What's your favorite Canon lens and why?

[ontarian]

For me that would be the FD 50 1.4 and the EF 135L.

With that being said: I am very curious about a converted FL 55 1.2 which may just be the closest EF compatible replacement for the FD 50 1.4. For the time being I'm using the EF version of the 50 1.4 (for digital).

I was also always very happy with my 28mm FD lens.

I tested the FL 55 1.2 favorably to the EF 50 1.2 L and exceedingly favorably to the well regarded plastic fantastic 50 1.8. I ended up selling my EF 50 1.2 L since I only used it for low light night club shooting and thus always manual focusing because autofocus was inconsistent in low light for me at least. The FL 55 certainly flares more and has a distinctly different color and bokeh but I like the different flavour it adds.

 

[Cetalis]

18-135, because it makes my XS look impressive to people who have no idea what they're shooting other than the fact it looks chunkier than their p&s, until they ask me to take their portraits and turn their AF back on.

In all seriousness though, its the only lens I own, but at least its pretty decent for the price.

I'd discuss the merits of my Canon 20mm f/2.8 EF lens, but the only one I can come up with, is that I wouldn't be bothered if I dropped it on the sidewalk by accident.

Can ya drop it off outside my door?

 

[pj1974]

My favourite lens is my Canon 15-85mm USM IS.

The reason for this is that it is just so versatile on my Canon 7D. The size / weight, and focal length are just so useful, and I can use it for probably about 80% of photos I take. While it's not particularly fast, IS helps in some situations - and the USM focus is both fast and accurate.

The image quality of the 15-85mm is very good. Some minor issues on the wide end (to be expected, eg small bit of CA, and softness at the edges / corners). But really quite good considering! I had a good copy of the Canon 28-135mm, but my 15-85mm is superior in every regard, including build quality.

My next favourite lens would be my 70-300mm L. That is also my most expensive lens and perhaps has higher image quality than the previous lens. The 70-300mm L is also very versatile for a telezoom - both it's physical size (fits in my LowePro should bag) - and can do eg portraits at 70mm f4, to birds / wildlife / some sports - up to 300mm @ f5.6. But definitely the Canon 15-85mm is more a 'go to' lens for more of my general photography (eg landscape, casual portraits, even flower macros, etc).

Cheers. 8)

Paul

 

[jrista]

For the kind of work I do, birds and wildlife, the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L is without question my favorite lens. Its hand-holdable, light enough to carry around for several hours, has pretty decent IS, and is sharp enough for my usage so far.

Now, if I owned my dream lens, the EF 600m f/4 L, I don't doubt that it would take the top place on my list, when used on a sturdy tripod with a gimbal head. I can't much afford $13,000 for a lens, though (let alone much else these days), so the 100-400 reigns supreme in my kit as my most-used lens.

After that I would have to say the EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II, as I use that for landscapes, and its a superb lens. I'm looking forward to the official announcement of the 5D III, as I have only used the 16-35 on APS-C cameras so far, and it definitely is a tad lacking on the wide end and DOF. It'll be nice to use it on a full-frame camera, as it was meant to be...and I'm sure it will be all that much better (although likely not enough to dethrone the 100-400.)

 

[NWPhil]

Now: Canon TS-E 24mm 3.5L II
because the great IQ and being manual focus - with a very craetive DOF

previously : Canon 17-40 4L
because is light and covers all needs for landscaping while hiking

before 5Dmk2, on a 40D:
Canon EF-s 10-22mm
same as 17-40 on a FF body

ps: don't tell the TS-e 24, but once I can get my hands on the TS-e 17 or another great prime between 16 to 20 - if one ever shows up, she will be on "previously" status

 

[briansquibb]

Definately the 135 f/2 - like a pair of old slippers. Always comfortable and gives that nice warm feeling when being used. When strapped to the 5D2 the balance is perfect for me and its light weight allows it to be waved around all day. I know that the IQ is going to be good, AF is quick and accurate and the bokeh/bg blur is priceless

Makes a wicked street lens as well

 

[Michael_pfh]

EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II - it's super sharp and very versatile

 

[Tijn]

EF 70-200 f/4L IS USM is my favorite Canon lens. Why? Because I have it.

I would probably prefer the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM (even though it's heavy) or the 24-70 f/2.8L II USM if I had those and a 5Dmk3; unfortunately, I don't have them. (nor money to buy them :-X )

 

[D.Sim]

I have so many favourites... =(

The only one I have is the 135mm f/2
Intend to get the 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II (another favourite) soon though...

also:

200mm f/2 IS
300 f/2.8
100 L macro

Anyone want to donate to the "D.Sim Favourite Lens Collection Fund"? 8)

 

[HarryWintergreen]

my 70-200 f/4,0 L IS on ff and on crop. It's so versatile and tack sharp (mabe I got a very good copy), af ist very fast and it's not too heavy

 

[Quasimodo]

I have so many favourites... =(

The only one I have is the 135mm f/2
Intend to get the 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II (another favourite) soon though...

also:

200mm f/2 IS
300 f/2.8
100 L macro

Anyone want to donate to the "D.Sim Favourite Lens Collection Fund"? 8)

You can have my Tokina 17mm, lol. It is stuck on infinity, and the AF does not work. Neither is it supersharp. I bought it used, and was screwed over. On the other hand, I paid so little that I did not bother making a fuzz.

