02-03-2017	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR scores added	SCORE
	Nikon's latest fast tele zoom markedly outperforms its very capable predecessor in every aspect, including reduced focus breathing. This is the new reference in the important 70-200mm f/2.8 class. Highly recommended.
02-03-2017	Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS II USM scores added	SCORE
02-02-2017	Sigma 500mm f/4.0 DG OS HSM S scores added	SCORE
	The optical performance of Sigma's latest super tele prime is on par with its Nikon and Canon counterparts, at a significantly lower price, making it a more than welcome addition to the low volume market segment of fast professional tele lenses.
02-02-2017	Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM scores added	SCORE
	The word impressive doesn't do justice to Sigma's latest portrait prime. Easily the best 85mm f/1.4 AF lens currently available, at a very attractive price, making Nikon's and Canon's perfectly capable offerings look both underperforming and overpriced. Truly an extraordinary achievement. Highly recommended.
02-02-2017	Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM scores added	SCORE
02-02-2017	Sigma 24-35mm f/2.0 DG HSM scores added	SCORE
02-02-2017	Sigma 12-24mm f/4.0 DG HSM scores added	SCORE
02-01-2017	Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM scores added	SCORE
02-01-2017	Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM scores added	SCORE
01-30-2017	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED scores added	SCORE
08-25-2016	Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM scores added	SCORE
	With no apparent weaknesses, very good resolving power and contrast, and excellent bokeh, Sony's new short tele prime doesn't just take the top spot in the world of FE mount lenses, it is hands down the best auto focus full frame 85mm portrait lens currently available. Highly recommended.
08-25-2016	Sony FE 90mm f/2.8G Macro OSS scores added	SCORE
07-11-2016	Zeiss Milvus 1.4/50 scores added	SCORE
	Even though this is neither the best nor the cheapest normal prime, everybody at the lab instantly liked this lens. It's a high quality, well-rounded prime at a fair price with that certain something people in labs with test benches, who just have to put a number on everything, just don't get. A photographer's lens indeed. Highly recommended.
07-11-2016	Zeiss Milvus 1.4/85 scores added	SCORE
	Zeiss' latest 85mm prime for F and EF mount cameras offers great optical performance across all apertures, and upwards of f/5.6, this hefty lens is pretty much on par with its equally heavy but even bulkier and much more expensive Otus sibling. That, combined with good build quality and a surprisingly low price, makes for a very attractive proposition. Highly recommended.
07-11-2016	Zeiss Milvus 2.8/21 scores added	SCORE
07-11-2016	Zeiss Milvus 2.0/35 scores added	SCORE
07-11-2016	Zeiss Milvus 2.0/50M scores added	SCORE
06-20-2016	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4.0E FL ED VR scores added	SCORE
	This lens' extraordinary precedessor is not really in need of improved optical performance, but some reduction in mass would surely be welcome. Nikon decided to do both. The new version has lost 1.25kg while offering significantly improved resolving power and contrast. Owners of the previous version are used to the weight of the lens and have adapted their supports, packs and muscle mass accordingly, so the moderate improvements in optical performance will, for many, not justify upgrading. But photographers looking for their first 600mm f/4.0 prime, this is the new benchmark. Our new #1 in the category.
06-20-2016	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4.0E FL ED VR scores added	SCORE
	The 500mm constant aperture prime was the weakest lens in the previous generation of Nikkor telephoto primes, but it was also the one with the best weight to focal length ratio. Nikon managed to maintain that unique characteristic while at the same time significantly improving the optical performance across the board in all but one minor category. Not just photographers shooting the previous version will take a good look at this excellent, comparatively lightweight super tele prime. Highly recommended.
05-02-2016	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR scores added	SCORE
05-02-2016	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G ED scores added	SCORE
02-09-2016	Zeiss Apo Distagon T* 1.4/28 Otus scores added	SCORE
	The Otus family keeps growing, literally. Significantly larger and heavier than its already quite imposing siblings, the latest member of Zeiss' line of high-end primes will rarely go unnoticed. While it doesn't set any new records, it is one of the most impressive lenses we've ever had in the lab. But you don't need a test bench to appreciate this lens. Simply putting it on a high resolution camera, taking a couple of random shots at f/1.4 and checking the images out 1:1 on the camera screen will change your view on wide angle lenses. It's quite a weird experience and goes to show how much we've become accustomed to compromising when it comes to optical performance at the wide end. The newest member of the Otus family is setting a new standard in image quality for 135 format landscape and architecture photography. Our new #1 in the wide prime category. Highly recommended.
