Utterly the Best 8 Lenses WITHOUT Compare: Nikkor, Fujifilm, Zeiss, Voigtlander, Tokina

[@bunkerbunt3390]

4:00 16mm f1.4 FUJI 2:05 20mm f1.8 G NIKKOR - Astro | Cityscape | Landscape lens 7:22 35mm f2 Zeiss DISTAGON- best lense I've ever used 5:15 58mm f1.4 VOIGTLÄNDER Nokton - off the scale! 8:45 60mm f2.8 Macro NIKKOR - Perfect for Portraiture | Macro | Repro 6:13 100mm f2.8 TOKINA - silk sex and sugar 9:31 105mm f2 NIKKOR D focus control - THE portrait lense 2:35 300mm f2.8 NIKON - Sports | Action | Wildlife | Portrait

[@HODL-Diamond-Hands]

thank you

[@OrangelSuero]

Thanks!

[@richaneesh]

I like how you sequenced it with focal range

[@afiskandar]

1) Nikkor 20mm 1.8G 2) Nikkor 300mm 2.8 AiS 3) Fuji 16mm 1.4 4) Voigtlander 58mm 1.4 Nokton 5) Tokina 100mm 2.8 Macro 6) Zeiss 35mm 2.0 Distagon 7) Nikkor 60mm 2.8D Micro 8) Nikkor 105mm 2.0 DC

[@pawelhener5338]

Regarding the wine alcohol evaluation: I work in the wine business and we went on a business trip to an Eastern European country for sales talk. So my wife and I had some meetings with prospective importers. In one meeting the purchase manager told us that vodka is 3x better than wine. When my wife asked him how so he just replied: wine 13% alc. - vodka 40%! Stay safe and healthy!

[@alexmagor]

Curious if this list has changed at all over the last 4 years

[@JavierPhotoMX]

I have the 60mm and is perfect, sharp, fast, macro and lucky I got it for free when purchasing my d600 from Ebay. Now I found is one of the top 8 and I'm very impressed.

[@pakazzo]

105 f2 D or 135 f2 D? I know they are built the same, but not sure what is the best reco. Thanks!

[@philippe21R]

Following your advice, I recently bought the Tokina and I couldn't be happier. Thank you!

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

now THATS what makes me happy!!! youre like person 10,000 that bought that lens off my vids. youd think TOkina would send me a pizza or something by now!! hahaahahah!! Im gald youre happy!!! :) that lens is a pile of fun

[@philippe21R]

Tokina owes you a thousand pizzas!

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

they have no love for me :/

[@donski170]

I have the Zeiss 35 and Tokina 100 due to your recommendations. Money well spent master.

[@richie8811]

Tell me about about Zeiss Distagon. I am seriously considering it. R u using it full frame?

[@donski170]

Rick Grimes great lens on full frame Nikon D810. Super sharp!! Don't make the same lens anymore. Ken can tell you

[@skimlord88]

@@richie8811 no, mostly half frame

[@Ladybirdsin16mm]

@@skimlord88 hahahaha

[@BS2Dos]

Just ordered a Voigtlander 58mm largely on the strength of this + Ken’s other reviews. Can’t wait.

[@chrisbanbury]

That lens will make you look like a genius. It love the light, it loves color, it loves the dark.

[@sonvfave]

why didnt you include so and so lens?

[@SuperLitherland]

move the friggin mac off the table !!!!

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

haahhaha

[@pranasvaraneckas7061]

Thumbs up for You...

[@darrens7040]

or get a bigger table

[@pranasvaraneckas7061]

+Darren S or get a new backdrop

[@pranasvaraneckas7061]

RS lol. You just took that a little bit to far...:D

[@OdO_Gee]

Took your advice on the Nikkor 20-35 2.8 and was pleasantly surprised! Everything you said about it was true!

[@svtk5104]

The ultimate video! Enjoyed it many times. Have already two of them. Still managing the finances for the third one .. :)

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Thank you for sharing this video Ken. I appreciate your advice.

[@Noealz]

I love all your older lens videos

[@themaskedsingercucucachu8225]

I have not used these lenses, but he makes sense in terms of his criteria, so I accept his feelings about these lenses. However, the rendering of Leica lenses on Leica cameras is like no other. Expensive but worth it. Take care and thanks for the content.

