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Best Canon Lenses

The Best Canon Lenses of 2023

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Best Canon Lenses

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Editor's Choice Product image of Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Best Overall

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

If you're a Canon shooter, for macro there's no better option. It's razor sharp, offers image stabilization, and has a superb close focal distance that also works as a dandy portrait lens in a pinch. Read More

Editor's Choice Product image of Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Is it sexy? Not really. But it is among the most reliable, well-built, dependable lenses you'll ever own, and it's the one that'll spend the most time attached to your camera. Read More

Cons

  • None we could find
Product image of Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

Exceptionally pricey, but also simply exceptional. Fast, phenomenal in low light, tack sharp, and the focus length is useful for just about everything short of sports or wildlife photography. Read More

Product image of Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM

If you're on a limited budget but are looking for a lens that will improve your low light photography, it's worth checking out. Just remember, these EF-S lenses don't work right on full-frame DSLRs. Read More

Product image of Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Canon’s EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is a telephoto lens that offers professional-grade performance and flexibility. Read More

Pros

  • Works with 77mm filters
  • Ultra-quiet motor
  • Dust and water resistant

Cons

  • Expensive

While the camera industry isn't what it once was, Canon is still going strong in large part thanks to its enviable lineup of top-notch lenses. But while you can spend thousands of dollars on pro-grade Canon lenses, some of the company's best options start at right around $100. If you've been using the kit lens of a cheap zoom for awhile, it's easy and incredibly cost-effective to upgrade. Here are the best Canon lenses on our list, no matter what your budget is.

Some quick things to keep in mind: All Canon lenses are considered "EF" lenses, after the name of Canon's proprietary lens mount that is used across all Canon DSLRs. Some lenses are designated "EF-S" however, and these are designed only to fit Canon DSLRs that have an APS-C sensor, such as the Rebel series, the Canon EOS 70D, or the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. You can tell if your DSLR is EF-S compatible if it has a white square on the lens mount in addition to the red dot. EF-S lenses do not work with full frame DSLRs, so avoid them if you plan to upgrade later.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Best Overall
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

For any photographer looking to capture small objects, such as jewelry, bugs, or just fine details, you'll need a macro lens. If you're a Canon shooter, there's no better option than the 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. It's razor sharp, offers image stabilization, and it has a superb close focal distance that also works as a dandy portrait lens in a pinch. For less than $800, it's a terrific investment for Canon fanatics.

Product image of Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the workmanlike backbone of Canon's pro lens lineup. Fast, sharp, relatively compact, and flexible enough to handle any and all situations, this is a must-have for any pro. Is it sexy? Not really. But it is among the most reliable, well-built, dependable lenses you'll ever own, and it's the one that'll spend the most time attached to your camera.

Pros

Cons

  • None we could find

Product image of Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

Canon's 35mm f/1.4 is an exceptionally pricey bit of glass, but it's also just plain exceptional. It's fast, phenomenal in low light, tack sharp, and the focus length is useful for just about everything short of sports or wildlife photography. While prices typically hover just below $1,500, you can often find it for closer to $1,000, putting it within reach of hobbyists and pros alike.

Product image of Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM

If you're on a limited budget but are looking for a lens that will improve your low light photography, the 24mm f/2.8 STM is worth checking out. Though Canon's 50mm f/1.8 is better in low light, the 24mm f/2.8's STM is a better choice for anyone shooting video, thanks to it's smoother, faster STM focus motor and more forgiving field of view. Just remember, these EF-S lenses don't work right on full-frame DSLRs.

Product image of Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Canon’s EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is a telephoto lens that offers professional-grade performance and flexibility. It can grab ultra-fast stills, which allows you to capture the action in a shorter focus range, such as an athlete during a game or a bird flying. Its f/2.8 maximum aperture also makes it easy to take clear shots during cloudy days. It includes an image-stabilization feature that prevents blur and decreases shake—even while using slow shutter speeds—and instead makes them look sharper. This zoom lens can work with any DSLR with a Canon EF mount.

Pros

  • Works with 77mm filters

  • Ultra-quiet motor

  • Dust and water resistant

Cons

  • Expensive

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