Different cameras, different favorite lenses for me.

When I shot Olympus OM system lenses, I had a great 50mm f1.4 that I thought was just the best lens around, until I got my 90 mm f2.4, which was crystal clear and just perfect for almost every application. It wasn't as fast ast the 50mm, but it was just better for almost every application.

When I shot my Nikon FE (until I got hit by a bull and the front of my camera got yanked off like a sardine can -- I'll save that story for another time), I had a 50 mm f1.2 lens that would just knock your socks off.

Now I have a digital Olympus, with the 14-54mm zoom and, whereas it's not particularly fast, I (a) don't much care, because the digital is just easier in low-light situations anyway and (b) it is such high quality and low disortion, even on extremely wide angle, that it is the absolute, hands-down LEAST trouble of any lens I've ever used. It is my favorite, without a doubt, of all the lenses I've owned.

As far as crystal clear, though, a lens that I was in awe of was my friend's Leica lens, which was 38 mm on his 3c. I, to this day, have never seen its equal in terms of razor sharpness. I didn't own that lens, though, and it's not likely I'll be getting a Leica any time soon.

Fun walk down memory lane. :)