12-28-2015	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR scores added	SCORE
12-12-2015	Zeiss Sonnar T* 1.8/85 Batis scores added	SCORE
	This fast, high quality portrait lens is closing an important gap in the lineup of native E-mount lenses, at a very attractive price.
12-12-2015	Zeiss Distagon T* 2.0/25 Batis scores added	SCORE
	Like its longer focal length sibling, this compact wide angle prime is a welcome addition to the Sony E-mount system, giving discerning architecture and landscape photographers a high quality option in the important 21-28mm range.
12-12-2015	Zeiss Milvus 2.0/100M scores added	SCORE
11-20-2015	Canon EF 11-24mm f/4.0L USM scores added	SCORE
	The new #1 in the Ultra Wide Zoom category, easily surpassing the highly regarded Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED. However, while pushing the focal length boundaries at the wide end is commendable, the results are somewhat disappointing. Center performance remains good at 11mm, but corner performance is poor, with very strong vignetting, pronounced LaCA and low resolving power and contrast. Stopping down marginally improves the situation with maximum resolving power being achieved at f/7.3, but corner performance remains unimpressive. Having said that, it is important to remember that other lenses do not go to 11mm at all. The way to look at it is that this is by far the best zoom lens in the 14-24mm range, with the option of occasionaly shooting at 11mm when corner performance is not that important. Highly recommended.
09-18-2015	Sony FE 28mm f/2.0 scores added	SCORE
09-17-2015	Zeiss Biogon T* 2.0/35 Loxia scores added	SCORE
09-17-2015	Zeiss Planar T* 2.0/50 Loxia scores added	SCORE
08-12-2015	Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM scores added	SCORE
	Corner performance is comparable to other 24mm prime lenses, but the resolving power in the frame center is nothing short of extraordinary for a fast wide angle lens. The best 24mm AF prime tested.
05-12-2015	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4.0E PF ED VR scores added	SCORE
	Nikon's first tele prime incorporating a fresnel element has a lot going for it: Good image quality across the frame wide open, very good build quality, fast AF and effective stabilization. However, its main strengths are size and weight. No other telephoto lens of this size, prime or zoom, can compare. Shooting against the light is not its strong suit, but apart from that, this lens has no apparent weaknesses. Peak performance is slightly above f/6.3, which is something to be taken into account when considering this lens. It cannot replace fast, heavy lenses for sports and wildlife photography, but in good light, this extremely compact 300mm lens has the potential to excel, and it will go places no 3kg lens will be taken to.
05-12-2015	Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM C scores added	SCORE
03-11-2015	Zeiss Tele-Tessar T* 4.0/85 ZM scores added	SCORE
03-04-2015	Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM scores added	SCORE
	Canon took their time updating this lens, 16 years no less, but the result is impressive. Rarely does a lens surpass its predecessor so markedly. The best lens in the important segment of variable aperture zooms up to 400mm at a very competitive price considering the class-leading optical performance, very good build quality, fast autofocus and very effective image stabilization. Highly recommended.
03-04-2015	Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM II scores added	SCORE
03-02-2015	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR scores added	SCORE
	Updating a great lens is a difficult task, but Nikon managed just that. Markedly improved optical performance combined with a significant loss of weight may even tempt owners of the lens' already extremely good predecessor. The new #1 super tele prime and the best Nikkor lens in the database.
01-14-2015	Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG OS HSM S scores added	SCORE
	With solid optical performance, good build quality, fast autofocus, effective optical stabilization and a very attractive price, Sigma's new heavyweight ultra tele zoom is filling a gap in the market of affordable telephoto lenses. Shooting 600mm full frame on a budget always meant accepting compromises when it comes to image quality, and Sigma's latest offering unsurprisingly cannot change that, but it certainly raises the bar by quite a few notches, easily outperforming its direct competitor, the Tamron 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 Di VC USD, in every category save vignetting. Unfortunately, resolving power, contrast, chromatic aberrations and falloff are significantly better in the 150-300mm range than they are at 600mm, which is a pity as very few photographers will chose a lens of this type for shooting at 150mm. Nonetheless, when it comes to optical performance both overall and at 600mm, this currently is the ultra tele zoom lens of choice if size and weight do not matter. Our new #1 in the category.
01-06-2015	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED scores added	SCORE
	Distinctly uneven performance across the frame with great resolving power and contrast in the center and mediocre to poor corner performance that doesn't improve much on stopping down somewhat diminishes this lightweight super wide prime's potential for fine art landscape photography, but it's still good value and certainly a welcome addition to the Nikkor family.
12-21-2014	Merry Christmas &  Happy New Year!	NEWS
	Heartfelt thanks to everybody who provided cameras or lenses for testing this past year, to those who sent suggestions or words of encouragement, and to the many who visited the sites, loving the art and craft of photography as much as we do! Happy Holidays and Good Light!
