Who Makes the Best HOLY TRINITY of Zoom Lenses?

[@EyeofAku]

No, Chris, I want this video so that you can either reaffirm my choice in camera system or I can post outlandish claims about how wrong you are in the comments.

[@R.Hogarth]

I went with a totally different "Trinity" of lenses. I went with the: Z14-30 f/4 S Z24-120 f/4 S and Z100-400 f/4.5-5.6 S That gives me coverage from 14-400mm in 3 "S Series" lenses. True, I don't have f/2.8 lenses, but everything in life is a compromise and given the sensor technology and current post processing software, that is (for me) a good compromise to gain the extra reach. Sony & Canon both make very good lenses in similar (not identical) focal lengths and apertures that may be a better option for some than the "traditional" Holy Trinity of f/2.8 lenses.

[@bruhdabones]

It seems like Sigma is also working on a new trinity, with the 28-105 f2.8 that just came out

[@seth094978]

That's what I would lean towards, especially since the money saved vs the f2.8 options could go to some primes like, say, the 50/1.8 S and 105/2.8 S macro.

[@s3icc0]

cannot agree more! my Canon RF setup RF 14-35 f/4 + RF 24-105 f/4 + RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1 (all 3 also on 77mm filters, weather sealed and stabilized) with overall weight of 2610g. A whopping of 14-500mm focal range which is like 35x zoom equivalent. OMG. Got also 2x teleconverter ... :-)

[@birdnerdqc4028]

I went with the "poor man" trinity, Nikon Z 12-28 f3.5-5.6, 16-50 f3.5-6.3, 50-250 f4.5-6.3 😅

[@dixinggao7178]

If I have a similar budget, I would go with the Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 S, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8, and the Nikkor 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. The 35-150mm's larger aperture is useful at portrait FLs, and although it isn't quite as sharp as the (spectacular) 24-120mm f/4 S, it's decent enough. It also shares 82mm filters with the 14-30mm f/4 S. The 180-600mm is about as sharp as Nikon's 100-400mm at 400mm (100-400 is sharper at shorter FLs), despite not bearing the S-line badge, is internal zooming, and can reach 600mm.

[@dracphelan]

Why would anyone ever be sick of a Pentax DSLR?

[@hardywoodaway9912]

nice one 😂

[@vertujoe2886]

Since Pentax is the only manufacturer of DSLRs, I'm not even dare to be sick of it.

[@xmeda]

Most users left the party years ago... and I've added M4/3

[@kalinmir]

should have tested the K mount equivalent with them

[@gosman949]

@@hardywoodaway9912 me! I have a K3 with lenses I haven't touched since getting my Nikon Z6!

[@livejames9374]

Not often mentioned: the Nikon 14-24 filter hood works with the 24-70 and 70-200. So if you do invest in those 112mm filters you’ll be able to use it across the trinity.

[@SoftKitty0930]

Maybe my math is wrong but pretty sure the 82mm filter would fit all Canon or Sony trinity too

[@livejames9374]

@ not sure what Sony or Canon has to do with my post. 😂

[@gosman949]

@@livejames9374 he doesn't get it because Canon and Sony don't have this feature.

[@joelrobison8036]

I’ve said the same thing. Why has no one posted a video on this

[@livejames9374]

@@gosman949he doesn’t understand that all 14mm zoom lenses prior to the Z 14-24 did not take conventional filters because of bulbous front element. So you had to use a square filter system. Mentioning 82mm loses the point of that. Of course the basic 15/16-35mm lens uses an 82mm.

[@kqschwarz]

I am so glad "your editor" forced you to make this video, as it was super helpful to those of us that already have a camera system and especially to those that are consider trading up from the smart phone. I am not sure why Chris was being so apologetic about making this video. He and Jordan did their usual incredible job and this video will be required viewing for all those considering venturing into full-frame photography. Thank you very much.

[@ericbradner6986]

As somebody trying to decide which mirrorless system to buy into, this was a useful video idea. I understand why they weren’t covered here so this isn’t meant as a criticism, but I’d be really curious to know how the Sigma trinity for Panasonic L-mount stacks up. Same with the Tamron 17-28, 28-75 and 70-180 options for Nikon and Sony.

[@TigaWould]

There is so much more to switching to Mirrorless than even lenses. I am going to be honest with you... All of these systems are great! most of the mirrorless cameras they have come up with are fantastic and will cover most of your needs as a photographer. The one thing that I will say is this... Rent all of the systems if you can and see which work flow works best for you. No one will notice the difference in lens sharpness and these "Tests" are arbitrary at best and don't serve to which will get you the best results for your photography. It won't matter much which lens is the best when you don't like picking up your camera because you don't enjoy the menu system! it also won't serve you to get a camera that has limitations and then you figure out your better at sports photography than you are at studio photography. just giving you and others suggestions while really looking at a camera and a system, because honestly, NO one is going to be able to tell what you use unless you tell them. They are just going to see a good image, so it will be on you to whatever works best for your work flow. hope this helps and hope you find the system you want.

[@Giraffe537]

Nikon with the cheaper 2.8 trinity and having a 1.4 primes thats cheaper than the 1.8 is such a baller move from them, they cover the pro and enthusiast market perfectly

[@ericbradner6986]

@ Oh I hear you! I’ve used all of these systems except L-mount, which I haven’t tried since the first round of Panasonic full-frame mirrorless cameras came out; I fiddled with an S1 for like a day but that was it. I agree about tests like this … I still like the *idea* of a video like this one, and would love to see something with more of a real-world use case sort of emphasis. (As in: Show me a talking head scenario in a tight space where getting to 14mm makes a difference vs. Tamron’s 17mm. Does such a scenario even exist? Show me a shot you could get with 200mm that only being able to reach to 180mm can’t get you. Does such a shot exist? Weight, lens filters, all that - those are the sorts of differences that mean more in the real world.)

