Best Canon lenses 2020: 21 prime lenses for Canon DSLRs
Get the very best optics to your Canon DSLR
Choosing the very best Canon lens is difficult – it’s a fabulously mature system, with nice lenses accessible from a bunch of producers and at a loopy vary of costs, from double digit impulse buys to multi-thousand-pound investments. Luckily, we're right here to chop by means of the confusion and make it easier to select the proper lens for you.
The sheer alternative on supply means some powerful choices. For instance, simply how good does your subsequent lens to be? At what level are you content to commerce weight for picture high quality? How essential is weather-sealing? And that’s earlier than you get into the query of utilizing Canon’s own-brand lenses versus an more and more high-quality vary of choices from third celebration producers, who're taking the combat to Canon at each the funds {and professional} finish.
Of course, selecting the very best Canon lens is additional sophisticated by the existence of its new high-end mirrorless cameras, which use the brand new RF mount. Canon has launched some lenses right here which vary from the inexpensive to the decidedly not, however by no means concern – we’ll be serving to you select which is the very best RF-mount lens over the approaching months.
For now, although, it is time concentrate on the very best lenses for Canon DSLRs. This information has been break up into two sections. In the primary, we'll be taking a look at the very best Canon lenses for APS-C format DSLRs just like the Canon EOS 90D and Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D. After that, we'll be inspecting the very best lenses for full-frame Canon DSLRs, such because the EOS 5D Mark IV.RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU...
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Jargon buster: lens designations
It’s actually value getting the designations of lenses clear at this level. Canon’s EF (Electro-Focus) lens mount dates again to 1987 and the 35mm movie period. The EF-S variant was launched in 2003, to go well with Canon DSLRs with smaller, APS-C picture sensors (such because the 90D). There aren't any issues utilizing EF lenses on APS-C format cameras, however you possibly can’t use an EF-S lens on a full-frame DSLR. The classifications utilized by Sigma are DC (APS-C) and DG (full-frame) and for Tamron it’s Di-II (APS-C) and Di (full-frame).
We’ve put all the important contenders by means of their paces with rigorous lab testing and taking pictures in all method of ‘real-world’ situations
If you’ve obtained a Canon digital camera, it may appear wise to make use of Canon lenses. However, third-party lenses from the likes of Sigma and Tamron usually give comparable and even higher efficiency than own-brand Canon lenses, and at extra aggressive costs.
If you personal a Canon digital camera, utilizing a Canon lens would possibly appear to be the apparent alternative. However, third-party lenses from the likes of Sigma and Tamron usually give comparable and even typically higher performances than the own-brand choices. Even higher, they're usually accessible at extra aggressive costs.
For this piece, we put all the important contenders within the varied classes by means of their paces with rigorous lab testing and taking pictures in quite a lot of totally different 'real-world' situations. From these outcomes, this is the very best 10 lenses we expect you should buy to your Canon APS-C digital camera physique. We've additionally included outright winners for every class, in addition to figuring out the best-value options when you've obtained a tighter funds.
Best Canon lenses for APS-C DSLRs in 2020:
Wide-angle zoom: Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD
Go wider with this delight from Tamron
Type: Zoom | Sensor dimension: APS-C | Focal size: 10-24mm | Maximum aperture: f/3.5-4.5 | Image stabilizer: Yes | Weather seals: Yes | Minimum focus distance: 0.24m | Filter dimension: 77mm | Dimensions: 84 x 85mm | Weight: 440g Good picture high quality and buildOptical stabilizer Not as strong as Canon 10-22mm Pricier than some opponents
A serious improve from Tamron’s authentic 10-24mm lens, the ‘VC HLD’ version provides picture stabilization and a brand new autofocus system, which is faster and quieter. Handling can also be improved, as a result of the main target ring now not rotates throughout autofocus. The good-quality construct consists of climate seals and a keep-clean fluorine coating on the entrance ingredient. Image high quality advantages from good sharpness and distinction, together with well-contained distortions for an ultra-wide zoom lens, and pretty minimal shade fringing.
