You gotta love statistics. It gives you the ability to slice and dice data and make discoveries of interesting trends, like the top six lenses that are purchased as gifts, as compiled by Amazon.
1) CanonEF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6-IS lens is designed for the consumer market with EF-S mount cameras, primarily APS-C models. This model will not work well with full frame cameras like the Canon 5D MKII. The big selling point is having a long zoom range with built-in image stabilization.
This lens has received some criticism for feeling like plastic, but overall gets good marks from users.
2) Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens
The Canon “Nifty-Fifty” 1.8 lens is a must for any camera bag. It’s small, sharp, fast and inexpensive. A great lens for any kind of general shooting duty, including portraits and walking around.
Has been criticized for feeling like plastic and noisy focusing motors, but what do you expect for $100?
A very light and inexpensive lens for the focal range. While the build quality is mediocre, the lens generally gets decent reviews from users.
Criticized for being soft at the wide end at lower f-stops, the clarity improves as you stop down. Focusing speed is okay, but not fast.
4) Nikon Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6
A lens criticized for the plastic mount, but praised for high quality optics and excellent clarity. Considered by many to be the telephoto lens deal of the decade.
Handling does take some care not to chip the plastic mount.
This inexpensive hero from Nikon is frequently the one that gets left on cameras the most often. Fast focusing and versatile, this lens gets high marks from Nikon shooters.
Criticized for feeling like plastic and being a little slow on the focus.
6) Nikon Nikkor AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G
Another Nikkor lens that gets high marks for clarity, light weight, and optics but criticism for the build quality. Another point of contention is the noisy autofocus. A lens popular with many weekend sports enthusiasts.