried in a bag or even just in your pocket.
pros: high quality shooting, excellent price / quality ratio.
Minuses: small aperture ratio, however, it is always small.
2. Canon EF 100mm f / 2.8L Macro IS USM
The average price is 46,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- constant-phase macro lens
- suitable for Canon EF and EF-S
- built-in image stabilizer
- auto focus
- minimum focusing distance 0.3 m
- dimensions (DхL): 77.7 × 123 mm
- weight: 625g
Many lenses have been developed specifically for Canon EF, but perhaps the best of them is the company's own development - the EF 100mm f / 2.8L Macro IS USM. This model appeared on the market several years ago, but to this day it remains a very good option for macro photography.
Distinctive features of the lens are a focus of 100 mm, a diagonal of 23.4 degrees and 15 components (as a rule, the more elements “participated” in the creation of the lens, the better it is, the zoom is steeper, and the sharpness is greater). And if you were annoyed by the noise that the zoom worked with other lenses, the EF 100mm f / 2.8L Macro IS USM is virtually silent.
One of the main features of the model is Canon's image stabilization technology, which prevents image distortion when shooting close-ups or low light. By the way, the lens is quite versatile and in addition to macro photography it can also make good portrait images.
pros: color reproduction, sharpness, accurate and fast autofocus.
Minuses: no.
1. Tamron SP 90mm f / 2.8 Di Macro 1: 1 VC USD
The average price is 41,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- constant-phase macro lens
- Nikon F mount, built-in motor
- built-in image stabilizer
- auto focus
- minimum focusing distance 0.3 m
- dimensions (DхL): 79 × 114.6 mm
- weight: 600g
After reviewing user reviews and expert opinions on specialized sites, we gave first place to the representative of the latest line of macro lenses from Tamron. It boasts a new Hybrid Image Stabilizer and XY Offset Compensation.
In addition, due to the design of the lens, flare and unnecessary reflections in your photos simply cannot be. And this model also has low-dispersion glass and manual control of the focal length.
Aside from its outstanding optical performance, the lens is very well made and durable, which is important when shooting outdoors. We also add that it is equipped with protection against moisture and dust. By the way, a special coating on the front panel not only repels dust, dirt and moisture, but also gets rid of fingerprints.
The 90mm focal length is perfect for everyday use. The lens can be used on both Nikon and Sony A and Canon EF cameras.
pros: build quality, AF tenacity, light weight for such materials.
Minuses: The hood is too loose.
The best prime lenses
3. Nikon 85mm f / 1.8S Nikkor Z
The average price is 55,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- constant focal length telephoto lens
- Nikon Z mount
- auto focus
- closest focusing distance 0.8 m
- dimensions (DхL): 75 × 99 mm
- weight: 470g
Although the aperture of this lens is not that strong (only f / 1.8), the picture will be excellent quality. And unlike the kilogram monster, which ranks second on the list of the best prime lenses of 2020, the lens for Nikon weighs only 470g and will serve as a great addition to the Z-series mirrorless cameras.
This version has two low-dispersion elements and a special anti-reflective Nano Crystal Coat. Build quality is excellent, weatherproof seals are included, and autofocus is fast, precise and, importantly, virtually silent. Users praise the high contrast, rich colors and lack of distortion.
pros: detail, silent autofocus, color rendition.
Minuses: filter with plastic thread.
2. Sigma 85mm f / 1.4 DG HSM Art
The average price is 59,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- standard constant-phase lens
- suitable for Canon EF and EF-S
- auto focus
- dimensions (DхL): 94.7 × 126.2 mm
- weight: 1131g
Large and not the cheapest lens with a focal length of 85 mm and weighing over a kilogram. When creating it, the engineers probably thought about how to accommodate more newfangled technical things there and how to make it durable and resistant to environmental influences, and not about whether the photographer would be easy.
The result is an optical system with two low dispersion elements, a circular aperture, excellent sharpness and fast and accurate autofocus. The image sharpness is really outstanding, which is especially impressive given the "fast" f / 1.4 lens. Even distant objects are very clear, and the colors of the picture are bright and vibrant.
pros: Sharpness and image quality.
Minuses: size and weight.
1. Canon EF 85mm f / 1.4L IS USM
The average price is 77,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- standard constant-phase lens
- suitable for Canon EF and EF-S
- built-in image stabilizer
- auto focus
- closest focusing distance 0.85 m
- dimensions (DхL): 88.6 × 105.4 mm
- weight: 950g
There are only two 85mm lenses for Canon cameras with image stabilization in the world, and the Canon EF 85mm f / 1.4L IS USM is one of them.
The build quality will pleasantly impress the buyer: the lens has a shock-absorbing body, protection from moisture, dust and other atmospheric troubles, and a fluorite coating on the front and back. Of course, moisture protection in portraits may seem excessive to ordinary users, but wedding photographers strongly disagree with this.
The optical element is constructed from 14 components (and more is better), and is equipped with Canon's special anti-reflective coating Air Sphere Coating. At the same time, the lens is lighter than its direct competitor - the 85 mm lens for Sigma - by as much as 950 g. Although it is slightly inferior to Sigma in terms of sharpness, it takes its toll at the expense of image stabilization, and photos with background blur are simply magnificent.
pros: image quality, sharpness, blur effect.
Minuses: price.