What is Your Favorite Lens?
It’s time for a reader question that I’m sure will generate some interesting discussion (it did last time we asked it 2 years ago):
What is Your Favorite Lens?
A recent survey of DPS readers found that 75% of you have DSLRs – so I am sure that among us all there’s a wealth of experience when it comes to lenses.
So what lens you do like using the most? Which stays on your camera more than any other lens? Why do you like it so much?
Please give us the make, focal length range and aperture so we can compile a list of the most popular ones.
PS: My own favorite lens to use these days is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens (pictured). I love it because it is fast (2.8 with image stabilization makes it great in low light) and has a really handy focal range which makes it useful for sports, wildlife, weddings/social gatherings and even portraits. The only hangups I have with it are that it wasn’t cheap and it’s the heaviest lens that I own (this isn’t one to hang around your neck for too long).
While I probably don’t use this as much as my 24-105mm lens (which is my everyday lens) – it is certainly is my favorite to shoot with.
OK – so that’s mine – what is your favorite lens?
291 Responses to “What is Your Favorite Lens?” - Add Yours
November 29th, 2008 at 12:32 am
i mostly use the Canon EF-S 18-55.
it´s the one i can afford
November 29th, 2008 at 12:36 am
My fav would be the only non-kit lens I own:
Nikon 50mm 1.8
Works great in low-light situations as well as outdoors, as long as you don’t mind walking in/out to get the framing correct.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Definitely my Canon 17-40mm f/4 L lens. I’m a landscape photographer and this is is by far my favourite lens. I have a super sharp copy and shoot most of my landscapes with this great lens. I even use it for stitched panos, usually shooting at 35 or 40mm.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:38 am
I totally agree. The Big Boy has the crisp sharpness, color saturation, 2.8 throughout… but the heft makes it a serious commitment when I trudge around shooting. The 24-105 stays on my 40D, but I do often wish for a 2.8 aperture when indoors. Recently rented a 16-35, but found myself returning to the 24-105. Good thing, since I own the 24-105.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:39 am
My favorite is the Pentax DA Fisheye 10-17mm
But the one I use the most is the Pentax A 50mm f/1.7
November 29th, 2008 at 12:41 am
BTW, it would be more useful to have a post for each of the main systems: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, etc.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:43 am
mine favorite is Olympus 50-200 / 2.8-3.5
but exactly as you – i am moving around a lot with my 14-54/2.8-3.5 , but 50-200 is the best !!
November 29th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
I love prime lenses and this one its my favorite! Inexpensive given its quality
November 29th, 2008 at 12:45 am
I’m still pretty new to all of this, but I recently got a Canon 50mm f/1.8 and it has quickly become my new favorite lens.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:47 am
My favorite is the Nikon 18-200 VR: coupled with the D40x results in a quite small complex easy to carry on. I have lost much less image now because I can carry the camera more often than before.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.5 DC Macro, cheap, rather fast and with a nice focal length.
My 2nd favourite is the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM (for its beautiful DOF, imo)
November 29th, 2008 at 12:49 am
Definitely the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens.
I think it’s the best compromise among dimension, weight, range of shots and quality.
Nico
November 29th, 2008 at 12:50 am
I love my Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM – it’s permanently mounted to one of my 40D bodies. The other 40D has the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM that you mentioned. The two lenses let me shoot just about anything, anywhere.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:50 am
The lens on my camera most often is the Canon 24-70 2.8L.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:53 am
Canon EF 85mm 1.8
Amazingly sharp piece of glass.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:55 am
Mine is my AF DX Fisheye-NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED
November 29th, 2008 at 12:56 am
My favorite lens is my 70 – 200 f4 pretty fast and extremely sharp.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:57 am
My favorite is my Sony 50mm f/1.4 because the field of view is decent for a variety of situations, the large aperture allows me to shoot in nearly every lighting situation without flash, the photos are tack sharp, and it’s a small lightweight lens.
My second favorite is the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 macro because it gives me a good candid working distance for street photography, it’s fairly fast, and also super sharp.
On my film SLR I favor similar lenses: a 50mm f/1.4 and a 135mm f/2.8 are used almost exclusively.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Without question, my favourite lens is my Sigma 8mm f4 fisheye lens.
It’s not my most used lens, but it is far and away the most fun. The creative potential is limitless, the super wide angle lenses can be used in many ways anf for may effects. It’s great for portraits, groups, landscapes, unsual perspectives and even macro. I love the lens so much I even wrote a DPS post featuring some of my work with it: http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/15-fun-fabulous-fisheye-photos/
Here are some of my fishey photos on my blog: http://neil.creek.name/blog/index.php?s=fisheye
It was one of my more expensive lenses, but it’s worth every cent. Even all my friends know about the lens and the awesome photo it takes – so much so that they request I get it out and take photos with it
November 29th, 2008 at 1:01 am
I have a 70/200 f.2.8 (non IS) -> W O N D E R F U L
I hope to try it sooooner with a 5DmarkII
November 29th, 2008 at 1:05 am
2 total different lenses. mine is certainly the Canon 50mm f/1.4, specially for portrait photography. then the Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6. vivid colours, sharp as it gets for its class.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Canon EF-S 50mm F1.8 and
Sigma 70-300 APO DG MACRO
November 29th, 2008 at 1:08 am
My favorite lens is my Canon 24-70mm f/2.8.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:09 am
The old manual Jupiter-37A (135mm; f3.5) is my favorite, Pentax FA 50 1.4 comming second. And I very much lust after 35mm 2.8 macro or 31mm 1.8 limited lenses.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:09 am
My favorite is my Canon EF 135mm f/2L, I sell more photos from this lens than any other.
My second favorite lens is a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L lens but it is being challenged by my most recent purchase the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L!
November 29th, 2008 at 1:14 am
Right now it is my Canon 300mm f/4L IS. Amazingly sharp and with very fast autofocus. Second would be my Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG DF tho I’m hoping for a Tokina 11-16mm to replace that at Christmas.
BK
November 29th, 2008 at 1:14 am
I would have to say my favorite would be Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens. Stays on my camera all the time.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:23 am
For many of you this may sound ridiculous, but my favorite lens (as defined in the article as being the one you will usually find on my camera) is the Cosina 28-300mm F4.0 lens. I live in Southern California so shooting during the day light is not a problem and the Push/Pull zooming feature I prefer over the twist requirement, as it is seems faster for me. This lens is a larger diameter barrel so feels substantial and fits my hands well. Additionally, it not costing an arm and a leg makes me more prone to not pamper it and protect it as much as a lens costing in the thousands… I am not a professional so lenses are not tax write offs.
In the event of a low light situation, my 50mm/f1.7 can usually do the job, and have a back up two lens system from 18 – 300 that is of higher quality should that be called for. All in all, those who see my pictures have never commented about needing better lens quality so I’ll use the extra money I would have otherwise spent on the lens on travel and picture taking instead.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:25 am
I have three that are used a lot…
Nikon 12-24 f4.0
Nikon 28-70 f2.8
Nikon 70-200 f2.8VR
The 12-24 is on the camera most of the time, but all three are great lenses and each serves its purpose well.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Shooting Nikon here, so my current favorite is the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR DX. Wideangle to zoom…. all in one with VR…. can’t go wrong.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Canon EF 135/2.0L, hands down. This lens creates just so beautiful images. Sharp as a needle and so lovely bokeh. Can’t wait to put it on 5D MkII
.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:28 am
I love my 70-200, my 24-105 but if you want real “love” it’s my 50mm f1.4 … I dropped my a few months ago and my bag didn’t feel complete without it.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:28 am
My favorite is also the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS and the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L
November 29th, 2008 at 1:33 am
i couldn’t afford expensive lens, therefore, my very dependable and favourite lens would be the
CANON 50mm f/1.8 lens.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:34 am
My favorite would have to be the 50mm f/1.4. Sure, not as cool looking as a long tele, but it’s fast and sharp. Get up close and personal. It’s more fun.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Minolta 85/1.4
Minolta 35/2
November 29th, 2008 at 1:36 am
I like the idea of the 24-105mm, if I had one, would probably use it, but my fave is my 18-55mm which I use mostly to keep from changing the lens sets and allow any dust in. I also have a 75-300mm for telephoto shots and use another one, a 28-105mm. But I mostly use the 18-55..
