9 Best Canon Lenses (EF Mount DSLR)
Discover our top 9 picks for the best Canon EF mount lenses for DSLR cameras, with options for different skill levels, genres and budgets.
Camera Gear Guides | Canon Lens Guides | Lens Guides | By Mark Condon and Don Turrobia | Last Updated: February 20, 2025
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Compiling a list of the best Canon lenses is by no means an easy feat.
Canon consistently stays ahead of its rivals by offering an unmatched selection of high-quality glass.
Whether it’s white-barrelled L-series zoom lenses capturing sports events or wide-angle zooms mounted on the cameras of countless popular YouTubers, the world’s leading brand has crafted lenses to suit virtually every need and niche.
Lightweight nifty-fifty lens that delivers sharp images with beautiful background blur, all for an affordable price.
What’s more is that Canon’s best lenses are often available for far cheaper than their counterparts, sometimes by as much as a few hundred dollars.
In this lens comparison, I have included Canon crop sensor (EF-S) and full-frame (EF) options from the much-beloved photography powerhouse.
So, if you own a Canon camera, you’re in for a treat! Let’s dive in.
What Are The Best Canon Lenses?
Here is our list of the best Canon lenses in the market today, covering various needs and budgets.
| Image | Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STMBEST VALUE PRIME (EF OR EFS) |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USMBEST FOR PORTRAITS |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USMBEST MID-RANGE ZOOM (EF OR EF-S) |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USMBEST FOR WILDLIFE AND SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USMGREAT PERFORMANCE |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USMBEST FOR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USMGREAT ENTRY-LEVEL LENS |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STMGREAT WIDE-ANGLE LENS |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMBEST FOR TRAVEL (EF OR EF-S) |
| Check Price → |
1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM | Best Value Canon Prime Lens
- Compatible Format: EF, EF-S
- Diaphragm Blades: 7
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.15 ft. (35 cm)
- Filter Size: 49mm
- Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 2.7 in. (69mm) x 1.5 in. (39mm)
- Weight: 0.35 lbs. (158 g)
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a popular “nifty fifty” lens among avid fans.
It has such a reputation that every photographer would have heard about this lens one way or another.
It offers excellent optical quality and versatility, and despite its low price, it provides a wide f/1.8 aperture that allows for beautiful, creamy bokeh. This makes it an ideal choice for portrait photography.
Also, its compact and lightweight design allows you to carry it comfortably during extended shoots.
One of its standout features is the STM (Stepper Motor) autofocus system, which provides smooth and nearly silent focusing.
This is especially beneficial for video creators who want to capture natural sounds without noise from the lens motor.
While its plastic construction may feel less than premium, the image quality it delivers punches far above its weight.
It performs excellently in low-light conditions, where the large aperture lets in plenty of light for sharp and clear images.
I’ve used it for everything from intimate indoor portraits to busy street photography, and it never fails.
Truly, it’s one of the most versatile lenses in this price category.
At under US$260, this lens can’t be beat for beginners and pros alike.
2. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM | Best for Portraits
- Compatible Format: EF, EF-S
- Diaphragm Blades: 8
- Minimum Focus Distance: 2.79 ft. (85 cm)
- Filter Size: 58mm
- Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3 in. (75mm) x 2.8 in. (71mm)
- Weight: 0.92 lbs. (425 g)
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is a dream lens for portrait photographers.
Its 85mm focal length is ideal for flattering facial proportions and creates stunning subject separation.
The lens’s f/1.4 aperture not only produces gorgeous background blur but also allows for excellent performance in low-light conditions.
I’ve used this prime lens for outdoor and studio portraits, and the results are consistently stunning.
The addition of 4-stop image stabilization is a game-changer, particularly for handheld shooting.
Whether I’m capturing portraits at the golden hour or working in dimly lit indoor spaces, the stabilization ensures sharp, detailed images even at slower shutter speeds.
The autofocus is fast and reliable, which is crucial when shooting moving subjects or candid moments.
Built to Canon’s L-series standards, the lens is weather-sealed and hardy, able to tolerate extreme conditions.
Though it weighs more and costs more than other versions, its optical performance more than makes up for it, especially in professional settings.
3. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | Best Mid-Range Zoom
- Compatible Format: EF
- Diaphragm Blades: 9
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.25 ft. (38 cm)
- Filter Size: 82mm
- Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3.5 in. (88mm) x 4.4 in. (112mm)
- Weight: 1.8 lbs. (805 g)
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a workhorse lens that truly shines in many shooting situations.
It provides a versatile zoom range, from wide-angle to short telephoto.
This makes it a good fit for landscapes, portraits, events, and more.
With a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, it provides consistent exposure and depth-of-field control regardless of the zoom position.