While you dream of the 200 F2.0L IS, I would seriously ask you to consider it to try it before you buy it. Its heavy and bulky, and it comes with what my wife referred to as a beauty bag. It gives incredible pictures, but I believe that the difference between the image quality of that and the 70-200 F2.8L IS II is minimal and does not justify itself as far as price is concerned (unless you do this for a living, or someone else is picking up the bill).

I see many mentions the 35L. I have never tried it, but I was lucky to observe a professional photographer a month ago while he was shooting some pretty awsome portraits/environmental portraits. It is definitly on my list.

I have to say, after reading many of these posts that I am a bit envious of some of you guys who have owned and still own some 'old school lenses', the FD's.

 

[D.Sim]

I have so many favourites... =(

The only one I have is the 135mm f/2
Intend to get the 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II (another favourite) soon though...

also:

200mm f/2 IS
300 f/2.8
100 L macro

Anyone want to donate to the "D.Sim Favourite Lens Collection Fund"? 8)

You can have my Tokina 17mm, lol. It is stuck on infinity, and the AF does not work. Neither is it supersharp. I bought it used, and was screwed over. On the other hand, I paid so little that I did not bother making a fuzz.

While you dream of the 200 F2.0L IS, I would seriously ask you to consider it to try it before you buy it. Its heavy and bulky, and it comes with what my wife referred to as a beauty bag. It gives incredible pictures, but I believe that the difference between the image quality of that and the 70-200 F2.8L IS II is minimal and does not justify itself as far as price is concerned (unless you do this for a living, or someone else is picking up the bill).

I see many mentions the 35L. I have never tried it, but I was lucky to observe a professional photographer a month ago while he was shooting some pretty awsome portraits/environmental portraits. It is definitly on my list.

I have to say, after reading many of these posts that I am a bit envious of some of you guys who have owned and still own some 'old school lenses', the FD's.

I have tried it... And while its a ridiculous lens, what it is is non other than optical engineering perfection... same goes for the 300 2.8



and I can't believe I forgot to mention the 85 1.2 =O




also the 1200mm bazooka >.>

 

[decltype]

I'll add a small twist to the Pete Souza quote (at least it's been attributed to him), and say:

"My favorite lens is the one I will buy tomorrow"

 

[koolman]

My favorite canon lens, is the nifty fifty 50 1.8. Its light, inexpensive, and produces great images.

Great walk around lens for my 550d - for close up type shots.

 

[Gothmoth]

it´s hard to say what is my favourite lens.

from the number of pictures it´s the 70-200mm f2.8.

but then i shoot 95% of all portraits in my home studio with the 85mm f1.2.

and for the landscape shootings i never leave home without the 16-35mm.

 

[GeorgeMaciver]

I'm with V8Beast here, the 24-105 isn't the sharpest lens around, but it's versatility, the IS, and the picture quality means it's on my camera 90% of the time, even shooting wildlife.

The IS gives you a terrific return of keepers handholding shots like these.

Then being able to instantly have wide angle available can be extremely rewarding if you find yourself unexpectedly up close and personal.

 

[dunkers]

My favorite lens is probably my 100mm f2.8L IS macro. It is definitely my sharpest lens. It produces creamy smooth bokeh. On a crop lens, it has a reasonable distance for street photog and is black in color do you are less noticeable The focal length is very fun to work with. . It is my go to lens for portraits and headshots. I also love how I can immediately take macro shots if I see some insect or critter flying about. I also love the design of this lens. It looks and feels like a professional lens.

My 70-200 f2.8 IS II comes in at a really close second. It is very sharp, good bokeh, and extremely versatile. However the drawback is the weight of the lens. It is significantly heavier than the macro. It is very good for street photography, but the color makes it much more noticeable in a crowd.

 

[codewizpt]

My fav is 135mm f2. It's amazing and has a unique signature
But my answer is based on the lenses I have/had.

 

[willrobb]

A tough question. My 24-70mm f2.8L is my most used lens by far, it delivers time after time and is my bread and butter....but I have to say, I think the 50mm f1.2L and it's lovely bokeh is my favourite.

 

[candyman]

At this moment my favorite lens is the Canon 70-300 L
I like the flexibility of the range, the sharpness and the color.
I use it as walkaround lens in landscapes as well as outdoor sports photos