After testing 277 camera lenses...these are the 10 I really fell for
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- Completely perfect optics? Nope. Am I able to afford them? Mostly not. The sharpest lenses in the world? Perhaps some of them. In the most subjective video about photography I've ever made, I show you 10 lenses that, for whatever reason, I just happened to fall in love with. I'll put some honourable mentions in the description as they come to mind (one being the Venus Optics 'Laowa' 100mm 2:1 Macro).
Below are some timestamps, and Amazon affiliate links - thanks for your support!
0:00 Introduction
01:10 Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
Full review: • Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-...
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link): geni.us/fujixf1855
01:50 Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 'Art'
Full review: • Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC...
Find it here (Canon version) (Amazon Affiliate link): geni.us/sigma1835f18canon
02:43 Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2
Full review: • Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2 ...
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link) (Be sure to get the right lens for your camera system):
geni.us/syxp85mm12canon
03:43 Sigma 105mm f/1.4 'Art'
Full review: • Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG A...
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link) (Be sure to get the right lens for your camera system):
geni.us/sigma105mmf14
04:51 Venus Optics 'Laowa' 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6
Full review: • Venus Optics 'Laowa' 1...
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link - be sure to get the right lens for your camera system): geni.us/laowa1018sony
06:01 Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 'L' USM
Full review: • Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 'L...
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link): geni.us/canonrf50f12
07:00 Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro STM
Full review: • Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS...
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link): geni.us/canonrf35f18
07:49 Samyang 18mm f/2.8 FE
Full review: • Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 ...
USA: amzn.to/32kNK2N
UK: amzn.to/38TbfT5
08:51 Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN 'Art'
Full review: • Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG...
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link) (Be sure to get the right lens for your camera system):
geni.us/sigma1424f28dgdn
09:54 Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 'G'
Full review: • Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 '...
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link):
geni.us/sony1655
All pictures taken by me on all kinds of different cameras.
Support me on Patreon! / christopherfrost
Equipment I use for making these reviews and other videos:
Equipment I use to make my videos (Amazon affiliate links):
Canon EOS R5: geni.us/CanonEOSR5Body
Canon EF-RF Adaptor: geni.us/CanonEFtoRF
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 'Art': geni.us/Sigma50mm14Art
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM: geni.us/CanonRF35mm18Macro
Marumi Fit and Slim CPL Filter: geni.us/MarumiFitSlim77
AudioTechnica AT2020USB+ Microphone: geni.us/AT2020USBPlusMic
Rode Smartlav+ Microphone: geni.us/RodeSmartLavalierPlus
Rode SC3 adapter: geni.us/RodeSC3MicAdaptor
Zoom H1n Recorder: geni.us/ZoomH1nMiniRecorder
DJI Mini 2 Drone: geni.us/DJIMini2FlyMore
Music:
'Opportunity Walks', Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b... - Jak na to + styl
We all know you fell for your wife the most, Chris. She's in this whole video
My favourite comment of 2019 right there :-)
She's the Lens he sees the Future with. (just my holiday dose of sappiness.)
My current favorite lense is the Sigma 35 f1.2 Art. Just got it for shooting artwork. And anything else I can.
@@christopherfrost Holy cow! What an honour for me! Thank you, Chris! xD
@@randolphcroft4212 That lens is a beast, I heard. Sigma's Art seris is just so top-tier.
I don't have any big lens to show since I'm an hobbyist. But I'm pretty proud to own a Tokina AT-X 10-20mm f/2.8. It really broadens my photography world.
This backpack is on Cyber monday deal now, Very well made and durable,stylish,fashionable,www.amazon.com/dp/B07STN5CYH
Sir, your documentaryproof voice and your tecnical non-thedious reviews just got me. Very well done!
A lot of photography reviews of kit on CZcams I am not blown away by the quality of the photos they present as examples, but your photos are always just simply beautiful and do blow me away!
Thank you Chris! What a great milestone reviewing 277 lenses! You have always sent a subtle but solid message in your reviews. Let those that have ears hear and let those that have eyes see.