12-03-2014	Leica Noctilux-M 1:0.95/50mm ASPH scores added	SCORE
	A very good but not exceptional normal prime. Its unique selling point is the very large f/0.95 aperture, but considering the extremely high price and the impressive performance of its Summilux and Apo-Summicron siblings, one would expect the Noctilux to offer better optical performance when stopped down. A unique lens for special applications such as rangefinder street photography, low light concert photography and artistic portraits.
12-02-2014	Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50mm ASPH scores added	SCORE
	Like its slower sibling, this remarkable lens is on par with the much larger and heavier 55mm Otus, proving that highest-precision manufacturing and unrivaled expertise in optical engineering can produce lenses that are both compact and exceptionally good. Impressive, and well worth the premium price.
12-01-2014	Leica Apo-Summicron-M 1:2/50mm ASPH scores added	SCORE
	Outresolving our previous #1 normal prime, this extraordinary lens proves that great optical performance doesn't have to come at the cost of compactness. With just 8 elements in 5 groups, the Apo-Summicron is on par with the more than three times heavier and much more complex 55mm Otus; an accomplishment deserving of respect. Tiny compared to other top performance lenses, but a giant nonetheless.
11-19-2014	Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4.0 ZA OSS scores added	SCORE
	Sony's first wide-angle zoom lens for full frame E-mount cameras is not quite on par with its Canon and Nikon counterparts when it comes to optical performance, but build quality is very good, and it is smaller and lighter than any other constant aperture 16-35mm lens in the database. However, as with some other recently released or updated Sony lenses, the price seems high considering the solid but unspectacular optical performance. Since there currently are no other native ultra wide-angle zoom lenses available for the A7 line of cameras, discerning landscape and architecture photographers might consider shooting third-party lenses using adapters, but none of these setups will offer the convenience of good autofocus, optical stabilization and compactness this lens can provide.
11-18-2014	Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM scores added	SCORE
	Considering its very attractive price, Canon's new kit zoom offers surprisingly good optical performance compared to both its constant aperture L-series sibling and Sigma's latest offering in the focal range. Great value.
10-10-2014	Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD scores added	SCORE
10-07-2014	Zeiss Apo Planar T* 1.4/85 Otus scores added	SCORE
	The eagerly awaited second lens in Zeiss' Otus line does not disappoint. It's the new #1 in our database, outperforming its excellent 55mm sibling in all but one category. Maximum resolving power is 107MP at an aperture of f/4.1, resolving power wide open is 85MP. Combined with the next generation of high resolution full frame sensors exceeding 50MP, this lens will make many a discerning medium format portrait photographer get a good look at the 135 format, not for budgetary reasons, but for image quality. A truly exceptional lens worthy of being our new #1.
08-22-2014	Canon EF 16-35mm f/4.0L IS USM scores added	SCORE
08-20-2014	Sony FE 70-200mm f/4.0G OSS scores added	SCORE
05-22-2014	Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM scores added	SCORE
	Sigma's 50mm "ART" lens is the best autofocus normal prime currently available for Nikon, Canon and Sony full frame cameras. It easily outperforms each and every 50mm prime from aforementioned manufacturers, some of which are almost twice the price.
04-25-2014	Sony 70-200mm f/2.8G SSM II scores added	SCORE
	The predecessor of this lens, the Konica Minolta designed Sony 70-200mm f/2.8G, is a good professional mid-range zoom, but it is not quite on par with its Nikon and Canon counterparts. AF, coatings and weather sealing have all been improved on this new revision, but unfortunately Sony decided not to update the most important part of any lens, the optical design. Considering this and the fact that the lens still lacks optical stabilization, which would be more than welcomed by A7/r/s shooters, the exceptionally high price is hard to comprehend. Sony's focus clearly is on FE mount lenses.
04-19-2014	Zeiss Distagon T* 1.4/35 scores added	SCORE
	We finally had the chance to measure this popular prime.
04-10-2014	High resolution sensors: are lenses up to the task?	ARTICLE
	When it comes to resolution, are lenses the limiting factor?
03-28-2014	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G scores added	SCORE
03-12-2014	F-Mount and EF-Mount Golden Prime Sets updated	ARTICLE
03-10-2014	Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4.0 ZA OSS scores added	SCORE
	Solid optical performance in a well-built and comparatively lightweight body at a reasonable price. A better match for Sony's high resolution A7R than the Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS kit lens.
02-01-2014	Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA scores added	SCORE
	Great optical performance in a solid and remarkably compact and lightweight body. The perfect companion to the high resolution A7R and well worth the premium price.
