Best Pick

Panasonic 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit Power OIS

96.2 Landscape Score
12-60mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

With a constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in stabilization, it delivers reliable performance in a compact Micro Four Thirds zoom lens. Its versatile 12-60mm focal range and strong video score make it a practical all-rounder for travel and run-and-gun filmmaking. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters who need a lightweight, stabilized zoom for everyday photography and handheld video work.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2

81.2 Landscape Score
28-75mm f/2.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and VXD autofocus motor deliver sharp images and fast, precise focusing in a compact 535g package. The moisture-resistant construction and versatile 28-75mm zoom range make it a durable, all-purpose lens for everyday shooting. This lens is best for Sony full-frame mirrorless users seeking a lightweight, affordable alternative to first-party f/2.8 zooms for portraits and travel.

Read Full Review

Canon EF 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Standard

75.9 Landscape Score
17-55mm f/2.8 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in optical image stabilization provide excellent low-light performance and sharpness for its EF-S mount. The inclusion of UD and aspherical lens elements ensures high optical quality, rivaling many full-frame zooms. This lens is best for Canon APS-C shooters needing a versatile, bright standard zoom for event photography or run-and-gun video work.

Read Full Review

Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM

74.4 Landscape Score
28mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and advanced optical design deliver exceptional sharpness with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. The lens is particularly strong for portrait work, scoring highly for its rendering and image quality. This prime is best for photographers prioritizing optical perfection in a wide-angle lens for environmental portraits and low-light scenarios.

Read Full Review

Sony FE 35mm f/1.8

73.8 Landscape Score
35mm f/1.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a compact, lightweight prime lens. This lens is a strong, affordable option for Sony full-frame shooters prioritizing portability. It is best for street photographers and portrait shooters who value a natural 35mm perspective without a heavy kit.

Read Full Review

Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Telephoto Zoom

71.4 Landscape Score
100-400mm f/5.6 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 100-400mm zoom range and compact 635g design make it a uniquely portable telephoto option for travel. The lens also features an Optical Image Stabilizer providing up to 5.5 stops of shake correction, which is crucial for handheld shooting at long focal lengths. This lens is best for travel and landscape photographers who need a lightweight, versatile telephoto zoom without the bulk of professional-grade lenses.

Read Full Review

Tamron Di III VC 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VXD

69.4 Landscape Score
50-400mm f/4.5 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its exceptional 1:2 macro magnification capability, allowing for detailed close-ups at a minimum focus distance of just 9.8 inches. The lens is further enhanced by Tamron's VXD linear autofocus motor and VC image stabilization, which provide fast, quiet focusing and sharp handheld shots. This lens is best for Sony full-frame photographers who need a versatile telephoto zoom for both wildlife and close-up macro photography.

Read Full Review

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II

65.5 Landscape Score
75-300mm f/4.8 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its 150-600mm equivalent reach in a compact, 423g package makes it exceptionally portable for a super-telephoto lens. The inclusion of Olympus's MSC mechanism ensures quiet and fast autofocus suitable for both stills and video. This lens is best for travel and landscape photographers who need significant zoom range without the bulk of a traditional telephoto lens.

Read Full Review

Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2.0 Series

59.1 Landscape Score
40mm f/2 Sony E (Full Frame) Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its robust metal construction and integrated OLED display for focus distance are unique features that set it apart from typical prime lenses. The lens delivers excellent resolution and high contrast with a smooth, reliable autofocus system, making it a versatile full-frame option. This lens is best for videographers and portrait photographers who value precise manual focus aids and durable build quality in a compact 40mm focal length.

Read Full Review

Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 AF II

57.6 Landscape Score
35mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 aperture and full-frame coverage provide excellent low-light performance and a versatile 35mm focal length for street or portrait work. The lens includes a built-in customizable function switch for quick settings changes, a feature often reserved for more expensive models. It's best for Sony shooters who need a bright, general-purpose prime lens for stills and video, but its 658g weight makes it less ideal for travel.

Read Full Review