Rankings
The Tokina ATX-i 100mm f/2.8 macro delivers true 1:1 reproduction, a fast aperture and a 55 mm filter thread in a compact package. It lacks an internal focus motor, causing autofocus limitations on some Nikon bodies. Perfect for macro photographers needing high sharpness and decent working distance.
The Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX is a fast f/2.8 ultra-wide zoom for DX cameras with solid metal construction and a silent internal motor. It does not feature weather sealing or image stabilization, and corner softness can appear at the widest setting. Great for DX landscape and interior shooters seeking speed and durability.
The Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR provides a broad 5.5× zoom and solid VR II for DX-format cameras. Zoom creep and slower AF can hinder fast-action shooting, and edge softness remains at the long end. Best suited for entry-level DX users seeking affordable telephoto versatility.
The Meike 85mm f/1.8 is a budget-friendly full-frame portrait prime offering a fast f/1.8 aperture and quiet STM autofocus. Its slower AF speed and lack of optical stabilization limit fast-action use. Ideal for portrait shooters seeking value and portability.
The Yongnuo YN35mm f/2N is a fast, compact prime lens for Nikon F-mount DSLRs offering a bright f/2 aperture and lightweight metal construction. Its edge sharpness and occasional autofocus reliability issues limit its suitability for demanding professional work. Ideal for budget-conscious photographers seeking a portable fast prime.
The Lensbaby Composer Pro II with Sweet 35 optic is a manual-focus tilt-shift lens offering a 35 mm focal length and a 12-blade diaphragm for creative selective focus. Its manual operation and specialized focus style limit its use for conventional sharp photography. Ideal for Nikon APS-C and full-frame users seeking artistic blur.
The Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N is a budget-friendly, fast-aperture prime for Nikon F-mount DSLRs offering solid optical performance and a lightweight metal build. It lacks a supplied hood and built-in image stabilization, making it less convenient for demanding situations. Best for portrait and street photographers who need an affordable, motorized 50 mm lens on Nikon bodies.
The Tokina 12-24mm f/4 PRO DX is an all-metal ultra-wide zoom with a constant f/4 aperture and non-rotating 77 mm filter thread, offering solid sharpness. AF noise, chromatic aberration at the widest end, and a stiff zoom ring are notable compromises. It suits APS-C DSLR users needing a rugged lens for landscapes and architecture.
Nikon's 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR lens provides a versatile telephoto range with effective 4-stop vibration reduction in a compact, retractable design. Softness at the 200 mm end and a plastic build detract from its otherwise strong value. Ideal for budget-conscious DX users needing a lightweight zoom for travel and general photography.
Nikon's AF-P DX 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is a feather-light kit zoom offering silent AF-P stepping motor and up to 4-5 stops of VR for everyday shooting. The plastic construction and limited low-light capability are trade-offs for its portability and price. Suited for beginners and travelers needing a compact, versatile everyday lens.
The Yanuoda 420-800mm f/8.3-16 is a budget manual-focus super-telephoto zoom offering extreme reach with an all-metal build and multi-mount adapters. Its very slow aperture, lack of stabilization, and manual focus make it challenging for handheld work. Suited for daylight wildlife or moon photography with a sturdy tripod.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
— | 85 mm | 50 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm | — | — | 100 mmbest | — | — | — | |
— | 1.8 | 1.8 | 2 | 2.5 | — | — | 2.8 | — | 2.8 | 4best | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.4 m | — | 0.45 m | 0.25 m | 0.19 mbest | 1.1 m | 0.25 m | 0.3 m | — | 0.3 m | 0.3 m |
| ↓ lower better | 580 g | — | 203 g | 155 gbest | 207 g | 335 g | 205 g | 525 g | — | 200 g | 570 g |
5.5best | — | — | — | — | 3.6 | 3.1 | — | 1.9 | 1.5 | 2 | |
9 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 12best | — | 7 | 9 | — | — | 9 | |
0.3 | — | 0.2 | 0.2 | — | 0.3 | 0.4 | 1 | — | 11.6best | 0.1 | |
17best | 9 | 6 | 7 | 4 | — | 12 | 9 | 4 | 13 | 13 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | |||||||||||
Lens Mount | Nikon F-Bayonet | Nikon F | Nikon F | Nikon F | Nikon F | Nikon F | Nikon F | Nikon F | T-mount | Nikon F | Nikon F, Canon EF |
