All lens tests

THE SCIENTIFIC DATA BEHIND SCORES & REVIEWS

Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Sony and Pentax mount lens test: Versatile super-telephoto zoom

Sigma are well known for their accessibly priced models and at just under $1,100 the 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO seems like a promising alternative to the premium offerings from the camera makers. Although one of ...

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro HSM C Sony and Pentax mount lens test: Smaller, lighter and improved uniformity

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Designed as a fast ‘standard’ zoom, the Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 DC Macro HSM C is the first model in the firm’s ‘Contemporary’ series. Featuring a revamped exterior and modified optical construction, the lens is ...

Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35mm f2.8 ZA lens test: Model behavior

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The Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35mm f2.8 is a compact moderate wide-angle lens designed for the full-frame mirrorless Sony Alpha A7 and A7R. But with only a moderate-speed f2.8 maximum aperture and an $800 ...

Best lenses for Df: Prime and Zoom lens overview

Following on the from the lens recommendations for the new mid-range DX format Nikon D5300, we’ve now completed the assessment of the full-frame Nikon Df. We’ve tested the camera with more than 90 Nikkor ...

Best lenses for the 16-MPix Pentax K-5 II and K-5 IIs: Measurement data now available online

Although the Pentax K-5 II and K-5 IIs have now been replaced by the Pentax K-3, we’ve analyzed the two models with a range of lenses from both Pentax and third-party makers and thought ...

Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f1.8 ZA lens test: Exemplary performance

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Debuted alongside the Sony Alpha A7 and A7R, the Sonnar T* FE 55mm f1.8 may sound rather conventional and unexciting on paper, but with a Zeiss badge and at close to $1,000, is it ...

Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM lens test: Still a good all-round choice

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A favorite of wildlife and action photographers, Canon’s EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM is a well-specified and versatile model. However, as it approaches sixteen years in production, is it still capable of competing with more ...

Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Canon and Nikon mount lens test

Sigma are well known for their accessibly priced models and at just under $1,100 the 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO seems like a promising alternative to the premium offerings from the camera makers. Although one of ...

Best lenses for the Nikon D5300: Part 2 – portrait and landscape

Following the lens recommendations for Nikon D7100 and entry-level D3200, we’ve now turned our attention to the new mid-range D5300. We’ve tested the camera with more than 140 Nikkor and third-party prime and zoom ...

Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 IF EX DG HSM Sony mount lens test: Good performer

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As an moderately priced full-frame high-speed standard zoom, the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 seems like a promising option to the far pricier offerings from the camera makers. Read on to find out how well it ...

Best lenses for the Nikon D5300: Part 1 – concise overview of primes and zooms

Following the lens recommendations for Nikon D7100 and entry-level D3200, we’ve now turned our attention to the new mid-range D5300. We’ve tested the camera with more than 140 Nikkor and third-party prime and zoom ...

Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 2/135 ZE Canon mount lens test: Ultra-high performer

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After reviewing the Nikon mount ZF.2 version of the Zeiss Sonnar T* 2/135 we’ve now analyzed the Canon ZE mount model. Read on to find out how well it performs. ...

Pentax HD DA 21mm f3.2 AL Limited lens test: Enhanced image quality

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Pentax has revamped the DA Limited lens range adding a rounded diaphragm opening and new HD coatings for improved rendering, transmission and lower ghosting and flare. Read on to find out how well the ...

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM lens test: Popular high-performance option

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Although overshadowed by its more glamorous sibling, as a moderately priced, highly portable ultra-wide zoom, the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM is a hugely popular model. Read on to find out how well it performs ...

Best lenses for street photography

Street photography is an appealing genre for many photographers, and has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the proliferation of small high quality digital cameras and lenses. We’ve put together a concise ...

The best lenses for Pentax K-3: Recommended wide angle, telephoto and standard lenses

Continuing our series of evaluation of lens systems we’ve assessed a modest range of Pentax and third-party lenses for their optical quality on the firm’s new flagship Pentax K-3 model. As the replacement for ...

Best lenses for the 24-MPix Pentax K-3: Recommended primes and zooms

Continuing our series of evaluation of lens systems we’ve assessed a modest range of Pentax and third-party lenses for their optical quality on the firm’s new flagship Pentax K-3 model. As the replacement for ...

Pentax HD DA 15mm f4 Limited lens test: Compelling choice

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As a 23mm equivalent the Pentax 15mm f4 Limited is the firm’s premium quality wide-angle choice, and like the rest in the series it’s serious compact. Read on to find out how well this ...

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