Top 5 Canon lenses for DSLRs in 2024
Whether you have a crop sensor (APS-C) camera or a full-frame DSLR, the finest Canon lenses for DSLRs are essential for getting the most out of your camera. The greatest Canon EF lenses—which are compatible with both full-frame and APS-C cameras—as well as the best EF-S mount lenses—which are limited to APS-C cameras—are both included in the guide below.
The type of photography you do, the camera you use, and your budget will all play a role in determining which Canon lens is perfect for you. Based on the optics best suited to various demands and purposes, as well as our expert reviewers' own lab testing and hands-on expertise with each lens, we have selected our selections.
The top 5 canon lenses are
1. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
Specifications:
Mount: Canon EF
Diaphragm blades: 9
Autofocus: Nano USM
Stabilizer: 4-stops
Minimum focus distance: 1.2m
Maximum magnification: 0.25x
Filter thread: 67mm
Dimensions (WxL): 80x146mm
Weight: 710g
Pros:
Impressive image quality
Super-fast AF system
Cons:
Hood is an expensive ‘optional extra’
No weather-seals
The professional-grade L-series 70-300mm zoom lens from Canon has weather sealing and an optional tripod mount to support the weight and stabilize your images. However, we discovered that this less expensive lens is nearly just as crisp, weighing less than half as much and costing less to purchase. It also features the same adjustable aperture.
It has Canon's Nano USM autofocus system, which we found to be quick to follow moving subjects in still photos and to provide fluid focus changes in videos. The LCD display was well-designed and featured choices for displaying information on stability, focus distance, and focal length.
2. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM
Specifications:
Mount: Canon EF
Diaphragm blades: 9
Autofocus: Ultrasonic (ring-type)
Stabilizer: 4-stops
Minimum focus distance: 2.8m
Maximum magnification: 0.2x
Filter thread: 95mm
Dimensions (WxL): 105x260mm
Weight: 1,930g
Pros:
Manageable size and weight
Smart image quality and features
Cons:
Not as sharp as the 'Sports' edition
Not fully weather-sealed
When it comes to super-telephoto zooms for Canon cameras, we actually prefer the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports, its sibling, if finances and physical prowess are not constraints. However, at over 3kg, that's a hefty and heavy lens that makes handheld photography difficult for extended periods of time. Compared to the "Sports" model, the "Contemporary" version of the lens weighs about a kilogram less, is more portable, and is considerably less expensive to purchase.
On full-frame cameras, it extends to a formidable 600mm, while on smaller sensors seen on Canon APS-C cameras, the 1.6x crop factor produces an amazing 960mm 35mm equivariant. This kind of reach is really necessary for a lot of nature subjects, long-distance sports like baseball or cricket, and aircraft photography. Although the C lens lacks the comprehensive weather sealing of the S version, it is still extremely well-made, nearly as sharp, and equipped with the same array of high-end features and settings. Overall, we believe that for most of us, this is the better purchase.
3. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM
Specifications:
Mount: Canon EF
Elements/groups: 17/11
Diaphragm blades: 9
Autofocus: Ultrasonic (ring-type)
Stabilizer: None
Minimum focus distance: 0.26m
Maximum magnification: 0.19x
Filter thread: None
Dimensions (WxL): 96x135mm
Weight: 1,150g
Pros:
Epic image quality
Superb build quality and handling
Cons:
No filter thread (it's too 'wide')
Canon’s 11-24mm is even wider
For extreme viewing angles, the Sigma 14–24mm gets quite close to matching the extremely costly Canon 11–24mm zoom and Sigma’s 12–24mm Art lens, but it costs only around half as much. Even when shooting wide open at f/2.8, our tests revealed incredibly sharp results throughout the full image frame. For an ultra-wide zoom, distortions were really small, and color fringing is not noticeable at all.
Encased in an exceptionally well-engineered and completely weather-sealed construction are the high-performance lenses. It's still our top choice for an ultra-wide zoom on full-frame Canon DSLRs (albeit 14mm doesn't appear all that wide on APS-C cameras). Our top choice for crop sensors is further down the list.
4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Specifications:
Mount: Canon EF
Elements/groups: 14/10
Diaphragm blades: 9
Autofocus: Ultrasonic (ring-type)
Stabilizer: 4-stops
Minimum focus distance: 0.85m
Maximum magnification: 0.12x
Filter thread: 77mm
Dimensions (WxL): 89x105mm
Weight: 950g
Pros:
Beautiful image quality
4-stop stabilizer in an f/1.4 lens
Cons:
Very expensive for an 85mm f/1.4
Quite weighty at nearly a kilogram
Choosing between fast f/1.4 aperture and image stabilization is typically necessary when purchasing a portrait prime. As far as we could tell, this Canon lens offers us the best of all worlds in terms of features and image quality.
It has a nine-blade diaphragm that produces a very well-rounded aperture for beautiful bokeh, and Canon's cutting-edge Air Sphere Coating reduces flare and ghosting. Despite being larger and more substantial than the rival Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art lens, it is nevertheless significantly lighter and has excellent build quality along with a complete set of weather sealing.
While the Canon's bokeh is incredibly smooth and creamy, its stabilizer can make a significant impact when handheld shooting in low light. It's not quite as bitingly sharp as the Sigma. These specialized lenses are pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for.
5. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Specifications:
Mount: Canon EF
Elements/groups: 6/5
Diaphragm blades: 7
Autofocus: Stepping motor
Stabilizer: None
Minimum focus distance: 0.35m
Maximum magnification: 0.21x
Filter thread: 49mm
Dimensions (WxL): 69x39mm
Weight: 160g
Pros:
Compact and lightweight
Inexpensive to buy
Cons:
Hood is sold separately
No image stabilization
Described to as the 'nifty fifty' due to its small size, versatility, and superior image quality, this lens is impressively good for its low cost. Even though it weighs only 160g, it features a mounting plate made of strong metal and a better stepping motor focusing system than earlier models. An electronically connected fly-by-wire focus ring is also included.
One advantage for handling is that autofocus is quieter than in previous lens versions, even if it still sounds like it's rotating the focus ring. For movie capture, smooth autofocus transitions are also made available. Its broad f/1.8 aperture makes it perfect for low light photography, and its seven-blade diaphragm allows for a well-rounded aperture when stopping down.