What is the best Nikon Lens?

[Iforgotmyname]

Canon has the "L" series of lenses, so what is the Nikon equivalent to that? What is the high end pro Nikon line?

[fldspringer]

Originally Posted by Iforgotmyname

Canon has the "L" series of lenses, so what is the Nikon equivalent to that? What is the high end pro Nikon line?

Hmmm, no response.

First the Canon "L" just indicates a florite lens element, if I'm not mistaken. There are a range of performance with the "L" series, from great to luke warm.

I came here from Olympus, and there is no clear answer to your question from what I can tell. Olympus had three clearly defined levels. The standard were pretty good, the HQ were real performers, and they were sealed from the elements. The Super HQ were big, heavy, but were also sealed, and had near flawless optical performance.

Nothing so clear with Nikon. It becomes an exercise in studying to learn which lenses fit your needs. Their model designations do have meanings, but things like weather resistance, build level, and optical performance have no real designation.

You MUST be careful to make sure the lens your buying is what you wanted to buy. It gets confusing for a simple mind like mine.

[TCav]

Nikon doesn't have any kind of designation like that. See How to Read Your NIKKOR Lens Barrel.

[TCav]

Originally Posted by fldspringer

First the Canon "L" just indicates a florite lens element, if I'm not mistaken.

From the Canon Lens Selection webpage:

Most highly regarded among professional photographers, Canon L-series lenses are distinguished by a bold red ring around the outer barrel. What makes them truly distinctive, however, is their remarkable optical performance — the result of sophisticated Canon technologies, such as Ultra-low Dispersion UD glass, Fluorite and Aspherical elements, and Super Spectra Multi Coating.

[Bynx]

Its probably the lens you dont have.

[TCav]

Originally Posted by Bynx

Its probably the lens you dont have.

... and can't afford.

[fldspringer]

Originally Posted by TCav

From the Canon Lens Selection webpage:

I stand corrected. According to Wiki, "L" stands for luxury. The range of performance for Luxury lenses is fron excellent to luke warm.

[fldspringer]

Originally Posted by TCav

... and can't afford.

Or can't afford, but you bought them anyway.