10 Best DSLR Camera Lenses

Are you looking for a DSLR camera lens? If you are a photographer, you know that the right camera lens can greatly enhance your pictures and videos. In this guide, we reviewed some of the best DSLR camera lenses to help you choose the right one for your photography needs.

 

 

 

1. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G DSLR Lens

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR is compact, lightweight, and optimized for DX-format cameras. You will have no issues with low-light conditions as its fast f/1.8 aperture works great in such conditions. It also creates softly blurred backgrounds. This DSLR camera lens also features a “normal” angle of view that makes it an all-around lens. Image integrity is enhanced with its aspherical lens element which minimizes coma and other types of aberrations.

With the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR, out-of-focus elements appear much more natural thanks to its rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening. This DSLR camera lens has an aperture range of f/1.8 to 22 and a silent wave motor system that enables fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus. Additionally, its super integrated coating enhances light transmission efficiency and offers color consistency and reduced flare.

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• Compact & Lightweight
• Quiet Autofocus
• High-Quality Images

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D DSLR Lens

The Nikon AF FX NIKKOR allows you to capture stunning images with a shallow depth-of-field thanks to its 50mm focal length with a fast f/1.8 aperture. You benefit from high-speed autofocusing that is accurate and quiet due to its silent wave motor. Flare and ghosting are minimized with its multi-layer coating.

Additionally, its super integrated coating improves the efficiency of light transmission and offers superior color consistency. The Nikon AF FX NIKKOR is lightweight and compact. Moreover, its aspherical lens element eliminates coma and other types of aberrations.

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• High-Quality Images
• Lightweight & Compact
• Reduction of Flare & Ghosting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III DSLR Lens

The Canon EF 75-300mm uses a DC motor rather than a USM for autofocus. It is a high magnification zoom lens. Its autofocus is quick and quiet. With its close-focusing down to 4.9 feet, the frames are filled with a subject as small as a dollar bill. This Canon EF lens is ideal for portraits of wildlife and nature.

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• High Magnification Zoom Lens
• Quick & Quiet Autofocus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Sigma 258306 DSLR Lens

The Sigma 258306 allows you to partake in close-up photography thanks to its optical stabilizer system. Aberrations are corrected with its SLD lens and one high refractive index SLD lens. The Sigma 258306 has the capability to focus down to a 1:1 magnification ratio at the closest working distance of 12.3 inches.

This DSLR lens features a floating focusing system that moves two different lens groups in the optical path to different positions. Its super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting, thereby providing high contrast images. You also benefit from quiet and high-speed autofocus in addition to full-time manual focus capability.

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Floating Focusing System
• Quiet & High-Speed Autofocus
• Flare & Ghosting Reduction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR DSLR Lens 

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR is a compact and lightweight FX-format lens. It features a 20mm focal length and 94-degree angle of view that allows you to capture a variety of scenes. You get fast, accurate, and quiet autofocusing with its silent wave motor. You can get close to your subject or work tight angles thanks to its 7.8-inch close focus capability. This Nikon AF-S lens features a maximum aperture of f/1.8 that produces awesome blurred backgrounds in HD videos and photos.

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• Compact & Lightweight
• Quiet Autofocusing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Meike 85mm f1.8 DSLR Lens

The Meike 85mm is a full-frame lens for DSLR cameras. It features a wide aperture of f/1.8 with 9 diaphragm blades that deliver a smooth round blur effect. Besides the autofocusing capability, the Meike 85mm also has a manual focus mode. It is ideal for portrait, architecture, and landscape photography.

 

 

 

 

 

7. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III SLR Lens

The Canon EF 70-200mm features an f/2.8 maximum aperture that delivers fast shutter speeds and beautiful background blur. Additionally, the f/2.8 maximum aperture stays constant throughout the zoom range. It also features an 8-blade circular aperture for awesome images with great background blur.

The Canon EF 70-200mm lens also features a fast and quiet autofocus system. It also offers a full-time manual focus. Flare and ghosting are minimized with its Air Sphere coating. This lens is dust and water-resistant with seals around the mount, the switches, zoom ring, and more. The front and rear lens surfaces feature a smudge-resistant fluorine coating that repels water and oil.

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Fast Shutter Speeds
• Fast & Quiet Autofocus System
• Dust & Water-Resistant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L DSLR Lens

The Canon EF 85mm lens is a medium-telephoto lens that features a fast and quiet autofocus system to capture every moment. This L-series lens delivers sharp and detailed images thanks to its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture and large-diameter aspherical lens. The Canon EF 85mm lens features an image stabilizer that provides shake reduction for up to 41 shutter speed steps.