Sharpness is quite good, even wide open; colors are vivid and clear, and the lens’s ability to record minute details makes it a good choice for weddings and events.
The L-series construction is tough enough to withstand professional usage, including dusty or rainy conditions.
While it lacks image stabilization, its sharpness and build quality more than compensate.
This lens is perfect for photographers who want a single versatile option that can handle almost any scenario.
4. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM | Best for Wildlife & Sports
- Compatible Format: EF
- Lens Construction: 21 elements in 16 groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 9 (rounded)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 3.22 ft. (98 cm)
- Filter Size: 77mm
- Angle of View (Diagonal): 24° – 6° 10’
- Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3.7 in. (94mm) x 7.6 in. (193mm)
- Weight: 3.46 lbs. (1,570 g)
With a 100-400mm range, this Canon lens can capture distant subjects like no other.
Perfectly suited for wildlife and sports photography, it makes shooting from a distance a breeze.
Its image stabilization system has also been improved to effectively compensate for camera shake for sharp results even when handheld at maximum zoom.
The lens also features Canon’s advanced Air Sphere Coating (ASC), which minimizes ghosting and flare—common problems when shooting in bright conditions.
The rotating zoom ring is buttery smooth, with the torque adjustment allowing fine control. This is especially useful in tracking fast-moving subjects, such as birds or athletes.
While it’s on the heavier side, the image quality and robust construction make it worth the weight.
We’ve relied on this lens for the occasional sports events, and its reliability is unmatched.
5. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM | Great Performance
- Compatible Format: EF
- Diaphragm Blades: 8
- Minimum Focus Distance: 3.94 ft. (1.2 m)
- Filter Size: 77mm
- Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3.5 in. (88mm) x 7.8 in. (199mm)
- Weight: 3.28 lbs. (1480 g)
This lens is one that every serious photographer dreams of owning.
It’s versatile enough for portraits, sports, and wildlife, thanks to the 70-200mm focal range.
With a constant f/2.8 aperture, this lens delivers beautiful background blur and superb low-light performance.
In practice, the image quality is flawless.
The lens is sharp corner-to-corner, even wide open, and produces stunning color and contrast.
The image stabilization system is particularly effective for handheld shooting, ensuring sharp results even at slower shutter speeds.
For event and portrait photographers, this is an invaluable feature.
Its rugged build quality and weather sealing give you the confidence to use it in challenging conditions.
Yes, it’s heavy, but I’d argue it’s a small price to pay for the versatility and performance it offers.
6. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM | Best for Landscape Photography
- Compatible Format: EF
- Diaphragm Blades: 9
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.92 ft. (28 cm)
- Filter Size: 77mm
- Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3.3 in. (82.6mm) x 4.4 in. (112.8mm)
- Weight: 1.36 lbs. (615 g)
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is a landscape photographer’s best friend.
Its ultra-wide focal range lets you capture sweeping vistas and dramatic perspectives.
The constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent exposure across all zoom levels.
What really sets this lens apart, however, is its 4-stop image stabilization—a rare feature in wide-angle lenses that makes handheld shooting in low-light conditions much more practical.
The optical performance is stellar, with edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion.
When shooting architecture, I’ve found the rectilinear design keeps lines straight, avoiding the “bowing” effect common in other wide-angle lenses.
It also handles flare and ghosting well, thanks to Canon’s Super Spectra Coating.
The build quality is what you’d expect from an L-series lens: durable and weather-sealed.
Despite its professional-grade construction, it remains relatively lightweight, making it perfect for hiking trips or travel photography.
Whether capturing intricate architectural details or vast landscapes, this lens is a reliable companion.
7. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM | Great Entry-Level
- Compatible Format: EF
- Lens Construction: 17 elements in 12 groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 9 (rounded)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 3.94 ft. (1.2 m)
- Filter Size: 67mm
- Angle of View (Diagonal): 34° – 8° 15’
- Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3.1 in. (80mm) x 5.7 in. (145.5mm)
- Weight: 1.56 lbs. (710 g)
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is a great entry-point telephoto lens that brings performance at an affordable price.
The focal range allows you to zoom in close to wildlife or distant action, providing you with ample flexibility in the shots you can capture.
It does not come with the fast aperture of high-end telephoto lenses but makes up for it by providing 4-stop image stabilization and Canon’s Nano USM technology.
This gives you rapid, smooth, and near-silent autofocus.
In my experience, the lens produces very sharp, vibrant images in good lighting.
It’s best used outdoors or in other well-lit environments where a narrower aperture isn’t going to be a hindrance.
The built-in LCD display is an innovative touch; it gives you useful information such as focusing distance and depth-of-field at a glance.
Though it lacks weather sealing and the construction is more plastic, this lens is surprisingly robust.
