Last Updated on 03/03/2018 by Mark Beckenbach
These lenses are old, but far from obsolete!
There is one truth in photography that goes back about as long as the art form has been around, and it is that the image is only as good as the glass used to create it (well, to a point at least). Maybe you have heard the saying that you are ‘investing’ when you are purchasing new lenses? Well, that is because its true: you are investing in your photographic future. New cameras come out with sweeter specs every single year, but new lenses (those with enough of an IQ or performance boost over your current glass to justify another purchase), those maybe come around every 5-10 years.
So, while the draw to buying the latest and greatest, most expensive lenses on the market is normal, one should really, honestly, and truly consider older lenses on the market as well. That is the point behind today’s post – to highlight some of the top ‘old’ lenses for each major system that we think are still well worth picking up, especially if you’re working on a limited budget.
Canon
Canon is obviously the most popular photography brand and it shows with the dominance of their EOS system. The system has long been a popular one for photographers, from beginners up through professionals, and that means there are literally decades worth of great lenses to consider that will all still work on your current Canon EOS camera. Here are our old Cannon lenses for you to consider here in 2018…
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM
From our Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Review: “As you can see from the sample images, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 is a real performer. At f/2 and above it is very sharp and the bokeh it produces is simply stunning. The only real limitations with the Sigma are the focusing ring and the AF speed.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B0018ZDGAC’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8e5d58c0-182c-11e8-979d-6556e7e56391′]
Canon 24-105mm F4L IS
From our Canon 24-105mm F4L IS Review: “This lens is one of the most affordable L lenses in Canon’s lineup and can often be found used for an even better price. The fast autofocusing speed, silent motors, image stabilization, sharpness, color rendering, and zoom range make this lens a no brainer for most photographers. Rightfully so, it has earned a special place on our list of recommended lenses for Canon owners and for DSLR videographers.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B004V97MXE’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8339857a-182d-11e8-8b42-63f93acc816f’]
Canon 85mm F1.8
From our Canon 85mm F1.8 Review: “For those of you who want to shoot intimately close portraits but don’t want to get close to your subjects (or are admittedly afraid to do so) you’ll be happy using the 85mm on a cropped sensor camera. Since most readers of this site use cropped sensor DSLRs, you’ll be smitten with the results that you can achieve.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00007GQLU’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’afcbe3e6-182d-11e8-906d-7fc544c718cc’]
Canon 35mm F1.4L
From our Canon 35mm F1.4L Review: “This lens is built extremely well. When holding it, you know this is a lens meant to help a photographer make money. The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USMis very simple to use: just a focusing switch and a focusing ring. The rubber around the focusing ring doesn’t feel like it will come off at any time and turning it actually delivers one of the smoothest focusing experiences I’ve had with a Canon lens.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00009R6WY’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4dc7c592-182e-11e8-9edb-7dba8ed23b12′]
Canon 100mm F2.8L IS Macro
From our Canon 100mm F2.8L IS Review: “I was actually surprised at how light the L was compared to the non L version. I figured with more elements and IS, the L would be significantly heavier. When I was holding both, I honestly couldn’t tell a difference in weight at all. I had to look at the spec sheets to see which one was heavier which happens to be the L by a few tenths of a pound. Impressive.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B002NEGTSI’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e6312579-182f-11e8-ab01-67584b6f16cd’]
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM
From our Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Review: “Next to its 50mm cousin, the Sigma 85mm F/1.4 may be one of the best values on the market at the moment. Sigma has done a great job at filling the gap between Canon’s current offerings. The Sigma 85mm F/1.4 sits nicely between the Canon 85mm F/1.8 and the Canon 85mm F/1.2 in price, but I think it is much closer to the Canon 85mm F/1.2 in performance.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B003NSC2XE’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fb6cabfb-1830-11e8-b39e-076ac90a6dcc’]
Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD
From our Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Review “Tamron’s 70-200mm f/2.8 SP Di VC USD is a lens that has really left us speechless. It’s sharp, affordable for the offering, fast to focus, contrasty, has some extremely wonderful bokeh, and also is tough as nails. The photographers who may purchase this lens are those looking to save some extra cash, the semi-professional looking for a good telephoto zoom lens to build their photography business, or the traveller looking to rent something with really good performance.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B0013DG08E’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’49029f31-1832-11e8-a9c7-752b71f1055e’]
