Making a lens purchase can often be a very daunting exercise for those of you not quite sure what might be appropriate for which application. But being that I don’t like prescribing a specific lens for a specific application, I will just choose my favorite brands of focal lengths and suggest that you experiment with their applications.
I say this, because, I have broken so many of the classic rules of lens use, that I would feel like a hypocrite if I did so. I like to suggest using which ever lens you like, to get the desired effect you are seeking. No more and no less.
I will commence with zoom lenses (variable focal length), as they are the most popular and go to fixed focal length lenses and end with macro lenses (super close up lenses). I will choose my favorite from each brand worthy of mentioning in each category.
Super Wide Angle Zoom
Panasonic 7-14 f/4.0
Olympus E 9-18 f/4.0-5.6
Sigma EX 10-20 f/3.5
Tamron SP AF 11-18 f/4.5-5.6
Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 AT-X
Pentax DA 12-24 f/4.0
Sony 11-18 f/4.5-5.6
Nikon AF-S 10-24 f/3.5-4.5 G
Canon EF-S 10-22 f/3.5-4.5
Normal Zoom
Olympus 12-60 f/2.8-4 ED
Tokina 16-28 f/2.8
Panasonic G Vario 14-140 f/4.0-5.8
Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 USM
Nikkor AF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IF-ED DX
Tamron AF 28-75 f/2.8 SP XR
Sigma 17-70 /2.8-4.0 DC
Sony Zeiss ZA 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 DT
Pentax DA* 16-50 f/2.8
Nikon 24-70 f2.8
Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR (FX)
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