November 29th, 2008 at 1:36 am
The Canon 50mm f/1.4 is my walk around favorite for its color fidelity, wonderful bokeh, and stellar ability to shoot tack sharp photos even in natural light with my Rebel XTI (400D).
I use the Canon EF-S 17-55 IS USM f/2.8 when I need additional focal range. It is also very sharp and is comparatively good in low light (for a zoom), but it is a bit heavy and expensive.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:36 am
I absolutely love my Canon 35mm f/1.4 it’s magical in its ability to render natural light.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:40 am
My Sigma 28-70 f2.8 on a Canon 10D is my workhorse. It covers mild wide angle to mild telephoto and is AFFORDABLE. I have a superwide and a supertele and a dedicated macro for special things, but this is the lens I keep on all the time.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:41 am
The lens that hangs from my Nikon D40X 90% of the time is a Nikor 18-135 Af-S 3.5-5.6 I find it a good range with enough speed for the shooting that I seem to come across.I also seem to always carry the 50mm 1.8 Nikor for low light It was a great price & is very sharp for portrates.
As well as these 2 mentioned I have the kit 18-55,55-200 vr
a manuel focus 35-135 & a 70-300 also a manuel focus,all Nikor lenses.I probably should have got the 18-200 Nikor instead of the 135 but bucks were light at that time.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:48 am
I love the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II.
Cheap and amazing for portaits and low light.
And my Sigma 70-300mm Macro APO.
Very difficult to use for macro photography, but great for portraits and landscapes.
I would love to have an wide angle but can’t afford it yet…
November 29th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Canon 24-70 2.8 L is easily my favorite lens. It’s got ‘prime-like’ optics – superb bokeh and excellent sharpness. Very useful (for me) focal range as well.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:56 am
This is a bit too general of a question. My favorite lens varies depending on what I am shooting and what effect I want. My Canon 24-105 f/4L IS is on my 5D more than any other. That is because it is so versitile. My favorite lens for wildlife is my Canon 100-400L IS. But my favorite lens for image quality would be the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS or my Canon 50 f/1.4. Sorry, I guess I don’t have a favorite.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:06 am
Well my favorite to use for Weddings and Portraits is the canon 85 f1.2L that sucker is super sharp and super fast, my business hasn’t justified the purchase of this lens so I typically rent it for events. So the lens that I own that is my favorite is the Canon 70-200 f4L. Very lightweight in comparison to the 2.8 and works great for portraits.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:08 am
My favorite is the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens, and it’s the one that usually stays on my camera most of the time. Great feel to it, high quality images, and quick.
Alec
November 29th, 2008 at 2:11 am
The Canon EF 17-40 f/4L and Canon EF 24-105 f/4L are my two favorite lenses.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:13 am
I love my 100mm f/2.8 macro lens
November 29th, 2008 at 2:14 am
Favorite? My Nikon 105mm VR f/2.8 macro. Super sharp, beautiful images, great for portraits, and spectacular macro results with little effort.
Most used? Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. One or the other is usually on my camera.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:17 am
for most of the time I carry nikon 18-200 f/3.5-5.6.
I’d love to have something with wider aperture, but this one is relatively cheap.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:24 am
My favourite lens and the one I use the most are not the same.
For pure fun I like the 10-20mm sigma for the way it distorts objects up close, (gives them more prominence).
The lens I now use the most is the 18-200mm Nikon vr. It quick and easy and will handle most situations.
For images that are destined more for fine-art quality where you need little distortion and pin sharp I like using the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 vr
Niels Henriksen
November 29th, 2008 at 2:25 am
I split between 2 lenses, a Canon 10-22mm and the 85mm 1.8
10-22 for grandeur! http://flickr.com/photos/robinryan/3053563667/in/set-72157603329594706/
85 for portraits! http://flickr.com/photos/robinryan/2998025462/in/set-72157603329594706/
November 29th, 2008 at 2:25 am
I only have two lenses but I love my Tamron 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 lens. It’s a great all around lens because it’s relatively small and light so it can be taken anywhere and it has a great zoom range so I can capture standard portraits or zoom way in for long range shots. This is, IMHO, the best lens for a tourist — one lens for the whole trip and you can still capture all the detail you’ll ever need.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:37 am
Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6
Canon 60mm EF-S Macro Sharpest lens I have ever seen, period.
WANT the 24-105….badly. Just went down at B and H too.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:40 am
Mine is without doubt the Canon 17-40L. I do mainly landscapes and most of them with this lens. My second favorite will be my 70-200mm f4.
The 17-40mm rarely leaves the body. And if, it’s back on there rather quick.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:42 am
My favourite is my Olympus Zuiko 14-14 f/4-5.6. Granted it is the only lens I have but it’s still a great lens for a kit lens.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Canon 50 f/1.8 ….cheapie, but goodie!
November 29th, 2008 at 2:49 am
My favorite lens is my Sigma 10-20 but I don’t use it every day. This sharp, ultra-wide lens gives me a range and a unique perspective that I love. I use the 18-105 as my daily lens. It is a good lens with a very useful range for the money but not fast enough or sharp enough.
What I really want (maybe this spring) is the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR and the 50mm f/1.4.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:49 am
My favourite is the Canon EF 50 mm f1.8, too. It is just a handy lens with no weight and makes to camera-lens-combination so small. A fun lens for me…
November 29th, 2008 at 2:51 am
I use the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II. It’s one of the cheapest Canon lenses, and it’s very fast too.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:58 am
I love my Nikkor 17-55 /2.8 G and my Nikkor 35 /2 prime. I’m planning a Nikkor 70-200 /2.8
November 29th, 2008 at 3:09 am
My favorite is my Canon EF-S 17-85 f/4.0-5.6. It makes a very smooth transition from wide angle to short telephoto.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:09 am
On my Canon XT, the Canon 50 f1.8 is my favorite lens, hands down.
If I got some more expensive glass I might change my mind, but the image quality I can get from this cheapie is just amazing. Sharp, great DOF…
November 29th, 2008 at 3:14 am
24-105L F/4.0 is on my 50D most of the time,steped down 1-2 steps, but I do change to 70-300 f/4-5, steped down to 6.7 where it is very sharp.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:17 am
I have 3 favorites.
Nikkor 17-35 2.8
Nikkor 28-105 3.5-4.5
And my 50mm 1.8
All three are very sharp and very versatile.
(D300)
November 29th, 2008 at 3:17 am
Nikon 50mm f/1.8. Hands down as my fav.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:17 am
The only thing I got is my Nikon 50mm 1.8. Im so ghetto instead of getting better lenses I just keep adding more lights.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:19 am
I use my Nikkor 50mm f1.8 99.9% of the time.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:22 am
My favorite lens is the Canon 17-55mm f2.8 ISM. When I purchased this lens I underestimated the amount of use I have received from it. I also have a Canon 70-200mm f4.0 L. I thought I would be using it more than I have.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:35 am
I’m with Dan Rode – I love my ultra wide angle Sigma 10-20 lens, too. The shots are really clear.
I also use my zoom 55-200 for close up candid shots. I like it to do street photography.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:35 am
98% of the time, my Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 is on my D300!
November 29th, 2008 at 3:40 am
Canon 35/2 or the 50/1.4
November 29th, 2008 at 3:40 am
My favorite lens is a Sigma 28-70mm 2.8. Check the kind of pics I got using it.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:43 am
For my Olympus E510, my favorite is the Zuiko 40-150mm 1:4-5.6. With this lense, I’m able “fill the frame” with my subject and also zoom in fairly well from a distance. It’s versatile enough for my slightly-better-than-amateur-skills.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:05 am
Definitely, the Minolta 300mm/4 APO G I got second-hand and I use on the Sony Alpha 700.
A jewel in terms of picture quality/IQ. A dream to handle. Fast focusing, too.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:08 am
This question is tough to answer without going into lots of detail.