Sigma 50-150mm F2.8
From our Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 Review “Designed for cropped sensor cameras, the Sigma 50-150mm OS works wonders when it comes to speed. At an awesome f2.8 aperture, this lens becomes much more flexible to fit your shooting needs and environment. Whether it is outside on a bright day or indoors in a poorly lit hockey rink, the images are clear and sometimes even surprisingly so.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B007PXLCXY’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c9dee6ba-1832-11e8-991a-85c308f12bbb’]
Canon 17-40mm F4L
From our Canon 17-40mm F4L Review “This is an excellent lens for the price you’ll pay for it. It will fulfill the wide-angle notch in your lens assortment zoom range. This will be your go-to lens for anything that needs that wide field of view. This could be anything from typical landscapes to realty photos to star photography. If you’re thinking about purchasing this lens mainly for landscapes, you won’t even miss the extra light capture ability that the 16-35mm lens would give you as you’ll likely be shooting at much higher f stops anyway.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00009R6WO’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’40ef18e7-1833-11e8-baea-2540595312eb’]
Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 ZE
From our Zeiss 21mm F2.8 Review: “For when Canon’s L series isn’t good enough: Zeiss delivers top shelf German-made (well, made in Japan) glass that’ll fit onto your EOS system camera. I’ve always wanted to try out their lenses, to see if the hype was real. So Zeiss loaned one of their wide angle lenses to go nuts with.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B002UBPWAK’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’da8359d6-1833-11e8-9f97-d5e6376be1c4′]
Nikon
Nikon has been slipping a little in recent years after dominating the photography market alongside Canon as the ‘one-two’ top companies for photography. But Nikon’s camera system goes back to the dawn of the DSLR, and their F Mount, despite being updated through the years, has remained largely unchanged. This means there are probably more ‘old lenses’ currently still compatible with Nikon’s system than any other. Here are our picks for those of you considering investing in more affordable aged glass in 2018…
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 VC
From our Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 VC Review: “This lens is tack sharp; providing your subject is in perfect focus. But even when stopped down, the lens is still also very sharp and resolves lots of detail. In fact, it even resolves detail that you don’t want. For example, in some portraits that I shot throughout my time with the lens, many subjects had blemishes, skin peeling, etc that required me to spend lots of extra time in Lightroom to get rid of all that.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00M1Q74OQ’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d417b755-1834-11e8-9914-4d534293ef89′]
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8
From our Sigma review: “After getting to use the Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 DG HSM I would have to say that it is a great buy for anyone that isn’t looking to spend $1,700 on the Nikon version. For the $900 spent on the Sigma 24-70 you are getting a lens that delivers quality images at almost half the cost of Nikon’s 24-70mm lens. That $900 savings allows you to purchase maybe a 50mm 1.8 prime lens, and other accessories.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B001NEK2Q4′ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b01ddb50-1835-11e8-8298-51522a1d4c63′]
Tamron 60mm F2 Macro
From our Tamron Review: “All that said, the image quality has proven to be pretty impressive. At f/2, it seems to stay sharp, and as you stop down things get even better. The lens is not a constant f/2 as it may be implied. It will begin to stop down when focusing closely, and is at a widest aperture of f/4 when focused at it’s closest distance. Even at f/4 though, when focused that close, the DoF is razor thin, and the bokeh is very smooth and pleasing.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B002AAYYIW’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’41c900e1-1837-11e8-971a-ef5bdd755698′]
Nikon 40mm F2.8
From our Nikon Review: “At its price, I would say any Nikon photographer that wants to shoot macro and use a small lens doing it. If you have a Nikon 35mm you have to ask yourself how much macro are you going to shoot. This lens is not for everyone. If you have issues with external or natural lighting, you may not do well with this lens.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B005C50H2Y’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’26cd3d58-1838-11e8-8beb-bdd59c654349′]
Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Distagon
From our Zeiss Review: “It is not practical for most people. The Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Distagon is for those who can afford it; and the lens is targeted at users who left the medium format industry for full frame cameras. With that said, most photographers won’t be able to own this lens. My heart beats sadly because to justify this lens I would have to be making a hell of a lot of money in photography. However, if you are a Nikon user thinking about moving up to medium format, you might think about buying this along with the D800. It may bring you to Medium format quality with our medium format cost.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00GM33B7S’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’deed7887-1838-11e8-9c09-67549f989a0c’]
