Canon DSLR cameras are perfect in many ways. From budget-friendly prices to exceptional image quality, they deliver a wide range of features for their users. While the company has some offerings in its own lineup, we examine a few more affordable third-party options that enhance their overall performance. These lenses lack autofocus, but they are perfect for anyone who wants distinct images.
Zeiss 18mm f2.8 Milvus
Designed for DSLRs, the Zeiss 18mm f2.8 Milvus is perfect for Canon for various reasons. It has a 9.84-inch close focusing distance, weighs 721g, and is designed with 14 elements in 12 groups. The design is not too complicated, with a manual focus ring, a large focusing ring, and an aperture ring. Canon users will also appreciate weather sealing, as well as the ability to quickly go from zero to 60 when it comes to focusing. Despite being such a wide-angle lens, you get exceptional bokeh and plenty of colors. The sharpness it delivers will be loved too. Overall, you will like the dynamic range the lens can help with. As we said, “When wide open, it will be very vivid and saturated. The sweet spot when it comes to colors is anywhere between f5.6 and f8.”
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f2
The 50mm f2 is another ideal option for portrait photographers using Canon. The device features a 9.45-inch close focusing distance, a 1:2 reproduction ratio, and weighs 2.6 pounds. The lens is a tough one, and it can withstand challenging environments, too. Despite it being a manual focus lens, the focusing is slow, precise, and buttery. As for the images, it will make you feel happy. Some of the things it can deliver on include “incredibly sharp, delivers excellent color, has great bokeh, and performs to the quality.” As a macro lens, you also get some buttery bokeh as well. Although it is expensive, it is worth every penny.
Zeiss 135mm f2 Milvus
The 135mm f2 features 11 elements in 8 groups, including a 0.80 focusing distance and a 1:4 magnification ratio. It has a metal exterior, is quite solid, and the rings move smoothly. In comparison to the Rokinon 135mm, Zeiss has a better build quality. In fact, as we explained, “I took this lens out onto the streets of NYC during a rainfall. It continued to work with no issues.” As for image quality, it is one of the best lenses to use. It captures skin tones pretty well and renders colors well. The bokeh is also creamy, and the sharpness will add to your photos. It is great that it also won our Editor’s Choice Award.