My favorite lens (so far) is my Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM, but I because it’s so large, and heavy, I have to think about why I want to use before I step out with it. The “WOW” factor is certainly apparent.
My Canon EF 70 – 200mm f/2.8L IS USM is a gem among lens; it does so many things well!
My Canon EF 28 – 300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM is the lens that spends the most time on my camera for one overriding reason, and it’s because, for its size, it has excellent minimal focal distance. I can use it in tight spots whereas the 70-200 needs more distance. I’ve photographed fast-moving objects, stills, soccer games and even excellent portraits with it.
The naysayers have complained about its “bellows” movement; I keep it very clean, and so far I have not had any problems with it.
If anything, it is immensely heavy, and it certainly outweighs the 70 – 200.
For most photographers, the price of the 28 – 300 is prohibitive, but as a do-plenty-of-nice-shots lens, it definitely has its place.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:10 am
I use Nikon Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 on my Nikon D700 most of the time. Second most used is the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8
November 29th, 2008 at 4:14 am
The 105mm Nikon Macro is my favorite lens. It never fails to amaze me with it clarity and absolutely stunning images. I also enjoy using the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 and the Nikon 24-70 f2.8. Both are fast and tack sharp and are great for portraits, wildlife, and landscapes.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:25 am
the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS is what is usually mounted on my 30D. There is also my 85mm f/1.8 which i love dearly also.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:27 am
I only own one lens now – Nikon’s 18-200 VR. It can do almost everything I want, with no need to change lenses.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:39 am
This post could not have come at the right time. I have in the last month or so bit the bullet and bought myself a Nikon D60 and am now already looking to by my first official additional Lens. I am in two minds over two or so models but what I am looking at is the Nikon 50mm F1.8. From what I see many saying is that the this MM model is regularly used and what I gain from the comments is that it would probably be a good purchase. Please can you advise if that is the case, particularly the Nikon model as I have also read the build quality is not good.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:41 am
I only have the two kit lenses that came with my Olympus E-510. I like the 40-150mm 3.5/4.5 because it’s very sharp and when I use f3.5 @ 150mm the background is very blurred which I like.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:54 am
Any Canon 50 mm prime lens
November 29th, 2008 at 4:54 am
My favorite is my 24-105mm F4 L. I have the 70-200mm F4 L as well, but I really enjoy the wide end of the 24-105.
November 29th, 2008 at 5:04 am
Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8
November 29th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Hey, Smitty – It’s not how much your gear costs, its what you do with it. There are plenty of people out there with great gearhead cred. In other words, they have a fantastic kit, every lens you could want, and they either never leave the house because they can’t decide what to take or they have little talent. I see great stuff all the time from people who use what others would consider junk or cheap lenses.
My present fav is the 16-35 MK II L F2.8. Big fun.
November 29th, 2008 at 5:10 am
i love my canon 50mm 1.4… so sweet
November 29th, 2008 at 5:28 am
Canon EF 50mm/f1.4
November 29th, 2008 at 5:44 am
My day to day lens is the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM – it’s permanently mounted to my 50D body. A close second is the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM that you mentioned. The two lenses let me shoot virtually everything I want with a very high quality.
November 29th, 2008 at 5:47 am
My favorite is Tamron 17-50mm f2.8, it stays on my camera 70% of time. It’s sharp and luminous, the focal suits well for many of my pictures, and its quality/price rate is awesome.
I like also to use the Canon 50mm f1.8, that gives a nice bokeh and tones.
November 29th, 2008 at 5:59 am
My favorite is my Canon EF 70-200 F4L.
Not that I don’t want a F2.8IS but I’m on a budget!
Maybe one day…
November 29th, 2008 at 6:07 am
I only have a couple of lenses, but can’t actually remember the last time I took of my nifty 50 to uses any of them
)
Fir me it has to be my Canon 50mm f1.4. worth every penny ( and it was a few )
November 29th, 2008 at 6:17 am
My favorite lens to shoot with would be the Pentax DA 35mm macro LTD. It’s such a great walk around lens that I can use just for about everything. A close second would be my DA 70mm LTD.
November 29th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Well, my favorite body is a Nikon D80, the only other within reach is a Nikon Nikormat FTN, quite old and lonely. It hasn’t seen film in, hmmmm, maybe 20 years or more.
But for the lens. The one on the camera almost all the time is VR 80-400 F4.5-f5.6 D ED AF. The other lenses in the camera bag are a 80-200 and the kit 18-135. The 18-135 comes in very handy for events, like a Eagle Scout Court of Honor where 80mm is a bit long. The camera bag is sized to hold the 400zoom on the camera, with the shorter lenses in their own compartments. There is no way to store the long lens with the shorter on the camera. But most of my shooting is Wild Life so the long lens just likes being on the body.
Anything longer wouldn’t fit, and and would be too big for my style of shooting.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:05 am
My favorite lens is the 28-135mm f3.5-5.6. The range on the lens makes it a great walk around and I’ve been able to get some great pictures with it.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:11 am
I’d have to say the lens that’s currently getting the most use is my Tamron 17-35 2.8-4.0
November 29th, 2008 at 7:26 am
My fav’ lens is the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM.
Good light, highspeed, precision. *in love*
November 29th, 2008 at 7:33 am
My favorite lens has to be the 70-200mm 2.8 IS USM as well, but since I don’t own that, I guess it’s not technically my favorite. Hope to get it soon.
My favorite lens that I own is the 24-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS USM, but it’s quickly followed by the ever-trusty 50mm 1.8.
I’d love to get my hands on a 24-105 though.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:44 am
My #1 favorite is 60mm/2.8 Micro-Nikkor. I use it 80% of the time. I recently got a 24mm/1.8 Sigma and that is a good second lens. I am hooked on primes.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:46 am
My favourite is also my 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. But if I could only have one lens then I’d probably pick my 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. I bought them at the same time and try to use them both equally.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Canon 50mm f/1.2. It’s a bit heavy and very expensive for a prime lens but the picture quality and bokeh are outstanding.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:26 am
One of the major reasons as to why I am a Pentax user is because of my favorite lens, the 40mm pancake lens. My wife wanted a point and shoot camera but instead we got this lens for $200 used.
It takes wonderful pictures, relatively fast, cheap, and most of all extremely small.
I haven’t taken the 40mm pancake off since I got it. It’s perfect for my everyday photo needs and is easy to carry around disneyland and other family adventures. Check it out!!
November 29th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Another vote for the Nikon 50mm f/1.8. Incredibly good value for the money.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:28 am
My favorite is the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR. The images that it produces consistently blow me away.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Tokina 11-16mm F/2.8. Amazing lens for close up car photography. The width is awesome for getting extremely close to a car and getting it all in the frame. Since getting this it makes my 50mm feel like a zoom for my interests.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I am in love with my Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. But we will go our separate ways as soon as the 5d mII arrives.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I only have 2 lenses– a Canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6, and my trusty Canon 50mm f/1.8. The 50mm is my favorite lens, it’s the one I use about 90% of the time.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:56 am
My favorite lens is the Nikon 18-200 af-s vr. I had the basic kit lens 18-55 mm for a Nikon D40 but I passed to this big zoom that I use all the time.
If you want see this lens at work see this links:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/83352053@N00/
http://picasaweb.google.com/luigi.salemi
November 29th, 2008 at 9:32 am
By far the 70-200 2.8 IS is my favorite and most used lens. The IS makes hand holding possible for me down to 1/20sec, the focus is fast, low-light shooting is great, and the pictures are crisp and colorful.
November 29th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I love, LOVE, my Sigma 10-400 mm F4,5-5,6. At 120, its incredibly sharp, the focus is quick and silent at all ranges. It maybe at bit heavy for some (at 1,75 kg) but I’m used to carry a rifle, so it considerable lighter that what I am used to anyway.
November 29th, 2008 at 9:41 am
My 120-400 mm of course…. (see previous comment)
November 29th, 2008 at 9:54 am
My fav is my Nikon 50mm f/1.8 (most often found on my camera), followed by my Sigma 105mm macro lens.
November 29th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Most of the time, I utilized the Nikon 18-200mm VR, followed by the Sigma 30mm f/1.4.
http://orengophotography.com/
November 29th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Man, where the Olympians at lol, anywho, fave lens for moi has got to be the Zuiko Digital 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD.