Nikon 28mm F2.8D
From our Nikon Review: “Its not the best of bokeh. Its not the worst of bokeh. The bokeh quality of the Nikon 24mm 2.8D is slight above decent. Wide open the bokeh on this lens is not always completely smooth but it works. I have no issues with it personally because I usually shoot with this lens around f8.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00005LE71′ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9734eae6-1839-11e8-bb76-e198a71d12ac’]
Nikon 35mm F1.8 G
From our Nikon Review: “If you are a Nikon DX shooter, you should own this lens. It is a fantastic tool that will never let you down. The lens is extremely versatile and can travel anywhere. Out of all of my photography purchases, so far, this has been one of the best. Even though I shoot full frame more often now, the Nikon 35mm f1.8G is still in heavy rotation. It is a work horse and it’s brilliant. When I have to show some fellow Nikonians why they need to move on from their kit lens, I let them borrow the 35mm 1.8 for a bit. They are generally hooked after that.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00W3SCHNU’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’38569c41-183a-11e8-8669-a7bd8231515d’]
Tokina AF 12-28mm f/4 AT-X 124 Pro DX II
From our Tokina Review: “Tokina has created an excellent lens in the form of the 12-28mm f4 II. Not only are you getting exceptional build quality and even better image quality, but you’re getting it at a damned good price. The feel and look of this lens beckons that it be attached to your high end APS-C DSLR. Sure, folks might complain about it not being full frame, but this isn’t the lens for that crowd. If you attach this lens to the D7100, it may even beat out some full frame DSLRs to the point of where you’ll be totally okay with APS-C performance.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00BTXAZ4I’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5e36b225-183b-11e8-804c-4b21880286a0′]
Sigma 800mm F5.6
From our Sigma Review: “It is a very dramatic lens. Its price is dramatic as well. However, this lens can do so much. It turns many heads as you use it. This lens is for those who do not want or cannot be directly in front of their subjects. If you are shooting wild life, sports, the Moon or just have to shoot at locations that are too dangerous to be near, this lens will serve you well. It is not always practical, but some of the results of working with this lens has been spectacular.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B0009JKH7I’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f7a172bb-183b-11e8-83e9-b983e0014c89′]
Nikon 80-400mm F4.5-5.6
From our Nikon Review: “Not only is it compact and offering an extremely fast aperture range for the zooming power that it is, but it is light, sharp, and focuses extremely fast. Granted, it’s not cheap–but if you’re in the market for a killer superzoom lens then this is the one to spring for. Wildlife photographers, sports photographers, and adventure photographers can surely utilize this lens to the max. You won’t have any trouble toting it around from sideline to sideline or mountain to open plains.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00005LEOO’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6128ace5-183c-11e8-be10-63d4d4c6b535′]
Micro Four Thirds
Of all the mirrorless lens systems out there, Micro Four Thirds has a ton of great lenses that go back a ways. It’s biggest players, Olympus and Panasonic, have long made excellent glass to go along with their system cameras. Here are our Micro Four Thirds lens picks for those looking to pick up some old gems in 2018…
Voigtlander 17.5mm F0.95
From our Voigtlander Review: “There really isn’t a bad thing that I can say about the Voigtlander 17.5mm f0.95 lens for Micro Four Thirds. Sure, it may not be built for everyone, but for those that take the time to master it or that appreciate craftmanship and putting careful thought into your images, you’ll quickly learn to love this lens.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B007VHDUN4′ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8bf65bd0-1901-11e8-a0e5-53cc195b3f10′]
Sigma 19mm f2.8
From our Sigma Review: “” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00BPZCYK8′ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’db31b685-1901-11e8-ae17-9fd0b7a75107′]
Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8
From our Panasonic Review: “” [amazon_textlink asin=’B01MY1ICID’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’448efae5-1902-11e8-9e59-df80089f5b85′]
Panasonic 7-14mm f4
From our Panasonic Review: “The Panasonic 7-14mm f4 lens may just become your next go-to lens for everything if your the type of shooter that it appeals to. It is wonderful for landscapes, cityscapes, and wide scenes at the shorter end of the lens. But when you zoom it, it becomes one of two classical street photography focal lengths. And you really can’t go wrong.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B0028Y5GKK’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’af984128-1902-11e8-9801-49c2b300461a’]
Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8
