Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
The best Canon lenses for your camera
Canon’s kit lenses are great, but at some point, you need to step out of your comfort zone and get nicer glass. Those looking for the best Canon lenses have come to the right place. We have put together a list of our favorite lenses from the photography giant. We’ve included lenses from different price ranges and shooting styles to fit all users’ needs.
The best Canon lenses
Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list of the best Canon lenses regularly as new ones launch
The best Canon DSLR lenses
Also read: The best DSLR cameras
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Your first glass investment should be a 50mm f/1.8. I seriously shoot about 70% of all my photos with one, and Canon’s model goes for very cheap. The 50mm focal length is excellent for general purpose photography, and image quality in such prime lenses is superb. The wide aperture also makes for amazing bokeh (blurry background).
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro
Every photographer should have a good macro lens in their bag, and the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM is one of the best Canon lenses. A 12-inch focusing distance and 10mm focal length will let you get up close and personal with any subject. Meanwhile, an f/2.8 aperture can allow plenty of light into the sensor while keeping a shallow depth of field.
Don’t miss: What is macro photography, and how do you do it?
The lens is made for shooting plants, insects, and other small objects, but you are not limited to macro photography. It can be used as a general-purpose lens too.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
In the photography scene, the “holy trinity” is a trio of the best lenses a photographer can get. These can take care of most focal lengths while outputting maximum quality. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is the first one, and the following two lenses complete the “trinity.”
This 24-70mm lens has an f/2.8 aperture and quality optics. It is considered the king of standard zoom lenses, but it also comes at a steep price. Regardless, it might become your most valued lens, and it’s definitely among the best Canon lenses.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is III USM
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is III USM Lens can zoom in even further while keeping a wide aperture. It is an excellent lens for those who need to shoot subjects from a distance. Sports, nature, and street photographers love it. It comes with a mighty price tag, though.
Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM
A 16-35mm focal length keeps you covered for capturing wide-angle images. It’s great for landscapes, large subjects, and crowds. The f/2.8 aperture is also great for letting in light and keeping a tighter control on the depth of field. It’s expensive, but it’s worth the price.
The best Canon mirrorless lenses
Also read: The best mirrorless cameras
Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM
We’ve already mentioned how helpful and convenient 50mm f/1.8 prime lenses are. Canon takes things to another level with the RF 50mm F1.2 L USM. Its f/1.2 aperture will capture light in lower light situations, and the bokeh will look even more stunning than the f/1.8 shots. It’s a costly lens, but it’s extraordinary and will take your 50mm game to the next level.
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
This is one of the first Canon lenses with an RF mount you should get. It is pretty affordable for what you get, and the 35mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture will make this a great all-around lens for general purposes. Not only that, but this lens has macro abilities and can focus at a distance of 0.56 feet or 0.17 meters from the subject.
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens
If you’re looking for a more serious macro lens for your Canon mirrorless system, it doesn’t get much better than the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM. The 85mm focal length makes it easier to capture close-up images, and the f/2 aperture is very wide for a macro lens, which usually come with an f/2.8 max aperture at their widest. The price is also very reasonable for a macro lens of this caliber.
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 IS USM
The 24-70mm focal length is considered part of the “holy trinity,” but this lens is specifically made with an RF mount for mirrorless cameras. This is a premium lens that will fit many photo scenarios. With an f/2.8 aperture, the lens is also pretty fast. This is a premium lens, and its price shows it.
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens
The 70-200mm focal length range is great for getting up and close with your subject when you can’t physically get close. This RF mount lens is native to Canon’s mirrorless systems. It is praised for its smaller size, solid construction, and excellent image quality. Its f/2.8 max aperture is also very nice to have. You will have to pay up for the new mount and reduced size, though.
Now that you have the right photography equipment, it’s time to further polish your skills and knowledge on the topic. We have some great educational content you can use to improve your images regardless of your gear.