I always watch your videos twice, usually the first time at night when I find your voice so calm and soothing it sends me off to sleep. I then watch them again for the content. Keep up the good work, thank you.
You are the best reviewer which I ever saw on youtube. I'm very happy that I found your channel 4 years ago. Thank you for the great job.
Christopher, you are a truly wholesome guy and a blessing to the CZcams and photography community, as well as our society as a whole. Your content has always been top notch, to the point and overall enjoyable. Keep up the good work!
Greetings from the Netherlands.
Wow! 277 reviews of camera lenses from various brands you are the most consistent and simply unbeatable! Keep it up Chris!
A very appropriate ending to the video, a very heart felt thank you for that.
My lenses that I seem to love to use the most:
Voigtlander 10mm E-mount
Fuji XF 8-16
Fuji XF 14 (for infrared)
Lensbaby 56 Velvet (which also happens to be one of the few close-up/macro lenses that can be used for infrared)
Voigtlander Nokton 58 SL II (F-mount so I get to enjoy using it on my Fuji and Sony cameras)
Fuji XF 80 macro
Fuji XF 90
I think we need another list with affordable lenses 😉
Here's my list of affordable lenses that I enjoy:
Canon 100mm f/2 USM
Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM II
Samyang 45mm f/1.8
Sigma 16/30/56mm f/1.4 (I've only tested them without owning these three)
Sony 35mm f/1.8 (I've only tested this without owning it)
Sony 55mm f/1.8
Sony 85mm f/1.8 (I've only tested this without owning it)
Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 (I've only tested this without owning it)
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 VC (if you don't mind its short focal length)
If it's any consolation, most of these lenses are unaffordable to me, too ;-)
@@christopherfrost let's make a list of 1. Affordable primes 2. Affordable zooms 3. Unaffordable primes and zooms.
First thing you need to do is define "affordable". I should note I got my Sigma 18-35mm for $400. That seemed "affordable for such a great/useful lens.
@@laurencebernstein1233 £500? £1000?
I love seeing all my local spots in your videos, thanks for your hard work Chris.
Great Summary of good lenses. You not only provide good reviews but also know how to tell an excellent story. I have been watching your reviews for the last few years. Before I buy a lens I search your videos for a review.
Christopher, never commented to you before, but wanted to let you know I've watched your lens reviews hundreds of times and you are my go-to lens reviewer, par excellance. Thank you so much for all you do. I appreciate your standard regimen, that allows comparisons between lenses and across time. I too am fascinated with lenses, but I think you exceed me in that regard! With appreciation, Bill Hahn Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Thank you for the video, Chris. I have been following all your videos every since I found you last year. After watching your review of the Sigma 14-24 DG DN and now this video, this lens will be my birthday gift next week. Keep up the great work! 😃
The one lens I love the most and probably never sell is an old beat up Super-Takumar 105/2.8 from late 60s. It has just the loveliest rendering i've ever seen - creamy buttery bokeh with plenty of sharpness while not being too long to completely detach me from my subject. Combined with my Pentax Spotmatic it's my favorite setup for portraits.
hi thank you so much for the reviews .i like your honesty . you helped me a lot picking lenses
A great comparative view & selection.....thanks a lot, Christopher
You do really great review videos and you take some lovely photos.
The Canon 35mm f1.4 L II is the single lense that makes me melt every time I see a picture captured with it.
Thanks for your brilliant work here on CZcams!
Thank you for all your work. I follow you for about 5 years. You are my guide on the lenses market. Thank you and God Bless :)
Dear Chris,
I own 2 of your favorite lenses: The Samyang XP 85mm 1.2 (I use it with an adapter), and the Samyang 18mm 2.8. I think I would have added the Sony 90 2.8 macro lens to your list.
Finally may I suggest a lens for your review: Samyang XP 35mm 1.2. Thank you for all your outstanding work and ... Merry Christmas.
Lovely photos Chris, it's easy to tell how these lenses made your favorites list.