From our Panasonic Review: “Of any of the lenses that I used with the Panasonic GH3, this one is perhaps my favorite and the only one that I would actually purchase. I often don’t shoot with long focal lengths unless I need to–and it would be nice to have a variety of them to keep the lens bag not too heavy. This lens exhibits mesmerizing sharpness, wonderful bokeh, excellent colors, great stabilization, and a build quality that will be able to keep up with your rough and tumble life despite the plastic exterior.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B009GFD4N0′ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’1101b1d1-1903-11e8-aee7-fbc5014c8f05′]
Panasonic 100-300mm f4-5.6
From our Panasonic Review: “Panasonic’s 100-300mm f4-5.6 lens is a compact and relatively affordable solution to the Micro Four Thirds user that needs a super telephoto zoom lens. And when used correctly it does a good job. This lens exhibits second to none color rendition, great Optical Image Stabilization, and some fair build quality. ” [amazon_textlink asin=’B0043XY8YO’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9e92fecd-1903-11e8-994c-41e6f01e19b6′]
Olympus 12-40mm f2.8
From our Olympus Review: “When the OMD EM1 launched, we questioned whether or not Olympus would need to go full frame eventually. To be extremely honest, We haven’t been as impressed with a Micro Four Thirds lens since our review of the 75mm f1.8 and the 12mm f2. But those were primes, and our site is especially even tougher on zoom lenses. However, we’ve seen some wonderful ones as of late with the Sigma 18-35mm f1.8, Tamron’s 70-200mm f2.8 VC, and now the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00EY6AV50′ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e09caa81-1903-11e8-ac04-91fd73da79f1′]
Olympus 25mm f1.8
From our Olympus Review: “Take a working formula, adapt it to another focal length, make it affordable, and give it kick ass autofocusing skills. Sounds like a winner to us. In fact, the 25mm f1.8 is one of the most affordable and bang for your buck lenses out there for the Micro Four Thirds system. In general, we’re quite impressed with the sharpness, bokeh, fast focusing speed (coupled with accuracy), small size, and the overall feel that it is the single lens that you may want to keep mated to your camera forever.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00HWMP0XG’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ac620ac1-1904-11e8-b176-6de239ade6e0′]
Panasonic 20mm f1.7 II
From our Panasonic Review: “Panasonic’s 20mm f1.7 II is a lens that is a well needed upgrade in some ways, but in other ways it is a step back. The lens could have added more saturation and also could have been sharper. But what you get in return is faster focusing and better build quality. For what it’s worth, we’re positive that there were loads of shooters that beat their lens up after years of continued use. Still though, there isn’t anything necessarily wrong with the lens.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00DJS830Y’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’05633a68-1905-11e8-a0fa-7930f19ff8f7′][amazon_textlink asin=’B00DJS830Y’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’059dabc3-1905-11e8-ae23-a9433d0470b3′]
Panasonic 15mm f1.7
From our Panasonic Review: “Our gripes are honestly quite minor about the Panasonic 15mm f1.7, though they’re still there. But those gripes will probably just be ours. Panasonic put out a fantastic product that every Micro Four Thirds owner should get their hands on lest they miss out. This lens focuses super quickly, feels great, is sharp, small, and a perfect lens for any Micro Four Thirds camera due to its compact size. It also keeps the overall package much more low profile–plus it blends in with the retro looks of some of the cameras.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00J8H7H48′ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’629e1cde-1905-11e8-961c-af4483220c8e’]
Sony
Let’s be honest here: the Sony mirrorless system has not really been around long enough to have a ton of ‘old’ lens options to consider. That said, thanks to the nature of it being a mirrorless system, most of the above lenses from Canon and Nikon will also work when adapted to this system – in additon to the native lenses we mention below. So here are our Sony picks in 2018…
Sony 35mm f2.8
From our Sony Review: “Though we have some qualms about this lens, we really can’t say that it is in any way a bad optic. In fact, it’s an incredible lens. On the A7 it will focus like a speed demon. On the A7r it will resolve more detail than your mom will want to see in her face. Then when you’re all done with that, you can take it out into inclement weather with no problems. Then there is your excellent color rendition and class leading sharpness.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00FSB79KU’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’56020b85-1907-11e8-a9c7-752b71f1055e’]
Sony 55mm f1.8
Form our Sony Review: “The Sony 55mm f1.8, like its shorter brother, has earned our Editor’s Choice Award for sheer performance. If this lens is any indication, the future is bright and creamy for the A7, A7R and whatever will come next. When paired with the A7, you’ll enjoy smooth focusing both manually and automatically. With the A7R, you’ll get far greater resolution. Whether you go for the A7 or the A7R, know that you’ll get great results with the 55mm f1.8.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00FYOF61K’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9806869d-1907-11e8-a28b-190d34d19dc8′]
Sony Zeiss 24-70mm f4 FE OSS