Great-value possibility: Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
Around half the worth of the worth of the Tamron 10-24mm, this can be a top-value purchase. It matches the Tamron’s most viewing angle, consists of picture stabilization and has a compact, light-weight construct that’s properly matched to our bodies just like the EOS Rebel T6 / 1300D and EOS Rebel SL3/250D. Advertisement
Wide-angle prime: Samyang 10mm f/2.Eight ED AS NCS CS
A large prime angle lens that proves that you do not all the time want AF
Type: Prime | Sensor dimension: APS-C | Focal size: 10mm | Maximum aperture: f/2.8 | Image stabilizer: No | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 0.24m | Filter dimension: None | Dimensions: 87 x 104mm | Weight: 580g Good construct high qualityFast aperture ranking No autofocusNo picture stabilization
When you are 100% used to autofocus, going again to handbook focus would possibly really feel like a backwards step. However, a lens like this provides you such an enormous depth subject and a brief focal size that correct focusing is much less vital. Better but, the Samyang's distance scale provides you the choice to strive conventional focusing strategies for topics similar to panorama and road pictures, similar to setting the hyperfocal distance and 'zone focusing'. In phrases of picture high quality, a wise design and high-quality glass helps guarantee pretty sharpness, whereas nano-structure coatings assist to maintain ghosting and flare to a minimal.
Great-value possibility: N/A
Samyang's wide-angle prime is a little bit of an anomaly, making wide-angle prime lenses for APS-C format cameras nearly non-existent. You might strive the Canon EF-S 24mm pancake lens, however by the point you are taking the crop issue under consideration, it is much less 'wide-angle' and extra 'normal'. Advertisement
Standard zoom: Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.Eight IS USM
It’s an oldie, however nonetheless very a lot a goodie - and an awesome value, too
Type: Zoom | Sensor dimension: APS-C | Focal size: 17-55mm | Maximum aperture: f/2.8 | Image stabilizer: Yes | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 0.35m | Filter dimension: 77mm | Dimensions: 84 x 111mm | Weight: 645g Fast, fixed aperture Crisp picture high quality No climate sealsLens hood bought individually
This lens is now greater than a decade outdated, however do not let that cease you from contemplating it. While the digital camera our bodies of 10 years in the past would possibly look outdated these days, that is much less of an issue with lenses the place designs do not change fairly so quickly. This traditional zoom lens is the one one on the checklist to characteristic a quick and fixed (which means that it is accessible by means of the entire zoom vary) f/2.Eight aperture, making it nice for creating shallow depth of subject results and taking pictures in low mild. There's additionally a spread of enthusiast-friendly options similar to ring-type ultrasonic autofocus and a spotlight distance scale beneath a viewing window. You pay a value for these nice specs although, with it being the costliest normal zoom for APS-C format Canon cameras - nonetheless when you want one thing versatile for on a regular basis utilization, it is an awesome possibility.
Great-value possibility: Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-Four DC Macro OS HSM | C
This third-party possibility is pretty compact and light-weight. While it does not have the f/2.Eight fixed possibility of the Canon, f/2.8-Four remains to be pretty large. It delivers spectacular picture high quality and comes at a discount value.Advertisement
Standard prime: Sigma 30mm f/1.Four DC HSM | A
A virtually good focal size with a quick aperture ranking
Type: Prime | Sensor dimension: APS-C | Focal size: 30mm | Maximum aperture: f/1.4 | Image stabilizer: No | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 0.3m | Filter dimension: 62mm | Dimensions: 74 x 63mm | Weight: 435g Excellent construct qualityImpressive efficiencyNo picture stabilizerNo climate seals
Canon's 1.6x crop issue makes this Sigma 30mm equal to round 48mm - that is fairly near the traditional 50mm focal size beloved by many. It's additionally certainly one of Sigma's 'Art' class lenses, which means that you just get a phenomenal building, in addition to a quick f/1.Four aperture. You get quick shutter speeds in low mild with no need to spice up your ISO settings, however you additionally get a pleasant and tight depth of subject. Sharpness is impressively good, even on the widest accessible aperture. Meanwhile, autofocusing is quick as a result of rear-focusing mechanism that drives the smaller, rear parts of the lens by way of a ring-type ultrasonic system. Further excellent news is that the entrance ingredient neither extends nor rotates throughout focusing.