[@TigaWould]

@@ericbradner6986 yup I agree with your assessment on that and they should! test charts never tell the full story, but they are constantly used because that's the only bases they can still seem to come up with. I also don't think that they'd get as many views if they did a review like that.

[@yukonchris]

Second that! I would love to see how the Panasonic and Sigma lenses for the L-Mount compare to the three mentioned brands.

[@maksrej5082]

4:26 If we consider Nikon 14-24 2.8, Sony has 12-24 which can be in the trinity instead of 16-35

[@q3itachyon209]

yeah, that's the best wide zoom of all

[@bladerealm124]

I wish they hadn't overlooked the 12-24mm due to Chris saying it's more specialized. I think it's very comparable to the Nikon 14-24mm f2.8 and possibly just a better version of it and MUCH wider on the wide end.

[@DavidRamsey1]

But then you would have lost the price war and wouldn't have looked as attractive on the weight or price comparisons (which Sony fans would have complained about). You also can't put a filter on the front of that lens (you can put gel filters at the back) unless you buy a special contraption from one of the filter manufacturers. Having had the Nikon 14-24 for the F mount, which had the same problem, I can tell you it made filters so inconvenient that I rarely used them. Given all that, I think it was fair to say that the Sony 12-24mm is a specialty lens that really shouldn't be in the comparison.

[@Eikenhorst]

I think the reason is that the 14-24 does take front filters (although they are not the standard size) while the 12-24 only ever works with rear filters or big front filter holders. It also seems Sony believes that the 16-35 is more part of the trinity than the 12-24, as they have a version 2 of their trinity lineup, but not the 12-24.

[@astorothcr]

Well if you're going down that route canon has a 28-70 F2 👀

[@breadandcircuses5644]

My wife and I restarted our photographic journey in 2024. We went with Sony (FF & APS-C respectively), mainly because of the current state of 1st party lenses and the possibility of using third party lenses.

[@SamandSteve]

Same here

[@switch-_-blade951]

You should do the F4 trinity next. That has more value, especially for non-pro users.

[@fscg2732]

Non-pro ????

[@WyattOShea]

@@fscg2732 You know like us hobbyist photographers (myself included).

[@JPCl]

​@@fscg2732 Not everyone can afford $7000 worth of zooms. And most people don't need them either

[@NickErickson]

Nikon doesn't have a Z 70-200mm f4 yet though. They should refresh the 70-200mm f2.8 to make it smaller and better, etc, and release the f4 version

[@breadandcircuses5644]

I have the Sony 70-200 f4 Mk2 on my a6700. It's an affordable, very compact setup and the IQ outside and during daytime is amazing. I use it for sports and wildlife and especially in winter I often wish I had the f2.8.

[@jacobh5817]

As a former professional Canon DSLR, Nikon Z and Sony E user, I was fed up with the size and weight of those kits for my personal work. For my hiking and travel I switched to OM System and I can honestly say that their holy trinity is fantastic. When size, weight and price are factors, their trinity wins, hands down. For studio work I continue to use the X2D and SL3, but anything outside, the OM-1 goes into the bag.

[@nicknico4121]

Nice try but there's a reason why it went bankrupt. As the typical delusional self-denial Olympus fanboy, you will not admit they went into bankruptcy.

[@christill]

@@nicknico4121 Wow, you MFT haters are really outing yourselves as irrational weirdos. You remind me of angry car drivers sitting in traffic while people on cheap and “inferior” bicycles ride past you to the front of the queue.

[@gimliw]

Yeah great kit for sure, but in the end those are f5.6 only (in terms of image look). So you shouldn't compare those to the "actual f2.8 FF lenses", if you check Nikon Z 14-30 f4 / Canon RF 14-35 f4, Nikon Z 24-70 f4 / Canon RF 28-70 2.8 and Canon RF 70-200 f4 for size / weight you will get a better comparison and will see that those are at least in a similar price / weight range, while still having better subject separation capabilities. There is no such thing as free lunch. A 5.6 trinity is just no priority for Nikon, Canon or Sony and if they would decide to do developt this line of lenses it would end up with very similar specs (but of course with FF compatibility).

[@istvanglock7445]

@@nicknico4121 " _they went into bankruptcy_ " Except of course they didn't go into bankruptcy. They simply sold off their camera division. Nikon, on the other hand, was very close to bankruptcy back in 2020.

[@bastian.michel]

​@@nicknico4121That comment feels unnecessary and a bit harsh.

[@TomOhle1]

I think it’s a missed opportunity not to include the sigma holy trinity to represent l-mount and e-mount. Yes on Sony emount they are artificially crippled by Sony but on L mount sigma lenses perform and are first party native (full fps, etc…). Maybe an addendum video on sigma would be really nice and super useful!

[@_fxavier]

Exacly! L mount is always forgotten.

[@ItsMidasProductions]

I think there’s actually quite a few people this video would serve. The holy trinities give fantastic insight into each manufacturer’s professional range of lenses and evaluating the choices as a system as opposed to lens vs lens will only help people to make more informed choices!