[@pranasvaraneckas7061]

I got Tokina 100 mm and it is the best lens in the world for me. It has something that I can not describe and that other lenses that I own/owned does not have. Amazing. So amazing. The only regred I have with it is that I did not got it earlier.

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

Haaaaaaa!!!

[@cresk]

I just got a cheap old Panagor 2.8/90mm Macro and slapped it on my X-T2, which I think is a very nice lens for great macro / close-ups images. It may be cheaper than any of the macro lenses you recommded here.

[@jonfletcher147]

Ken, I did like you're clip on mic.....through my nice quality speakers you're sounding tinny......still love your daily posts! 😘

[@LindyLooo99]

Well, I like your voice... especially your "voices".... You should do voice overs for cartoons, Disney, etc etc.. you have one of those voices. Haters will hate. Thanks for all the great information.

[@KONAMAN100]

LindyLooo99 v good idea

[@fredalbarran1012]

He oughta do a ''dough!'', he already looks the part, which isn't bad.

[@DT1592796]

Hello Ken, I know that this is an old post but hopefully you will see my question (fingers crossed). I've recently come across a Topcor 58 1.4 (selling for approx 500USD) which according to some people sources was what the Voigtlander 58 1.4 Nokton was based upon. How similar are the two in terms of optical quality and for the price would you consider this a good deal worth considering?

[@ningzhang3282]

I've bought 5 of these eight based mainly on your recommendations and I'm almost broke damn it! ~~

[@DeputyNordburg]

3 to go.

[@glenho1335]

Is it still good if you get the voigtlander 58mm f1.4 SL II-S Ais version?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

ohhhh yes

[@moaxcym]

Great video, can you please tell me which adapter I need to get to adapt the Ziess Distagon 35 f2 to my Fuji camera? I tried out an old Nikon FX (g) to fuji adapter, and it doesn't fit properly.

[@canislupus2661]

Hey Ken! Which of these lenses would you recommend to use on the Fuji X system? Is this list still accurate or would you replace the Tokina with the 80mm Fuji Macro for example? (you named it "best macro lens ever produced in your guide :-)) - I'm unfortunately on a budget but also quite disappointed by anything thats not exceptional. Thanks for your help and have a good day!

[@brandonin_ny]

Looks like I'm staring at a bunch of frog fur.

[@jeffreybeckstrand6665]

I would have to include the fuji 110mm f2 ... there's just something magical about that lens

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

yes, i have it :)

[@westernpacific8805]

Is your Japanese Tokina worker related to Arnie? I love these lens nerd vids, keep it up!

[@polocash11]

Would a normal budget-minded person need the 58 and the 60?

[@komedybitspresents...600]

Carl Zeiss Jena 35mm f2.4 {Prakticar mount}, made in former East Germany. Paid the equivalent of 19.00 US in mint condition. Very happy with it.

[@wookmon]

Hi Ken! I just saw your video and I am thinking about getting Voigtlander nokton 58mm 1.4 for my fuji xpro2, which adapter do I need to get? Thanks a lot! You the man for camera and lens reviews, I really enjoy your KZbin’s!

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

K&F adapter, ebay

[@wookmon]

Theoria Apophasis thank you so much!!!

[@banditkiddy]

Just bought a Tokina 100mm f2.8 on your recommendation. :)

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Hi Derek, how is that Tokina 100mm working out for you? What camera are you using it on?

[@banditkiddy]

@@lonnieclemens8028 D500, and it's fine. 👍

[@EchelonDelta9]

Is the Ziess Milvus 35mm f/2 not the same build quality as the Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2? on the face of it, are identical on paper - Is there be a reason to seek out the discontinued Distagon over a Milvus?

[@whateverrandomnumber]

EchelonDelta9 what paper? Design-wise, are they the same project? Nope. 35mm f/2 is too simple. I can't even understand if he's talking about the ZE or ZF version, for which mount and so on.

[@tristanlinke921]

Does it make sense to put the Zeiss Distagon 35mm on a fuji in favor of their native lenses?

[@jeffreybeckstrand6665]

In the 90s that 300mm f2.8 was my go to sports action lens on a Nikon f3

[@w.harrison7277]

I know you said compared to all lenses but please clarify, does the set of all lenses include all Leica lenses?

