Last Updated on 01/31/2019 by Mark Beckenbach
If you’re looking for some new glass, you should check out the top ten lenses that have been given high scores by DXOMark.
There’s nothing quite as exciting as getting some new glass for your camera. Buying good quality lenses is incredibly important, after all they will determine if you’ll be able to get razor sharp shots or create the bokeh you may desire. Lenses are also incredibly expensive so it’s worth doing your research. Fortunately sites like DXO Mark can be used to see how the lenses you’re interested in perform. There results provided on the top ten lenses aren’t the be all end all, but the information you can get from DXO Mark can help you make a decision that’s right for you. Join us after the break to see the top ten lenses you can buy according to DXOMark.
While the tests performed on these tests by DXOMark can certainly give a great indication of how well a lens will perform, the information should be used in conjunction with real world reviews like the ones we provide. If any of the top ten lenses are on your list, be sure to read our full review before making your purchase. Check out the top ten lenses according to DXO mark below.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art
In our review we said:
“It focuses quickly, has a bit of weather sealing and overall is a very strong performer. There is very little that will make me want to not award this lens the Editor’s Choice award it so easily deserves. It’s highly capable and available at a good price.”
Buy now Canon ($962.49): Amazon
Buy now Nikon ($1,037.49): Amazon
Carl Zeiss 55mm F1.4 Otus
In our review we said:
“Zeiss’s 55mm f1.4 Otus lens is a beauty. The lens exhibits the best image quality we’ve seen by far from any lens. Indeed, it is pretty much flawless when it comes to this parameter.”
Buy now ($3,799): Amazon
Sony 85mm F1.4 G Master
In our review we said:
“This lens has fantastic sharpness, class-leading bokeh, good construction, weather sealing, fast autofocus performance, and lots to offer the high end Sony shooter. You honestly couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Buy now ($1,798): Amazon
Sony 55mm F1.8 Sonnar T FE ZA
In our review we said:
“Above all else, this lens is sharp. Secondly, it produces accurate colors in all the right places (that is to say everywhere). Thirdly, the bokeh is creamy to the point where you’d want to take it out of focus photographs just to see what this lens can create.”
Buy now ($998): Amazon
Carl Zeiss 135mm F2 ZE
In our review we said:
“The Zeiss 135mm f2 is an absolute dream when it comes to portrait lenses. It is sharp, contrasty, produces beautiful bokeh, and has an excellent build quality.”
Buy now ($2,122): Amazon
Carl Zeiss 85mm F1.4 Milvus
In our review we said:
“Zeiss has always done incredible portrait lenses and this one is no exception. It’s super sharp wide open and you may never even need to stop it down. It renders beautiful image quality with solid color performance, no fringing, and it even features weather sealing.”
Buy now ($1,619): Amazon
Sony 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
In our review we said:
“One of the strongest features of this lens has to be the bokeh. It’s absolutely beautiful, creamy, and never hazy. Part of this is due to the nine aperture blade design. Along with the Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis lens, the Sony 90mm f2.8 Macro G OSS is an excellent portrait photography option.”
Buy now ($1,098): Amazon
Tamron 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD
In our review we said:
“This lens has sharp image quality, fast autofocusing, great bokeh, a unique look to its contrast and saturation, and best of all you’ll get weather sealing. It’s lightweight and can do well in the hands of amateurs, enthusiasts, semi-professionals, and professionals alike.”
Buy now Canon ($749): Amazon
Buy now Nikon ($749): Amazon
Zeiss 25mm F2 Batis
In our review we said:
“You’ll fall in love with the image quality for many reasons. Not only is the lens sharp, but it offers excellent bokeh. Even better, the lens is just genuinely sharp without the need for micro contrast. Add onto that the absolutely spectacular color rendition and you won’t have a single reason to complain.”
Buy now ($1,168.98): Amazon
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
In our review we said:
“Sigma’s 50mm f1.4 Art DG HSM is an exceptional lens. Starting with the design, it very much is in line with the company’s 35mm f1.4 Art optic. The outside feels and looks like something that Hasselblad might make. It feels just so great in your hands that you’d never want to let it go. In fact, if you’re a big fan of the 50mm field of view you might never want to give it up. Users also just won’t be able to complain about the image quality. The sharpness, bokeh, colors, and look are top class.”
Buy now Canon ($750.50): Amazon
Buy now Nikon ($754.90): Amazon