[@Wissperwind]

Can you make a video please who makes the best 24-105?

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Nikon 24-120mm f/4 is the best.

[@KungPowEnterFist]

@@shang-hsienyang1284 The Z 24-120 f4S is easily the best, which is why they won't make a video on this.

[@StYfReX]

​@@shang-hsienyang1284canon 2.8 pz

[@carlos_saba6701]

​@@shang-hsienyang1284 Its a bloodbath

[@youphototube]

That was what l was going to say. ​@@shang-hsienyang1284

[@ZOB4]

I have the 12-24 and specifically chose it over the 16-35 from Sony. Not sure why you consider it a specialist lens when it actually gives you full coverage from 12-200 with three lenses instead of having the overlap in the 24-35 range. Especially considering you used the 14-24 from Nikon, which is a much more comparable lens.

[@bastian.michel]

I think most of us watching are not in a position to buy anything; we're just here to enjoy the experience. We are here because of you guys.

[@tooki3698]

It's not a ridiculous video because lens ecosystem is probably the single most important factor in deciding which system to buy into.

[@stevenqirkle]

I like this new dynamic of Jaron making you guys do videos you don't want to make. Kind of reminds me of "the bloody producer" from DigitalRev TV back in the day.

[@ZachEldridge]

Happy Saturday folks! Go shoot something this weekend!

[@theonlyredspecial]

That doesn’t translate so well in America. 😂

[@pedro77167]

Just bought some gold 200 .. chasing sunlight later today ☀️

[@antoniomorano5794]

A very well done, accurate & unbiased review! When someone has the specific brand of Holy Trinity lenses, they are not going to jump to another brand. Especially with the cost of these lenses. As you mentioned, they're all fantastic and will produce quality images.

[@supergearland]

Still amazed at the jump in lens quality from DSLR to mirrorless for all three of these manufacturers

[@khaozelectrichead]

This is a new format. Chris (Sony) Niccolls normally chooses the Sony then the bulk of the commenters talk about the Nikon options. Not picking any favourite by name is a much smarter play. Love you Chris.

[@R.Hogarth]

IMHO (and that is all it is, a humble opinion), Sony, Canon, and Nikon all make amazing lenses and cameras. In many cases, I think it comes down to the features, the ergonomics and familiarity with a given brand. At any given price point, you can probably find comparable cameras from any of the big 3.

[@jamesarchibald6598]

The video we all needed. It’s often easy to think the grass is sometimes greener with other manufacturers and wasting a lot of money finding out this isn’t the case. Thanks for all the work on this one guys.

[@Orugataruga]

I hadn't noticed, but I now own the Olympus Holy Trinity... The 7-14, 12-40, and 40-250 f/2.8..... Great stuff. Got them for a great price used.

[@kle_py]

seems like a typo of the tele lens ? but i would be wishing for it certainly

[@Orugataruga]

@kle_py woops!

[@localnavy433]

Would love to see this done for the F4 versions for the landscape photographers out there.

[@_NoDrinkTheBleach]

It's not like there's a wrong answer in the bunch. They're all making amazing cameras and lenses right now. Brand loyalty might only come down to ergonomics.

[@sequoi_]

Ergonomics and control customization. Thats what drove me from Nikon to Sony. Would prefer a Nikon body but couldn’t stand how much Nikon forces you to shoot the “Nikon” way button wise.

[@Bikerbeest]

I have all three from Nikon and it has no overlap , the 14-24mm is amazing and all so the 24-70 and 70-200 mm F2.8

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Can do the same with Sony with the 12-24 f2.8 (or the 14-24 f.28 from Sigma).

[@scb2scb2]

They could have picked the 1224GM from sony instead of the 1635GM2 and also not have a overlap the 1224GM is a great lens .

[@livejames9374]

@@scb2scb2then Sonys weight wouldn’t have been a differentiator

[@phelanwolf6747]

I always wonder about the 70-200, what are you using it for? And at which focal lengths? I personally feel like the 200mm are too long for stuff like portraits but too short for stuff like sports and wildlife. So in my mind it would make much more sense to shorten the range and make like a 70-120mm instead, which would be a much more compact lens. Then have a 120-300mm for the close range sports and wildlife shooters.

[@MyOnlyYans]

@@phelanwolf6747 70-200 2.8 for concerts and anything else with a stage, as well as candid shots at events.

[@hikertrashfilms]

I want a 20-50 f/2.8

[@zyxyuv1650]

I'm with you...I want a parfocal 20-50mm f/2 with all the amenities for video, low focus breathing, smooth zooming action. Maybe it's impossible at a reasonable weight. But I think nobody ever tried to make the perfect video lens. The closest recently was Sigma's 28-45mm f/1.8, but the zoom range is too small and it already weighs 960 grams. I don't think Sigma prioritized making it as light as possible though. Some remarkable light weight designs are still possible, I.e. Samyang showed us they can make a full frame 45mm f/1.8 prime that weighs 162 g.

