It's been an interesting year for photography, but it's slowly coming to an end. Things are looking very promising for the future, with a record selling photograph and some really cool gear. Speaking of gear, it's time to look back at some of the winning products of 2014. This time we're going to focus on lenses.
Unlike cameras, the number of new lenses that come out each year is significantly lower. Lenses are built to last longer. Some are made to last a lifetime, and for that reason many of the lenses on our list were not introduced in 2014.
Nevertheless, the test of time is a powerful indication of how good a product is. The 33 lenses in this list are some of the most popular among photographers in 2014. We' ve categorized them by manufacturer to make it easier for you to find them. Here they are .
Canon Lenses
1. 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM
This is not a lens. This is a tank with superb optics.
2. 24-70mm f2.8L II
The latest version of a legend.
3. 24mm f1.4L II USM
A beautiful wide angle lens with amazing brightness.
4. 85mm f1.8 USM
Cheap prime lens. Very good quality.
5. 35mm f1.4L USM
Amazing all-round lens.
6. 100mm f2.8L IS Macro
Great lens for macro photography.
7. 16-35mm f4L IS USM
An affordable pro wide angle lens.
8. 24-105 f3.5-5.6 IS STM
This is the first full frame standard zoom to include a STM (screw-type stepping) motor.
9. 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L II USM
This is one of the most anticipated Canon lenses of recent years.
10. 400mm f4 DO IS II USM
Currently on the wish list of many sports and wildlife shooters.
Nikon Lenses
1. Nikon 1 70-300mm VR f4.5-5.6
A long awaited long zoom for the Nikon 1.
2. 14-24mm f2.8 AF-S ED
Still the unbeatable king of ultra-wide angle zooms.
3. 35mm f1.4 G AF-S
A great 35mm lens for the FX format.
4. 70-200mm f2.8 VR II AF-S ED
The flagship pro zoom.
5. 18-300mm f3.5-5.6 FX AF-S
The traveler's choice.
6. 20mm f1.8 AF-S ED
Great ultra-wide lens for low light.
7. Nikon 1 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 PD
Great zoom lens for stills and video with the Nikon 1 system.
8. 400mm f2.8E FL ED
The sports photographer's dream.
9. 24-70mm f2.8 ED AF-S
The work horse of most Nikon pros.
10 58mm f1.4G AF-S
Possibly the champion of this focal range and maximum aperture.
Sony Lenses
1. 16-35mm Vario Tessar T FE F4
Great wide angle zoom for the A7 series.
2. 28-135mm FE PZ F4G OSS
A standard zoom, ideal for moviemaking.
3. 70-200mm f2.8 SSM
The pro zoom for the Sony pro.
4. 50mm Carl Zeiss Planar F1.4
Top end image quality and beautiful build quality.
5. 24-70mm f4 FE OSS
A pro zoom for the E-mount
6. 35mm f2.8 ZA FE
Great portrait lens for the A7 cameras.
7. E 20mm f.28
Interesting pancake prime.
8. FE 55mm 1.8 ZA
Another great choice for portraits.
9. 300mm f2.8G SSM II
The high performance choice of wildlife pros.
10. 10-18mm f4 OSS
Super wide angle zoom for the NEX cameras.
Third Party Lenses
1. Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG HSM
Part of the "Art " line. Great price/quality ratio.
2. Tamron 15-30 f2.8 Di VC USD
A stabilized ultra-wide zoom for full frame cameras.
3. Samyang 12mm f2 NCS CS
A wide angle prime lens designed specifically for mirror less cameras.