Camera Lenses Top Ten 2006

Pretty much all the big names were featured in this top ten list of lenses compiled by PopPhoto

This year our favorite new lenses are evenly split—between those designed for full-frame 35mm coverage and optics specifically made for the smaller-than-35mm chips found in all but a couple of digital SLRs. Does this mean that 35mm film photography is alive and well? Or that lens makers are expecting us to clamor for full-frame digital SLRs?

To answer the question, I think Film is alive and well but Nikon would hate for photographers to even consider full frame as they do not have any full frame digital products. Canon users (and possibly Kodak) on the other hand associate 35mm with professional products and performance. For myself I am happy to use APS-C lenses and sensors for now as I have little chance of being a full time pro any time soon but definitely see a full frame sensor body in my future.

Here is a run-down of the lenses that made the list:

• Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR II
• Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor
• Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
• Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
• Sigma 150mm f/2.8 APO MACRO
  DG HSM
• Tamron
  SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR LD Di-II
• Pentax DA FISHEYE 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 ED [IF]
• Zeiss ZF Planar T*
  85mm f/1.4
• Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/3.5 Full-Frame Fish
• Leica D
  Vario-Elmarit 14-50 mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH

Technorati Tags: dslr, lenses, popular, photography, news

Tweet