Great-value possibility: Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.Eight STM
Teeny tiny and very light-weight, this 'pancake' lens is lower than an inch in size and solely weighs 125g. Although f/2.Eight is not an excellent quick aperture, picture high quality is superb and it is a charming little prime lens for travelling mild. What's extra, it is tremendous low cost, too.Advertisement
Superzoom: Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro
The Tamron stands out amongst superzoom lens because of its additional wide-angle protection
Type: Zoom | Sensor dimension: APS-C | Focal size: 16-300mm | Maximum aperture: f/3.5-5.6 | Image stabilizer: Yes | Weather seals: Yes | Minimum focus distance: 0.39m | Filter dimension: 67mm | Dimensions: 75 x 100mm | Weight: 540g Wider most viewing angle Extra-large zoom vary Image high quality is a bit compromised Sharpness drops off at lengthy finish
The solely proprietary 'superzoom' lens accessible for Canon APS-C DSLRs is the EF-S 18-200mm, which is over a decade outdated and incorporates a fundamental autofocus system which makes it considerably disappointing. An various is that this very interesting Tamron lens, not least as a result of it begins at a wider 16mm, in comparison with the same old 18mm. You would possibly suppose that a few millimeters does not sound like a lot, however in follow, that additional wide-angle potential could be very noticeable. At the opposite finish of the vary, the 300mm far outstrips the Canon. The solely main draw back right here is that - like most superzoom lenses - sharpness is not the very best on the lengthy finish of the zoom, whereas barrel distortion is pretty pronounced on the quick finish. There's all the time a compromise to be made with superzoom lenses, however when you solely wish to carry one optic - this can be a nice alternative.
Great-value possibility: Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC
Remarkably compact and light-weight for a superzoom, the brand new version of Tamron’s 18-200mm makes a superb all-in-one ‘travel lens’, and is unbeatable worth on the value.
Portrait prime: Canon EF 50mm f/1.Eight STM
An awesome high quality lens for just about impulse-buy cash
Type: Prime | Sensor dimension: APS-C | Focal size: 50mm | Maximum aperture: f/1.8 | Image stabilizer: No | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 0.35m | Filter dimension: 49mm | Dimensions: 69 x 39mm | Weight: 160g Cheap and really cheerful Great high quality in its candy spot Basically weightless Noisy focusing
Ask any Canon consumer what their first prime lens was and so they’ll most likely let you know it was the 50mm f/1.8. Small, inexpensive and a good way to become familiar with the calls for of large-aperture pictures, it’s lengthy been a go-to for these wanting to boost their pictures for reasonable.
The good bits first: it’s commonplace to search out this 160g magnificence for fantastically low costs, and it’s nice. In our exams, chromatic aberration was well-controlled, even when taking pictures large open. It’s sharp, too – it isn’t magnificent at f/1.8, however when you can shut down as little as two stops you’ll be rewarded with an f/Four lens that makes an awesome job of any picture you handle to catch concentrate on. Because it’s just about weightless, it handles actually properly and looks like a pure match whether or not you apply it to a low-end APS-C physique or a high-end physique with a vertical grip.Advertisement
Of course, it’s not good. One of the modifications between this model of the 50mm f/1.Eight and the earlier mannequin is the addition of the STM (Stepper Motor) focus system. This implies that even in handbook focus, the main target ring is a fly-by-wire system that drives the focussing parts of the lens.
Canon’s declare that the system is 'close to silent' is fairly correct, however for video work 'close to silent' simply doesn’t lower it. Manually focussing the lens ends in a noise that sounds a bit like a coat being zipped up, so make so mistake about it – there isn't any silent method to make use of this lens, which suggests videographers who seize audio on-board ought to look elsewhere. If you seize audio externally or are a stills photographer seeking to invigorate your pictures with a small, quick, inexpensive lens, this could nonetheless be on the prime of your checklist.
Macro prime: Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro
Designed for full-frame, however a flawless performer for APS-C
Type: Prime | Sensor dimension: Full-frame | Focal size: 90mm | Maximum aperture: f/2.8 | Image stabilizer: Yes | Weather seals: Yes | Minimum focus distance: 0.3m | Filter dimension: 62mm | Dimensions: 79 x 117mm | Weight: 610g Hybrid optical stabilization Top-grade building Pricier than some competing lenses No lens pouch or smooth case equipped
Following on from a previous Tamron 90mm macro lens of the identical identify, the most recent model has higher-grade glass, twin nano-structure coatings, enhancements to the climate sealing, plus a fluorine coating on the entrance parts. The greatest enchancment comes within the type of a redesigned autofocus system which has been particularly optimized for close-up taking pictures, plus a brand new 'hybrid' optical stabilizer that has been designed for counteracting axial shift (that is up-down or side-to-side motion) in addition to the same old angular vibration (aka wobble). It's pretty just like Canon's flagship EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS lens, however our exams reveal that the Tamronh as the sting for picture high quality, plus it has the bonus of being cheaper, too.
Great-value possibility: Sigma 105mm f/2.Eight EX DG OS HSM Macro
Lacking the hybrid stabilization system and the weather-sealing of the Tamron, this Sigma never-the-less has glorious dealing with and nice picture high quality.
