ePHOTOzine's Best Lenses Of 2011

Lens (Manufacturer) - Best Prime (Nikon) - Best Prime (Canon) - Best Prime (Pentax)	Lens (3rd Party) - Best Prime - Best Zoom

Best Lenses Of The Year 2011

Once you've bought a Digital SLR, then to get the most out of it, you're most likely going to want to have another lens to use, apart from the kits lens that may or may not have come with it. We've searched through our lens reviews to find the highest scoring lenses tested and highlighted the best prime and zoom lenses available. Read more lens reviews here.

Best Prime Lens - Manufacturer / Nikon

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX	The near focus distance of 30cm allows frame filling shots - ISO200, 1/400, f/11, 35mm

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G - "The Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G DX is a superb value prime lens that delivers excellent quality images."

Best Prime Lens - Manufacturer / Canon

EF 24mm f1.4L II USM	The bright maximum aperture is great for low-light shooting - ISO3200, 1/160. f/2.2, 24mm

Canon 24mm f/1.4 - Had to include two prime lenses as they both scored equal scores. The Canon offers "Superb optical performance and build quality."

Best Prime Lens - 3rd Party

85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM	Focus speeds are adequate for erratic subjects.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 - Excellent - don't just take our word for it, you love this lens too! Professional Photographer David Clapp likes it as well, and has used it for some excellent macro photographs. "An excellent value lens, which is more than capable of producing superb results."

Best Prime Lens - Manufacturer / Pentax

SMC-FA 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF)	Incredibly sharp images with low distortion and CA are produced by this lens.

Pentax 200mm f/2.8 - Highest lens score, and a high quality telephoto lens. "As close to perfect as you can get in a super telephoto for Pentax."

Best Zoom Lens - 3rd Party

AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD	Photo by Peter Bargh.

Tamron AF 18-270mm - selected due to the great versatility offered by having such a useful zoom range in one lens. Have a look at the 365 day road test. "A decent performer with an impressive zoom range and a great range of features."

Found your perfect camera and lens? Don't forget to pick up a bag for it to protect it - have a look at our complete guide to bags. If you want a memory card for your camera, have a look at our complete guide to memory cards.