November 29th, 2008 at 10:30 am
My favorite is my Canon EF 55-250 f/4 IS
It is a good compromise between longer and shorter lenses…
November 29th, 2008 at 10:55 am
My favorite lens is the Canon 50mm f1.2. The Canon 200mm f2.8 is also a great lens.
November 29th, 2008 at 11:09 am
My fav lens is my Nikkor 50mm f1.8 however, I just received my lensbaby composer in the mail and I have to say this is the lens that I have had the most fun with!!
November 29th, 2008 at 11:12 am
My favorite lens right now is the Tamron 28-75 f2.8
November 29th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
My favorite over the past year or so is the Sigma 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6 – but second I think is the Canon 100-400mm L f/4.5-5.6
November 29th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I love the Sigma 150mm, 2.8 macro. It is a great macro lens and it is a good general 150mm lens.
http://nbkaplan.com/photo/main.php?g2_itemId=69
http://nbkaplan.com/photo/main.php?g2_itemId=294
I also like the Canon 70 – 200, 2.8, but it is a little heavy to carry around all day.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I think my favourite is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens.
It’s very sharp, fast, great for macros, and also works well for portraits.
November 29th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC
It is just so wide. It is able to produce some wonderful results.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I just got Canon’s 70-200 F/2.8 IS a couple weeks ago, and love it. I shot a couple events inside in low light, the images came out great. But I agree the weight makes it difficult to carry around. The 24-105 is on my camera 95% of the time, and will probably remain so for every day shooting. I just wish it was a F/2.8. The 50 F/1.4 is my third favorite, and favorite prime lens.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM
It covers a good range. Although it isn’t that wide, it gives a satisfactory zoom. Good for an all around lens.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Canon 100mm f2.8 macro.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Nikon 50mm/f1.8.
Extremely sharp, great in low light, and excellent bokeh with a narrow DOF at the biggest aperture.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I love my Tamron 18-250 F/3.5-6.3. I also love my Canon 50mm f/1.8. Two very different lenses but I’ve had some nice results from each. Since I’m still pretty much an amateur it’s hard to justify the cost of the really nice lenses.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Hands down, I love my Canon 24-70 2.8L. I find that the 24-70 is a great walk-around lens, and the pictures are amazing (even when my eye isn’t). I’ve used the 24-105, and liked the added range, but not the sacrifices compared to the image quality of the 24-70.
I also tote the 70-200 2.8L (with 1.4 extender) – this would be my second favorite lens. The range and clarity are amazing, and it always delivers at the sporting events I shoot.
Third place would go to my Canon EF-S 10-22. This isn’t officially an “L” lens – but the build quality is extremely solid, and the images are outstanding. It would be my favorite, but I don’t need wide angle as much as I use the 24-70 2.8L.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I use Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 90% of the time.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
My favorite lens is the nikon 80 – 200 f/2.8 have a great construction, super fast, sharp a bit heavy but still love it
November 29th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
i really live my Nikon 55-200mm VR lens!!
November 29th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
My favorite and the only lens I have here for my Olympus E-400 is Zuiko 14-42 f/3.5-5.6
November 29th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Favorite is my Canon 200mm f2.8L, fast, sharp, light, & low flare. But, 90% of time my Tamron 17-50 f2.8 is mounted, very versatile.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
To just limit it to one lens is real hard, so I’m not going to do that.
At this point I have 3 favorites
[for macro]
Kiron 105mm f2.8 (1:1)
28years old but magnificent quality
[for tele]
Sigma 100-300mm f/4.0 EX IF HSM APO
missing stabilisation, this is a super lens for those having shake reduction in the body.
[wide angle, and just a walk around lens]
Sigma 10-20mm f/4.0-5.6 EX DC HSM
Never expected that a wide angle would give this much fun.
Ronny
November 29th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Huh, many comments
The most used lens for me is Canon 24-105 (on a FF body) and Canon 17-40 (on a crop body).
The sharpest is probably Canon 70-200 f/4 IS, and now I am eagery waiting for Canon 135 f/2 to arrive, I heard it has a great potential =)
November 29th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I like to have Sigma 105 2.8 on my D200 most of the time. My second oft used lens is 10-20 Sigma. Two lenses that I don’t have but surely would become my favorite when I have them… are Nikon 70-200 2.8 and Sigma 150-500.
Mukesh
November 29th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
My favorite on my Sony A100 is my Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom. A bit much to carry around all day, but I can get shots of wildlife and my dogs from a distance. And it does great macro shots. I’ve also used it when shooting action shots. If it were only a little lighter.
November 29th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
The Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited. A very versatile focal length, sharp wide open, and excellent image quality all in an extremely tiny package.
November 29th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Obviously, I love all my lenses, else I wouldn’t have them
If I was forced to pick a fovourite though, it would be the Canon 100-400mm L.
November 29th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
My personal favorite is the Canon EF Macro 100mm fixed f2.8 lens, it is amazing for shooting Macro and is also useful for portraits and outdoors, it is fast, and it is practically a Zoom lens.
On the other hand, it’s heavy, and it is a fixed lens so I’m stuck with 100mm no matter what.
November 29th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
The canon 50mm f1.4
November 29th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
The Nikon 85mm 1.4-hate to take it off. Nice bokeh and low light performance. Get some color fringing in contrasty conditions.
November 30th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Canon 85mm 1.8 or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 for outdoors, or Canon 50mm 1.4 indoors.
November 30th, 2008 at 1:45 am
Based on my “sort by lenses” in lightroom, my 50mm f1.4 gets the most use… I’d love a 70-200 f2.8 IS for music work… That said, I love the light I get from my 100-400, so, it’s my fave…
November 30th, 2008 at 1:48 am
My favorite Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) its flexible for all general situations and sharp and crisp. I still if I have a dedicated portrait session bring my Canon 85mm f/1.8 and my Nifty Fifty Canon 50mm f/1.8
November 30th, 2008 at 2:31 am
I absolutely love my Nikon 50mm F1.8, my 18-70mm broke, and I got it as a replacement lens while I got the other fixed.
So much fun, I constantly use it at everything I go to. But don’t tell my other lenses, they may get jealous!
November 30th, 2008 at 4:54 am
16-35mmL2.8/24-70mmL2.8/70-200mmL2.8/50mmL1.2II
November 30th, 2008 at 5:50 am
Tokina 12-24 f4 and Nikkor 80-200 2.8D ED. Depends what I’m shooting really.
November 30th, 2008 at 9:17 am
I have only two lenses: Canon EF-S 18-55mm and the EF-S 55-250mm IS. I think that the latter is my favourite lens.
November 30th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Love the Canon EF 24-70mm 1:2.8L USM
November 30th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Canon 24-105 F/4.0 L (#1)
Canon 70-200 F/4.0 L (#2)
November 30th, 2008 at 9:54 am
canon 50mm 1.8
i can’t afford expensive lenses. i have three cheap lenses and the fixed 50 is orders of magnitude better than the others.
if i really think i’ll need wider shots, i use canon ef-s 18-55. but the image quality is not nearly as good as the fixed 50.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Canon 17-40 L… does the job for so many things, it has a great close focus ability, plenty wide, and it focuses fast.
In the analog realm I dig my kodak optar 127mm 4×5 lens. Sharp, great bokeh, old school.
November 30th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Like some others, I’m on a tight budget and love my new Canon EF 50mm 1.8 lens. I only bought it a few days ago and am still getting to know it, but it’s gratifying to see so many others who love theirs as well.
Thanks for a great discussion question!
November 30th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
The Olympus zuiko digital 12-60mm SWD lens. The bright f2.8 is perfect for the lower light situations, always delivers such sharp amazing photographs.
Very versatile lens for shooting from landscapes to portraits, or city photography.
Great build quality.
I also love the 70-300mm lens. Nice value for the lens that you get. Not as bright with the f4, although a nice alternative to the heavier expensive 50-200mm SWD.
Light compact size makes it a great telephoto zoom lens while traveling or hiking long distances without worrying about carrying a heavy lens.