Hi Christopher. Thanks for this and all of your reviews. I am shocked that the Sigma 40mm F1.4 Art is not included here. In your review of it, you seemed a little more than blown away by it... Merry Christmas guy and please keep up the good work in the new year!
Very interesting overview. Thanks for compiling.
Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R is my dream lens. Used it for about 4 years and it still makes me smile,
You are my go to guy for dependable lens critiques. Thanks for your precise videos. I like seeing your very lovely wife in the videos too! God bless you you both!
Awesome Sir,.... this video is really a Christmas gift for all of us. Thank You for all the efforts
First of all congratulations to you and your stunning wife. Another wonderful video. My current combination is an EM5 ii with a Minolta Rokkor 58mm 1.4. The combination has really prodded my creativity and enjoyment of photography.
That's just amazing 210........WOW
Thanks for all you have done and all you're about to do
Best regards, Rick
Here's an unusual one: the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM. It came as a kit lens for the OG EOS M, and it was ridiculously sharp, fast f2 aperture, super compact pancake lens. It was the lens (and camera) where I started my photography journey, and the relatively unusual fixed focal length helped me to understand the value of simply using your feet as the best zoom "lens."
I still think it looks like a beady little whale eye, but the charm comes from its characterful output and its tininess.
Wow...what a list.. i must say.. ur review on laowa 9mm for apsc blew me away.. and i got it.. but now looking to upgrade to a a7iii.. the sigma 14-24 just seems a must. Will be the most expensive lens i ever have purchased. Keep up the great work! God bless
Bought the Sigma 18-35 a year ago after watching your review. Totally worth it.
A while ago I bought the Canon 50mm 1.4 and little bit later I got the 10-18mm. Both of the times I went to your CZcams to watch your test.
You are a person I trust ☺️
it took me 10 months to get around to watching this video. I really appreciate your videos, my wife even says I don't mind when you watch his videos his voice is so relaxing :). Even ended up buying both the 85mm RF samyang and sigma 150-600 c based on your review.
Loved this, some of your recommendations are now on my list to buy. To answer your question at the end, one lens that I absolutely fell in love with is the Mitakon EF-M 35mm f/0.95. Obviously I bought it for the aperture but after taking thousands of photos with it I just love the overall feel and quality of the image. It's not perfect but it's what's usually on my Canon Mirrorless.
Good list just before the Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas Season!!!
When I first started out in photography, my favorite lens was a little Tokina 35mm F2.8 macro. It could do everything I ever wanted.....and helped me to learn more about photography. These days, I there is one lens I love above all my others: Canon 50mm TS-E L Tilt Shift Lens. A bit heavy, a bit slow, manual focus....but I just love it.
The samyang 12mm f2 is a wonderful lens at a great price. I use it on the Fuji for a wide range of photography. Astro, landscapes, indoor. It has very good close focus too. It’s sharp, versatile, and affordable.
Totally amazing you killed it you put up fantastic content an invaluable information to all us thank you for all these years of contributing this good information a big fan of Steve Costello
I've lived in Cardiff most of my life and had a static caravan down Aberporth. I'd be amazed if I hadn't bumped into you. Great vids. I love the Samsung 50mm and 12mm on my Fujifilm xt10.
Watched almost all your videos, after 6 months I discovered your channel, I decided to go for the Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 alongside my already bought Canon 80D, marvellous lens
I fell in love with the Samyang 12mm fisheye after you reviewed it some four(?) years ago. I bought it for my 6D and am still excited about it, light and compact and sharp from corner to corner, I use it for all kinds of things but mainly auroral photography. In your review, btw, you didn’t find it to be sharp corner to corner, but I think it was due to the setup: being very close to the house the distance to the house in the centre is just so vastly different from that in the corners. Thanks for all your reviews, they are very competent and a joy to watch. God bless.
