Lenses: Buying Advice, Tips, and News

Learn about the speed, image quality, and general performance tests we run on every digital camera and lens we review.

The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS is an audacious zoom lens offering incredible optics, a bright aperture, and all the controls that pros will want, but with the hefty price and build that go hand in hand with high-end telephotos.

After years of complaints from photographers (including me), Canon has finally introduced a redesigned RF lens cap that fixes a small but persistent annoyance in everyday use.

The Fujifilm Fujinon XC 13-33mm F3.5-6.3 OIS lens earns points for its extra-wide starting angle, compact build, and optical stabilization, but if you're paying full price, it's worth spending more on an F2.8 zoom.

Do you use a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera? From wide-angle to telephoto, these are the top lenses we've tested for the platform.

Whether you're shooting APS-C or full frame, these are the top lenses we've tested for Sony mirrorless cameras. From wide-angle zooms to telephoto primes, we cover all your needs.

The Micro Four Thirds system invented modern mirrorless photography and has something for every photographer. These are the best lenses I've tested for a range of shooting conditions.

The Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM offers the uncommon mix of a bright aperture, wide angle of view, and exemplary resolution, plus features that will make both videographers and photographers happy.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM puts a bright optical formula into a relatively compact barrel, focuses in an instant, and delivers crisp results, though some creators may be turned off by its characterful bokeh and tendency to flare.

The pricey RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z is a premium, no-compromise telephoto zoom for Canon's RF mirrorless system, delivering stellar optics, instant autofocus, and support for teleconverter and power-zoom accessories.

The Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is an attractive prime lens for APS-C camera owners thanks to its small size, fast autofocus, and all-around excellent picture quality.

The Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art is an absolute triumph—a stunning wide-angle prime lens that dazzles with razor-sharp optics, lightning-fast autofocus, a refreshingly compact build, and robust weather sealing.

The Pocket Dispo Pro lens captures charmingly soft photos with a retro disposable-camera aesthetic and adds a close-up focus option that was missing from the original.

If you're looking for an artsy aesthetic in your images, Lensbaby's Optic Swap system is a great place to start. From the Composer Pro II to the Sweet 50, these are the top housing and lens options we've tested.

Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma full-frame mirrorless cameras share a common lens system, the L-mount. It's still evolving, but these are the best L-mount lenses we've tested so far.

Nikon's mirrorless Z system is supported by an expanding lineup of high-quality lenses. We're here to break down what's available and recommend the best optics we've tested.

Fujifilm was one of the first camera makers to embrace mirrorless systems and has one of the most well-established lens libraries. These are the best we've tested.

The Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM gathers more light than other lenses, making it a great choice for background blur and capturing dim environments, and it costs far less than other extra-bright models.

OM System's rebadge of the vintage Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 Pro remains one of the best lenses for Micro Four Thirds cameras thanks to its excellent picture quality, brisk autofocus, and lightweight build.

The pricey OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8 IS Pro is a truly fantastic telezoom for sports and wildlife photography that also focuses close for macro photos.