List of ten of the world's sharpest lenses

[Deleted member 20471]

The Swedish site objektivtest lists ten of the world's sharpest lenses, on the list are four Sigma, three Zeiss, two Leica and one Canon.

The lenses are placed under the name of order. They have not ranked them the best of sharpness.

The list can be found here, http://www.objektivtest.se/nyheter/tio-av-varldens-skarpaste-objektiv/, (in Swedish) and here, https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=sv&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.objektivtest.se%2Fnyheter%2Ftio-av-varldens-skarpaste-objektiv%2F&edit-text=&act=url, with Google translate.

 

[Eldar]

The Swedish site objektivtest lists ten of the world's sharpest lenses, on the list are four Sigma, three Zeiss, two Leica and one Canon.

The lenses are placed under the name of order. They have not ranked them the best of sharpness.

The list can be found here, http://www.objektivtest.se/nyheter/tio-av-varldens-skarpaste-objektiv/, (in Swedish) and here, https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=sv&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.objektivtest.se%2Fnyheter%2Ftio-av-varldens-skarpaste-objektiv%2F&edit-text=&act=url, with Google translate.

Of the lenses listed, of which I know about half, I agree that they are sharp lenses. However, I assume there are quite a few lenses they have not tested, since there are a couple of surprise entries and a number of obvious omissions. Moreover, as many on CR points out, IQ is much more than sharpness ….

 

[AlanF]

They very carefully write "ten of", meaning there are other lenses out there just as sharp, and not "the ten sharpest". Isn't it good enough that not a single Nikon product is on their list?

 

[chauncey]

IQ is much more than sharpness

Perhaps a definition of Image Quality is called for...is it pixel-peeping at 200% or, is it akin
to the definition of "Art"...an indefinable term to say the least.

 

[sanj]

Thanks for positing. Does not make any difference to my future buying decisions, but nice to know!

 

[AcutancePhotography]

. Isn't it good enough that not a single Nikon product is on their list?

I am not understanding how this could be at all important.

 

[AlanF]

. Isn't it good enough that not a single Nikon product is on their list?

I am not understanding how this could be at all important.

You are not understanding the British sense of humour. It was a joke. Let me explain. This website is full of Canon users who consider Nikon as the opposition. So, the very fact that there is one Canon lens and nothing from Nikon will amuse some. I believe it is termed schadenfreude in German.

 

[Click]

;D ;D ;D

 

[StudentOfLight]

The Nikon 200mm f/2 is absolutely outstanding. It definitely should be on their to-do list.

 

[Luds34]

They very carefully write "ten of", meaning there are other lenses out there just as sharp, and not "the ten sharpest".

Great point!

To the OP, thanks for sharing, was a fun, quick read.

 

[Maiaibing]

Have a few of them myself - and they are really, really sharp! ;D

I note the Sigma 180mm Macro is there. Have never used it myself but wonder why not more people interested in macro get this lens. Stabilized 180mm goodness for a reasonable price and macro to boost...

 

[Tinky]

This reminds me that I don't use my Sigma 70mm f2.8 nearly often enough.

 

[Aglet]

This reminds me that I don't use my Sigma 70mm f2.8 nearly often enough.

Ditto, awesome lens and diaphragm makes wild starbursts of lights for night shots.

 

[arcanej]

At a glance, the list doesn't carry much water. At second glance, they justify their selections with computed - rather than measured - MTF charts in many cases. Great lenses, though.

 

[AlanF]

At a glance, the list doesn't carry much water. At second glance, they justify their selections with computed - rather than measured - MTF charts in many cases. Great lenses, though.

They are all measured (on Hasselblad equipment) and the list limited to those that they have measured themselves.

Note the disclaimer:

"The new list provides examples only 10 of the world's brightest lenses. There is more that can be counted there but the tests, we have not yet published on Objektivtest.se. So the list will be revised as.
To appoint the 10 sharpest other hand, is a little more difficult. But it can happen that we try to us it eventually!"
(translation via Google chrome, you get the gist).

 

[Hjalmarg1]

I have used couple of them but I tend to agree with the statement that are some of the sharpest lenses available based on the multiple reviews conducted by professionals. My surprise came with the two Sigma Macro lenses, particularly the Macro 70mm f2.8 I was not aware of its existance.

 

[RGF]

Too many 50s. Better would be sharpest in each focal range.

 

[TeT]

They very carefully write "ten of", meaning there are other lenses out there just as sharp, and not "the ten sharpest".

Great point!

To the OP, thanks for sharing, was a fun, quick read.

They link the old "10 sharpest lenses" list in the article... Me thinks they wanted to use different lenses rather than repeat the old list. Thus the title and lack of a bunch of Canon Nikon repeats...

 

[TeT]

I have used couple of them but I tend to agree with the statement that are some of the sharpest lenses available based on the multiple reviews conducted by professionals. My surprise came with the two Sigma Macro lenses, particularly the Macro 70mm f2.8 I was not aware of its existance.

If you are doing Macro the 70 2.8 is a nifty little lens.. What I really love about it is the short minimum focus distance...

 

[Tinky]

It is a beaut. I bought mine for my old 400D. It was off the chart back then, easily out-resolving the cameras back then.

Criminally underused. I might have to break it out more often.