Budget telephoto zoom: Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD
Tamron strikes once more, successful out within the funds telephoto zoom class
Type: Zoom | Sensor dimension: Full-frame | Focal size: 70-300mm | Maximum aperture: f/4-5.6 | Image stabilizer: Yes | Weather seals: No | Minimum focus distance: 1.5m | Filter dimension: 62mm | Dimensions: 82 x 143mm | Weight: 765g Effective optical stabilizer Good construct high quality Typically ‘slow’ aperture ranking Drop in sharpness at lengthy finish
If you are in want of a telephoto zoom, it could actually make a number of sense to purchase a full-frame appropriate optic. They are typically comparatively light-weight and compact, however you will be getting the very best picture high quality from the centre of the body if you're utilizing it together with your smaller, APS-C picture sensor. If you must resolve sooner or later to improve to a full-frame physique, it's going to be one fewer lens it is advisable ditch too. This Tamron is a superb instance of its type. Build high quality is superb - it consists of climate seals for taking pictures in inclement climate. Meanwhile, picture high quality could be very spectacular. Extra bonus factors embody quick and quiet ring-type ultrasonic autofocus with handbook override, plus an efficient picture stabilizer. Throughout the zoom vary you will discover sharpness and distinction superb, nevertheless it does drop off a bit bit on the 300mm finish of the lens.Advertisement
Great-value possibility: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
For a telephoto zoom lens, this Canon optic designed particularly for APS-C cameras is fortunately compact and light-weight. Some of the burden saving comes from it having a plastic, relatively than steel mounting plate, however that is not too dangerous a compromise to make for the worth. As we have seen with different STM lens, the stepping motor autofocus system works properly for stills and film recording. Throughout the zoom vary sharpness is nice - even when taking pictures on the widest aperture - whereas the picture stabilizer provides you about three stops.
Fast telephoto zoom: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM
The aperture ranking is modest however all-round efficiency is great
Type: Zoom | Sensor dimension: Full-frame | Focal size: 70-200mm | Maximum aperture: f/4 | Image stabilizer: Yes | Weather seals: Yes | Minimum focus distance: 1.2m | Filter dimension: 67mm | Dimensions: 76 x 172mm | Weight: 760g Excellent construct and picture high quality Relatively mild weight A cease slower than f/2.Eight tele zooms Tripod collar is an non-obligatory additional
The drawback with 'quick' telephoto zooms, similar to the everyday 70-200mm f/2.Eight lens favored by professionals, is that they are massive and heavy. Placing these on the entrance of a reasonably small digital camera just like the EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D and even the EOS 90D results in a hefty imbalance. As a compromise, you might go for a lens like this, which is an f/cease slower however gives a continuing f/Four all through the zoom vary. There's additionally all of the bonuses that an "L-series" gives, together with climate sealing and optical excellence. All of this in a package deal which is round half the burden of most 70-200mm f/2.Eight zooms. On prime of all that, sharpness and distinction are excellent, whereas the ring-type ultrasonic auto focus system is tremendous speedy.
Great-value possibility: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.Eight EX DG OS HSM
An awesome discount purchase, the Sigma has the quicker, usually favored f/2.Eight aperture ranking and is an excellent performer, though it lacks climate seals.
Super-telephoto zoom: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.Three DG OS HSM | C
Humongous telephoto attain, however not too bodily monumental
Type: Zoom | Sensor dimension: Full-frame | Focal size: 150-600mm | Maximum aperture: f/f/5-6.3 | Image stabilizer: Yes | Weather seals: Yes | Minimum focus distance: 0.28m | Filter dimension: 95mm | Dimensions: 105 x 260mm | Weight: 1,930g Incredible attain on an APS-C digital camera Advanced options and spec Not as strong because the ‘Sport’ model Only has a weather-sealed mount
Despite the truth that this lens delivers a ridiculous lengthy efficient focal size of 960mm at its longest finish of its zoom vary when used with an APS-C format physique, it is surprisingly not an excessive amount of of a monster. Coming in at lower than 2kg, it is the perfect possibility for wildlife photographers - certainly it is nearly a kilogram lighter than Sigma's 150-600mm Sport lens. You get most of the similar options as its greater sibling, together with twin, switchable auto focus modes, dual-mode stabilization and a dual-position auto focus vary limiter. You additionally get the identical zoom lock mechanism which helps you to lock the lens at any marked (numbered) place. As for efficiency, that is nice too with incredible auto focus speeds, stabilisation and sharpness. Handling can also be nice, too.
Great-value possibility: Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.Three DG OS HSM | C
The most focal size is relatively modest however Sigma’s Contemporary class super-telephoto zoom is properly compact and light-weight, making extended handheld taking pictures much less of a pressure.
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