[@BenM]

How fragile is the 20mm 1.8g?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i havent hammered any nails with it yet its tough enough

[@tkshots]

what is the best f2 zeiss distagon for a nikon d850?

[@AhmedMustafax]

The prices on those lenses are about to go up again. :(

[@DarrylCobb]

Every time I get ready to buy a 300mm f2.8, Ken makes a video mentioning it. ARRRGGGHHH!!!! lol

[@deejxcel]

Out of the nikor 105mm or the 135mm which is better for portraits

[@godofhope]

Could you please make nice list?

[@daveeecortez1997]

good info thanks...btw, what is the best pentax lens (portrait/landscape) again, thanks

[@jasonhernandez2733]

Hey Ken, have you used the Zeiss 35mm f2 on your Fuji? I'm interested in buying one to use on my Nikon F3 film camera as well as my Xt20 but I don't know if I'll enjoy the cropped FOV especially at the size the lens would be

[@Nails6736]

Great video. Are we talking about the 60mm micro 2.8 G or 2.8 D as the one to buy?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

the D…..the G version sucks

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

55 2.8 micro is a crotch pain of "fun" …..its a "pro" lens because it will spank you if you dont have hardcore MF love. no, the 60mm 2.8 D is the tits, and CHEAP, made in japan, used $200 all day buy THAT lens

[@kaboemb]

THANK YOU!!!

[@davidlowcher]

Tokina ATX to Fuji X... what adapter?

[@unclejake1476]

Have you tried the sigma 20mm f1.4 art? Do you think the Nikon 20 f1.8 is better?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i dont touch sigmas junk :)

[@unclejake1476]

Theoria Apophasis so you don't even try them and they are somehow junk? lol

[@franciscomonrreal498]

Hey!! What kind of adapter do you recommend for the lens? Also I have a Nikon D5100

[@booghy9486]

Hello Ken, If you had to choose just 1 lens to use forever what would it be? :) Great Videos.

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

ahhhhhh 35mm f2 Zeiss distagon

[@booghy9486]

Thank you for the reply, I just watched your video on that lens. :)

[@KennyRedSocks]

Does the rendering of the 135mm DC differ much from the 105mm DC?

[@gm010379]

THANKYOU...

[@ganstaboii2332]

Nikon 20mm f1.8 or sigma 20mm f1.4 art lens?

[@mooinabc1]

The tokina 100mm how good is it in landscape photos? Thanks ken

[@BenM]

godlike

[@mooinabc1]

thanks know we know a plus 10 lens for landscapes

[@mooinabc1]

Ken know tokina will have more oders.

[@jhnnevin]

Hi Ken, a quick question. Didnt see the voigtlander 58mm 1.4. is the Nikon 105 f2 DC better than the Voigtlander 58mm f1.4 SL II S? can you pls tell me keeping aside the focal length, only in terms of color rendition and sharpness! Thanks

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

the voigt is hair sharper.......the DC is the utter perfect portrait lens, but both are incredible

[@jhnnevin]

Theoria Apophasis Thanks Ken!

[@jimwest4862]

ken would do a vid on table top photography?lenses tripods lighting dx fx please...

[@ibrahimziazadeh2797]

Thanks for your great review. I have the zeiss 35/2, 50/1.4 and 85/1.4. Which lens should I use if I can do a x3 zoomed on a closeup shot (of eyes), almost macro? (instead of buying a zeiss 100mm or 135mm apo sonnar which is very expensive).

[@toddroy9558]

Hi Angry, I bought the tokina 100mm macro and I love it, thanks. I have a question about it. It's a 2.8, but in some lighting it won't go to 2.8, why?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

cause macro front element goes way out front.....inverse square law :)

[@LEIGHPFOSI]

Perhaps Mr. Dallat is referring to your subscriber number.? Thanks for this great video.

[@mooinabc1]

ken what about the fugi 35mm f2 is it tits plus?Reply•

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

it is, and faster AF and WR……….not the 1.4 of the 35mm 1.4…..but I've got both, the 35mm F2 Fuji is the must have pack everywhere lens most peeps have , and its cheap in price

[@salvajejardin]

35mm F2 Zeiss Distagon vs 35mm F2 Loxia (Biogon)... Is there any relationship? What is your opinion of the 35mm Loxia? Thanks!

