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10 Best Camera Lenses 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.7 score

Samyang 24mm F1.8 AF Compact Full Frame Wide Angle for Sony E, Black (SYIO2418-E)

Focal Length: 24mm
Aperture: F1.8
Lens Mount: Sony E
Autofocus: quiet, fast STM motor
Weight and Size: 1 lb; 6.3x5.2x5.2 inches
Prime vs. Zoom Lenses: Prime lens

Chosen by 1211 this week

Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Lens, Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, White

Focal Length: 100-500mm
Aperture: F4.5-7.1
Lens Mount: Canon RF
Image Stabilization: Optical, up to 5 stops
Autofocus: Dual Nano USM
Lens Elements and Coatings: Advanced elements and coatings
Weight and Size: 3 pounds, 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1
Prime vs. Zoom Lenses: Zoom

Canon RF24-70mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Standard Zoom Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, Black

Focal Length: 24-70mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Lens Mount: Canon RF
Image Stabilization: Optical up to 5 stops
Autofocus: Nano USM technology
Weight and Size: 1.98 pounds, 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.9 inches
Prime vs. Zoom Lenses: Zoom

Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (11189)

Focal Length: 24-70 mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Lens Mount: Leica L
Autofocus: internal
Lens Elements and Coatings: three aspherical elements
Weight and Size: 2.79 lbs, 4.8x4.8x3.5 in
Prime vs. Zoom Lenses: zoom

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens Black

Focal Length: 24-70mm
Aperture: F2.8
Lens Mount: Sony E
Image Stabilization: advanced stabilization
Autofocus: four XD Linear Motors
Lens Elements and Coatings: XA and ED glass
Weight and Size: 695 grams, 8.39 x 5 x 5.51
Prime vs. Zoom Lenses: Zoom

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 is Lens (Micro Four Thirds)

Focal Length: 150-600mm
Aperture: f/5.0-6.3
Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
Image Stabilization: Sync IS, up to 7 steps
Lens Elements and Coatings: Fluorine coating
Weight and Size: 5.95 pounds, 10.41 x 4.31 x 4.31
Prime vs. Zoom Lenses: Zoom
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Samyang 24mm F1.8 AF Compact Full Frame Wide Angle for Sony E, Black (SYIO2418-E)

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,211
Aperture
Autofocus
Lens Elements and Coatings

Most important from
146 reviews

Aperture
Its low-light performance and subject isolation at f/1.8 are stellar, offering crisp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Autofocus
The lens delivers outstanding sharpness and excellent autofocus that rivals more expensive options, making it a standout wide-angle prime in its price range.
Lens Elements and Coatings
Distortion is well controlled, improving image quality compared to similar wide-angle lenses.
Weight and Size
Lightweight and well-balanced on Sony full-frame bodies, the lens feels comfortable for everyday use and travel.
Prime vs. Zoom Lenses
The lens’s sharpness and image quality can make zoom lenses feel less satisfying, encouraging a move towards prime lenses for better resolution.

The Samyang 24mm F1.8 AF lens is a solid choice if you're looking for a wide-angle lens for your Sony E-mount full-frame camera. Its 24mm focal length gives you a broad 83.7° view, which is great for landscapes, travel, and even astrophotography, especially with its dedicated night sky mode. The bright F1.8 aperture is a major plus because it lets in plenty of light, helping you shoot clearer photos in darker settings and create smooth background blur (bokeh) with its 9 rounded blades—perfect for artistic portraits or creative shots.

The autofocus is driven by a quiet and fast STM motor, making it suitable not only for still photos but also for video recording without distracting noise. While the lens doesn’t have built-in image stabilization, its lightweight (about 1 pound) and compact design make it easy to carry around and handle. It also features weather sealing in key areas, so it can withstand light rain or dust, which is handy for outdoor shoots. Customizable controls like the focus-hold button and adjustable ring add flexibility if you want to personalize your shooting experience.

Since this is a prime lens, you won’t be able to zoom in or out. If you want versatility in framing your shots without changing lenses, a zoom lens might be better. Although sharpness and build quality are generally praised, it isn’t considered a top-of-the-line professional lens, but it offers excellent value for enthusiasts and hobbyists looking to enhance their wide-angle photography.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,211
Aperture
Autofocus
Lens Elements and Coatings

Most important from
146 reviews

Aperture
Its low-light performance and subject isolation at f/1.8 are stellar, offering crisp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Autofocus
The lens delivers outstanding sharpness and excellent autofocus that rivals more expensive options, making it a standout wide-angle prime in its price range.
Lens Elements and Coatings
Distortion is well controlled, improving image quality compared to similar wide-angle lenses.
Weight and Size
Lightweight and well-balanced on Sony full-frame bodies, the lens feels comfortable for everyday use and travel.
Prime vs. Zoom Lenses
The lens’s sharpness and image quality can make zoom lenses feel less satisfying, encouraging a move towards prime lenses for better resolution.
#2

Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Lens, Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, White

Rating
9.4
Focal Length
Aperture
Lens Mount

Most important from
445 reviews

Focal Length
The Canon RF 100-500mm lens is a wildlife photographer's dream, delivering stunning clarity and enabling close-up shots of distant subjects with its exceptional telephoto range.
Aperture
Despite the variable aperture, the lens's high ISO performance and stabilization mitigate low light challenges, providing stunning image quality.
Lens Mount
The lens's weight may require a sturdy tripod for extended use, but it mounts easily and remains relatively compact for a super-telephoto lens.
Image Stabilization
Selectable Image Stabilization modes make capturing birds in flight an absolute breeze, enhancing the creative versatility of this lens.
Autofocus
The autofocus, powered by Dual Nano USM motors, is incredibly fast and near-silent, perfect for both stills and video work.
Lens Elements and Coatings
Canon's L-series quality shines through with top-notch build quality and weather resistance, ensuring durability in challenging conditions.
Weight and Size
The lens's weight may require a sturdy tripod for extended use, but it mounts easily and remains relatively compact for a super-telephoto lens.

The Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens is a high-performance super-telephoto zoom lens that is versatile and compatible with the EOS R series mirrorless cameras. With a maximum focal length of 500mm, it is ideal for capturing distant subjects like wildlife and sports. The lens features Optical Image Stabilization, offering up to 5 stops of shake correction, which is particularly beneficial for handheld shooting. Additionally, it has three image stabilization modes, enhancing creative versatility in different shooting scenarios.

The autofocus is fast, smooth, and quiet thanks to the Dual Nano USM, making it excellent for both stills and video work. However, the variable aperture (F4.5-7.1) might not perform as well in low light conditions compared to lenses with a constant aperture. The minimum focusing distance of 3.0 feet allows for close-up shots, adding to its versatility.

Weighing 3 pounds and measuring 9.1 inches in all dimensions, it’s relatively compact for a super-telephoto lens, but still might be cumbersome for extended handheld use. As an L-series lens, it includes advanced lens elements and coatings, ensuring high image quality with reduced aberrations. Users who prioritize high focal length versatility for outdoor and sports photography will find this lens particularly beneficial. However, if low light performance is a critical aspect, one might need to consider other lenses with a wider constant aperture.

Rating
9.4
Focal Length
Aperture
Lens Mount

Most important from
445 reviews

Focal Length
The Canon RF 100-500mm lens is a wildlife photographer's dream, delivering stunning clarity and enabling close-up shots of distant subjects with its exceptional telephoto range.
Aperture
Despite the variable aperture, the lens's high ISO performance and stabilization mitigate low light challenges, providing stunning image quality.
Lens Mount
The lens's weight may require a sturdy tripod for extended use, but it mounts easily and remains relatively compact for a super-telephoto lens.
Image Stabilization
Selectable Image Stabilization modes make capturing birds in flight an absolute breeze, enhancing the creative versatility of this lens.
Autofocus
The autofocus, powered by Dual Nano USM motors, is incredibly fast and near-silent, perfect for both stills and video work.
Lens Elements and Coatings
Canon's L-series quality shines through with top-notch build quality and weather resistance, ensuring durability in challenging conditions.
Weight and Size
The lens's weight may require a sturdy tripod for extended use, but it mounts easily and remains relatively compact for a super-telephoto lens.
#3

Canon RF24-70mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Standard Zoom Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, Black

Rating
9.1
Focal Length
Aperture
Image Stabilization

Most important from
546 reviews

Focal Length
The 24-70mm range is perfect for various scenarios, from wide landscapes to tight portraits, and it handles low light like a champ.
Aperture
The maximum F2.8 aperture allows for stunning low-light shots and beautiful bokeh effects.
Image Stabilization
Autofocus operates at lightning speed with stunning accuracy, and the 5-stop image stabilization is essential for handheld shooting.
Autofocus
Autofocus operates at lightning speed with stunning accuracy, and the 5-stop image stabilization is essential for handheld shooting.
Lens Elements and Coatings
Exceptional image quality with fantastic sharpness, superb color reproduction, and well-controlled chromatic aberration, distortion, and flare.
Weight and Size
Despite its superb performance, the lens is relatively large and heavy, which can be cumbersome for those accustomed to a more compact setup.

The Canon RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens is a versatile standard zoom lens, ideal for a range of photography styles including landscapes, portraits, and general purpose shooting. Its focal length of 24-70mm allows for flexibility from wide-angle to portrait shots, making it suitable for various scenarios. The bright f/2.8 aperture is great for low-light conditions and achieving a shallow depth of field.

