Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II

93.5 Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its internal zoom mechanism, a first for a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, provides a robust and balanced build that is also 16% lighter than its predecessor. The constant f/2.8 aperture and upgraded weather-sealing make it a highly reliable and versatile standard zoom for demanding conditions. This lens is best for professional photographers and videographers who require a durable, high-performance workhorse lens for events, portraits, and commercial work.

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Great Alternatives

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

Sony G Master FE 28-70mm F2

89.8 Score
28-70mm f/2 Sony E
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its constant f/2 aperture, providing exceptional low-light performance and background blur across its 28-70mm zoom range. Its optical design delivers sharpness and contrast that challenge many prime lenses, offering versatility without sacrificing image quality. It is best for portrait and event photographers who need a single, high-performance zoom for varied shooting conditions.

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Sony G Master FE 28-70mm F2 lens
Price CA$3,998

Canon L IS USM Z

85.9 Score
24-105mm f/2.8 Canon RF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture across a versatile 24-105mm zoom range provides exceptional low-light performance and creative flexibility for a standard zoom. The lens incorporates high-end optical elements like aspherical and UD glass for sharpness and is driven by dual Nano USM motors for fast, quiet autofocus. This lens is best for event photographers and hybrid shooters who need a single, high-performance lens for both stills and video in varied lighting conditions.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO

80.2 Score
50-200mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 7-stop 5-axis Sync IS provide exceptional low-light performance and handheld stability for a super-telephoto zoom. The lens offers a full-frame equivalent 100-400mm reach in a relatively compact and portable package for its class. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a long, fast zoom but prioritize a lighter kit for hiking or travel.

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Sigma Sports 200mm f/2 DG OS

76.4 Score
200mm f/2 Sony E IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2 maximum aperture and 6.5-stop optical stabilization allow for exceptional low-light performance and handheld shooting with a 200mm focal length. The HLA-driven autofocus motor provides notably fast and quiet focusing, which is a significant advantage for video work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who require a fast, stabilized medium telephoto prime for controlled environments, given its substantial 1814g weight.

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II

67.5 Score
300mm f/2.8 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.8 maximum aperture and Vibration Reduction system enable sharp, low-light shooting, while its three ED elements and Nano Crystal Coatings deliver exceptional color fidelity and contrast. The robust, professional-grade build is designed for demanding use, though its substantial 2.9kg weight is a consideration. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who require fast, reliable autofocus and superb optical quality in a fixed telephoto focal length.

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens
Price CA$6,899

Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.

66.8 Score
70-200mm f/2.8 L-Mount IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.8 maximum aperture and 3.5-stop optical image stabilization enable sharp, low-light performance for a fast telephoto zoom. The lens incorporates three aspherical elements for high optical quality and is relatively compact for its class. This lens is best for professional photographers and videographers who need a versatile, high-performance telephoto for event, portrait, or documentary work.

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Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Mid-Telephoto Prime

63.3 Score
85mm f/1.2 Canon RF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and profound background blur, aided by specialized BR optics for minimal chromatic aberration. The lens offers a versatile 85mm focal length ideal for subject isolation and includes a control ring for direct camera setting adjustments. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking ultimate sharpness and creamy bokeh in a dedicated mid-telephoto prime.

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Zeiss Otus ML 85mm f/1.4

60.6 Score
85mm f/1.4 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its 85mm f/1.4 Sonnar optical design delivers exceptionally sharp images with beautiful bokeh, aided by a 10-blade diaphragm for smooth out-of-focus areas. The robust, all-metal construction prioritizes precise manual focus control and optical purity over features like autofocus or stabilization. This lens is best for studio portrait photographers and cinematographers who prioritize ultimate image quality and are comfortable with manual operation.

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Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH.

56.3 Score
21mm f/2 L-Mount
Why we recommend this

Its 21mm f/2 aperture and three aspherical elements deliver sharp, low-distortion images for wide-angle photography. The Dual Synchro Drive AF motor provides fast and quiet autofocus performance, a key feature for discreet shooting. This lens is best for architectural and landscape photographers who require precise optical correction in an ultra-wide prime.

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Sigma Art 14mm f/1.4 DG

55.2 Score
14mm f/1.4 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 14mm f/1.4 design offers exceptional low-light capability and a uniquely wide field of view for a lens this fast. The robust weather-sealed construction and complex 19-element optical formula ensure durability and sharpness. This lens is best for astrophotographers and landscape shooters who require maximum aperture in extreme wide-angle scenarios.

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Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS

54 Score
400-800mm f/6.3 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an exceptionally long 400-800mm zoom range with a constant f/6.3 aperture, offering full-frame coverage in a relatively compact internal zoom design. The lens is built for professional use with dual linear motors for fast autofocus and a focus limiter switch for responsive tracking. It is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need extreme reach without the bulk of traditional super-telephoto primes.

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Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens
Price CA$4,100

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR

52.5 Score
500mm f/5.6 FUJIFILM X IS
Why we recommend this

Its 500mm focal length and built-in image stabilization enable sharp handheld shots of distant subjects like birds in flight. The f/5.6 aperture provides pleasing background blur, while its weather-resistant construction ensures reliability outdoors. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers using Fujifilm X-mount cameras who need a portable super-telephoto option.

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Sony APSARA LUMIERE APSARA LUMIERE T1.4 Super Speed 4

50.7 Score
24mm Interchangeable Mount with Included Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its T1.4 maximum aperture and 12-blade iris enable an ultra-shallow depth of field with a painterly, vintage-inspired look characterized by organic rendering and controlled flares. The lens is built for manual cinema use with a 270-degree focus rotation, 0.8 MOD gears, and a soft, low-profile focus mark light for precise operation. This lens is best for cinematographers and filmmakers seeking a specific, characterful optical signature for narrative or commercial projects.

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Nikon Simmod APSARA LUMIERE T1.4 Super Speed 4

50.7 Score
24mm Interchangeable Mount with Included Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its T1.4 maximum aperture and 12-blade iris enable an ultra-shallow depth of field and a painterly look with organic rendering, controlled flares, and subtle highlight blooms. The lens features a 270° focus rotation with 0.8 MOD gears and a soft, low-profile focus mark light, making it a purpose-built cine lens. This lens is best for cinematographers and video shooters prioritizing a specific, vintage-inspired aesthetic with modern build quality over autofocus and stabilization.

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