[@ldyrtdyrt8872]

would you include the 105mm 1.8 ais if you updated this video?

[@luckyjimenez6500]

Hi! Would like to know your opinion if the zeiss 35mm f2 distagon will be a good choice for a leica m240 plus adapter versus the current native 35mm lenses for the m240. Thank you

[@BarbasMinecraft]

i don t understand. in the video you have the nikkor 135 f2 D or the 105?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

the 105 F2 both are pretty damn close and unique/awesome

[@BarbasMinecraft]

you choose the 105 f2 because it is less expensive?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i own both…….i chose the best cause its the best

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i commented on it, did U see it?

[@BarbasMinecraft]

Now i see. Sorry. Thanks for you comment ;)

[@dennisrubin4721]

You need to name these as HALL OF FAME lenses

[@ramblinginmeath4950]

Ken - Ive pulled the trigger on the 16mm Fuji .. hope to collect at the weekend and I love my Voightlander 40mm f/1.4 Regards and keep away from those Pizza's their too nice Paul.. ireland

[@MrK67017]

Honorable Mention: Nikon 105 F1.8mm AI-S. Pure mac and cheese.

[@BarbasMinecraft]

ken, can you do a video teaching how to edit well in lightroom?

[@whateverrandomnumber]

By the way, which version of the Zeiss 35/2 Distagon is he talking about? ZE, ZF.2? M-mount, F-Mount, are they all good or what?

[@crismeman3386]

They are all made the same only the mount differs.

[@Geemodrums]

I have the 60mm 2.8 micro.. and yes I NEVER remove it from my camera.. . it is just simply amazing. sample here: obtura.tumblr.com/post/150663008581/music-genius-wayne-tennant-by-german-moreno-shot

[@hsbokra]

#TheoriaApophasis plz tell me best micro contrast lenses???? Any brands of any focal length

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

ive got nearly 40 vids on that topic

[@hsbokra]

Theoria Apophasis can u list here

[@supdub1]

i have an offer for Nikkor 200 F2 AIS, can you recommend that lens ? is it as good as the VR 1 version ?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

that lens is always overpriced, its a very good lens, but not worth its usual asking price :/ honestly the 180mm f2.8 is a better lens and is AF :) (and way cheaper)

[@damianc80]

What about Leica lenses?

[@victorstennis]

Is the 105 f2 DC hard to use on a fujifilm, compared to mitakon 85

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

both are about as easy

[@JavierPhotoMX]

I have the 60mm 2.8 amazing! Use it on de for portrait

[@ManchmalGaming]

🧐 200mm f2 maybe could have snuck in here…

[@James-lo5ne]

Have you ever had to deal with Nikon customer service? and if you, how was your experience?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

yes, they're very good, but snobs

[@jganun]

No 100mm Zeiss Makro Planar ZF.2?

[@mengjuexia5436]

What about the Tamron 15-30

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

awesome lens, but it doesn't make the cut THESE lenses do

[@jeffbrislane5782]

Hi Theoria, which Nikkor lens do you recommend for slide copying? You mention the 60mm macro here, would it be better than the 55mm? I was going to use the ES 1 and a flash.

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

60mm 2.8D copy slides ehhhh welcome to the year 1998

[@jeffbrislane5782]

im assuming then that the 60mm will work fine with the ES-1?

[@ghffrsfygdhfjkjiysdz]

Why is it that in every "best of..." type of video you do there is never any brand new lenses? I mean, at some point in the past these lenses also were "newest" and so them still being the best yet today's newest lenses not being mentioned in any "best of..." videos would suggest that all lens manufacturers are now making worse product than they did 30-50 years ago... which is just backwards of technological progress. When cost is part of calculation the old glass being best does make sense, but if cost is not a factor, there have got to be modern lenses that beat old glass. May be do videos that differentiate best with cost consideration and separately best regardless of price.

[@julioduenas9427]

For the last lens you mention two different focus 105 and 135. Which one is it?

[@ryancooper3629]

He means either. They are both great for the same reasons.

[@bleezyblake2010]

I loved my Tokina 100. unfortunately the aperture diaphragm suddenly became stuck closed down all the way one day and rendered it useless :(

[@danielramones3992]

Ken Rockwell says that the price you must pay for the 20mm 1.8 is not worth it considering the fact that you do not get that entire wide angle you should on dx. What do you think about that comment?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

hes on crack

[@nightdonutstudio]

that is ultra wide for fx, who care about dx.