02-01-2014	Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA scores added	SCORE
02-01-2014	Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS scores added	SCORE
01-24-2014	Tamron 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 Di VC USD scores added	SCORE
	Solid performance at a breakneck price. This lens opens up full frame super tele photography to a lot of people who couldn't afford it before, and that certainly is a good thing. Great value.
01-21-2014	Sigma 24-105mm f/4.0 DG OS HSM scores added	SCORE
11-29-2013	Zeiss Apo Distagon T* 1.4/55 Otus scores added	SCORE
	The first member of Zeiss' new Otus line of high-end lenses raises the bar in four important categories - resolving power, contrast, lateral and longitudinal chromatic aberrations - surpassing our previous top performer, the excellent Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2.0G ED VR II; at half the size, a third of the weight and a significantly lower price. This extraordinary lens will probably not sell in large numbers, but it will nonetheless have considerable impact on the still camera lens market by raising expectations and forcing other manufacturers to step up their game. A marvel of precision engineering and optical craftsmanship worthy of being our new #1.
11-07-2013	Nikon, Canon, Schneider T/S lenses added	SCORE
	The large and heavy Schneider tilt/shift primes prove to be in a league of their own, easily earning the #1 badges in their respective categories. Nikon's and Canon's offerings deliver solid optical performance at a more affordable price level.
11-02-2013	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G scores added	SCORE
	Clearly the best of the current Nikon normal primes but not as much better optically as the price difference suggests. Wide open, there is some visible coma towards the edges, and contrast and resolving power are significantly reduced, but the lens' optical performance at maximum aperture is still markedly better than that of its lower cost siblings. Bokeh and out-of-focus transition have a certain soft smoothness to them, making it easy to create the dreamy look for portraits and close-ups that is currently making a comeback. Overall, one cannot escape the impression that this lens was not designed with general photography in mind, but rather as a tool for artists. A special lens that will doubtlessly be used to create special images, and a worthy addition to the Nikkor family.
10-25-2013	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR scores added	SCORE
10-10-2013	Sony Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZA SSM scores added	SCORE
	The new Sony Planar fast normal prime combines solid optical performance with outstanding build quality at a premium price.
09-25-2013	Zeiss Distagon T* 3.5/18, 2.8/25, 2.0/28 and 2.0/35 added	SCORE
07-26-2013	100th lens measured!	NEWS
	We are proud to have passed the milestone of one hundred lenses measured! We would like to use this opportunity to thank Thomas, Jim, Michael, Rebecca, Andy, Jared, Herman, (big) Jim, John, Kath and Daniel for entrusting us with some of their precious lenses without compensation aside from a thorough cleaning! Thank you so very much!
07-19-2013	Nikon, Canon, Sony and Zeiss Macro lenses added	SCORE
07-05-2013	First batch of Sony lenses added	SCORE
07-01-2013	LenScore™ Site Launch	NEWS
	We're proud to present the world's first camera independent lens rating system! Learn more
06-27-2013	Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM scores added
	The heaviest, most expensive and by far best tele zoom lens in the class up to 300mm.	SCORE
06-14-2013	Canon EF 200-400mm f/4.0L IS USM E1.4 scores added	SCORE
	The best zoom lens tested so far, approaching the optical performance levels of the very best tele primes while offering the versatility of a zoom lens. The price is high, but considering the fact that this impressive lens can in many cases replace two or even three top-of-the-line prime lenses, it's actually very good value.
06-09-2013	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II scores added	SCORE
06-04-2013	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4.0G ED VR scores added	SCORE
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05-29-2013	Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM scores added
	The combination of a huge focal length range and decent optical performance makes for an extremely versatile lens at a very attractive price, the only major drawback being the substantial weight.
05-27-2013	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED scores added	SCORE
05-23-2013	Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM scores added	SCORE
05-17-2013	Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM scores added	SCORE
	The best 35mm focal length prime lens tested, easily outdoing the Nikon and Canon competitors at a much lower price.
05-12-2013	Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS II USM scores added	SCORE
05-03-2013	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED scores added	SCORE
04-21-2013	Zeiss Distagon T* 2.8/15 scores added	SCORE
	The best ultra wide prime lens currently available with a matching price tag.
04-11-2013	Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 2.0/135 scores added	SCORE
	An extraordinary prime lens offering optical performance on an level not previously available at this price point and in such compact form.
03-29-2013	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2.0G ED VR II scores added	SCORE
	This extraordinary prime is the best lens tested so far.
03-07-2013	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G scores added	SCORE
	The first lens in the database and the LenScore™ reference.