November 30th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I have hardly taken my 50mm off my camera since I’ve gotten it. I don’t have many other lenses, but it’s my fave, by far!
November 30th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
For ‘Candacole’
50mm lenses are one of the best first lenses to get. Very versatile, very sharp, very compact setup for a DSLR owner. Especially the beginner for it’s ease of use, it doesn’t distort your POV, closest to what your camera see’s with the naked eye.
There are more pro’s than con’s when having a 50mm lens. Most of all the value and low price you get with the lens really helps.
November 30th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I have same FL from Nikon, 70-200 2.8f VR II, but my walk around lens is Sigma 24-70 2.8F
November 30th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Well, I see this sparked many replies. We all have favorites based off what we’ve tried or owned.
I must say, in all the lenses I’ve had, the Nikon 85mm cream machine f/1.4 has blown away any other lens when it comes to portraits. Second in line comes my 50mm f/1.8 (which I personally believe is better than the 1.4), then lastly the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR (as you mentioned (except it’s Nikon)). In the end, as long as something is mounted to the end of the camera, then I’m happy, even if it’s a cheap plastic holga style lens (which is in fact possible).
November 30th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I love the Canon 50 mm f/1.4 lens .. tough i dont have it.. i have the f/1.8 .. its good .. but the auto focus is bad
November 30th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
All the primes, but mostly EF 85mm f/1.8, with FF sensor.
November 30th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Canon 20mm f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.4 these two the mostly i use.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
I don’t have a particular favourite lens. I use the one best suited to the job. I tend to have the EF 28-105mm Æ’/4 on all the time (I have the EOS 400D so that makes it a 45-168mm), which I bought to replace the EF-S 18-55mm kit lens. I also like the EF 50mm (make that 80mm!) Æ’/1.8, which I carry about with me as it’s very light and ideal for low light.
As I plan on a full frame camera at some point down the line, all new lens purchases are the EF models. The EF 70-200mm noted in the original post is high on my list, when funds permit. =o)
December 1st, 2008 at 2:58 am
My favorite lens is also the newest lens I bought, the Nikkor AF ED 80-200mm F2.8D lens (it replaced a too slow and soft Nikkor 18-200mm VR). I like the 80-200mm because it has amazing bokeh that is smooth and vivid. It’s is big and heavy, but not too big nor too heavy to use for a couple hours of shooting. I like only having to cover a short zoom range which enables me to quickly switch from 80 to 200mm with a short turn of the wrist.
December 1st, 2008 at 3:40 am
One more vote for the Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8 ED. Even though it’s heavy enough to make your arm hurt after an hour or so, I never leave home without it.
December 1st, 2008 at 5:12 am
Russian manual m42 mount lens: Helios 44M-4.
It’s cheaper to buy than an average pack of 2xAA rechargable batteries and it really is a great portrait lens, having max aperture f2 and 58mm focal length on 35mm film camera. This gives a nice 90mm on Nikon or Canon and 116mm on my Olympus E-510.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:26 am
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is what stays on my camera most but my fav is my Canon EF-S 10-22/3.5-4.5 USM
December 1st, 2008 at 11:56 am
My favorite lens is my least used one. Cosina AF 100-400 f/4.5-6.7 .
Although I love the 18mm on the kit lens, the constant f/2.8 on my 28-70 sigma and the quality of my 28 f/2.8.
20-70 is the always on lens, but due to a slight bump I no longer have it.
December 1st, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Canon 50mm f1.8 prime. Cheap, small, great quality.
December 1st, 2008 at 12:45 pm
EF 24-105 F4 L
December 1st, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I recently got a 24-70 f/2.8L (replacing a stolen 24-105 f/4L) and I really love it. The size and range are ideal for me, and its speed is great, too.
December 1st, 2008 at 4:55 pm
FAV #1: Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
I had Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED. Shooting, adverage presentable photos out from an event photogrpahy is about 10%. 90% are combination of crappy quality (75%) + mistakes (15%)
Until one day I had enough of those > F3.5 lenses, and decided to go for Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G once and for all. This lens offers me superior optical quality. That greatly improves my photography to 80% presentable (yes, no kidding), and 20% are combination of crappy quality and mistakes.
It’s been more than 2 years I have been using this lens, since then, I am using this lens 80% most of the time.
FAV #2: Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro
I used to have the older version Nikon 105mm f/2.8 AF Micro and my main problem with it is the slow + noisy AF, while focusing, the lens extends too much that causes unpleasant and distrubing especially on macro shooting.
the new Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro solved all the issues mentioned. It is fast, silence, and now with IF, then lens no longer extend out when do focusing, no disturbing at all. The lens feels solid totally.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:03 pm
My favourite is 70-200 2.8 IS, when i shoot weddings outdoor, and when shooting inside 50 1.4 is just amazing.
December 1st, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I have a Tokina ATX PRO 12-24 F4 on my 40D and it also appens to be my favourite zoom lens to use, ‘coz I do mainly interiors.
The other great companion is the Canon EL 70-200 F4 IS which is a great lens. I do however plan to purchase (maybe as gift for xmas) a fixed focal 60 or 70 mm lens 2.8 or better.
Cheers!
December 1st, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Sigma 10-20mm
Pentax DA* 50-135mm/f2.8
December 1st, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Mine would be the 18-105mm AFS Nikon lens. Its affordable and its a multi-purpose lens that can accomplish most of my needs.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:41 am
My favorite lens is the Nikon 50mm f/1.8. I don’t (yet) own one of my own, but have borrowed it a lot. Guess how I’m spending my Christmas money this year?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:48 am
The two lenses I use the most on my 350D (keeping money for the 5D mk2) are the 10-22 efs and 50/1.4 ef
Wonderful for group pictures, portraits, low light pictures in general
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:47 am
I love all of my lenses and can make quite good pictures with them. But I think the most I love my 50mm 1.4 on Canon 30D. It is just that easy to use. Even if there is not so much light, I can still take pictures. Portraits on family-celebration: no problem, pictures will be great.
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:22 am
I am torn between the two I carry everywhere for use with my Nikon D200
Nikor 18-200 mm 3.5 – 5.6
Nikor 50 mm 1.8 prime lens
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:04 am
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II
I have never owned a lens sharper or with better contrast and color than this lens. Its focal length on a full frame sensor is perfect for the majority of my needs as well.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 am
My favor lens is Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM & EF 135 F2L USM..
and I used Canon EOS 30D..
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:23 am
Pentax-SMC FA 50mm f/1.4
Color rendering and bokeh place this gem between the very bests. Sharpness is also good till f/2 and excellent at smaller apertures.
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
hard to pick Nikon 50mm 1.4 or 80-200 2.8 AF
both good (for different purposes) : )
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:12 pm
my Nikkor 18-200 VR is always on my camera and sometimes use my Nikkor 50mm f1.8 lens… LOVE them both!!!!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
i love my tamron 28-105 f4 — it’s always on my camera despite the fact that it weighs about a thousand pounds. forget about using autofocus, but if you leave that off, the camera is great in low light.
though i am now very interested in two of the lenses mentioned here, darren’s favorite and the sigma fisheye.
better start saving my pennies!
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:49 am
Strangely, it’s a fixed 50mm. While the narrower field is sometimes challenging, it’s lightweight and has few elements so the pictures are quite sharp. With minimal moving parts, it seems to be more resistant to debris getting inside, which happens with other lenses I have.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:26 am
My Sigma 70-200 f4-5.6… $140! lens. Great for the price and I got it on ebay for only 60, also does a 1:2 macro.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Mostly Pentax DA* 16-50mm f2,8 or PENTAX-FA 1:1,4 50mm when it comes to portraiture…
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:04 pm
My favorite is Sigma 18-200mm OS. I also love the quality of the Canon EF-S 28-105mm.
December 4th, 2008 at 7:15 am
It also hasn’t be the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens, it’s a new lens for me, but I can’t put it down.
December 4th, 2008 at 7:35 am
I am sorry to say that I had both of your favorites and I had to sell them both for financial considerations. I do not miss the weight of the 70-200 though. I lugged it for hours in the Atlanta Zoo last year.
