DXOMark hasn’t been kind to Canon; and their latest tests are even more brutal. According to the site’s findings, there are many lenses that score higher numbers and are overall much sharper. One of DXOMark’s favorite lenses is the 100mm f2–and when you look at the sharpness you can see that the 40mm f2.8 STM is scoring higher digits. Sure, these lenses can’t totally be compared in terms of what they’re capable of, but what ever happened to the idea that L glass is superior to all others? Photographers still buy into that idea even though we know it’s not necessarily true.
Even more embarrassing: the company’s 50mm f1.8 II rates in higher than the Canon 11-24mm f4 L USM.
Despite it being a completely new lens, it rates nowhere near many other new offerings. Sony, Zeiss, Sigma and Nikon seem to dominate the top 10 on the list. To Canon’s credit, nothing that is remotely close and a full frame lens is available for comparison on the site. The closest competitor would be the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8, which we just got in for review.
Also, do keep in mind that these numbers are qualitative and don’t at all affect someone’s creativity.
