There has probably never been a richer range of excellent camera lenses available than there is today. We’ve done our best to sort through the best camera lens brands out there, and to give you a mere taste of the possibilities. You’ll need to read through to see which is lens right for you.
Our top two choices are the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM and the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR, which are both leaders in their field.
We have 10 other lenses to explore, which we’ve divided between Canon and Nikon, and Fujifilm and Sony. They are the top camera lens brands right now, so you should be able to find exactly what you need.
What Are the Best Camera Lens Brands?
To make the review more manageable, we’ve divided it up into two sections. First, we deal with Canon and Nikon lenses, and then we consider Fujifilm and Sony offerings.
This article serves as a starting point for the best camera lens brands. If you want more lens options, look for the links in the text throughout the article.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best lenses from the top camera brands. We go into more detail in the following sections.
- Versatile zoom range for diverse photography needs
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for low light shooting
- Robust build with weather sealing for durability
- Exceptional sharpness and clarity across zoom range
- Quick, accurate autofocus with manual override option
- Exceptional f/1.2 aperture for superior low-light performance
- Ideal for portrait photography with beautiful bokeh effect
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for reliable outdoor use
- Fast, accurate autofocus with manual focus override
- Part of Canon's prestigious L-series lens lineup
- Constant f/2.8 aperture across zoom range
- Superior image stabilization for sharp handheld shots
- Durable, weather-sealed build for outdoor reliability
- Exceptional optical quality for professional results
- Versatile telephoto range for diverse shooting scenarios
- Wide-angle range perfect for landscapes and architecture
- Vibration Reduction for sharp images in low light
- Durable build with weather sealing for outdoor shooting
- Excellent sharpness and color fidelity across the frame
- Lightweight design enhances portability for travel photography
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance
- Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilizes shots in challenging conditions
- Superior sharpness and clarity across the entire zoom range
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for reliability in any environment
- Fast, accurate autofocus system with manual override capability
- Exceptional f/1.2 aperture for unmatched low-light capability
- Premium optical performance with edge-to-edge sharpness
- Robust build quality with weather-sealing for durability
- Fast, precise autofocus with manual focus override
- Designed for Nikon Z series for optimal compatibility
Our Favorite Canon and Nikon Lenses
Let’s take a closer look at our first selection of camera lens brands. Here we’ll be looking at lenses from Canon and Nikon.
These heavyweights have been slugging it out for the best camera title for decades now. And with these lenses, it’s easy to see why. This is a mere taste of what they offer, but each lens here is excellent in its field.
1. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
805 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24-70 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens is possibly the most-loved Canon lens ever made. Pros appreciate its zoom range, which works as a generous wide-angle, but also as a portrait lens.
The other reason is that the constant f/2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control. It’s a standard zoom lens that’s fast and versatile.
None of this would be any good, of course, without excellent optical performance, but you need not worry. This lens is super sharp, possibly better than any comparable lens available. There’s barely any distortion or aberrations to be corrected later, and the images are punchy and contrasty.
This is one of Canon’s L-Series lenses, so the build quality is excellent. Weather sealing helps to protect it in daily demanding use. It’s built to last, with weather sealing for shooting in challenging conditions.
If you get to use the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, you’ll understand the popularity of this little gem!
You can also see all the best Canon EF lenses here if you want to see more.
2. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
580 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.2
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens is a fast, sharp, and very desirable “nifty fifty”. Its f/1.2 aperture is perfect in challenging lighting situations, allowing you to choose a faster shutter speed or lower ISO.
The sharpness you’ll get with this lens is exceptional, remarkably so at f/1.2. The fast maximum aperture makes it attractive for portrait work because it gives you stunning bokeh.
Another L-Series lens, its well-built with weather-sealing, and designed for daily pro use.
Autofocus is quick and accurate, and once you stop down past f/2.8 you won’t find a sharper lens. If you want a standard lens to keep on your camera, or need the extra speed in low light, then the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a solid option.
3. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1440 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens is an outstanding lens that you will see at all manner of events, from soccer games to weddings. This is partly because the zoom range is really handy.
It works as a portrait lens, but it’s also long enough to capture goalmouth action from the sidelines.
The other reason is that the constant f/2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control. The portrait photographer gets the sweetest bokeh, and the sports shooter gets to use faster shutter speeds.
Whatever your photography genre, this lens combines superb image quality with a pro-level build quality. There is switchable image stabilization, that lets you pan, for instance, and corrects for up-and-down instability.
The selectable autofocus limiter also means you save time by restricting the (admirably fast) AF from searching its whole range.
Combine this lens with our top pick, the 24-70mm, and you have a comprehensive range of focal lengths for almost any eventuality.
4. Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
680 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16-35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is an exceptional ultra-wide angle lens.
Its focal range from 16mm to 35mm is perfect for landscapes and interiors, while the constant f/4 aperture and Vibration Reduction (VR) technology ensure sharp images even in low light.