For hobbyists and enthusiasts who want to experiment with telephoto photography, it’s an excellent value-for-money option.
8. Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM | Great Wide-Angle Option
- Compatible Format: EF-S
- Lens Construction: 14 elements in 11 groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 7 (rounded)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.72 ft. (22 cm)
- Filter Size: 67mm
- Angle of View (Diagonal): 107° – 74°
- Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 2.9 in. (74.6mm) x 2.8 in. (72mm)
- Weight: 0.55 lbs. (250 g)
If you’re shooting with an APS-C DSLR and want to go ultra-wide without spending too much, the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is a good choice.
It’s light, so it can be easily carried, and the 10-18mm range offers dramatic wide-angle compositions, ideal for landscape and interior photography or even for creative vlogging.
I use it a lot when traveling. I find it particularly useful for shooting in tight spaces where you have no room to step back.
The STM motor provides silent and smooth autofocus, which is very good for video shooting.
For such an affordable price, the lens is also stabilized internally, which will minimize blur in handheld shots.
Its biggest limitation is the aperture, which I find struggles a fair bit in low-light settings.
However, with some creativity and a bit of editing magic, it still delivers excellent results.
For photographers stepping into wide-angle photography, this lens is a no-brainer.
9. Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM | Best for Travel
- Compatible Format: EF
- Lens Construction: 6 elements in 4 groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 7
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.98 ft. (30 cm)
- Filter Size: 52mm
- Angle of View (Diagonal): 57° 30’
- Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 2.7 in. (68.2mm) x 0.9 in. (22.8mm)
- Weight: 0.29 lbs. (130 g)
The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM, affectionately known as a “pancake lens,” is a minimalist’s dream.
Its ultra-slim design makes it nearly invisible on your DSLR, which is ideal for discreet street photography or travel when you want to stay low-key.
Yet, this lens delivers remarkable sharpness and contrast, rivaling larger and pricier alternatives.
I’ve used this lens on several trips and am constantly amazed at how versatile it is.
The 40mm focal length falls between the traditional wide and standard views, so it’s excellent for shooting scenes as the eye sees them.
The f/2.8 aperture handles low-light situations well; although it doesn’t provide the creamy bokeh of faster primes, the subject separation is still impressive.
The STM motor provides smooth and quiet focusing, making it a solid choice for both photography and video.
Lightweight, durable, and affordable, this lens is an easy recommendation for photographers of all levels.
Canon Lens Buyer’s Guide | What Should You Buy First?
Choosing your first Canon lens can be really overwhelming.
There are so many options available, and sometimes it can feel like you’re agonizing over the specs and reviews.
The thing is, though, that the “best” lens for you depends entirely on your shooting needs.
Are you into portraits? Landscape photography? Maybe you’re diving into vlogging?
Your first lens should match your creative goals, not just your budget.
For most beginners, a prime lens like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (the beloved “nifty fifty” mentioned above) is an absolute gem.
It’s versatile, sharp, light, and perfect for portraits, street photography, or even some food photography.
And with a wide aperture at f/1.8, this gives you that creamy background blur everyone loves.
If you prefer capturing vast landscapes or dramatic architecture, a wide-angle lens will be a better starting point.
The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is a budget-friendly option for APS-C users. It delivers crisp, wide shots without breaking the bank.
Plus, if you plan to use your camera for video, the built-in Image Stabilization (IS) will make your footage look smoother.
Speaking of stabilization, if you’re shooting handheld or in low light, IS is a feature you’ll want to prioritize.
Now, if you want the flexibility to try out several genres, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM might become your best friend.
It offers a great focus range for everything from groups to detailed close-ups.
Although it’s pricier than a prime lens, its versatility may save you from needing several lenses immediately.
I remember upgrading to a 24-70mm lens and feeling like my creativity improved—but that might just be the excitement over a new lens :-).
Lastly, don’t forget to take into account the format of your camera body (APS-C or full-frame).
Lenses with “EF-S” are designed for APS-C bodies and won’t be compatible with full-frame cameras, while EF lenses will work on both.
(Read more about EF vs EF-S lenses here).
A little planning will save you from unnecessary upgrades down the road.
Ultimately, the important thing is to start with a lens that fits your passion and grows with you—it’s all about capturing the shots that excite you.
What Do The Letters & Numbers on a Canon Lens Mean?
There are different types of Canon lenses available for APS-C, full frame and the new mirrorless system. But before you get too bogged down in the Canon lens reviews, it’s important to understand what all the letters in the lens name mean.
You can quickly check your camera’s compatibility with a lens by correctly reading the lens name.
Here’s an example of a lens that’s got quite an extended title: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM.
Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of all these confusing abbreviations:
- EF – these lenses are designed to cover the full 35mm image and are compatible with all Canon EOS cameras
- 70-200mm – the focal range
- f/4 – the maximum aperture
- L – ‘Luxury,’ designating Canon’s pro-grade lenses, built to Canon’s highest standards
- IS – Built-in Image Stabilization
- II – the version number
- USM – ‘UltraSonic Motor,’ a fast, quiet and powerful focusing motor that allows manual override
Other common Canon lens abbreviations include:
- EF-S – lenses designed for APS-C sensor cameras
- EF-M – lenses designed for Canon EOS M mirrorless cameras
- RF – lenses designed for Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless cameras
- STM – Stepper Motor designed to reduce autofocus vibrations and noise during video recording
In this article, I’ve sometimes removed the lettering after the main elements of each lens name to try and keep it a bit more simple ;-)
Canon Lens Sizes Chart
Here’s a table showing the sizes of 12 popular Canon lenses, including their length and diameter:
| Lens Model | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM | 39.3 | 69.2 |
| Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM | 75.0 | 75.0 |
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | 113.0 | 88.5 |
| Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM | 176.0 | 80.0 |
| Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM | 112.0 | 82.0 |
| Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | 123.0 | 77.7 |
| Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM | 118.0 | 83.5 |
| Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM | 145.5 | 80.0 |
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM | 65.5 | 85.4 |
| Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM | 86.0 | 80.4 |
| Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM | 199.0 | 89.0 |
| Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM | 132.0 | 108.0 |
Canon Lens Compatibility Chart
Here’s a table showing Canon lens type compatibility with some popular Canon camera models:
| Camera Model | EF Lens Series | EF-S Lens Series | EF-M Lens Series | RF Lens Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EOS R5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EOS R6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EOS RP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EOS R | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| EOS 5D Mark IV | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| EOS 6D Mark II | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| EOS 1D X Mark III | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| EOS 90D | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| EOS 80D | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| EOS 77D | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| EOS Rebel T8i | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| EOS Rebel T7i | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Note: “Yes” indicates that the camera is compatible with the respective lens series, while “No” indicates that it is not compatible. The EF lens series is compatible with all Canon DSLR and mirrorless cameras, while the EF-S lens series is only compatible with APS-C sensor Canon cameras. The EF-M lens series is only compatible with Canon mirrorless cameras that use the EF-M mount. The RF lens series is only compatible with Canon mirrorless cameras that use the RF mount.
For a full Canon lens list, visit the Canon USA website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between EF and EFS Canon lenses?
Canon EF-S lenses can only be used on Canon APS-C DSLRs. APS-C cameras have a smaller sensor, and the ES-F lenses are designed only for that sensor size. EF lenses, on the other hand, can work on any full-frame or APS-C Canon camera body.
What is the best all-around Canon lens?
Our top pick is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, which is small, fast, and offers great value for money. The EF 35mm f/1.4 II is another option that offers a versatile focal length and produces razor-sharp images.
What is the best Canon APS-C lens?
The best APS-C lens is one that is versatile, good quality and reliable. In this case, EF Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM checks all the boxes and is a great lens for APS-C Canon cameras.
What is the best Canon lens to use for the webcam?
Using a wide aperture prime in low-light indoor settings would be the right choice. The 40mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.8, and 35mm f/1.4 are all good options.
What is the best Canon lens for bright and clear photos?
Prime lenses with large apertures often produce bright and sharp photos. Therefore, the best choice here would be the EF 35mm f/1.4 II.
What is the best Canon zoom lens?
For the best all-purpose zoom that will serve you in the greatest number of situations, we’d recommend the EF 24-105mm f/4 II. It works on both EF and EF-S Canon camera bodies, has a fast autofocus and is great value for money.
What’s the best Canon lens for portrait photography?
For portraits, it’s hard to go past the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8. While Canon’s 85mm f/1.2 is also a widely popular choice for portrait photographers, the f/1.8 wins our vote for being lighter, faster and cheaper, while at the same time producing stunning portraits.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this recap of the best lenses you can get for your Canon camera.
If you use some lenses I mentioned or know some other good ones missing from this list, please leave a comment in the comments section below.
While I don’t recommend buying camera gear blindly, a mediocre lens will always limit the range of your camera.
These days, modern DSLR bodies—regardless of sensor size—are capable of delivering exceptional results. However, without a high-quality lens, you’re not unlocking the full power of your camera.
So pick a good quality lens that fits your shooting needs and your budget, and you’ll be pretty much set!
Lightweight nifty-fifty lens that delivers sharp images with beautiful background blur, all for an affordable price.
Mark Condon is a British wedding photographer and editor of Shotkit. When he’s not taking photos or reviewing the latest camera gear and software, Mark can be found cycling around the northern rivers.
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