Outstanding Optics for Your DSLR

October 27, 2016

By Greg Scoblete

Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 DI Macro VC USD 

Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 DI Macro VC USD 
Like its predecessors, this update to Tamron’s 90mm Macro (model F017) is a true macro lens, offering 1:1 magnification. Unlike older versions, the SP 90mm delivers improved image stabilization with corrections for XY-axis shifts thanks to a new, built-in accelerometer. The VC is good for 3.5 stops of image stabilization, per CIPA standards. Tamron also tweaked the software controlling the lens’s Ultrasonic Silent Drive actuator to improve autofocusing accuracy when shooting objects at close range. This is a full- frame lens, compatible with Nikon, Canon and Sony models.
tamron-usa.com

Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F/2 PRO DX  

Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F/2 PRO DX  
With a maximum aperture of f/2, this is Tokina’s fastest wide-angle zoom lens to date. It’s available for Canon and Nikon APS-C format cameras (or DX format, in Nikon parlance). A One Touch Focus Clutch mechanism lets you snap the focus ring forward for autofocusing or back toward the camera to enter into manual focusing mode. You can get up close to your subjects thanks to the lens’s 11-inch minimum focusing distance.
kenkotokinausa.com

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE 

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE 
Like most of the Pentax DSLR lineup, this crop-sensor lens is weather resistant. You’ll enjoy a 35mm equivalent focal length of 84.5-460mm. It has a minimum focusing distance of 37.4 inches.
us.ricoh-imaging.com

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 
Nikon shooters looking for a super-fast, medium telephoto prime lens have a doozy in the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED, the world’s first full-frame 105mm with an f/1.4 aperture. The lens features an electromagnetic aperture control for consistent exposures during high-speed shooting. It’s weather-sealed and uses Fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens elements to make dirt and moisture easier to wipe away.
nikonusa.com

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art

The new Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 crop sensor lens offers a 75-150mm (35mm equivalent) focal length. It maintains a constant f/1.8 aperture throughout the zoom range and incorporates a new Hyper Sonic Motor, which Sigma says is 30 percent slimmer than previous motors to drive fast, precise autofocusing. It has both inner focusing and zoom, a tripod socket and accepts 82mm filters. This Art lens has a minimum focusing distance of 37.4 inches and is available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts.
sigmaphoto.com

Canon 24-105mm f/4 S II USM

Canon 24-105mm f/4 S II USM
This update to Canon’s popular zoom delivers better image stabilization (now up to four stops) and a new optical formula that improves sharpness at the corners. It’s also more weather-sealed than earlier models so you can endure harsh elements without worry.
usa.canon.com

Tamron SP 150-600mm Di VC USD G2 (model A022)  

Tamron SP 150-600mm Di VC USD G2 (model A022)  
The newest member of Tamron’s SP lineup, the second generation SP 150-600mm full frame telephoto lens delivers improved autofocusing speed and accuracy thanks to updated AF software and circuitry. Vibration Correction is now available in four modes and is good for 4.5 stops of correction per CIPA standards. The lens has fluorine coating on the front element, is moisture resistant and includes an Arca-Swiss style removable tripod collar.
www.tamron-usa.com

Zeiss Milvus a 15mm f/2.8 lens

Zeiss Milvus 
Zeiss has released a new slate of Milvus manual focus prime lenses for Canon and Nikon DSLRs. The lineup boasts an all-metal design and includes a 15mm f/2.8 (pictured) which delivers a magnification of 1:9 and stops down to f/22. An 18mm f/2 offers a magnification of 1:7.4 and stops down to f/22. Finally, a 135mm f/2 lens offers the highest magnification of the lot at 1:4.
www.zeiss.com