[@chirag4]

HAHAHAH !

[@ohdaUtube]

+Kai Liu I care about dx (have the d7100). is it not a good buy for dx?

[@GideonWassink]

You forgot the AF 180mm 2.8😣

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

it doesn't make THIS cut

[@nightdonutstudio]

I bought it based on your recommendation. it is great overall. but when shoot backlit, contrast very washed out. worse than my other lens at this aspect. not a good lens shooting backlight.

[@peterpolak3135]

Wow.....who donated the Fujifilm shirt

[@nickathos7428]

Has anybody used a tokina 28-70mm 2.8 atx pro?

[@fxvsdx35]

Great collection, Ken. How about best buy "baker's dozen" (12+1). Let's say no more than $ 250 per lens. For people on tight budgets, or in cases someone needs to take the lens into a dirty or risky situation that may damage the lens.

[@KatsumotoYT]

The Cats Ass😂😂

[@DarrylCobb]

I'm really enjoying the 105mm f2.5 so much I may by the Nikkor 105 f2 DC next year. I like that focal length alot. I do see an 85mm in my future though because I need the extra space to shoot half body in studio.

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

that lens isn't cheap anywhere! :)

[@DarrylCobb]

Theoria Apophasis But it will be worth it. Somethings you just have to pay for.

[@patrickvanbaarle3483]

So your saying the 135 dc is basically the same as the 105 dc but out of the 2 you picked the 105. 135 seems less practical and perhaps "to long" but on the other if you have the space I presume the 135 will give you a narrower DOF. So I am confused why 105 would get you a "better image" then the 135, what are your considerations picking the 105, Price? Practicality? Would there be a case when you would pick the 135 DC over the 105? Thanks

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

too long???? no, 300mm is a portrait lens too…..subject isolation is diff than DOF. no, the 105 is just a better portrait lens……price has nothing to do with it, i own both

[@beslemeto]

Squirrel on crack 😅.I absolutely agree with you.Why would i need AF lens for portrait when i can use 105mm f2.5 lens and get mind blowing results.I got 135mm F3.5MF,105 F2.5MF,50mm F1.8MF Pancake,Tokina 100mm Macro all due to your recommendations and i am more than hapy.I want that C.Z. 35mm Distagon ZF2,but it's very hard to find and it's very expensive.I don't know if it will worth the price since i have 35mm Nikon DX 1.8Respect big man!

[@mp88mp88mp88mp88]

squirrel on crack....excellent!!!!

[@reshamthapa1889]

this is the best don't argue with me...😂😂😂😂

[@1234510081]

nikkor 105 or 135? For the same lens you give 2 # focal lengths

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

105 F2 is the superior portrait lens

[@ChallusMercer]

I got Tokina 100mm from your advice and it's amazing. The best 250€ i have ever spend! The Nikon 20mm f/1.8G AF-S is too expensive for me, could you maybe advice a cheaper alternative please?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

that lens has no equal or even anything close to it

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

Bring back SHARPIE!

[@Murphy252000]

This man deserves 50,000, come onnnn.

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

50,000 whut?

[@Murphy252000]

+Theoria Apophasis Subs man :0

[@kalidesu]

Pizzas?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

someone say pizza??? where dammit??

[@HenkLeerssen]

all these lenses I use.. and I could not agree more with your opinion on all of these lenses. Only the voigtlander 58mm has some disturbing bokeh I have found. Sometimes to harsh for my taste. thinking about selling it. nikkor 50mm f1.2 gives more creamier bokeh as a general purpose lens. by the way you could test the sigma 20mm f1.8... very good as well. keep up the good work!

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

did you say sigma?……. the devils tools :) disturbing bokeh???? ROFL

[@HenkLeerssen]

+Theoria Apophasis haha really? why?

[@violin-schwerin]

Yes, I'm sure the Tokina big shots have nothing at all to do...

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

tokina loves my ass, so .. :/

[@mooinabc1]

ken what about the fugi 35mm f1.4 is it tits plus?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

its noisy and slow as piss…..i own it…….so yes and no. :)