I'm so happy you enjoyed the Sigma 105mm f1.4 Art...It's my go to lens for model photography and it's just simply magic in so many situations. I shot a model at a simple bus stop no less, and yet it made the images truly special. The buses in the background became these lovely abstractions and mixes of color and shapes. Other reviewers have said it's as close to a Nikon 200mm f2 as one could get and at a fraction of the price. I'll have to check out your review of it because surprisingly it doesn't appear on DXO Mark, which I fail to see why since it's performance is amazing. I hope you'll be able to get one someday, whether by selling other lenses or by some good fortune because it truly is special.
Since I bought a Canon AE-1 in 1980 , I have owned in excess of 200 lenses and the one I most fell in love with was the Canon FD 24-35mm f3.5L , just the right size and incredibly sharp and contrasty , knocked the spots off of the Canon FD 24mm f2 , 24mm f2.8 and even the 24mm f1.4L ( Impressive for hand held night shots at f1.4 though ) , yes , give me my 24-35 and another fav , the Canon FD 85mm f1.8 ( preferred this to the 1.2L version by the way ) and I would have a very happy days shooting .
I fell in love with photography after I saw your review of the Rokinin 35mm manual lens. Since then my life has changed :-) Though it is not showing in your most favorite list (and its not the sharpest lense). But it works the best for me!
I love your program on the CZcams. Thanks it's very useful
I bought a Canon RP so that I could buy the 35 f1.8 IS macro (I’m a Sony shooter).
Coupled with the RP it’s such a versatile and lightweight do-everything combination - especially for travel. Really fun to use!
Im planning to do the same...
My favorite lens that made me want to photograph and video forever was the Asahi Pentax 50mm f/1.4 M42 mount lens. I adapted it on a Canon 5D Mark II with Magic Lantern installed and enjoyed every minute of using that lens. It was not the sharpest wide open, and it had the limitation of manual focus, but it was such a joy to use with focus peaking.
Fun fact, some versions of that lens have throrium glass and are actually radioactive; that's why the glass turns yellow or orange over time. You need not to worry about it as the radioactivity is way too weak to do any harm unless you decide to eat your lens.
I'm still in love with my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 I look for almost any excuse to use! I've even used it inside history and art museums, as well as nature.
Nothing more beautiful than a pregnant wife who loves and is loved in return except maybe a little baby joining in! ❤️ All my best wishes to the three of you!
Fujifilm XF-90mm F2 is my current favorite! It's one of the sharpest, fastest, and most colorful lenses I've seen that isn't a cinema lens or a pro zoom! And i'm really keen on trying out the XF16mm F1.4!
Nice Collection!
I have the fuji 18-55mm and sigma 18-35mm, and they are really good!
( I never thought I could love an 18-55 lens)
This was very interesting to see what you've enjoyed - thanks for all these reviews over the years. Of these, I'll probably be getting the Samyang 18mm soon. I think we should have a list of the most disappointing lenses you've tested - the complete opposite of this one!
Good idea ! RS. Canada
My favourite lense is for sure the Canon EF 100mm 2.8 macro, that thing is amazing. And I also love, as everyone else does, the nifty fifty. Thanks for the great vid.
Over the years I've purchased several new or used lenses and before making the purchase I always watch your reviews and after I get the lens I watch your review again to make sure my recent acquisition gets the same results as the lens you've tested. Keep bringing us reviews, I'm thinking about getting a mirrorless Z camera sometime this year and I'm hoping you'll review Nikon's Z lenses.
Samyang XP 85mm 1.2 Canon Mount combined with the Techart-Pro Autofocus Adapter for Sony Mirrorless cameras is a beautiful combo. You can pre-focus a little and then let the AF adapted nail it in.
I liked the video, I haven't used the ones you described, but the one I've used that made me fall in love with photography again was the voigtlander 58mm f1.4. There's something about how it renders the image which I cant really explain.Images are simply beautiful.
Your wife is stunning Chris, very photogenic 👍🏻
Lovely video! Thanks for doing what you do and helping us make more informed decisions! If you get your hands on Tamron's upcoming 20mm f/2.8 I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
Really interesting list. I highly appreciate you are sharing your experiences with us in a neutral and thoughtful way.