[@thebitterfig9903]

@@zyxyuv1650 bah. Sometimes folks wish for pie in the sky absurd lenses. This isn’t one of those times. We’ve been seeing a lot more zooms which take this approach, giving up reach to go a bit wider. Olympus 8-25/4, Panasonic 10-25/1.7, Panasonic 20-60 kit lens, Sony 20-70/4, and the closest and only f/2.8, the Tamron 20-40 (which is rather compact and affordable-it wouldn’t be cracked to push a similar lens a bit further). I think lenses like this make a lot of sense. Significantly wider than the 24mm (just like 24mm is significantly wider than the 28mm wide end which used to be common), and giving up reach compared to a 24-70, but gaining considerably more than an ultrawide zoom. A really functional do-it-all focal length. For a lot of folks, that 20-24 range is most of what the’d need from a full UWA zoom, and getting to 50mm on the tele end is enough with either cropping or swapping to a longer focal length. By going in between two common designs, it can often replace both in a camera bag. And it’s not a crazy pipe dream of an ultralight f/2 zoom with a long focal range. A lot of lenses are close, and the micro43 and full-frame f/4 equivalents are there and reasonably sized and priced. I think this is a case of an emerging market segment, where customers didn’t know how much they wanted this kind of lens until recently, and companies are figuring out that they can make them.

[@adamwhittingham86]

It's only 7am here. But I've got my popcorn ready for the petty comments 🍿

[@bsum8715]

I was moving from MFT to full-frame in 2024 and I just couldn't find much information comparing between range of lenses available to each mount. So this kind of video is certainly meaningful. Thanks Team Petapixel.

[@deathse1989]

Well done Chris, I'm convinced. Must save up for that K1ii and the Pentax Trinity.

[@GavinSeim]

This is cool but I'll like to see full frame glass compared to its' counterparts in Crop Sensor and M43 since many of us do maintain 2 systems in that.

[@BrianDBisset]

That's what's nice about Sony... all the FF lenses fit their crop sensor (APS-C) bodies. These were all full frame options if it wasn't mentioned.

[@williamwaung2514]

Thanks for doing the comparison. My takeaway is that there isn't a bad one in the bunch and they cost about the same. Good to know.

[@Rim00909E]

SEE THAT??? -> 2:22 PENTAX ON THE BUILDING ON THE CAMERA STORE

[@pedro77167]

😱

[@BrianDBisset]

I'm from Calgary and that's a very old building, lol.

[@adamwhittingham86]

You speak so well. If I spoke that much there would be a thousand "UM's" and I'd need a drink every other sentence lol

[@2000sidhupunjab]

They worked in retail, explaining stuff to their customers was part of their daily routine. Plus the have been making these videos for ages now. Yes they speak really well, so can you. Start now and you will be surprised at your progress in few years or even months. But you have to start and be more expressive.

[@stevenqirkle]

Agree! Sometimes I'll watch a video from Chris and Jordan that I don't even care about (like this one) just because they are so good at it.

[@niccollsvideo]

@@adamwhittingham86 Thank you! I’ve tried to slow down a little bit as per common requests but I don’t know that I’m managing to do that.

[@adamwhittingham86]

@niccollsvideo you can't please everyone. I'd just stick to the cadence that feels good for you and your workflow. For the few it's too fast for they can just adjust playback speed 👍

[@300ShadesofGreen]

I think the Nikon 14-24 didn’t get the credit it deserves optically. It is no mixed bag, it’s a piece of brilliance. Also, regarding filters, you have a second hood that takes the 112mm magnetic inlay from Kase and you have the perfect filter system. Especially when you factor in being able to use that same “filter hood” with all three lenses in the Trinity. That’s filters taken care of. My money is on the Nikon 70-200 to best the others in the battle of LoCa, something that matters much more to me than the slight difference in sharpness. Now, as a Nikon fanboy, I would take the Sony glass next over the Canon.

[@Bayonet1809]

Yes, I use the 112mm filters on all three, and they work well with a step down ring on the 95mm threads of the 180-600, 400/4.5, and 600/6.3, where 82mm filters would not. The 14-24's filter hood also happens to fit directly on the 50/1.2.

[@stjepanjina]

What contrast and sharpness on the Nikon, fantastic all the way!

[@mralexlex]

Let me guess, your Nikon fan boi... 😂

[@astromoosie]

except for the 200mm. it looked noticeable softer compared to canon and sony. *coming from a Nikon shooter*

[@83442handle]

0:41 "im sick of my Pentax DSLR" Said no one

[@leventebandi]

Unjustified Pentax slandeeeeer

[@Rim00909E]

PENTAX A DAY KEEPS THE MIRRORLESS NERDS AWAY!

[@JetBen555]

Said no one because no one is using Pentax

[@leventebandi]

@@JetBen555 It's not about using pentax, it'S about solidarity:)

[@GS-XV]

Pentax has the best set of lenses - the beautiful metal Limited ones

[@BrandonNedwek]

Chris's intro was accurate, this was a little excruciating haha. But thank you for putting in the work.

[@jonasgillmann]

I'm actually that ONE PERSON OUT THERE (switching from APS-C to one of these three Full-Frame options) so THANK YOU very much! I do a lot of video shooting so the Nikon Z8 looks very appealing. 8.3K oversampled 4K60p is awesome and I'm really sad that neither the Sony a1 II nor the Canon R5 Mark II can shoot 4K60p downsampled from 8K. An 8K comparison video between these cameras would be quite interesting. 8.3K60p N-RAW vs 8K60p Canon and 8K30p a1II.

[@Mr09260]

Dont be sad >> Nikon is the only choice >> Sony for TV and Canon for Printers

[@gosman949]

@@Mr09260 Epson for printers! Sorry Canon!