This lens is particularly useful for shooting in tight spaces or when aiming to include as much of the scene as possible.
There is some noticeable distortion at 16mm, but this is easily corrected with software. The VR feature is a big advantage, going some way to make up for the slightly slow f/4 maximum aperture.
It’s a bit heavy but balances well on most Nikon DSLRs.
The Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is the best ultra-wide zoom for Nikon cameras, thanks to its exceptional sharpness. Its build quality and weather sealing make it durable enough for everyday pro use.
Check out all our favorite Nikon F Lenses in this article.
5. Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1070 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24-70 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is an impressive standard zoom lens.
Its wide aperture of f/2.8 across the zoom range is perfect for low light and creating a shallow depth of field. The 24mm view is the widest natural-looking focal length you can find, and the 70mm works beautifully as a portrait lens.
The added Vibration Reduction (VR) is a big improvement, allowing for sharper images in dim settings or when shooting handheld.
This is a well-built lens, and able to endure the demands of professional use. this is thanks to both the robust construction and weather sealing.
Its optical performance is impressive, delivering sharp, clear images with minimal distortion. As with most Nikon lenses, the fast autofocus system is another highlight, ensuring quick and precise focusing.
The Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is a very useful tool for photographers who need flexibility without compromising on image quality.
Its combination of focal range, aperture, and stabilization makes it a good option for a wide array of photography styles, particularly event, wedding, and travel photography.
6. Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1090 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.2
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S is a superb lens that excels in delivering stunning image quality. Every photographer should have a 50mm lens, and this is a great choice for your Nikon.
Its f/1.2 aperture is perfect for low-light conditions or when you need faster shutter speeds.
You might think a 50mm lens would be compact, but not so with this one. But in return for its size, you get the sharpest Nikon 50mm lens available, making mirrorless Nikon users the envy of their DSLR cousins. This is sharp at all apertures, across the whole frame.
The modern, advanced opportunities offered by mirrorless cameras are reflected in this lens. Features like the customizable control ring and OLED information panel add to its professional appeal.
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S is a very useful tool for photographers looking to capture sharp, detailed images with a natural perspective.
If you want more mirrorless options, our article on the best Nikon Z lenses is a must-see.
Our Favorite Fujifilm and Sony Lenses
Time to move on to our second selection, this time from Fujifilm and Sony. With pedigrees in medical imaging and television cameras, these two manufacturers know how to produce lenses of exceptional quality. We’ve narrowed down the choice to three from each brand, but there are plenty to choose from.
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for low light excellence
- Versatile 24-84mm equivalent focal range
- Weather-resistant design for outdoor shooting
- Fast, silent autofocus with twin linear motors
- Exceptional sharpness and color fidelity across zoom
- F/1.4 aperture for superior low-light performance
- Ideal for street and environmental portraits
- Compact design enhances portability and handling
- Exceptional image quality and sharpness
- Smooth manual focus ring for precise control
- Wide-angle zoom perfect for landscapes and architecture
- Optical Image Stabilization for sharper handheld shots
- Weather-resistant build for reliable outdoor use
- Constant F/4 aperture across zoom range
- Exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion
- Versatile 24-70mm range for diverse shooting scenarios
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for excellent low light
- G Master design ensures top-tier image quality
- Fast, silent autofocus for stills and video
- Robust build with dust and moisture resistance
- Telephoto range ideal for sports and wildlife
- F/4 constant aperture for consistent exposure control
- Optical SteadyShot for sharp images at slower speeds
- Lightweight design enhances portability for fieldwork
- High-resolution performance across the zoom range
- Ultra-wide to wide versatility for dynamic compositions
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for consistent low-light performance
- G Master optics ensure peak image clarity
- Fast, precise autofocus ideal for both photo and video
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for harsh environments
1. Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
655 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16-55 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens is a superb lens that offers exceptional sharpness, and an all-metal construction.
It is equivalent to a 24-82.5mm lens on full frame, so it covers all the “standard” lens focal lengths and extends to an ideal portrait length. The constant f/2.8 aperture is good for low light and also ideal for portrait work.
The all-metal design isn’t just for show, but helps to make this a tough, daily-use lens. And the weather-sealing gives peace of mind in the rain or dusty environments.
Its optical design includes elements that improve image quality by reducing distortion and chromatic aberrations.
Autofocus is quick and silent, thanks to the twin linear motors, and the minimum focusing distance allows for fairly close-up shots. This is an ideal daily lens for demanding users.
2. Fujifilm FUJINON XF 23mm F/1.4 R
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
300 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
23 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Fujifilm FUJINON XF 23mm F/1.4 R is the full frame equivalent of 35mm, a long-time favorite of many professional photographers. And this one has the benefit of a fast f/1.4 aperture, which makes it ideal for low light.