I have not found a lens for my wishes yet, but maybe there is coming one out in the future. Until then, I use my Sony SEL35F18 on my Sony A6000 with another Nikon50mmF1.8 (manual, from 1996) adopted. Have a nice sunday!
Great list!My favorite lenses are Canon 35 1.4 II and Canon 85 1.4 IS.I own and love Sigma 14-24 2.8 as well but mine is EF version and is much more heavy and bulky than FE and I tend to leave it home more often.
I knew the Fuji 18-55 would make this list :) One of my favorite lenses, too. Another one for me would be the Canon 85mm f1.8
Canon 135mm f2.0 L is my favorite by far. Rather unique focal range but it always surprised me with great images and loved the build quality and handling. Would love to try the Sigma 105mm f1,4 sometime.
the lens I really Fell in Love with ist the Sigma 17-50 2.8. I payed around 300€ for it and it serves me great for some years now. A real bang for your buck! The other one I would recommend if you are working with Canon is the 55-250 IS STM. It is a real joy to work with both those lenses and they are real budget friendly and good for getting into fotography.
Agree, the little RF 35 1.8 Macro is utterly brilliant (small, macro, control ring, IS) it's quite good value to be honest. Thanks for giving it a red ring
I used that canon 35mm for some wedding photography two weeks ago. It is on my list to add to my bag! I think I would be a great addition for both photos and video!
Lovely video's as always. But before some people think that expensive, super sharp lenses are the key to good photography they need to know that its all about location and composition. You need to have a vision :) Some of the best photo's I know are shot with lenses that are not crossing the €1000 line.
Some of my lenses barely cross the 100 GBP line. I just don’t have that sort of money. In fact my complete M4/3 equipment only just crosses the 1000 GBP line. So what about doing the same sort of film about the lenses that most of us can afford.
"Photography isn't the most important thing in life"
AMEN
2nd most important? 😃
@@sexysilversurfer nah, eating, sleeping, spending time with family, friends. Photography is not even in the top 10 I guess 😁
Whut
That last sentence saved me $1400
What do you mean?
Definitely agree with the Canon RF 50 1.2, just an amazing lens!
A lot of those nifty fifties deliver great results. Before I switched to Sony I had a modern Nikon 50 1.4 that was absolutely flawless - it delivered great results for stills and video.
Thank you for your channel and great reviews.
Personally I use a lot of manual lenses.
I find the Voigtlander 21mm F4, it works beautifully on my A6300.
This lens is designed for Leica M, but it is a bit problematic on Sony FF cameras.
On a crop camera its flaws disappear, it has tons of character, and you can enjoy its size and fantastic handeling.
A great tool for street photography.
Amazing. Thank you for all of this.
I'm really surprised you are not a pro photographer Chris. Absolutely superb work and you even have the perfect built in model (though I'm sure she is far more than that to you!) :-)
Christopher Frost is the best lens reviewer on the planet. I wish he would make generalizations like this every three months. If I am going to buy a lens, I look to Christopher Frost and Ken Rockwell. Then you get an honest, fair, correct review. It is of inestimable value. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I rented the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 for a family trip to Utah back in May, 2019.
That lens was a dream.
The only lens i've had a hard time putting down was, ironically, one of the heaviest. The Fujinon 80mm f2.8 Macro and its brother the 100-400 from the same manufacturer. Both are stellar lenses with outstanding autofocus and buildquality. I even went so far as to buy a Fuji Xh-1 to be able to handle both lenses in a comfortable way!
My favourite lens has got to be the H. Zuiko 24mm F2.8. Smallest 24mm of its time, it renders colours like Leica lenses (at 1/10 of the cost) and using it on aps-c and m43 I've produced some of my best shots on the streets or in nature. Even the out of focus shots look great!
On your review from a previous video, I recently acquired the Sigma 14-24mm 2.8 Art lens for Sony E mount. I’m new to wide angle shooting and enjoying the my new experience with a lens that delivers without concern for settings. Thanks for the review.
