What's your favorite Canon lens and why?

[jabbott]

70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, hands down.  It is absolutely razor sharp and takes amazing photos time and time again.  Nothing else I've used comes close.  Other Canon lenses I've used include the 24-70mm f/2.8L, 24-105mm f/4L, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5, 70-300 DO IS USM, 50mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.8.

[NoWii]

Funny question .
Canon EF 24-70 mm 2.8L usm. Because it fits my photography interests and delivers premium performance. I shoot lots of portraits and events like concerts etc.
I don't actually own one (low budget), but have used it quite a bit

[Quasimodo]

My favourite Canon lens is EF 200mm 1:2.8L USM. I can't explain why, but the look of the images it produced has captivated me from the start.
(I feel it's quite a weight to carry, but probably I need to gain some weight after some starvation for the lens )

Next in line is nifty fifty, which opened my eyes on how a decent lens should be.

I have to state that I only own three lenses (2 Canons, 1 old Sig), but at least I have tried some others. Up until now, I can't say I have another favourite lens.

I looked at this lens quite a bit, but finally I did not go for it as I got the 135 F2.0, and also the 70-200 F2.8 IS II. But I read great things about it.

[Quasimodo]

So after reading all you comments, I see that one that is mentioned again and again as a top lens is the 35 1.4L. I have a 16-35. Is the image quality on the 35 much better than the 16-35 @ 35 (if you disregard that it is faster?). And finally of the 24 and the 35 which one to choose (I have a 17mm TS for ultra wide angle)?

[kbmelb]

The 35 1.4 is substantially better than the 16-35 @ 35.

As far as the 24 or 35 this is personal preference. I personally prefer the 35 1.4. 24 is too wide for my liking. I owned the 24 1.4L mkI when the only camera I had was a crop but when I switched to FF I was sort of lost. So I sold it. I bought the 35L and loved it but then I got he 50L and loved it. Since 50 and 35 are pretty close I sold the 35. After missing my 35 I decided to try 24L mkII since it was substantially wider than 50. THe lens optics were great but still too wide for me so I returned it and purchased the 35 again and couldn't be happier. Even with the expected 35mkII, the 35mkI is so good I didn't care to wait and pay $1800+ for the new one.

[mjp]

I have to go with the 70-200mm f2.8 IS II! It is still my favorite lens that I go to quite often. The IQ is fantastic and works phenomenally on both FF and apsc. I actually prefer using it on my 7D.

[crasher7]

24-70 2.8L. Sure it's big and heavy but what you get? Gorgeous colors, very sharp, hand held down to 1/20, IQ over anything I've shot with. Love.

[D.Sim]

24-70 2.8L. Sure it's big and heavy but what you get? Gorgeous colors, very sharp, hand held down to 1/20, IQ over anything I've shot with. Love.

you're preferring the IQ of your 24-70 over your 70-200?

[crasher7]

hell yes, by far. 70-200 f/4L btw.

[Axilrod]

So after reading all you comments, I see that one that is mentioned again and again as a top lens is the 35 1.4L. I have a 16-35. Is the image quality on the 35 much better than the 16-35 @ 35 (if you disregard that it is faster?). And finally of the 24 and the 35 which one to choose (I have a 17mm TS for ultra wide angle)?

Dude yes, no comparison.  I have both, and while I love my 16-35mm the 35L is just much much sharper and has much better color rendition and bokeh.  The 24LII is a damn good one too though, but I feel the 35L is a bit more versatile.

[birdman]

35L here. Then it would be 135/2.0....though I don't own it. Razor sharp. arguably their best piece of glass

[iso79]

My favorites are the 35mm f/1.4L and the 85mm f/1.2 L  because they're ridiculously sharp

[andydg]

For me the 35L also.  My most used lens, 2nd would be the 200L 2.8  I've rented the 50L 1.2 and will get one eventually to add to my primes.

[dirtcastle]

Of the lenses I own, the 50 f/1.4 and the 135 f/2 are my favorites.

Of the lenses I don't own... favorites are 17mm TSE, 35mm f/1.4, 65mm macro, 85mm f/1.2, 100mm macro, 200mm f/2 (duh).

How could anyone not have 200mm f/2 be a favorite?? I mean, aside from the fact that you'll never own one because of the price? ;-)

I have a 16-35mm f/2.8, but I don't like the distortion. Otherwise it's decent... not amazing, but sufficient to get the job done.

[nesarajah]

85 f1.2 . This is the best lens god ever made. Just bought one and it has not left the body and doesn't look like it will for the next few months. amazing. broke now but at least I'm happy ? LOL