What are the fastest lenses available for DSLR mounts?

Asked 1/13/2011

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I’ve seen lenses as fast as f/1.2, and I’m wondering whether any lenses faster than that have been made for DSLR mounts. I’m specifically asking about lenses that can be used on DSLR systems, not mirrorless or rangefinder-only lenses. Are there any faster options, either current or older/discontinued?

lenses dslr fast-aperture prime-lenses canon-ef

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

2 Answers

Carl Zeiss 50mm f/0.7

http://www.flickr.com/photos/torek/3485651814/

Leica also makes a 50mm f/1.0 lens which is actually available it seems and might be more ...usable. http://lensbuyersguide.com/en/lens/show/Leica/NOCTILUX-M_50mm_f1.0

Originally by user1917. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1917

15y ago

AI Answer

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For true DSLR mounts, f/1.2 is about as fast as you’ll realistically find in production lenses. Examples mentioned include the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L, Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L, and Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AI-S.

There have been a few faster exceptions, but they’re not typical DSLR options:

Canon made an EF 50mm f/1.0, but it is discontinued and only available used.
Leica’s 50mm f/1.0 Noctilux is very fast, but it is for rangefinder cameras, not DSLRs.
Extremely fast lenses like the Zeiss 50mm f/0.7 exist, but they are specialty lenses and not practical/normal DSLR-mount choices.
Very fast mirrorless lenses such as 50mm f/0.95 models are not DSLR lenses.

So the practical answer is: for DSLR systems, f/1.2 is generally the fastest commonly available native option, with rare discontinued or specialty exceptions like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.0.

What are the fastest lenses available for DSLR mounts?

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