I saw immediately that a change had taken place, :-) for she now had such a wonderful Monalisa expression, and then I got the explanation from you, and then I can only congratulate you both. :-) :-) :-) And, by the way, a pretty good and useful summary of your reviews.
I’m a nikon user but I used to have a sony with the sigma art 18-35mm. I can vouch for Chris. That lens was really nice 👍
Been watching you for a bit now Chris. I am so thankful for your clear and realistic reviews. The detail and usability facts are very useful to me. I also love that you do reviews for ordinary people who cannot afford some of the stuff out there. Most of all I appreciate your love for Jesus, your family and photography.
I love watching your videos and I love the way you spell some words ;) greetings from Germany
The yongnuo 50mm f1.8, its an astonoshing lens for reverse macro, and its bokeh is amzing, the nifty fifty by yognuo is my absolute favorite lens ive owned.
The 17-55mm from Canon.
Picked one up. ( Also after I was first seeing a video on your channel) I bought it second hand.
But it's probably the best lens I have right now for my 80D
I really loved my Sigma 16mm f/1.4 when I owned it. I took not only some great astro shots with it, but it was also great for walk-around, shots of kids running around, indoor close-quarters gatherings, etc. Thing was so sharp, you didn't have to worry about it being "too wide". Just take the picture anyway, and you can crop the hell out of it. You'll run out of pixels before it gets soft. I sold it back when I was planning on getting rid of my Sony, but I ended up keeping the Sony so I could have a small camera that also adapted easily to vintage glass. Might have to buy it again...
Thanks for making a video of a reasonable length rather than the 35mins some people drone on for.
Urgh, I hate those long videos - I don't even bother with them. TL;DR etc.
My most favourite lenses during this year is 55mm f1.8 and 85mm f1.8 from Sony , it made me fall in love with photography once again , i do really enjoy shooting with these lenses . and like you said , i never had doubts about the sharpness or inaccuracy in focus at all.. 😘
Hi Chris, thanks again! The Canon EF 2.0/35mm USM IS and the Canon EF 2,0/100mm USM are two very affordable options on my Canon RP with the control ring adapter. I use them for travel and when taking pictures of my five year old daughter in Austria. Best wishes, Ralf
First: THANX for all the work and tests you made! I saw much of them! S
Second: Thanx to your Model, your girlfriend/wife? She is a very charming young woman!
Third: Go on with it! I hope it´s fun to you!
All the best! Wolf from Austria
i misread the title, & thought you'd fallen for 101 lenses! :-D
Me, too!
Haha the only person I know that has that many lenses, well actually 3 times that many lenses is Ken Wheeler, angry photographer.
Loving the dog photo on the beach, nice reviews also. My personal favs lens of all time would be Nikon 17~55 2.8 IFED G, Canons 24mm pancake stm, 18~55 2.8 R LM FujiFilm on an XT1/XT2 best married combo ever, and Takumar f4 or Tokunon 3.2 135mm vintage manual lense for bokeh and artistic works.
For me the fuji 18-55 was and still is a big surprise. Wonderful lens!
Like this video especially the last seconds. The Truth! 🙏
Happy Thanksgiving Christopher! (From your USA fans).
Sigma art 18-35mm f1.8 EF; Laowa 12mm f2.8; Zeiss FE 55mm f/1.8; Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2; Laowa 15mm Macro and Canon 100mm Macro.
I fkn love my 100mm. Didn't know that Zeiss makes camera glass, only know them for gunsights.
I love the Canon 100mm L Macro lens, it’s incredibly sharp and breath taking when doing portraits 😍
You are right! I've used this lens too! It's awesome such a great gocal length.
I love the tamron 17-35 f2.8-f4 very light weight and compact great for travel
Excellent video. Added 3 to cart. May take me over a yr to get them ;).
My favorite, Sigma DC 17-50 f/2.8 OS HSM. Just lovely.
I am totally in love with my Sigma 135mm f1.8 Art lens. Supremely good optics!
Hi Chris, thoroughly enjoy your lense channel. I have a canon 800d and wondered what wide angle lense you would recommend for video and photography. Thanks Barry Spain