What's your favourite ever lens?

[BydoR9]

Was thinking today, what actually is, my favourite lens?

Not necessarily my most expensive and therefore 'best glass', but what I just love for whatever intangible reason.

My personal fave is my second hand (probably third or forth actually) Nikon 18-200mm DX VR!

Its at least 15 years old and I bought it of Mike when I didnt realise I even wanted it! He brought it in one night because he somehow knew I needed it. Great move Mike

Why do I love it? It suffers from terrible zoom creep as it doesn't have the handy lock that the newer version has and let's face it, it's a super zoom, so I never get a straight shot out of it. It is definitely because it's just so dam handy. The perfect Nikon travel lens with much better build quality than a Tamron or the like, with just enough focal range to replace the kit lens and a 55-200mm. A take it anywhere travel and holiday special that's sharp enough.

I've taken shots of the New York skyline at night from a clamp at the top of 30 Rock, Cape Verde Street scenes and plenty London street shots, even a nature shot of two fighting Arctic turns! A jack of all trades, do it all that so far has never let me down. I genuinely love it and have to say a huge thanks to Mike for bringing it into my life.

So... what is your favourite lens? Please let me know below. Ulagise about it or just say '70-200 F2.8' or whatever

[John]

Lenses are a subject close to my heart! But there are so many, and so many favourites depending on what they are wanted for.

Generally, if I'm using APS-C cameras then the 18-135mm WR lens suits me very well, the whole being weather resistant and the lens covering most possibilities. So, Pentax K-3 II with SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm WR.

For full frame, a similar logic, the Pentax K-1 with HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm WR. Again, all weather resistant.

For special rendering of some subjects, a very special lens is the SMC Pentax-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited, which is a beautifully crafted metal lens that has a special character of its own. It is full frame and suits the K-1 perfectly.

For birds/wildlife the HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm AW lens, an All Weather heavy duty optic that's full frame but can also be used on APS-C.

[BydoR9]

Speaking of lenses John, I recently bought four Pentax lenses that are compatible with my Nikon cameras.

Yes, that's right, you guessed it, I've had to buy new glasses again!