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Fast & Quiet Autofocus System
• Sharp & Detailed Images
• Dust & Water Resistant

 

 

 

 

 

9. Rokinon 135mm F2.0 Telephoto DSLR Lens

The Rokinon 135mm is a manual focus telephoto lens that features a fast f/2.0 maximum aperture. It also features a circular 9-blade diaphragm that delivers great highlights. It has the capability to close focus up to 2.6 feet. The Rokinon 135mm has a non-rotating filter mount, high-performance ED glass elements, and UMC anti-reflective coating.

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Close Focusing
• Superb Out-of-Focus Highlights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III DSLR Lens

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm is a compact, lightweight, and versatile DSLR lens with a focal length range from 28.8 to 88mm. Glare and ghosting are reduced with a super spectra coating. Distortion and spherical aberrations are minimized throughout the zoom range to maintain sharpness and clarity.

 

 

 

 

     What We Like:

• Compact, Lightweight & Versatile
• Flare & Ghosting Reduction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Look For In A DSLR Lens?

1. Aperture

The aperture also called the f-stop number, gives you an indication of how much light the lens lets through to the sensor to form the image. It is a ratio between the focal length and the actual diameter of the lens opening. The smaller the aperture number, the more light enters the camera. The aperture is one of the important features to pay attention to when choosing a DSLR lens.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Focal Length

The focal length is the distance between the optical center of the lens. It determines whether the lens is a wide-angle or telephoto lens. The focal length gives you the ability to change the perspective of your shot by moving. You get a wider range with a shorter focal length, while a longer focal length allows you to zoom in on a distant subject.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is another important feature to consider when choosing a DSLR camera lens. It is a safeguard for small camera shakes when you are shooting videos or capturing photos. Image stabilization helps delivers great pictures and videos even in low light conditions or with a telephoto lens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Auto-Focusing

Auto-focusing capability is another important feature to consider when choosing a DSLR lens. Many lenses today are built with a focusing motor. This is usually fast and quiet. it allows focusing to be done almost instantly which makes it easier for you to capture events and snap photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Manual Focus

Most lenses feature a manual focusing ring which allows you to manually focus the lens. Some also feature a manual focus override that allows you to adjust the portion of the scene that is in focus manually without first switching out of autofocus mode.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Types of DSLR Lenses

1. Prime Lenses

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length; they don’t have the capability to zoom. They are lighter when compared to zoom lenses as they have fewer elements. Lens manufacturers tend to focus on delivering superior quality in regards to the optical technology since this lens doesn’t zoom.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Zoom Lenses

Zoom lenses can change their focal length within a range. You can get a wide-angle shot and then take a snapshot of the subject that is far away after adjusting the focal length.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Purpose Lenses

1. Macro Lenses

Macro lenses have a small working distance for focusing. The shorter the distance, the greater the magnification. A true macro lens produces a 1:1 representation of a target at its closest working distance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Tilt-Shift Lenses

Tilt-shift lenses is a special-purpose lens that allows you to do certain things that other lenses can’t do. Tilt-shift lenses solve the problem of Ponzo illusion. Ponzo illusion displays parallel lines as merging in a distance. Railway tracks, tall twin skyscrapers, and tram lines are examples of Ponzo illusion. Additionally, tilt-shift lenses create selective focusing at an extreme level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSLR Lens Accessories

1. Filters

The lens filter protects the lens and also reduces the amount of light that enters.

 

 

 

2. Lens Case

The lens is stored in the lens case thereby protecting it from damage.

 

 

 

 

3. Lens pen/cleaning kit

The lens pen or cleaning kit is used to clean the lens.

 

 

 

 

4. Adapters

A lens adapter allows you to use the camera with a different brand lens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

The best DSLR lens will transform an ordinary photo into a stunning one. In this guide, we reviewed some of the best DSLR lenses and discussed the main features to consider when choosing a DSLR camera lens. There is no one particular DSLR lens that is height and shoulders above the others.

The best DSLR lens for you will depend on what you need and deem to be the most important feature for your photography projects. Notwithstanding, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm is a good choice for Nikon DSLR cameras. For Canon cameras, the Canon EF 75-300mm telephoto lens is a good choice as well.