10 Best Camera Lenses 2025 in the United States

The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is a high-quality telephoto zoom lens designed for Sony full-frame cameras with E-mount. Its focal length range of 70-200mm makes it versatile for sports, wildlife, portraits, and events where you need to zoom in on distant subjects. The constant wide aperture of F2.8 means it performs well in low light and offers a pleasant background blur. Image stabilization is built-in, helping reduce blur from hand shake, which is useful when shooting without a tripod.

The autofocus system is notably fast and precise, thanks to Sony’s XD Linear Motors, providing smooth and quiet focus ideal for both still photography and video. It also features advanced lens coatings and multiple special glass elements to minimize unwanted color fringing and reflections, delivering sharp and clear images across the zoom range. Weighing just over 2.3 pounds, this lens is lighter than its predecessor, improving comfort for handheld use without compromising build quality.

Despite its improvements, the lens remains relatively large and may feel heavy for casual users or those preferring compact setups. The price reflects its professional-grade features and is on the higher side. Teleconverters for extra reach are available but sold separately, which adds to the cost if additional zoom is needed. This lens is well suited for serious enthusiasts and professionals who want sharp, fast autofocus and excellent image quality in a reliable, versatile zoom 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.

The Samyang 85mm F1.4 lens is a solid choice for Canon EF and EF-S users looking for a prime lens tailored for portrait photography. Its 85mm focal length is excellent for flattering portraits with natural perspective. The bright f/1.4 aperture stands out by allowing great low-light performance and creating a smooth, creamy background blur that makes your subject pop.

Autofocus is fast and quiet thanks to its Dual Linear Ultrasonic Motors, which is helpful if you also shoot video or want less distraction while focusing. The lens features weather-sealed construction and lightweight aluminum alloy, making it durable and easy to carry outdoors. The optical design with 9 elements in 7 groups and Ultra Multi-Coating helps reduce unwanted glare and maintains sharp, color-accurate images on full-frame cameras. A 9-blade rounded diaphragm contributes to the attractive bokeh effect.

On the downside, this lens does not include image stabilization, which might be noticeable when shooting handheld in low light. Also, while the lens is reasonably compact and light at about 1.1 pounds, it might be slightly heavier than some other 85mm primes, but still manageable. The 77mm filter thread is a common size, making it easy to add filters for creative effects. This lens fits photographers who want high image quality and excellent background separation in portraits without breaking the bank, though you should keep in mind the lack of stabilization if your camera body doesn’t offer it.