[@thefourthquarter7429]

Nikon is the best system overall now that they have addressed the AF issues in their cameras. Their lenses are super consistent and they have the best lineup of sports and wildlife lenses if you want that. They have also closed the gap (and taken the lead in many cases) in terms of video. Does any of this really matter though? Nope. Just pick the system that you relate to the most (ergonomics, feel, needed specific feature etc.) and enjoy that. I would also throw Panasonic into this mix...especially for video. Again, they would also be fine for everything. If $$ is a big concern Sony has all the 3rd party lens options so you can save a lot on the lenses. Finally, regardless of which system you choose, save money and purchase used. You can find practically new gear at substantial discounts all over the place! Happy shooting!

[@Strider_Shinryu]

Yeah, I don't think this video is as out there as Chris is saying. I think there are still a number of people out there who are making pr considering the transition to mirrorless, including myself. I'm generally a Canon user but haven't committed for the long run (have an R7 that I quite enjoy but am still using my old lenses with an adapter) so this sort of comprehensive look at the major players is very interesting to me. I'm very much at the point where I'm trying to decide whether to stick with Canon or switch before I get too far in by starting to buy native Canon mirrorless lenses.

[@POVwithRC]

Ok grandpa, let's get you back to your room. ​@@Mr09260

[@JDTechTV]

As a new Nikon user, I actually find this extremely helpful. Jaron had the right idea. When you have tons of knowledge like you guys do, sometimes it's hard to remember that entry level videos like this actually work and are needed.

[@jasonwhinnery4134]

Excellent video. No crap to throw at you guys. No bias. Just a professional review.

[@LucasRocksFilms]

Totally understand why you're comparing the Nikon S line for this. I'm curious now though, do you think the Nikon S line trinity is worth it over their cheaper and lighter "less pro" f/2.8 trinity. That is the 17-28 f/2.8, 28-75 f/2.8, and 70-180 f/2.8.

[@stuartblink]

It seems that in general, that the newer optics are better. It’s great that we are continuing to see improvements in optical performance and autofocus performance of lenses. It probably also explains the healthy interest in older optical lenses and lens formulas for when people want a less perfect / sterile image.

[@birdnerdqc4028]

Not sur why the Sony 12-24 is more specialized than the 14-24 from Nikon, the gel filter vs the 112 mm filter, both are not so practical 😅

[@thealmightysnark5878]

Lovely video Chris! Really enjoyed this, and whilst I am not switching away from my Zf until they release a new version(They can pry my sunburned orange Zf from my cold dead hands) it was very informative still. Honestly ever since getting into the Z mount system last year I've been impressed with all that it offers. Right now got the classic looking 40mm lens, the standard 24-70/F4 and most recently the 105 macro(I love that lens). Really it's all good stuff and it looks like you can't really go wrong with whatever system you are/get into.

[@PhilThach]

I have the old Nikon F trinity. Still love them all. I have the Canon RF 24-70 and the smaller 70-200. These other lenses must be amazing because I'm satisfied with the optical performance of my RF 24-70 and it was one of the worst in this test. I enjoyed the video. Thanks!

[@joelrobison8036]

Hey Chris. Great videos. But here’s something that I’ve not seen anyone cover on any videos. The Nikon 14-24 filter hood fits and works great on the 24-70 and 70-200. I personally picked up the Nisi metal hood and a few filters. So even though it’s a little bulky one hood and one set of filters for the holy trinity! Give it a try! Keep up the good work

[@TheTigers00001]

For me, the best optically is the Sony 12-24 mm F2.8, new 28-70 F2.0 and the 70-200mm F2.8. The cost is astronomical but if you want the best it always costs $$$$$

[@petersuvara]

Love this video! Just having Chris talk is entertaining. I’m happy with my Nikon setup.

[@dima1353]

The Pentax holy trinity is a completely different story. We are talking about two Tamrons from 2012 and a very strange 70-200, which optically resembles those terrible Sigmas from the 2000s. But you can buy all three for not much more than a new Canon 70-200 costs in Europe.

[@namenloserflo]

Pentax makes weird focal lengths at times (i.e. 11-18, 20-40, 55-300). I'm kinda missing a more normal 24-70 though.

[@kalinmir]

@namenloserflo those you have listed are apsc lenses...and the one Tamron is 42-70 FF

[@kalinmir]

I very much like the wide angle zoom, especially the weather sealing on it (sadly it cant take normal filters due to the front element)...I've been in Sweden for 2 week with it, living in a tent, got rained on every other day, K1ii with DFA 15-30 and 150-450 made it =) ...pretty much the only objective reason I can think of I'm glad I own the system tho :D

[@namenloserflo]

@@kalinmir Pentax has always prioritized apsc, with their current flagship being apsc as well. I personally shoot apsc so I'm not too interested in the larger, heavier FF lenses. Pentax do have a small lineup of (digital era) FF lenses though. For a FF trinity, the 15-30, 24-70 and 70-210 come to mind

[@namenloserflo]

​@@kalinmir iirc pentax even copied/bought the 24-70 lens design off Tamron and labled it as Pentax

[@isaac_lin]

Nice to see that the Bluey camera is still being put to good use ;-D

[@rogeriusrex93]

Dont underestimate urself, this is an excelent video 👌

[@robertmryan]

I want to thank you for pointing out the modest utility of cross-brand comparisons; most of us are already captured by one of these three brands. Sure, if you’re not invested in one of the three brands and are looking to switch to one of them, fine, but that’s probably a very small subset of your audience. I suspect most viewers are watching these sorts of videos for a post purchase rationalization. Thank you for acknowledging that…

[@JacekWPhoto]

What photographic community needs is more rage ❤

[@BrianDBisset]

Passion not rage.