December 4th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
My favorite single focal length is a Pentax 50mm 1.4 SMC M42 mount used on both Canon (before I switched) and Pentax DSLRs.
December 4th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Defintely my Canon EF-S 10-22/3.5-4.5 USM for its range (and I guess my fav would be the 16-40/F4 L USM if I had a full frame sensor. Just love the very wide angle it provides.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Canon 50mm f1.8 II. Cheap, fast, perfect for low light portrait on a 20D, extremely sharp.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Definitely the 70-200 f/2.8 IS but I have to agree, the weight is a bitch.
I just got my Canon 40D – upgrading from a Rebel and moving toward the pro-level bodies – when I win a lottery of course
December 4th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens – without a doubt. Love it!
December 4th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
My favourite lens is my Canon 15mm fisheye.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Hahhaha guess my old Hoya 135 tele lens, for my really old minolta rsx 100!
December 4th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
My favourite lens is my Canon 15mm Fisheye
December 4th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
A lens is like any other toy. Your favorite is likely to be the one you just got – especially if you wanted it for a long time. All the years I shot 35mm film in my EOS ELAN, I longed for a fast prime lens with a near normal focal length. I never bought one because I figured I needed to save my money for retirement. Then I switched to digital with a PowerShot S60 and let my SLR tendencies rest for a few years.
Well, I’m retired now and since what little money I have is evaporating anyway I thought I might as well spend some before it’s all gone. Much as I love it, I decided my S60 just wasn’t enough camera anymore so I treated myself to Canon’s Rebel XSi kit that comes packaged with the very good EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. As soon as I started playing with the XSi I realized that I would be playing with it a lot and that now was the time to satisfy my longing for a normal fast prime lens.
My choice was Canon’s EF 28mm f/1.8 USM and I love it. There are faster lenses for a lot more money and poorer quality lenses for a lot less but this one offers excellent value for the money. It’s great in low light and it renders beautiful images. Since I’m old-fashioned enough to still think it’s unwise to rely very much on a zoom lens to do my composing for me, I even think this fast prime makes a very good walking around lens. This lens is so much fun, I take pictures just for the fun of using the lens. Yeah, Canon’s EF 28mm f/1.8 USM is my favorite lens!
December 5th, 2008 at 12:16 am
The lens on my camera most often is the Canon 24-70 2.8L.
and 70-200 f4L.
December 5th, 2008 at 12:40 am
I’m fond of the Tokina 11-16. It forces you to get close to your subjects and lots of subjects behave normal because they think they’re out of sight. Lateley I completed the set with the Tokina 50-135. Together with the Nikon D80 and a rope-monopod it enables me to travel light and shoot where I want.
December 5th, 2008 at 1:20 am
If I could afford it, I’ll buy without a blink an Canon 28-300 f/4-5.6 L IS USM. But I can’t; given that, my favorite lenses (that I have) are my Canon 50 f/1.8 and my Sigma 70-300 f/5.6 DG Macro
December 5th, 2008 at 1:47 am
My favourites are Canon EF 70-200 f:4 L IS and Canon EF 300 f:4 L IS. Neverthless, I think, in theory by now, my favs will be my next Canon EF 17-40 L and Canon 24-105 f:4 L IS! (just a secret: before DSLR, they were Canon FD 85 f:1.8 and Canon FD 24 f:2.8! Amazing lenses!)
December 5th, 2008 at 2:18 am
pentax AF50mm 1.7~~~finally got myself a really fast lens [my 10mm-17mm fisheye hates my new obsession tho']
December 5th, 2008 at 2:28 am
Without a doubt, the Canon 85 1.2L, tack sharp wide open, awesome lens.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:39 am
I use cannon 400D digital with a 18-55mm lens its the only 1 i’ve got 4 now.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:42 am
My favorite lens is my Nikon 105mm f2.0
December 5th, 2008 at 3:10 am
I use a Tamron Di2, AF18-200MM F/3.5-6.3XR with my D-80.
Bought them both when I decided to buy a DSLR. I am now
looking for another lens probably 15-55 or something like
that.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:43 am
My fave is my Canon EF 35-135mm f/4-5.6
I can do just about anything I need with this lens in most situations and it’s the easiest to haul around if I can only take one lens with me. It’s functioned well during portrait sessions, at concerts, and just wandering about.
December 5th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Nikon AF DX Fisheye-NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED. I love any fisheye effect. But for general rpose, I’d say that my favorite would be the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. It is a good general purpose lens. And it is pretty affordable.
December 5th, 2008 at 7:11 am
My favorite is my Canon EF 35mm f2.0. Sharp, inexpensive, excellent bokeh, and a near perfect 50mm equivalent on my Canon 20D.
December 5th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Hands down 50 1.4!!! love it!!
December 5th, 2008 at 8:21 am
My most frequently used lenses are the Canon 18-55 IS kit lens and the Nifty Fifty 1.8. About equal time for each.
December 5th, 2008 at 8:23 am
I totally agree that the EF 70-200L f/2.8 IS USM is a great lens. i always take it with me but it is sooo heavy after a few hrs.. so my 24-70 2.8 is my second closest friend!
December 5th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Well, i have to say that my walk around lens, wich is a Nikon 70-300 4.5-5.6 VR is my favortie lens that I own. I have it coupled with a Nikon D80. the 2 lenses that i am looking at getting are the nikon 10.5 fisheye and the 400 2.8 vr.
Also has anyone heard word a D3x
December 5th, 2008 at 10:31 am
My favorite is the Nikkor 18-200 VR. It’s a GREAT all around lens in all respects. It’s versatile and produces crisp images on my D200. My second favorite is the Nikkor 60mm macro. It produces excellent macro images.
December 5th, 2008 at 10:33 am
The three(3) lens I used most;
Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG Macro- my walkaround lens
Sigma 50-500 f4.0-6.3 EX DG HSM(Bigma)- My daytime lens
Canon 70-200 f2.8L USM- My nightime lens
By the way I often travel, I drive a pickup truck and I bring a Velbon Sherpa tripod and a Giottos monopod because
I am not a big fan of IS and OS ( whatever you call it)
December 5th, 2008 at 11:13 am
On my Nikon D40X I usually have my Nikkor DX AF-S 18-55mm VR lens attached for everyday use & walkabout photography. One of the greatest attractions of the D40 & D40X are their lightweight bodies & this lens complements them well without adding too much extra weght.
I occasionally swap to my Nikkor DX AF-S 18-200mm VR for telephoto shots but it adds more weight & makes the camera ‘front heavy’ causing lens creep (not uncommon with such lenses) & can hurt my neck when carried for too long.
Both take excellent shots.
You can view a video tour of the Nikkor DX 18-200mm lens at: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikkor18200mm/page7.shtml
Comparison Video tour of various Nikkor lenses can be viewed at: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikkor_kit_lens_group_test/page7.shtml
December 5th, 2008 at 11:58 am
My two main lenses are the (all canon) 24-70 2.8L and the mentioned 70-200 2.8L IS. I do also use a 16-35 2.8-4 Tamron since I haven’t upgraded the wide end yet to the L series Canon glass.
My two favorite prime lenses are the Canon 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8
December 5th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
It’s the Sigma 100-300f4.
I use it on a Pentax K100D that I bought specially for this lens.
The image stabilization for Pentax is on the camera.
I use Nikons.
They don’t have a 100-300f4.
And the 200-400f4 is just too expensive.
I got the Sigma for $1,800. The K100D for $900.
That’s still cheaper than a Nikkor 200-400f4.
Some folks will say the image quality isn’t as sharp.
To me, it ain’t that bad.
And it works for me.
December 5th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
The Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS, no doubt about it. It’s a heavy lens, so it is a pain to lug around, but the range of focal lengths is perfect, the IS helps offset the weight when I’m hand holding, and if I am willing to carry my monopod or a tripod I can use it in low light.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
The Canon EF100mm F2.8 USM macro is an awesome lens on the EOS 5D. Got to watch out, though, to ensure the depth of field is enough to allow full focus of the subject.