From our Sony Review: “The Sony Zeiss 24-70mm f4 FE OSS is a damned good lens. In a compact package you get splash/dust proofing, fast focusing, and decent image quality. However, it isn’t the strongest at any one parameter and does nothing very special for the system except provide a more affordable constant aperture zoom lens. It’s nice, but we think that you should hold out for whatever other zooms Sony may be working on–or reach for their primes instead.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00FSB79FU’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’de55a440-1907-11e8-85dc-410ee20b1567′]
Zeiss 35mm f2 Loxia
From our Zeiss Review: “Without a doubt, the Zeiss 35mm f2 Loxia is an incredible lens. Before I finished writing this review, I ran it by Julius, the site’s Managing Editor. The lens totally deserves all the praise it can get, and we don’t feel like it’s their problem that the focus peaking doesn’t work out so well. Instead, we recommend using the zone focusing system to get the best images that you can.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B01DNS9ZVK’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3f70f48e-1908-11e8-abe5-992eb77d41fa’]
Sony 28mm f2
From our Sony Review: “Sony’s 28mm f2 is a fantastic lens. It offers great image quality in a small package, but we can’t get over the focusing performance. It isn’t terrible, but it could be better. We expected this lens to be the fastest focusing full frame E mount lens out there due to the wider focal length and light weight. However, it is a bit behind the rest–even the 35mm f1.4 Zeiss. Still though, you’re bound to be able to create incredible images with it no matter what Sony camera you mount it to. With beautiful bokeh, incredible sharpness, and great colors it’s very tough to beat.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00U29GN6O’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’afd9813f-1908-11e8-8233-4b801ec2be09′]
Fujifilm
Fujifilm, much like Sony, are still mostly working on first generation lenses as they continue building out their mirrorless X-Series system to become more attractive to professionals needing a wider variety of lenses for things like low light portraits and long range wildlife photography. That said, there are still some older choices to consider, and so here we are. These are our 10 picks for Fujifilm lenses for those looking to buy in 2018…
Zeiss Touit 32mm f1.8
From our Zeiss Review: “Overall the Zeiss 32mm f1.8 was a pleasant lens to use. If you are in a market for an upscale, fast lens for your Sony NEX or Fujifilm X series, theZeiss 32mm f1/8 is a very good choice. The fascinating thing about this lens is it was like shooting with my Nikon 50mm f1.8 G, making it a good choice for most styles of photography. It could be used from a coffee house to a park with no issues. While costing $900 USD, it is a little expensive, but you do get what you pay for.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00COJSPGG’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’83a9230e-1909-11e8-a95e-03ab91bd87cd’]
Fujifilm XF 18mm f2 R
From our Fujifilm Review: “I found the lens to balance extremely well on the camera, focus both quickly and accurately and provide an overall “fun” shooting experience. As the years go by, I find myself worrying less and less about the technical perfection of cameras and lenses when it comes to my personal work, and I look for cameras and lenses that provide me with a fun shooting experience and digital files that have a lot of character.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B006ZSNRWO’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ef616ecc-1909-11e8-846f-2993c97ed9e7′]
Fujifilm 27mm f2.8
From our Fujifilm Review: “It is fast to focus, sharp, and built very well. But it’s tough to get bokeh (which isn’t a bad thing for some photographers), the color doesn’t pop as much (which can also be great for the black and white crowd), and it has quite the price tag. We’re not sure if we can justify it to ourselves, but we’ve been dying for a pancake lens for the X series system. ” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00DCM0DUU’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5797e5ce-190a-11e8-a8c1-bf72bdb592a7′]
Fujifilm 35mm f1.4
Form our Fujifilm Review: “When I made the purchase of the X Pro 1, I was torn between the 18mm f2 and this lens. I think I made the right decision due to the faster aperture despite the fact that I like shooting wider. Either way, this lens is a wonderful piece of glass that every photographer going into a mirrorless system should consider” [amazon_textlink asin=’B006UL00R6′ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a6e73e5f-190a-11e8-b36d-2563f98349bf’]
Fujifilm 23mm f1.4
From our Fujifilm Review: “Though the Fujifilm 23mm f1.4 is expensive, could be sharper wide open, and faces off against competitors with better bokeh it is being awarded our Editor’s Choice rating. Why? Overall, it is the most versatile lens that you can use for the Fujifilm X series system and we considering to be the single best lens for Street Photography using mirrorless cameras out there. This is due to the autofocus offering and the clearly readable depth of field scale on the lens when shooting with the zone focusing method.” [amazon_textlink asin=’B00EZ8BEXK’ text=’Buy One’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’292bc903-190b-11e8-a566-b1940d0a697b’]
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So there you have it, 40 solid lenses for you to consider for your camera system that aren’t brand new and carrying the ‘new product’ tax. You can still buy these new and most of them are much cheaper than their original price tag now. For those that aren’t, you can get them for a good deal on the used market.