[@JacekWPhoto]

@@BrianDBisset passionate rage or rage-full passion?

[@tekguyphoto]

Thank you. Always been wandering about this.

[@yannisvaroufakis9395]

I have a Canon R3, and the one zoom that has replaced my trusty RF 24-105 f4 is one that I never thought I would want and that I thought was a ridiculous concept: the RF 28-70 f2. How wrong I was. Best lens purchase I ever made. It balances wonderfully with the R3 and I can carry it all day in perfect comfort. After 2 months of shooting with it almost exclusively, its initial alarming size now seems insignificant. I actually like the way it feels on my camera. Holding it gives me a surprisingly warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s IQ is so good I feel that the loss of my favored 24mm and 105 focal lengths are worth the trade. That f2 aperture has allowed me to get great shots of my son’s indoor basketball games that I could not have gotten with anything else. Even a 2.8 would mean the difference between ISO 16,000 and 5,000, a big, big difference. I have paired this with the RF 135 f1.8 as my 2-lens travel and do everything kit. My RF 50 f1.2 is almost never used anymore.

[@Bobstone2131]

My question would be... how are the first party lens compared to the third party lens. As in, how does Sigma or Tamron hold up on the same platform as a Canon or Sony body. Or how well does sigma do with the same len setup on the different manufacturer bodies of the same general capabilities.

[@911tribute8]

It might be the third party manufacturers who are bringing so much attention to the "holy trinity" of lenses because of price accessibility. I personally started with a Sony a7ii and a couple Rokinon primes in 2023, in 2024 bought the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, and started out 20025 with the Tamron 17-28 f2.8. The new focal lengths are blowing my mind, it is so much fun to capture such wide angle photos for a change. Can't wait to some day round out the trinity after saving for the 70-180 f2.8. Buying used, the Sony Alpha + 2 Tamron lenses with 17 - 75 range at f2.8 has only cost $1,600. It is remarkable having access to this. The Tamron trinity, used, is essentially the price of a single, new, name brand lens. Would I like to try any of these 9 lenses from Sony, Canon or Nikon? Sure, but they are a substantial investment that an older self may (or may not) have the luxury of buying some day. Perhaps I will rent. But to me, we are in the golden age of photography/videography because of third party lenses.

[@anonymus8760]

Since Canon still refuses to let other manufactureres use its mount...

[@rng1160]

Would love to know more about the video capabilities of these lenses such as breathing and parfocal performance. I think Sony is the only with aperture ring on all 3? Correct me if I am wrong

[@yokken]

I can appreciate this comparison as a point-in-time measurement of the "flagship" lens offerings from the 3 main FF brands. Clearly Sony has prioritized size and weight, but somehow they've managed to also produce some of the best optics too. I say that as someone who chose Canon several years ago for the f/4 zooms that are honestly where Canon shines the most. I love my 14-35. I'd love to see this for APS-C! Though it might get kinda ugly...

[@_systemd]

while I like sony the least out of all the manufacturers, I must say there's some great work done in their lenses. They are often the smallest, while often delivering the best/close to the best optical performance. Cutting 600g on the holy trinity is a weight of a body basically. From a different area, their wildlife stuff is also lighter and in certain aspects optically superior.

[@b00ty]

The big three doesn't care for apsc, they know they can't compete with fuji anyway so they just refuse to produce premium glass for the segment, even though the crop camera body offerings of the big three are decent enough

[@yokken]

@@b00ty Sadly I totally agree with you. Unfortunately Fuji has the best glass (though the lenses keep getting bigger...) but trails in autofocus. I loved the smaller Fuji form factor from 5-7 years ago but you can get a FF mirrorless kit for only a small size increase over an X-T5/X-H2 and modern prime/zoom.

[@b00ty]

@yokken it kind of depends. Right now I can get a z6iii for less than the price of a xh2s - but the fuji is smaller lighter, and has 14,5 stops of dynamic range and an actual 14 bit video readout - technically a superior camera. Also around here the xh2s can be had much cheaper used, while there has not been sold a used z6iii in my area yet. But sure if you are doing birds in flight you might need fast autofocus - but I do bif with a xs10, and can't really say I'm dissatisfied with that. It makes no sense for me to buy a more expensive camera only for ai subject detection. But maybe that makes sense to others.

[@anonymus8760]

@@b00ty The tele zoom lenses available on x-mount are as large and expensive as their FF equivalents. From a form factor perspective it doesn't make a difference. especially considering the Xh2 body is as big as a FF one as well. Point in case: the sigma 100-400 is in fact a full frame lens and despite that it's still smaller and lighter than the native fuji 100-400 while being optically superior. there are many positive points to be made about fuji, form factor on the pro models with (semi)pro lenses is not one of them imho.

[@rohan__1111]

As I am the one switching from DSLR to mirrorless Wanted this video so much thank you!