December 5th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I really like prime lenses. For now I jsut have one and it is my favorite… it’s the Canon 85mm f1.8
December 6th, 2008 at 12:07 am
My 70-200 f/2.8L IS, folowed by my 10-22.
December 6th, 2008 at 1:44 am
lens not decide good picture. what ever you have, your creativity only can produce good picture.thats it.
December 7th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I like all of them,but my faforite is;
14-24 ml NIKON
50 ML 1.4 Prime lens
December 7th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
For me it my 28-300 (Tamron XR Di) lens that is nearly always mounted, not the fastest but is has a great range, and if you allow for it’s shortcomings (no VR, and a bit soft wide open at 300mm) it produces some really decent photographs.
(Canon 40D)
December 9th, 2008 at 11:29 am
18-55mm f3-f22 my kit lens. i want to be familiar with it before buying a new lens.
December 10th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
1)Lens I find on my camera most of time:
17-55 f/2.8 Nikon (I love the balance, heft and speed of this lens)
2) Nikon 85 f/1.4
3) Nikon 50 f/1.8
4) Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR
….you can never have “one” favorite.
December 11th, 2008 at 7:22 am
MY CURRENT FAVORITE LENS IS A SIGMA 70-300 1:4-5.6 DG MACRO
USED WITH A SIGMA 2X APO TELECONVERTER IT GIVES 140-600!
GREAT LENS ALTHOUGH HEAVY!
MACRO FUNCTION IS GREAT!
WAS VERY CHEAP TOO FROM http://WWW.COLLEGECAMERAS.CO.UK @ £85 +P&P
December 11th, 2008 at 9:40 am
My favourite is the Olympus Zuiko 14-54 f 2.8-3.5. A bit “heftier” and faster than the (very good) kit lens. Still well balanced on the E-510, I use it for about 90% of my pictures.
(Plus its sealed so sticking the lens out into the rain/snow/drizzle feels quite safe.)
December 11th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
I shoot a lot of concerts and I’m torn between my Canon 50mm f/1.4 and Canon 85mm 1.8. They both produce amazing results.
December 12th, 2008 at 12:28 am
Bardon – Those are great lens for shooting in low light but how do you smuggle a DSLR into a concert? All the concerts I see in Atlanta do not allow anything resembling a professional camera to be on site, and my little generic “Press Pass” doesn’t cut it.
December 12th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
1.) Definitely Nikon 17-55 f/2.8 G IF-ED.
Nice zoom rate.. ..superb optical and structural quality..
2.) Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR
December 14th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
If I had to pick just one, it would be my Nikon 50mm f/1.8. It lived on my FE most of it’s life, and now it’s on my D700 a lot. No quibbles with it at all, other than the times when only some other focal length will do.
My “new” Nikon 105mm f/2 is giving it some really stiff competition for most time on the camera, however. Incredible bokeh, just incredible … and a good focal length for a hefty segment of my work.
December 15th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
My own favorite lens is Zuiko Digital ED 50-200/2.8-3.5 SWD
January 13th, 2009 at 10:54 am
I like my EF-S 18-55 with my XSi. Four stop IS, meets 80% of my needs, and is inexpensive. I think it produces very good images and color. But I really wish I owned the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8.
January 13th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I absolutely love my Canon70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, but I am also loving my newest lens the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM. Both are incredible for all types of shots and are definitely worth the money.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Personally, my favourite lens is the Pentax 50mm F/1.4. Super fast with incredible bokeh!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I recently purchased an AF-S VR Nikkor 70-300 m Lens and I being a zoom person, I think this is the lens I love the most.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I sold my canon18-55 & 55-250mm IS’s and got back to basics with the 50mm – I sprung for the F/1.4 this time- for two(2) reasons:
1- I was doing parties (low light) and I was zooming all over the place and ended up: cropping, lightening and throwing away more shots than ever. I heard some one say: “Get it right the first time” and that’s where it’s at, I’m learning.
2- this one makes the transition to the full frame pros-when I’m ready.
January 20th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I love my Zuiko ED12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD as my work horse and everyday lens. This stays 95% in the camera. Sharpness is superb!
Meanwhile the Zuiko ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD Rocks! But this weighs like a rock too.
February 12th, 2009 at 9:22 am
1. Canon 24-70mm f2.8L
2. Canon 85mm f1.2L
3. Canon 70-200mm f4.0L IS USM (sharper than the f2.8 and about £800 cheaper)
4. Canon 17-40mm f4.0L
In that order.
February 24th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
I have 2 lenses i own and both have large apertures and both are Tamron lenses that come highly recommended. The 1st is the 24-75 f/2.8 and the 2nd is the 70-200 f/2.8. On top of that i have a 2x converter which works good for both lenses. My next lense looks to be a Vivitar series 1 85 f/1.4 macro. All these lenses have large glasses to them
March 28th, 2009 at 4:59 am
Im lucky enough to have a father who is retired and has spent most of his pension on top quality canon equipment eg: 500 f/5.6, 400 f/5.6, 300 f/2.8is, 70-200 f/2.8is, 24-105 f/4is, 100mm macro f/2.8 and last but not least the 17-40 f/4 all of which are superb lenses. I mainly borrowed his 70-200 f/2.8is for my 5D mk2, but this was also his favorite lens so I never got to use it that often. So I had to buy something that I could use within my budget as I have spent all my hard earned money on my 5D mk2, so after testing every other 70-200mm lens avalible on the canon ef fitting I settled for the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8, this lens hunts a little in low light but its one of the sharpest lenses I have ever used even to the point that I would compare it to my fathers Canon lens ( we have done tests! ) and its only a 3rd of the price.
July 11th, 2009 at 4:06 am
247 responses so far… is anybody compiling these results?
My favorite lens right now is my Canon 60mm f2.8 macro. Looove that macro and smooth bokeh.
July 15th, 2009 at 2:11 am
On my F2 Titan, the Nifty-Fifty 1.8. On my F3/T, the 28MM F2. Two outstanding lenses!!! Sorry, I just had to say two lenses instead of one being my favorite.
July 15th, 2009 at 11:33 am
My favourite is my Canon EF 50mm f/1.8. The lens is just superb. It really performs in low-lighting situation. Still gives you a sharp image without using flash. I would recommend it to anybody.
July 18th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Picked up a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 recently and am loving it. Not quite as much as my 70-200 F4L but it’s getting there.
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
The one I’m using now is the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 lens. It’s my favorite among the lenses I have (18-135 kitlens, 70-300 G & 50mm f1.8).
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
The thrifty fifty for sure! 50mm 1.8 … has captured a lot of good times …
September 25th, 2009 at 2:39 am
My choice is my Nikkor f1.8 35mm AFs G. On my Nikon D90 it corresponds to 50mm which was aways my choice on fixed lens rangefinder cameras and is closest to normal vision. It is tack sharp and does away with flash for most interior shots. It’s small , weights next to nothing and is a real bargain. Downside is you have to use your feet not just twist a lens barrel!
October 18th, 2009 at 7:21 am
i adore my ziess pentacon 6 med/format lenses i use them with a canon 30d via adapter and with nikon d100 converted to infrared brill !!!!! : i find better light control with med/format lenses on the digital cams ??? being a bog standard amateur it suites me !!! don’t care abowt what shud b done i do it my way!!!!! i like old m42′s too got some nice ones : luv 2 experiment, macro is brill too just join em up reverse em get some funny results but like playing around with light and lenses to c what i can achieve :
chow 4 now: ANT:
October 28th, 2009 at 12:57 am
Just owned EF-24-70 F2.8. and mounted on my Canon 40D at all time. Wishing for Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom, but the price is too big!
October 30th, 2009 at 2:15 am
I am tossed up between the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and the 70-200mm f/4L IS lenses. I use both lenses on a pair of 1.6x cameras and can shoot 90-95% of my imagery and virtually all of my travel and general photography with this pair of lenses which give me an equivalent focal range of about 28mm to 320mm. I don’t miss the 55-70mm gap as log as I have the lenses mounted on two cameras.
