The Best SLR Camera Lenses under $1200
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM Lens
★ Top Choice
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From $578.66
Features
- F1.4 maximum aperture; F16 minimum.
- Hyper Sonic AF Motor.
- Three Special Low Dispersion Elements.
- Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16.
- Floating System & Large Diameter Design.
- Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16.
- Compatible with Sigma USB Dock.
- 75mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras, 80mm equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras.
- Three Special Low Dispersion Elements.
- 77mm filters.
- Ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing.
- 0.4m/15.7" minimum focus.
- Available in Canon EF, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA, Nikon F (FX) mounts.
- Hyper Sonic AF Motor.
- 50mm focal length.
Pros
- ⊕ Incredibly sharp.
- ⊕ Minimal distortion.
- ⊕ Superb image quality.
- ⊕ 15.7-inch close focus.
- ⊕ Excellent build quality.
Cons
- ⊖ Big.
- ⊖ No weather seals.
- ⊖ A little pricey.
- ⊖ No image stabilization.
- ⊖ No optical stabilization.
Specs
- Filter size: 77mm.
- Weight: 665g.
- Elements/Groups: 15/11.
- Minimum focus distance: 0.25m.
- Diaphragm blades: 9 blades.
- Dimensions: 85 x 90mm.
- Angle of view (diagonal): 84 degrees.
- Autofocus type: Ultrasonic (ring-type).
Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2 R
♥ Runner Up
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From $999
Features
- Number of blades - 7(rounded diaphragm opening).
- Max aperture F1.2, Min aperture F16.
- Filter Size 62mm. Max. magnification :0.09x.
- Focus Range : Normal 0.7m - ∞; Macro 0.7m-3m.
- 35mm equivalent - 85mm.
Pros
- ⊕ Quite sharp.
- ⊕ Even illumination.
- ⊕ Minimal distortion.
- ⊕ Beautifully smooth bokeh.
- ⊕ Physical aperture control.
Cons
- ⊖ Expensive to buy.
- ⊖ Not weather-sealed.
- ⊖ Can be slow to focus.
- ⊖ Manual focus by wire.
- ⊖ Not weather-resistant.
Specs
- Image stabilizer: No.
- Effective focal length: 85mm.
- Minimum focus distance: 0.7m.
- Filter thread: 62mm.
- Weight: 405g.
- Maximum magnification factor: 0.09x.
- Dimensions: 73x70mm.
- Aperture range: f/1.2 to f/16.
- Autofocus motor: Stepping motor.
Best for Low Light
The Best Fujifilm Lenses for 2020 - pcmag.com
Olympus M.Zuiko 12-100mm f/4 Pro
Best Zoom
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From $1199
Features
- In lens image stabilization for 5 Axis Sync IS (with applicable cameras).
- 17 elements in 11 groups for outstanding resolution.
- Weatherproof construction.
- Z coating Nano (advanced Zuiko extra low reflection optical coating).
- Extensive zoom range of 24 to 200 millimeter (35 millimeter equivalent).
Pros
- ⊕ Durable.
- ⊕ Metal body.
- ⊕ Crisp optics.
- ⊕ Incredible zoom.
- ⊕ Manual focus clutch.
Cons
- ⊖ Bulky.
- ⊖ Pricey.
- ⊖ Not cheap.
- ⊖ Low maximum aperture.
- ⊖ Some corner softness at 100mm.
Specs
- Sensor size: MFT.
- Maximum aperture: f/4.
- Image stabilizer: Yes.
- Type: Zoom.
- Filter size: 72mm.
- Weight: 561g.
- Minimum focus distance: 0.15m.
- Focal length: 12-100mm.
- Effective focal length: 24-200mm.
- Dimensions: 77.5 x 116.5mm.
Best for Distant Subjects
The Best Micro Four Thirds Lenses for 2020 - pcmag.com
Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
Best for Low Light
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From $1199
Features
- High-speed quiet auto focus thanks to the Linear Motor Weight excluding caps and hoods 1 44 pounds(655g).
- Focal length(35mm format equivalent) f=16-55mm (24-84mm) Focus range Normal - 0 6m - ∞(whole zoom position) Macro - 30cm - 10m (Wide) 40cm - 10m (Telephoto).
- Nano-gi coating technology 9 rounded blade aperture diaphragm help create smooth and circular bokeh Max Magnification 0 16x (telephoto).
- Weather resistant design with 14 sealing points dust-resistant and -10 Degree low-temperature operation.
- Optically designed to draw out the maximum image quality of a flagship standard zoom lens Angle of view 83 2°- 29°.
Pros
- ⊕ No distortion.
- ⊕ Speedy focus motor.
- ⊕ Weather-sealed design.
- ⊕ Excellent image quality.
- ⊕ Constant f/2.8 aperture.
Cons
- ⊖ Quite bulky.
- ⊖ No image stabilization.
- ⊖ No optical stabilization.
- ⊖ Some color fringing at 16mm.
Specs
- Image stabilizer: No.
- Weather seals: Yes.
- Filter thread: 77mm.
- Weight: 655g.
- Maximum magnification factor: 0.16x.
- Effective focal length: 24-84mm.
- Dimensions: 83x106mm.
- Aperture range: f/2.8 to f/22.
- Autofocus motor: Twin linear motor.
- Minimum focus distance: 0.6m (0.3m at 16mm).
Best for Low Light
The Best Fujifilm Lenses for 2020 - pcmag.com