[@nams19873]

I had a tough time picking the systems because all theee companies have fantastic cameras. What made me pick Sony is the variety in 3rd party lenses. Being a hobbyist, I cannot afford to spend the trinity kind of money. So I ended up with Viltrox 16 mm F1.8 (wide angle prime for landscape, 700 CAD), Tamron 35-150 mm F2-2.8 (versatile zoom for 1 lens to do it all, 2000 CAD), 7Artisans 85 mm F1.8 (portrait prime, 490 CAD) and Sony G 200-600 mm F5.6-6.3 (wildlife 2200 CAD). It cost a lot more money (5200 CAD) than I had originally envisioned but it was less than the trinity and I got long zoom for wildlife. I have gaps in the coverage so some day in future I will end up with the trinity to replace some of these lenses

[@AnonGoogleuser]

I own the holy trinity by Nikon and am really impressed by the results. I printed so many photos of each lens and sharpness isn’t an issue at all. I only bought the 14-24 because of the 14mm. The wider the better on such an ultra wide angle lens. Had many situations in which 15mm or 16mm wouldn’t have been enough.

[@seokinchung]

"We love them all." Such heart warming opening speech for gear gladiators comment colosseum.

[@MarcAdesso]

I could see this video being very useful for people trying to decide between the 3 systems, and your findings on the Nikon 70-200 made me think it might be smart to get the Tamron 70-180 and wait for a v2 of the Nikon telephoto zoom. Speaking of Tamron, another good video could be comparing the Tamron holy trinity to the Sigma trinity- y’all could do that on Sony or Nikon (via Megadap adapter). Would also love to see a comparison to the Leica trinity - am curious if they would stomp these modern mirrorless marvels, especially wide open.

[@JSS75]

I'm very impressed now at the age and how well the Nikon have held up - Sony did a full replacement and the 15-35 as well as the 24-70 on Canon are admittedly enormous.

[@BrianDBisset]

Sony redid it's 16-35 AND it's 70-200. I have both versions of the v.1 originals, lol. And to be honest, both lenses are still fantastic, though the 70-200 focuses a bit slower even on the lightning quick a7R5

[@twoblink]

Jordon: "Bet you can't get 10k nasty comments in 24 hours." Chris: "Hold my beer."

[@johnehman8685]

Very interesting. Thanks for effort in making this.

[@MinoltaCamera]

We want more comparisons like that

[@Maiiftl]

Would love to see you do a comparison between a lot of the lenses between the three brands. I was looking for a comparison like this for a while.

[@uziuzi]

Fun video, and who doesn't like a good flamewar? I recently upgraded from a Fuji X-T3 and went with a Sony A1 because I already had an FX-30 with the 16-35/4 PZ (which makes sense for that camera). Adding the 24-70/2.8 gm2 and the 70-200/2.8 gm2 has given me a slightly modified trinity. Sony's efforts to reduce size and weight and improve optics make things only slightly larger and heavier than my X-T3 setup, with clear improvements otherwise (well, except the cost). It's expensive, but in this case money did buy happiness. That all said, I don't think you'd go wrong with any system here. Sony made sense for me since I already had a foot in the door, but I don't think I'd have any regrets with any of them.

[@namberak]

Nice review - thanks!

[@WarriorsPhoto]

I use a lot of older Nikon lenses for video. 😊 But for photography I like these older Nikon lenses too. 😮😮😮 It’s the photographer not just the devices.

[@javixo1997]

It's incredible how everyone makes great lenses nowadays. Optics engineering has really skyrocketed in the last few years. Now you can simply pick by preference and you'll get fantastic performance no matter what

[@kennyamaral8059]

No rage, great video

[@BW_Maher]

Feel like I’m having a flashback to 2010. I don’t own any of those lenses these days and don’t miss them. Is the trinity still a thing? Seems like there are much better options out there in 2025.

[@TigaWould]

Zoom lenses have gotten a lot better on "Mirrorless systems" because of in body corrections. They can be almost as sharp as primes now.

[@anonymus8760]

@@TigaWould sharpness has nothing to do with in body correction though. That is for distortion and vignette.

[@PaulsMedia2024]

Great work. As a hybrid shooter, I would be favouring the Canon for the OIS and the option of adding a power zooming motor to the 70-200. 2nd place would go to Sony for price and size. However it is a win-win choice and whatever brand you are in, you will find the trinity zooms delivering great images. I would love to see a similar comparison for crop sensor APS-C/DX range, as I shoot Fujifilm X myself, having moved from 20 years of Nikon.

[@stevenwilson7460]

Enthused, Enraged and Enraptured! I'm spent! Great video PP!👍

[@louisburley1597]

No nastiness here! I’d love to see the F4’s compared next! I’m not going to change from Sony but I found this really interesting

[@chennytango9298]

i think they are all great and optical quality is similar. more factors to consider is the camera body they pair with and also the size and weight will be a factor too.

[@archascents5157]

can you do the same thing with the f4 lenses? genuinely curious

[@VIJAYVAZ-k4z]

kindly request you please take up the below as future assignments: 1. who makes the best primes ? 2. please include panasonic, sigma and tamron. 3. please make a similar one for M43 and APSC. many thanks and loved the video.

[@jasyamaha]

Great comparison. After owning 3 generations of Canon trinity sets I moved to a 24-105 f2.8 and a 100 -300 f2.8. Teses are perfect for shooting sports combined with a 1.4x teleconvertor. I'd like to add a 10-20 f4 to fill out the set but I'm now broke, at least for the next year anyway.

[@phojoegraphy]

I wish you would have included the Sigma glass on L mount. And to be fair - you can mount the Sony and Sigmas on the Nikon Z as well with 2 or 3 good E-Z adapters to choose from. Plus you could have talked about how Sony handicaps them on their system. All good info for someone looking at those lenses.

[@radhakrishnanvamanachari1255]

Can you please make another one based on f4?

