Are the best buffers those that are in a 1:1 ratio with its conjugate acid/base?
Yes, the best buffers are those that are in a 1:1 ratio with its conjugate acid/base, but in a somewhat indirect way; it's because buffer capacity is maximum when $\mathrm{pH}=\mathrm{p}K_\mathrm{a}$, and for that value of $\mathrm{pH}$, the proportion of the acid/base conjugates is 1:1.

The contribution of an acid/base conjugate pair to buffer capacity is

$\beta_{\ce{HA/A-}} = C_\mathrm{A} \cfrac{10^{-\mathrm{pH}-\mathrm{p}K_\mathrm{a}}}{\left( 10^{-\mathrm{pH}} + 10^{-\mathrm{p}K_\mathrm{a}} \right)^2} \ln{10}$

(For derivation, check this response to another question)

The maximum of buffer capacity is achieved when $\mathrm{pH} = \mathrm{p}K_\mathrm{a}$, and is

$\beta_\mathrm{max}= \cfrac{1}{4} C_\mathrm{A} \ln{10}$

As you deviate from $\mathrm{pH}=\mathrm{p}K_\mathrm{a}$ in either direction, concentrations also deviate from 1:1 (as per Henderson-Hasselbalch) and buffer capacity will fall.

Note that the maximum buffer capacity does not depend on the strength of the acid or base, only on the total concentration of the conjugate system $C_\mathrm{A}=\ce{[HA]}+\ce{[A-]}$.

What $\mathrm{p}K_\mathrm{a}$ will determine is at which $\mathrm{pH}$ value will this maximum buffer capacity be achieved, so you will choose an acid/base pair with a $\mathrm{p}K_\mathrm{a}$ that will allow the system to act as a buffer around the $\mathrm{pH}$ that you want to preserve; ideally by choosing a pair with a $\mathrm{p}K_\mathrm{a}$ equal to the target $\mathrm{pH}$, which is when you will obtain the maximum buffer capacity.