Olympus M Zuiko Digital 17mm f1.8
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Written by Gordon Laing
The Olympus 17mm f1.8 is a general-purpose prime lens with a semi-wide focal length. A great compact walk-around option for MFT bodies.…
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Olympus M Zuiko Digital 17mm f1.8
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 STM review-so-far
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Written by Gordon Laing
Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm may not have the reach of the EF-S 18-200mm, but still delivers a respectable general-purpose range of 29-216mm on cropped-frame bodies (again it’s not compatible with full-frame models). It’s a more affordable model, often supplied as an optional kit lens on some newer bodies, and like the EF-S 18-200mm, includes Image…
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Canon EF-S 24mm f2.8 STM
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Written by Gordon Laing
The EF-S 24mm f2.8 STM is a ‘pancake’ prime lens for Canon’s cropped-frame DSLRs with APS-C sensors. It delivers 38mm equivalent coverage which makes it an ideal walk-around lens, roughly similar in length to the classic 35mm options on full-frame or 35mm film bodies. The f2.8 focal ratio gathers more light than a typical kit…
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Canon EF 16-35mm f4L IS USM
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Written by Gordon Laing
Canon’s EF 16-35mm f4L IS USM is an ultra-wide zoom that’s compatible with full-frame DSLRs. It’s the successor to the EF 17-40mm f4L USM, losing a little on the long-end, but gaining a tad on the important wide-end, while also adding the benefit of image stabilization. Crucially it matches the coverage of the EF 16-35mm…
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Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L II USM
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Written by Gordon Laing
Canon’s EF 16-35mm f2.8L II USM is the second version of its professional ultra-wide lens. It delivers huge views on a full-frame body and is so wide it’s also usable as a standard zoom on a cropped body. It’s pricey, but features a constant, bright f2.8 aperture, quick and quiet USM focusing, and as an…
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Canon EF 14mm f2.8L II USM
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Written by Gordon Laing
The widest prime lens in the Canon catalogue is a real gem: the EF 14mm f2.8L II USM, now in an improved Mark II version, delivers ultra-wide coverage without any of the distortion of a fisheye. This is the lens to go for if you want to capture big skies, large buildings or expansive landscapes…
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Canon MP-E65 f2.8 1-5 x Macro
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Written by Gordon Laing
If you’re really into photographing tiny subjects like insects, consider Canon’s MP-E65 which can achieve greater than 1x magnification without attachments. At its closest focusing distance of 24cm, the MP-E65 can deliver 5x reproduction for spectacular close-ups, which combined with the f2.8 aperture can also achieve very blurred background effects. It’s manual focus only, but…
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Canon EF 100mm f2.8L IS USM Macro
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Written by Gordon Laing
Close-up fanatics wanting a top-quality Macro lens should consider the EF 100mm f2.8L, which works on cropped and full-frame bodies, delivers 1x magnification and boasts Canon’s first Hybrid Image Stabilisation system which counteracts both lens shift and angular motion. The ‘L’ build quality is dust and moisture-resistant, and the out-of-focus effects look great thanks to…
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Canon EF 100mm f2.8 USM Macro
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Written by Gordon Laing
Canon’s EF 100mm f2.8 Macro is a close-up lens which will work on both cropped and full-frame bodies. The maximum magnification is 1x, allowing you to reproduce subjects at actual size on the frame for excellent close-ups, while the f2.8 aperture enables blurred backgrounds. The USM focusing is quick and quiet and there’s also full-time…
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Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8 USM Macro
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Written by Gordon Laing
Canon’s EF-S 60mm f2.8 is a Macro lens designed for cropped-bodies; as an EF-S model it’s not compatible with full-frame bodies. When mounted on a cropped-body it delivers an equivalent focal length of 96mm, which combined with a minimum focusing distance of 20cm allows you to enjoy serious close-ups. There’s quick and quiet USM focusing,…
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