[@problemat1que]

Lenses > camera bodies, so good idea for a video! Would be very fun to also discuss different lens selections to take traveling, for an event, concert, ball sport event. Make "dream" and "compact" sets of primes to fit in a small backpack, and don't forget about all the other sensor sizes. What about pocket-sized lighting gear? Months and years of videos to produce @PetaPixel

[@PhotoTrekr]

Sony making their lenses smaller and lighter is appreciated.

[@Travelagent]

But their weather protection is the weakest of all these brands!

[@KungPowEnterFist]

Except for all the many harsh sacrifices that result, which were completely ignored in this paid commercial advertisement.

[@PhotoTrekr]

@@Travelagent I don't think I've ever seen this tested. But, at this point, size and weight are more important to me than weather protection.

[@PhotoTrekr]

@@KungPowEnterFist Harsh sacrifices?

[@TigaWould]

@@PhotoTrekr It was tested during the winter Olympics! there were people that used Sony's brand (the A1 mark 1) that had issues with the Cameras and lenses due to the harsh weather. where the Nikon and Canon didn't. in most cases, its NOT going to be a big deal, just extreme cases where it can be and you have to figure out work arounds for those cases. but yes! overall, Sony is lighter, smaller and depending on if the lens is able to take full advantage of the in body corrections, it can be sharper depending on the lens and body set up.

[@Username_CC_]

do a budget version or how does fuji hold up?

[@shaun5893]

For me, it the ultimate "holy trinity" is in the Micro 4/3 system. Pana/Leica 10-25mm f/1.7, Pana/Leica 25-50 f/1.7, & Olympus 40-150 f/2.8 PRO w/both teleconverters. This kit gives you equiv FOV of 20mm-100mm @ f/1.7, and 80-300 at f/2.8. PLUS, you get a 112-420mm f/4 & 160-600mm f/5.6 with teleconverters.

[@seandiggy1976]

I’d love to see a comparison of flagship 35/85/135 prime “trinity” lenses.

[@nicolasmorgan9418]

Chris I disagree with what you have to say about the point of the video. Last time I changed systems I spent more time looking at the lenses available than the bodies. I think this is a great resource for someone looking to move into a full frame system and is deciding between these 3. Next it would be interesting to see a comparison of their few lenses, or a comparison of "budget" options where you compare how to cover a full range of focal lengths with still quality gear, but look at either slower lenses as well or 3rd party

[@AnotherOtherMan-alive]

I get the like for like comparison in choosing all F2.8 lenses but outside of that was there a specific reason you left out the Sony 28-70mm f/2 GM?

[@yosefortez4009]

I noticed with Sony the lenses change in temperature depending on the focal length, while the Canon's is more consistent throughout and the Nikon is also pretty good but the bokeh balls are not pleasing.

[@mralexlex]

Nonsense

[@malekith13]

Pretty impressive from the nikon's considering they are the oldest ! they really were ahead of their time when they released them !

[@anonymus8760]

Not on the bodies though.

[@malekith13]

@anonymus8760 the first gen was meh indeed ( even though with the updates it became as good as most other bodies from 2018 ) but newer like the z9/8/6III are really great

[@artimeFX]

I used nikon trinity DSLR version before. now switched all to sony A7RV +14-24 sigma with rear nd filters and 35-150 f2-2.8 tamron and today add tamron 150-500 ( same 82 mm filter with 35-150 ) so have all from 14 mm to 750 mm using dx mode on A7RV

[@marcussaroop]

It is not an F2.8, though the Panasonic 28mm-200mm is a beast, super sharp and I feel it is lighter than any other lens that has such a varied range.

[@michaelwhiles5282]

Pentax, Konica and Yashica - no contest !

[@richardallan2331]

I was sick of my Pentax DSLR (well not really but I wanted to start doing video plus the Pentax lens lineup is poor). I ended up moving to Sony for three main reasons. I had owned a Sony RX100MIII for eight years & I loved it. There is a plethora of lenses available in Sony’s mount. I actually went to a store and it was Sony’s ergonomics that appealed to me most. I bought a Sony standard zoom, a Sigma wide angle zoom and a Tamron tele zoom. I’ve been really happy with it all.

[@patricktobiasz532]

Tamron has updated their standard and tele zooms. They are fantastic. Plus they have the 35-150 which has been updated with better coatings for glare. Best value and stunning image quality. Lightest too!

[@108u9]

The alternate/new trinity for pros shooting in dynamic situations including indoor action who can also handle the weight+price: Wide zoom: 12/14-24/28mm F2.8 Medium to tele zoom: 24/28-105mm F2.8 Tele zoom: 100-300 f2.8 It’s the med + tele zoom IMO that makes a big difference vs the classic trinity. IMO 24-70 is quite limited necessitating a second body or more lens changes. 300mm for situations where you can’t get any closer is clutch while remaining still somewhat portable. 100-300mm range gives the user a firm decision to want to go tele for the shot without being capped with a tele prime. IMO Canon is best placed to deliver on this amongst the OEM as of now. They already have the 100-300, 24-105. The only catch is the big price tag especially the 100-300mm. If Sigma can do their own at a more accessible price point it and at a lower weight, size, it would be hard to overlook them outside of being E/L mount only, stuck at 15fps for CAF in E

[@sofiadahlen1187]

Getting rid of my Pentax DSLR?? But I just left mirrorless and bought in to Pentax this summer.. The grrst K1ii for that matter. One of the most comfy cameras I've tried.