Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS

83.7 Macro Score
16-300mm f/3.5 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its massive 24-450mm equivalent zoom range, a 1:2 macro magnification, and a high-speed HLA autofocus motor. Its all-in-one design offers significant versatility for a single lens, covering wide-angle to super-telephoto photography. It is best for photographers who need one lens for everything from landscapes to close-up details and want to avoid changing lenses on an APS-C camera.

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Great Alternatives

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

Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 -A VC RXD

82.9 Macro Score
17-70mm f/2.8 FUJIFILM X IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture across a versatile 17-70mm zoom range provides excellent low-light performance and creative flexibility for APS-C cameras. As the first lens of its kind with a 4.1x zoom ratio, it offers a practical all-in-one solution without sacrificing aperture. This lens is best for travel and street photographers who need a single, fast zoom to cover wide-angle to short-telephoto focal lengths.

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Sirui Saturn 50mm T2.9 1.6X Full Frame Carbon Fiber Anamorphic

82.9 Macro Score
50mm Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its carbon fiber construction makes it the lightest full-frame anamorphic lens on the market at just 465g, ideal for gimbal or drone use. The premium 1.6x squeeze factor delivers a cinematic 2.4:1 aspect ratio with distinctive oval bokeh and optional blue flares. This lens is best for independent filmmakers and cinematographers needing a lightweight, manual-focus anamorphic for stabilized rigs and unique overhead shots.

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Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO

82.1 Macro Score
100mm f/2.8 Sony FE
Why we recommend this

Its 2:1 magnification ratio and 100mm focal length make it a specialized tool for extreme close-up photography, offering double the life-size reproduction of most standard macro lenses. The lens is built with a 12-element optical design that includes APO (Apochromatic) elements to minimize chromatic aberration for high color fidelity. This lens is best for photographers who need to capture intricate details of very small subjects, like insect photographers or those documenting fine textures and product details.

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Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom

81.7 Macro Score
15-30mm f/4.5 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its ultra-wide 15-30mm zoom range, providing expansive coverage ideal for landscapes and travel photography. As a budget-friendly RF lens, it offers a lightweight and compact design that enhances portability for on-the-go shooting. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers seeking a versatile wide-angle option for capturing sweeping vistas and tight interior spaces.

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Sirui 50mm T2.9 1.6X Full-Frame Anamorphic

80.1 Macro Score
Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its 1.6x anamorphic squeeze factor creates cinematic 2.4:1 or 2.8:1 aspect ratios, producing signature horizontal flares and oval bokeh. The lens delivers a wide horizontal field of view and features a 10-blade aperture for smooth out-of-focus rendering. This lens is best for filmmakers and videographers seeking an affordable entry into the distinctive, widescreen anamorphic look for Sony full-frame cameras.

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED

77.8 Macro Score
20mm f/1.8 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 maximum aperture and inclusion of two ED and two aspherical elements deliver sharp, low-light performance with minimal aberrations. The relatively lightweight 355g build and Nano Crystal Coatings enhance handling and reduce flare for a versatile prime. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing a wide, fast prime for Nikon F-mount full-frame cameras.

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Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 F1.4 Z STM Auto Focus Ultra Wide Angle APS-C

77.2 Macro Score
13mm f/1.4 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its bright f/1.4 aperture and sophisticated optical design with four ED elements deliver excellent clarity and low-light performance. The STM autofocus motor and effective focus breathing control make it particularly adept for smooth video capture. This lens is best for Nikon Z-mount shooters needing a fast, corrected ultra-wide prime for astrophotography or controlled video work.

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Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF

76.5 Macro Score
13mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its ultra-wide 13mm focal length combined with a bright f/1.4 maximum aperture makes it a strong choice for low-light and astrophotography. The inclusion of two aspherical elements helps control distortion, enhancing image quality for its class. This lens is best for Sony APS-C shooters, particularly portrait and street photographers who value a fast, wide-angle perspective.

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Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM

74.7 Macro Score
18-35mm f/1.8 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/1.8 aperture across the 18-35mm zoom range provides exceptional low-light performance and background blur for a zoom lens. The robust Art-series build quality and sharp optics make it a reliable tool for demanding shoots. This lens is best for Canon DSLR photographers and videographers who need a versatile, fast prime-like zoom for portraits, events, or cinematic work.

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Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8

74.3 Macro Score
14mm f/2.8 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 14mm f/2.8 prime design offers a wide field of view and solid low-light capability for Nikon F-mount full-frame cameras. The optical construction, featuring one extra-low dispersion and two aspherical elements, helps control distortion and aberrations for a sharp image. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing a reliable, wide-angle prime on a budget.

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