Which is the most Optically Outstanding Canon/Nikon Lens?

[Neil S.]

I thought it would be fun to vote on which lens is the most optically outstanding of the Nikon/Canon lenses.

I am only including a limited range 24-300mm, and current production lenses that I feel are contenders. I apoligize if I left out any lenses you felt should have been included.

The contenders:

Canon 300mm 2.8L IS
Nikon 300mm 2.8G ED VR II
Canon 70-200mm 2.8L IS II
Nikon 70-200mm 2.8G ED VR II
Canon 200mm f/2L IS
Nikon 200mm f/2.0G ED IF VR
Canon 35mm 1.4L
Nikon 24mm 1.4G ED

Edit: Feel free to tell us which Canon/Nikon lens you feel is best, even if it isn't on the list. Mostly I just want to discuss these 2 companies’ finest lenses, and their strengths and weaknesses.

 

[Robin Usagani]

18-55mm EF-S LOL

 

[Neil S.]

18-55mm EF-S LOL

LOL good one Schwetty.

Ill add it ASAP.....

 

[Robin Usagani]

Zeiss Lenses need to be on there unless you only want nikon and canon on the list.

 

[Neil S.]

Zeiss Lenses need to be on there unless you only want nikon and canon on the list.

Ya I felt that including all brands would be too much.

Canon and Nikon make some really fine lenses, and their AF can't really be challenged on their respective bodies.

 

[KmH]

Nikon's AF 85 mm f/1.4D Cream Machine!

Optically, for the $$$ the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5=4.6G VRII.

 

[Neil S.]

Derrel...where you at man?

I know you will have something to say on this one, and I am looking forward to your thoughts.

 

[Neil S.]

Nikon AF 85 mm f/1.4D Cream Machine!

For the $$$, the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5=4.6G VRII.

lol

You cant honestly say the Nikon 70-300 is a better lens than the ones I listed.

Edit: I realize you mean for the money.

 

[Sam6644]

Canon 135mm f/2 L

 

[Neil S.]

Canon 135mm f/2 L

Ahh ya good one, I hear thats a really good lens.

What do you most like about it?

I hear its got very nice bokeh, and sharpness.

 

[Derrel]

I own a lot of lenses, mostly Nikkors, and around 10 lenses in Canon EOS mount. I had to vote for the Nikkor 200mm f/2 VR lens because I think it is optically the most-outstanding lens I have ever used. Too bad it's such a monster in terms of weight...it gets left behind on many types of outings simply because it's so damned heavy and bulky. I think Canon's MP-E 65 1x-5x ultra-macro lens ought to be on this list--it's a killer optic!!!

 

[Neil S.]

I own a lot of lenses, mostly Nikkors, and around 10 lenses in Canon EOS mount. I had to vote for the Nikkor 200mm f/2 VR lens because I think it is optically the most-outstanding lens I have ever used. Too bad it's such a monster in terms of weight...it gets left behind on many types of outings simply because it's so damned heavy and bulky. I think Canon's MP-E 65 1x-5x ultra-macro lens ought to be on this list--it's a killer optic!!!

Thanks for your input.

Ya I figured you would say the Nikon 200mm f/2.

I would probably have to agree in all honesty from the things I have heard/read.

I voted for the Canon 70-200mm 2.8L IS II thought lol, because its my baby!

I am going to have to look up the MP-E 65, as I don't really know anything about it....

 

[JamesMason]

What about the nikon 50mm F1.8 ? Sure its a 'cheap' lens but the optical quality is second to none.

 

[Neil S.]

Well Derrel actually owns a Nikon 200mm f/2, and he would disagree with you.

I would bet my life he owns a 50mm 1.8 too....

 

[AverageJoe]

Canon 24-70mm 2.8