Gear of the Year: Lenses

Posted on Jun 20, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker

Gear of the Year is here – cast your vote and back the best lenses of 2025

Precision optics are the foundation of every great shot. Whether you’re shooting a film, branded campaign or YouTube short, choice of glass can elevate your work from good to truly cinematic – and offer lasting value.

This year’s zoom category reflects the diversity of modern production needs, from all-purpose glass to long-range specialists. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L leads the way with its versatile range and fast, constant aperture that’s great for hybrids. Also from Canon, the CN-E 20-50mm T2.4 zoom brings classic cinema style to the RF mount.

Fujifilm’s XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II is a weather-sealed workhorse for X Mount users, while the Laowa Ranger 28-75mm T2.9 offers cine quality at an accessible price. Nikon’s move in cine glass is the 28-135mm f/4 PZ power zoom – ideal for remote-controlled set-ups.

Tamron’s 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD continues to wow for its speed and focal range, while Sigma impresses with three entries: the 16-300mm Contemporary, the ultra-fast 28-45mm Art and the long-range 300-600mm Sports.

Sony’s compact 28-70mm f/2 GM is super-bright, while the 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G reflects growing interest in wildlife work. The Zeiss LWZ.3 21-100mm T2.9-3.9 remains a staple for serious productions.

Prime lenses offer unrelenting sharpness; Canon’s RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM gives ultra-wide drama, while Cooke’s SP3 set brings legendary character to full-frame mirrorless, and the rival Zeiss Nano Prime set boasts fast apertures.

The Irix 65mm T1.5 Cine and Tokina 29mm T1.5 Vista-P are sharp and reliable, while Laowa’s Nanomorph LF Anamorphics show off big-screen scope on a budget.

Standouts include Samyang’s V-AF 75mm T1.9, the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.2 S, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 Art and the iconic Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4, now relaunched for mirrorless.

Lenses alone can’t do it all, and this year’s accessory nominees prove how vital add-ons are.

Prompters such as the Autocue Explorer 17in, Zeeprompt ZP12 and Desview T12 streamline shoots, while the Magic Video Box and Voxbox Air support interview creativity. Filters like the Tiffen Fusion, Polar Pro VND/PL Helix and Schneider-Kreuznach Diopter Spot shape the look in camera, while the Vocas MFC-2 Cine Basic follow focus delivers pinpoint control.

Every frame starts with great glass – so vote to honour the optics that have made your year.