Mount Compatibility | DX | Nikon F, Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm XF, Canon EF | Full-Frame, APS-C | D7100, D7200, D7000, D7300, D810, D800, D750, D700, D610, D600, D5200, D5300, D5400, D3100, D3200, D3300, D90, D80, D70s, D70, D60 | APS-C, Full Frame | — | D7500, D5600, D5500, D5300, D3400, D3300, D500, D850, Df, D5, D810, D750, D7200, D7100, D4 Series, D3 Series, D2 Series, D1 Series, D800 Series, D700 | Full-frame | Canon EF/EF‑S, Nikon F, Sony E (full‑frame) | DX (APS-C) | APS-C DSLR cameras |
Features(3) | |||||||||||
Image Stabilization | true | — | false | — | — | true | true | — | false | — | — |
Autofocus Type | AF-S | STM | micro-focus motor | Built-in micro focus motor | Manual | SWM | AF-P | External focus | None | Internal silent motor, micro motor | micro-motor |
Focus Type | Auto | autofocus | Auto | Autofocus, Manual Focus | Manual | auto/manual | auto/manual | One-Touch Focus Clutch | Manual | One-touch focus clutch | internal |
Optics(9) | |||||||||||
Focal Length (mm) | 55-300 mm | 85 mm | 50 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm | 55-200 mm | 18-55 mm | 100 mm | 420-800 mm | 11-16 mm | 12-24 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.5-5.6 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 4.0-5.6 | 3.5-5.6 | 2.8 | 8.3-16 | 2.8 | 4 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 1.4 m | 0.65-0.9 m | 0.45 m | 0.25 m | 0.19 m | 1.1 m | 0.25 m | 0.3 m | — | 0.3 m | 0.3 m |
Zoom Ratio | 5.5 | — | — | — | — | 3.64 | 3.06 | — | 1.9 | 1.45 | 2.0 |
Macro Ratio | 0.28 | — | 0.15 | 0.23 | — | 0.289 | 0.38 | 1 | — | 11.6 | 0.13 |
Number of Optical Elements | 17 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 4 | — | 12 | 9 | 4 | 13 | 13 |
Number of Optical Groups | 11 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3 | — | 9 | 8 | 2 | 11 | 11 |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 12 | — | 7 | 9 | — | — | 9 |
Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Multi-layer nano | Multi-coated | Multi-coated | Multi-coated glass | — | — | Multi-coating | super HD multi-coated | Multi-layer | multi-coating |
Build & Design(5) | |||||||||||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 58 mm | 67 mm | 58 mm | 58 mm | 46 mm | — | 55 mm | 55 mm | — | 77 mm | 77 mm |
Weight (g) | 580 g | 369-386 g | 203 g | 155 g | 207 g | 335 g | 205 g | 525 g | — | 200 g | 570 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 95-97 mm | 86 mm | 170 mm | 560 mm | 78.7 mm | 62.5 mm | 98 mm | 238.8 mm | 152 mm | 84 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 77 mm | 79.5 mm | 74 mm | 73 mm | — | 68.6 mm | 64.5 mm | — | 66.0 mm | — | 89.5 mm |
Construction Material | Polycarbonate | polymer | Metal | Metal | Metal | plastic | — | — | Metal | Metal | metal |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Nikon 55-300mm for its generous reach, quiet Silent Wave Motor, and effective VR II stabilization, noting that the ED and HRI elements keep chromatic aberration low. However, they criticize the soft corner performance at 300mm, slower autofocus compared to higher-end telephotos, and diffraction limits when stopping down beyond f/16.
Everyday users love the lens for its lightweight, travel-friendly design, solid VR performance, and ability to get close-up shots of insects, but they repeatedly mention zoom creep, slower AF for action, and noticeable softness in the telephoto corners as recurring pain points.
“Users praise sharp distant shots for sports/wildlife, effective VR for handheld telephoto, compact size/weight for travel, and close focus for insects (e.g., 3-inch field at 300mm).”
“Common complaints include zoom creep/wiggle, slow AF for action, soft 300mm corners, filter rotation, and VR less effective on tripod without sensing.”
“for the price, the Yongnuo is certainly no slouch.”
Professional reviewers commend the Meike 85mm f/1.8 for delivering very good sharpness between f/2.8 and f/5.6, a fast f/1.8 aperture and silent STM autofocus at a fraction of the price of native brand lenses. However, they highlight its slower autofocus, lack of built-in correction profiles and by-wire manual focus as notable trade-offs compared to premium alternatives.
Everyday users praise the lens for its sharpness at common apertures, lightweight build, silent focusing and pleasing bokeh, describing it as an excellent value for portrait work. Recurring complaints focus on the slower autofocus, the electronic manual focus feel and the absence of optical stabilization or correction profiles.
Professional reviewers consider the YN50mm F1.8N a solid value proposition, noting its classic double-Gaussian design, reliable built-in micro-focus motor, and effective multi-coating. While optical performance is respectable for the price, the lack of a supplied hood and absence of image stabilization are seen as notable shortcomings.