October 30th, 2009 at 3:07 am
I love my Canon 70-200 L series 2.8 and in addition I carry the 24-70 2.8. With these two you have the range of basically 24 – 200 with IS built-in. This should cover most all instances from up close through your telephoto needs. Canon does not make cheap gear and I always teach to buy based on your seriousness. If you are happy being a part time novice who is happy shooting decent pictures then check into knock off brands, you’ll save $$ and probably be happy. For those who wish to become a lifelong student in the art of capturing time and beauty, then I suggest sticking with either Nikon or Canon and use their lenses as well. I don’t believe there needs to be only 1 correrct answer for everyone. That being said I am guessing that Tiger Woods would kill me using my clubs and I using his. Do your homework and listen to others, then go and buy what works for you.
October 30th, 2009 at 4:52 am
I have lots of lenses as I am exploring photography. I buy all from ebay or other second hand suppliers. One of my favourites is a rather battered canon 50mm macro, which takes good portraits and flower pics. Another is a Sigma wide angle 10mm – 20mm, which even with me behind it takes a decent scenic shot.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:15 am
Pentax 50-135 f2.8 and I have some Tak and Pentax lenses dating to 1968
November 13th, 2009 at 6:11 am
My favorites are the same as yours, however my 70-200 is on my camera the most, and I wish I had gotten the smaller focal length 24-70 with the f2.8 for the lighting advantage. The 300 f2.8 is on my wish list. It will probably be there a while. I love sports photography.
January 10th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
My Canon has the 10-22mm as the mainstay.
My Nikon has the 55-200mm VR.
January 18th, 2010 at 8:07 am
Hands down my nikon 50mm 1.8, then my tamron 90mm macro lens. Not loving my nikon 18-200mm.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:22 am
I shoot Nikon, I play around with 3 lenses but my fav is the 18-70mm because of its versatility. But i usually toggle between that and my 50mm 1.8
February 18th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
my Canon 70-200 F2.8 L IS USM……….need i say more……..???
February 20th, 2010 at 3:20 am
My Zuiko E 11-22mm.
March 11th, 2010 at 5:54 am
My Nikon favours the following
Nikkor AF-S 35mm f1.8 dx
Sigma 18-250mm f3.5 HSM
Happy with both, rarely use the kit lens
April 21st, 2010 at 7:30 am
Nikon 17-35 mil. F 2.8
Sigma 8 mil. F2.8
April 23rd, 2010 at 8:45 am
Depending on what I am shooting or my mood of the day, I use the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 ll, the Canon EF 35-350 mm L (heavy and bulky to walk around with), the Tamron 18 – 270 mm lens (with stabilizer) or the Canon EF 28-135 mm.
Occasionally I also use the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8 L but I find the shortest zoom 70 mm often far too long. Also my EF 85 mm f/1.8 is too long for many purposes so I seldom use it.
April 26th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
My favotite lens for landscaping in Canon 17-40 f/4. 50 mm f/1.8 for potrait picture and 70-200 L f/2.8 for wildlife and sport. I may add converter 1.4 to my 70-200 for sport photography.
May 11th, 2010 at 7:47 am
Mine is the Canon 50mm f1.4… I just love the dof of this lense!
June 11th, 2010 at 5:37 am
Shoot mainly landscape and some action. Have most of the Nikon 2,8 lenses with a gold “N” on them. Latest 70-200mm stays on 90% of the time. Maybe I should sell the others, but what would I then do for the remaining 10%! Tilt/shift is only one left on my list to still consider buying.
June 11th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
My favourite is the Nikkor 18-200 AF-S DX VR II ED f/3.5-5.6 G it is also a Macro lens. It matches nicely the Nikon AF-S 10-24mm 10-24 f/3.5-4.5G ED DX F3.5-4.5 G. These are not cheap but are excellent lenses to match my Nikon D80.
July 9th, 2010 at 3:13 am
My favorites are my Sigma 10-20mm and my Nikon 50mm 1.4G.
I also use my 18-200mm VR a lot for it’s versatily and the VR !
July 24th, 2010 at 3:24 am
My favorite lenses are the Nikon 24-70 mm, the Nikon 50 mm 1.8, and the Nikon 70-200 mm lenses. The 24-70 is the one that I keep on my Nikon D300 most of the time. I have been using a lensbaby lately and am liking it the more I use it.
August 28th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
My favorite (bang for the buck) lens, is the Canon 50mm f1.8, also known as “the nifty fifty” . It is super sharp compared to the crap 18-55 kit lens canon includes in some EOS models.
This lens is very affordable, it only cost me $99 dollars at B&H in NY.
This is a sample of “the nifty fifty” :
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Canon EF 70-200 f2.8 IS USM. On the heavy side.
November 10th, 2010 at 5:04 am
My favorite lens is 17-55mm
December 10th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Tough choice between the Canon 28-105 3.5/4.5 or the Sigma EX 24-60 2.8.
Outdoors the Canon. Indoors, have to go with the Sig.
December 11th, 2010 at 2:52 am
canon 24-105 L is a great compromise. It’s my favourite
December 24th, 2010 at 10:16 am
Yeah, it is a tough choice. Let’s see “favorite” lens…
That would be my 30-year old, manual focus, Zoom Nikkor 25-50mm f/4. Why am I so fond of a limited range zoom with a slow aperture? First, it handles beautifully. From the zoom ring and aperture ring, to the classically smooth and controllable manual focus ring, it just works right and feels right.
The 25-50 isn’t the sharpest zoom around, as quite a few zoom lenses are sharper. But sharpness isn’t everything, unless your only subject is a brick wall. Technically, the 25-50 has only mediocre sharpness, but it has a fairly flat field, very low distortion (for a zoom), and zero CA. Overall, images appear much sharper than they really are when peeping at pixels. Subjectively, the 25-50 has wonderfully saturated and gorgeous color. Images from this lens stand out in digital (provided I get the exposure and focus right). On slides, especially with Velvia 50, images seem almost 3D as they pop off the screen. Great stuff! Great fun!
This isn’t my best lens, it’s just my favorite.
(NOTE: when I first acquired the 25-50, it suffered from 30 years of crud on internal surfaces, as did several of my other classic, MF lenses. Only after a CLA did it perform properly.)
January 15th, 2011 at 5:58 am
canon 24-70L 2.8, though, I really love the 16-35L 2.8 and the 50 1.4 as well.
February 7th, 2011 at 6:00 am
canon 50mm 1.4
April 15th, 2011 at 6:41 am
18-200 Sigma and a 105 Sigma Macro on my Nikon D80 Soon to upgraid to Nikon D300S camera
April 16th, 2011 at 10:34 pm
My Canon EF70-200 f4 L IS Would have liked the 2.8 version but couldn’t afford it. The reason for buying the one I have is that I wanted a piece of top quality professional gear so that I could prove to myself that my crappy images are my own fault not the lens and thus strive to improve my technique. Now I need to carry my tripod with me and not just hope the image stabilisation will always be ‘good enough’.!
My Canon 50mm 1.8 is also a favorite for carrying around street markets and the like. And what a bargain that was at $85. .Sure, it’s plasticky but the lens gives me all the sharpness and quality I need.
May 13th, 2011 at 3:10 am
Nikon 24-120. Older model. Not my sharpest at the extremes but very convenient.
August 25th, 2011 at 4:31 am
120-400mm Sigma on my K-7 Pentax works well
October 7th, 2011 at 3:47 am
My favorite lens is the Nikon 12-24 AFS f4. At f8 and above this thing is sharp from 2 ft in front of you to the horizon. It’s not a bad walking around lens either as it acts like a 18-35 on my D200.
November 24th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS ll USM
December 10th, 2011 at 3:35 am
I want to purchase a 650-1300 mm lens for my wife who is an avid amateur photographer, but I don’t know which lens of this magnitude is the best one in the market for the price. Need Help Christmas is close and I want to get her this as a present.
January 28th, 2012 at 8:39 am
Hands down, Canon 24-70 f2.8 L series. I now have 4 L series lens and there is not one that has disappointed me, but the 24-70 is my “go to” lens. I have the 17-40 f4L, 70-200L non-IS and the 100-400 f4.5-5.6. One thing about the Canon L series lens…….they spoil you. Once you use them, you won’t be satisfied with anything less.
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