Twelve new lenses you won’t be able to live without
For photography enthusiasts and professionals alike, the right lens can transform an ordinary shot into an extraordinary image. Whether you’re into landscape, portrait, macro, or street photography, investing in quality lenses can dramatically enhance your creativity and expand your photographic capabilities. Here are twelve new lenses that are turning heads in 2024—each one offering something unique that you won’t want to miss out on.
1. Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS
Why You’ll Love It:
This lens is a dream for portrait photographers. The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS combines stunning sharpness with a unique Defocus Smoothing (DS) coating that produces creamy, dreamy bokeh. It’s perfect for those who want their subjects to pop with beautifully blurred backgrounds.
Best For: Portrait Photography
Key Features: DS coating for smooth bokeh, ultra-fast f/1.2 aperture, superior build quality.
2. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
Why You’ll Love It:
An upgrade to one of Sony’s most popular lenses, the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is versatile, lightweight, and sharp throughout its zoom range. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or events, this lens covers all bases with exceptional clarity and color accuracy.
Best For: Versatility (Portraits, Landscapes, Events)
Key Features: Advanced optical design, reduced weight, fast and accurate autofocus.
3. Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
Why You’ll Love It:
For wide-angle enthusiasts, the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is a must-have. This lens is ideal for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography, offering edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion. Its fast aperture is perfect for low-light situations and creating dramatic perspectives.
Best For: Landscape and Architecture Photography
Key Features: Ultra-wide focal length, weather-sealed, exceptional low-light performance.
4. Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR
Why You’ll Love It:
Compact and fast, the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR is perfect for street photographers who need a discreet lens that can handle various lighting conditions. It’s also weather-resistant, making it reliable in diverse shooting environments.
Best For: Street Photography
Key Features: Fast f/1.4 aperture, compact design, weather resistance.
5. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art
Why You’ll Love It:
Macro photographers will appreciate the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art lens for its stunning close-up capabilities. It offers a 1:1 magnification ratio with superb detail and bokeh, making it a perfect choice for capturing the intricacies of nature, products, and even portraits.
Best For: Macro Photography
Key Features: True 1:1 magnification, sharp optics, smooth bokeh.
6. Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD
Why You’ll Love It:
Tamron continues to impress with its lightweight, affordable, and high-quality lenses. The 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is a compact telephoto zoom that’s perfect for capturing sports, wildlife, and portraits. It’s a great alternative to more expensive options without sacrificing performance.
Best For: Sports, Wildlife, Portrait Photography
Key Features: Compact and lightweight, fast aperture, excellent autofocus.
7. Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm f/1.4
Why You’ll Love It:
The Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm f/1.4 is a standard prime lens with outstanding image quality, perfect for portraits, weddings, and everyday shooting. Its wide f/1.4 aperture provides beautiful bokeh and superior low-light performance.
Best For: Portraits, Everyday Photography
Key Features: Superior sharpness, beautiful bokeh, robust build quality.
8. Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO
Why You’ll Love It:
This lens is a powerhouse for wildlife and sports photographers. The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 features a built-in 1.25x teleconverter, effectively extending its range to 500mm. It also boasts incredible image stabilization, making handheld shooting a breeze.
Best For: Wildlife and Sports Photography
Key Features: Built-in teleconverter, extensive zoom range, powerful image stabilization.
9. Leica APO-Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH.
Why You’ll Love It:
Leica’s APO-Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH. is a premium prime lens that offers extraordinary image quality and exquisite bokeh. Ideal for street, portrait, and travel photography, this lens is perfect for photographers who demand the best in optical performance.
Best For: Street, Travel, and Portrait Photography
Key Features: Exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, premium build.
10. Zeiss Otus 100mm f/1.4
Why You’ll Love It:
The Zeiss Otus 100mm f/1.4 is known for its incredible sharpness and optical precision. It’s designed for portrait photographers who need the best in image quality, offering rich colors, minimal distortion, and stunning bokeh.
Best For: High-End Portrait Photography
Key Features: Unrivaled sharpness, robust build, creamy bokeh.
11. Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE
Why You’ll Love It:
Samyang’s AF 24mm f/1.8 FE lens is a fantastic option for astrophotographers and landscape shooters. It’s compact, lightweight, and offers a fast aperture for low-light conditions, making it ideal for capturing the night sky or sweeping vistas.
Best For: Astrophotography and Landscape Photography
Key Features: Fast f/1.8 aperture, compact design, ideal for low-light conditions.
12. Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical III
Why You’ll Love It:
The Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical III is a manual-focus lens that’s perfect for photographers who appreciate the classic feel of manual shooting. Its fast f/1.2 aperture and compact size make it an excellent choice for street photography and portraits with a vintage touch.
Best For: Street Photography and Creative Portraits
Key Features: Manual focus, fast f/1.2 aperture, compact and lightweight.
Final Thoughts
These twelve lenses offer something special for every type of photographer. Whether you’re capturing the tiniest details with a macro lens or framing expansive landscapes with a wide-angle, these lenses are designed to enhance your creative vision and deliver stunning results. Investing in the right lens can be a game-changer, so explore these options and find the one that will elevate your photography to the next level.