Everyday photographers consistently praise the lens for its fast f/1.8 aperture, lightweight build, and affordable price, especially for portrait, street, and low-light work. The most common complaints revolve around the occasional missing lens hood and the slightly heavier feel compared with Nikon's original 50 mm f/1.8.
Professional reviewers consider the Yongnuo YN35mm f/2N a surprisingly capable lens for its price, noting very good center sharpness, well-controlled distortion, and overall image quality that approaches Nikon's professional f/2D model. However, they also point out that chromatic aberration, vignetting, and edge sharpness fall short of premium lenses, and occasional AF reliability issues have been observed.
Everyday users overwhelmingly value the lens for its affordability, lightweight build, and fast aperture, describing it as a solid entry-level prime that delivers good results in everyday shooting. Common criticisms focus on softness at wide apertures, the need for post-processing to fix aberrations, and occasional autofocus hiccups.
Professional reviewers commend the Composer Pro II + Sweet 35 for its wide 35mm focal length, precise tilt up to 15°, and high-quality metal construction, noting it delivers sharp focus with vibrant colors and smooth bokeh. They also acknowledge that its manual operation and creative-only focus style make it less suitable for fast-action or conventional full-frame sharp photography.
Everyday users praise the lens for producing dreamy, artistic blur that makes subjects stand out, valuing the easy tilt control, interchangeable optics, and solid metal build. Common complaints revolve around the manual focus difficulty in low light, inconsistent sharpness outside the sweet spot, and a steep learning curve for beginners.
Professional reviewers consistently highlight the lens's exceptional value, compact build, and effective 4-stop VR, noting very good sharpness through most of the zoom range. However, they point out a clear weakness at 200mm where sharpness falls off, as well as chromatic aberration at the extremes, slower autofocus, and a plastic construction that feels cheap. The lack of advanced VR modes is also mentioned as a limitation for demanding shooting scenarios.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for value, lightweight design, and VR performance, often calling the lens a great addition to kit setups for travel and general photography. Common praise centers on sharp center performance and portability. Recurring complaints mirror the expert critiques, focusing on softness at 200mm, plastic build quality, and sluggish autofocus, with several users noting the limited VR mode options.
Professional reviewers commend the lens for its portability, silent AF-P motor, and effective VR, noting that it delivers sharp central images and is well-suited for beginners and video work. However, they point out edge softness, basic plastic construction, average overall sharpness, and limited compatibility with older bodies as notable drawbacks.
Everyday users appreciate the lens's feather-light feel, quiet autofocus, and VR that lets them shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds. Common complaints focus on soft corners, limited low-light capability, plastic build quality, occasional zoom creep, and incompatibility with older Nikon cameras.
Professional reviewers commend the Tokina ATX-i 100mm f/2.8 for its exceptional sharpness, especially at f/5.6, and its flat-field design that yields edge-to-edge clarity.
Everyday users praise the lens for its striking sharpness, soft bokeh, compactness, and fast aperture that handles low-light situations well. Recurring criticisms focus on the limited autofocus performance on certain Nikon bodies and the need for extra lighting when stopping down to very small apertures.
Professional reviewers acknowledge the Yanuoda's solid metal construction and smooth zoom lock, noting it can deliver decent sharpness at 420 mm when carefully focused. However, they uniformly criticize its very slow f/8.3-f/16 aperture, lack of image stabilization or autofocus, and the difficulty of manual focusing at longer focal lengths, labeling it the cheapest yet most demanding super-zoom on the market.
Everyday users love the low price and the surprising build quality, often using the lens for moon and distant wildlife shots with a tripod. Common complaints revolve around the arduous manual focus, inconsistent sharpness at the long end, and the inability to shoot handheld in anything but bright light.
Professional reviewers consistently commend the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 for its outstanding sharpness, fast constant aperture, and rugged build.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for sharpness, low-light capability, and solid construction, often highlighting the lens's value and the convenience of the focus clutch. Recurring complaints focus on slow AF on some bodies, corner softness at 11 mm wide open, lack of sealing and stabilization, and occasional vignetting caused by the hood.
Professional reviewers commend the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 Pro DX for its superior build quality, sharp optics and constant f/4 aperture, noting the one-touch focus clutch and improved multi-coating as valuable features. However, they point out that the autofocus is not especially fast and can be noisy, and that chromatic aberration at the widest end and a stiff zoom ring are minor drawbacks.
Everyday users appreciate the lens's rugged construction, sharpness and ease of using filters, often calling it a bargain ultra-wide. Recurring complaints focus on distortion and chromatic aberration at 12mm, noticeable AF noise, a stiff zoom ring, and the lens's weight, while the Japanese-only manual is seen as a usability hurdle.