This lens is compatible with Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras, ensuring seamless integration with your existing setup if you own one of these models. The optical image stabilization of up to 5 stops helps reduce camera shake, useful for handheld shooting or in less stable conditions. Autofocus is smooth, fast, and quiet thanks to the Nano USM technology, ensuring your pictures are sharp and accurately focused.

The control ring offers convenient access to adjust settings without fumbling through menus. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.69 ft (0.21M) at wide and 1.25 ft (0.38M) at telephoto, you can get close to your subjects for detailed shots. However, at 1.98 pounds, the lens is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for extended use or travel. The dimensions of 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.9 inches are fairly compact for a zoom lens of this capability, though it is not the smallest option available. If you are looking for a high-quality, versatile zoom lens for your Canon mirrorless camera, this model is a strong contender, though its weight might be a consideration if portability is a priority.

Rating
9.1
Focal Length
Aperture
Image Stabilization

Most important from
546 reviews

Focal Length
The 24-70mm range is perfect for various scenarios, from wide landscapes to tight portraits, and it handles low light like a champ.
Aperture
The maximum F2.8 aperture allows for stunning low-light shots and beautiful bokeh effects.
Image Stabilization
Autofocus operates at lightning speed with stunning accuracy, and the 5-stop image stabilization is essential for handheld shooting.
Autofocus
Autofocus operates at lightning speed with stunning accuracy, and the 5-stop image stabilization is essential for handheld shooting.
Lens Elements and Coatings
Exceptional image quality with fantastic sharpness, superb color reproduction, and well-controlled chromatic aberration, distortion, and flare.
Weight and Size
Despite its superb performance, the lens is relatively large and heavy, which can be cumbersome for those accustomed to a more compact setup.

Buying Guide for the Best Camera Lenses

Choosing the right camera lens can significantly impact the quality of your photos and your overall photography experience. The right lens depends on what you plan to shoot, your camera type, and your personal preferences. Understanding the key specifications of camera lenses will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best lens for your needs.
Focal LengthFocal length is the distance between the lens and the image sensor when the subject is in focus. It is usually measured in millimeters (mm) and determines the lens's field of view. A shorter focal length (e.g., 18mm) offers a wider angle of view, ideal for landscapes and architecture. A longer focal length (e.g., 200mm) provides a narrower field of view, suitable for wildlife and sports photography. Choose a focal length based on the type of photography you are interested in.
ApertureAperture refers to the opening in a lens through which light passes to enter the camera. It is expressed as an f-number (e.g., f/1.8). A lower f-number means a larger aperture, allowing more light to hit the sensor, which is great for low-light conditions and achieving a shallow depth of field (blurry background). Higher f-numbers mean smaller apertures, suitable for well-lit conditions and greater depth of field. Consider your shooting environment and desired depth of field when choosing the aperture.
Lens MountThe lens mount is the interface between the camera body and the lens. Different camera brands and models have different mounts, so it's crucial to ensure compatibility. For example, a lens designed for a Canon camera won't fit a Nikon camera. Check your camera's specifications to determine the compatible lens mount and choose accordingly.
Image StabilizationImage stabilization (IS) helps reduce the blur caused by camera shake, especially at slower shutter speeds or longer focal lengths. This feature is particularly useful for handheld shooting in low light or when using telephoto lenses. If you often shoot in such conditions, look for lenses with built-in image stabilization.
AutofocusAutofocus (AF) is the lens's ability to automatically focus on the subject. Fast and accurate autofocus is essential for capturing sharp images, especially in action or wildlife photography. Some lenses offer advanced AF systems with multiple focus points and tracking capabilities. Consider your need for speed and precision when evaluating autofocus performance.
Lens Elements and CoatingsLens elements and coatings are designed to reduce optical imperfections like chromatic aberration, flare, and ghosting. High-quality lenses often have multiple elements and special coatings to enhance image clarity and color accuracy. If you prioritize image quality, look for lenses with advanced optical designs and coatings.
Weight and SizeThe weight and size of a lens can affect your comfort and mobility, especially during long shooting sessions or travel. Larger, heavier lenses may offer better performance but can be cumbersome to carry. Consider how often you'll be carrying the lens and your comfort level when choosing the size and weight.
Prime vs. Zoom LensesPrime lenses have a fixed focal length, offering superior image quality, wider apertures, and lighter weight. Zoom lenses offer variable focal lengths, providing versatility and convenience. If you need flexibility and convenience, a zoom lens might be the best choice. If you prioritize image quality and low-light performance, consider a prime lens.

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