Weighing just 11 ounces (300 g), it’s light and balances well on Fujifilm’s X-series cameras, ensuring comfort during long shoots. The lens’s pedigree shows in the quality of the images it produces.
It’s sharp edge-to-edge even wide open, with no distortion, falloff, or chromatic aberrations. It’s quite remarkable.
Even though this is a wide standard lens, it still manages to produce lovely bokeh, which opens up a whole range of creative possibilities.
The FUJINON XF 23mm F/1.4 R is a good option for photographers looking for a high-quality, versatile lens that performs well in a variety of settings.
3. Fujifilm FUJINON XF 10-24mm F/4 R OIS WR
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
385 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
10-24 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Fujifilm FUJINON XF 10-24mm F/4 R OIS WR lens is an ultra-wide zoom lens, equivalent to a 15-36mm on full frame. This makes it ideal for wide landscapes, architecture, and interiors.
Its constant F/4 aperture across the zoom range isn’t the fastest, but the built-in optical image stabilization helps to make up for some of that.
Like many Fujifilm lenses, the body is metal, which gives it a nice, quality feel. It’s not all looks, either, as the lens has weather sealing to give it some protection from harsh environments.
Like many Fujifilm lenses, this one is super-sharp. Even wide open, it’s sharp from corner to corner at all focal lengths.
The 16-35mm zoom range is one of my favorites, and this lens is just that little bit wider. The world can look amazing at that wide end of the focal range, and this lens is a great way of capturing it for Fufifilm users. You’ll find it’s equally at home shooting interiors, urban scenes, or landscapes.
4. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
886 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24-70 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens is a top choice for professionals who need versatility without sacrificing quality. 24-70mm lenses are top of the list for many professionals, and it’s easy to see why with this lens.
Its constant f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range is perfect for low light and creating beautiful bokeh, and you’ll appreciate that when using the 70mm length as a portrait lens.
The lens’s sharpness is impressive, with the best results seen when slightly stopped down.
Built to withstand the demands of professional use, this lens features robust construction and weather sealing. It’s designed to keep dust and moisture out, ensuring reliability in various shooting conditions.
The autofocus is quick and silent, thanks to the Direct Drive SSM system, making it suitable for both photo and video work.
While the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM doesn’t come cheap, its performance and build quality justify the investment. It’s a workhorse lens that can handle a wide range of photography styles, proving very useful for photographers who prefer to carry one lens that can do it all.
Despite lacking built-in image stabilization, its optical excellence and versatility make it a popular choice among Sony shooters.
We recommend Sony users see our full article on the best Sony FE lenses.
5. Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
794 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II stands out for its blend of reach, portability, and macro capability.
Its 70-200mm focal range is perfect for portraits and wildlife, offering the flexibility to capture distant subjects or intimate details without changing lenses.
The constant f/4 aperture, while not the widest, strikes a good balance between light gathering and maintaining a compact form. The image stabilization helps to compensate for the lack of speed.
Optically, the lens impresses with sharpness across the zoom range and effective control over chromatic aberrations, thanks to its high-quality glass elements.
The autofocus is quick and silent, making it suitable for both stills and video. While it lacks the ‘G Master’ label, its performance and build quality do not disappoint, offering a solid option for serious photographers.
Weighing in at a manageable 1.7 lbs (795 g), it’s relatively light for a telephoto zoom, easing the strain of long shooting sessions.
The inclusion of Optical SteadyShot (OSS) is a big plus, helping to keep shots steady at slower shutter speeds.
For those in need of a versatile telephoto lens that doesn’t compromise on image quality or convenience, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is a compelling choice.
6. Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
547 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16-35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens is another example of a desirable ultra-wide zoom lens. Its constant f/2.8 aperture ensures it performs well in low light and provides a shallow depth of field.
The lens’s design, part of the G Master series, promises top-notch optical performance, making it a go-to for professionals and serious enthusiasts alike.
With the professional in mind, the weather sealing boosts the lens’s durability, ensuring it can withstand challenging shooting conditions.
Its optical construction, featuring advanced elements, minimizes aberrations and maximizes sharpness, delivering crisp images across the zoom range.
Autofocus is swift and silent, thanks to the four XD Linear Motors, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects and video recording.
While it lacks built-in image stabilization, its compatibility with Sony’s in-body stabilization systems helps ensure sharp images in various shooting scenarios.
The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is a valuable addition to any photographer’s bag, offering a blend of wide-angle versatility, high optical quality, and robust construction.
Conclusion: The Best Camera Lens Brands
As you can see, the quality of lenses out there is remarkable. We hope that this review of some of the best brands out there has inspired you.
Our top picks are the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM for its versatility and the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR for its reliable performance in challenging conditions. Both lenses offer exceptional quality and flexibility.
But as you can see, all the best camera lens brands have plenty of incredible options for photographers.
