For certain benefits, photographers like zoom lenses more than the primes in some cases. And there are lots of different models manufactured by both Canon and third-parties, keeping the customers’ best interest in mind.
That is why it often gets confusing to find the best zoom lens for Canon cameras. We researched and selected the best models in different categories, maintaining a perfect combination of focal length and aperture.
Whether you are interested in wildlife, sports, product, landscape, or street photography, we have everything in our reviews. Let’s get started with some valuable information about the types and move on to the main section.
Have a Look at Our to Selected Best Zoom Lens for Canon Cameras:
Best Wide Angle: Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
stepping motor, wide aperture, Closest Focusing Distance: 0.72 feet, noise free video shooting, Optical image stabilizer
Best Standard: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens
F2.8 constant maximum aperture, Ring type ultrasonic type AF motor, 82 millimetre filters, closest focusing distance: 0.38 meter, Diagonal Angle of View 84° 34°. Weight 1.7 pound
Best Telephoto: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
Compact, high performance L-series super-telephoto zoom, Focal Length:100-400mm, Maximum Aperture:1:4.5-5.6, Closest Focusing Distance-3.2 ft.
Best All-in-one: Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD All-In-One Zoom
World’s first 222x ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom Lens, 1: 29 max Magnification Ratio, Moisture-resistant construction,
Best Macro: Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens
Focal Length: 70-300mm, Maximum Aperture: F/4-5.6, Maximum Aperture: F/4.0, Minimum Object Distance: 0.95m, Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:2
Best Zoom Lens For Canon: Our Honest Review
Best Wide Angle: Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Things We Like:
- F/4.5 to F/29 wide aperture range
- Super Spectra coating
- STM Stepping AF Motor
- Rounded 7-blade diaphragm
We have a champion in the wide and ultra-wide zoom lens category, which is EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens. It is a full-frame lens with a maximum f/4.5 aperture compatible with Canon EF S DSLRs.
For obtaining a high optical quality, the lens comes with a four-group zoom design. Inside it has an ultra-low dispersion, an aspherical, and a large-diameter element along with an optical image stabilizer. That is why it can produce very sharp, clear, and aberration-free images. The stabilizer can eliminate blurriness caused by camera shakes.
Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about flare or ghosting because of its super spectra coating. So, contrast and color neutrality are maintained throughout its service life.
A major issue with such zoom lenses is the sound of the autofocus motor. But this one’s STM stepping motor has a good build-quality for fast, precise, and almost noiseless performance.
However, it has the manual focusing option too if you don’t want to use the autofocus. The lens has a rounded diaphragm with 7 blades for improved focus-quality and helps with selective focus techniques.
Finally, good build quality and reliability of the lens are endorsed by its users. Some don’t like the plastic body, but it doesn’t affect the performance or decrease its longevity.
👍 Pros:
- Clearer image in low light
- No blurry picture
- Quick automatic focusing
- Sharp edge-to-edge image
- Maintains camera balance
👎 Cons:
- Plastic build
Best Standard: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens
Things We Like:
- Elements to reduce chromatic and spherical aberration
- Super Spectra and fluorine coatings
- Ring-type ultrasonic motor
- Weather seals
- Rounded 9-Blade diaphragm
The popularity of lenses above 20mm and below 70mm is a lot among all levels of photographers. And this EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the best standard zoom lens for Canon cameras.
It has the capability of handling both wide-angle and portrait photography. The f/2.8 aperture is particularly helpful for ensuring a clear image quality even in low-light conditions.
The lens comes with a super UD element and 2 UD elements for fighting against color fringing and chromatic aberrations. Altogether, you will get greater control over field depth, reduced chromatic aberration, and better color accuracy.
Like the previous model, this one also has a super spectra coating to ensure high contrast, color neutrality, and reduced flare. Furthermore, its internal focusing mechanism with ring-type ultrasonic motor is effective for fast, precise, and almost noiseless operation.
If you recheck the diaphragm spec, you will see that it has 9 rounded blades. For this reason, one can get better control over the focusing feature and work on the depth of the field.
The full body is sealed with a protective coating and fluorine coating so that you can use it in all weather conditions. All those elements and features make the lens a bit heavier, but it doesn’t bother a lot due to well-balanced weight distribution.
👍 Pros:
- Easy and quick focusing
- Common filter-size compatibility
- Stable image
- Intuitive adjustment options
👎 Cons:
- A bit heavier than others
Best Telephoto: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
Things We Like:
- Improved algorithm
- Air sphere coating
- Optical image stabilizer
- Ring-Type USM AF system
- Detachable, rotatable tripod mechanism
For long-range photography, both of the models reviewed above are useless. You need a telephoto or super-telephoto lens, and there are no better options than this Canon zoom lens 100-400mm.
One major concern for such lenses is the aberrations and distortions that occur mostly at the higher zoom range. No need to worry because the manufacturer uses one fluorite element and a Super UD element to eliminate those possibilities. On the plus side, it can provide a significantly clear image with enough sharpness and accurate color.
You will also love the 4-stop image stabilizer of the lens that aids the image quality eliminating camera shake effects. As we are talking about mechanical features, it has an improved internal ring-type USM AF system for quick and accurate focusing.
These lenses are mainly used outdoors, which is why the company ensured more advanced weather-proofing manufacturing. The fluorine coating on the front and the back of the lens prevents moisture and protects against fingerprint.
As it is a big and heavy lens, you will find tripod-mount holes with an adjustable collar on the bottom. So, you don’t necessarily have to hold it in your hands for hours. The overall build quality is extraordinary and feels premium.
👍 Pros:
- Precise and intuitive zooming
- No backlit flaring or ghosting
- Keeps the camera on balance
- Good bokeh quality
- Top-notch image sharpness
👎 Cons:
- Zoom-locking mechanism needs improvement
Best All-in-one: Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD All-In-One Zoom
Things We Like:
- World’s first 222x ultra-telephoto
- F/3.5 to F/40 aperture range
- HLD autofocus motor and VC image stabilization
- Moisture-resistant coatings
- Electromagnetic 7-blade diaphragm
Do you have interests in something that can replace all 3 products reviewed above? If your answer is yes, you will be interested in what Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 has to offer.
If you have an APS-C format Canon camera, you are in luck. Get this lightweight, compact, and all-weather performing lens at a very reasonable price.
Even after having such a large focal length range, how does the lens have a compact size? It is possible due to the three-step extension design and an improved internal design.
You would be glad to know that Tamron hasn’t compromised any important feature or spec. So, you are getting a fully capable one for your camera. Apart from the common features, it has an HLD autofocus motor and VC image stabilization system.
Both are an improved AF and stabilization features of previous Canon lenses. Moreover, the electromagnetic diaphragm with 7 blades helps to achieve more precise focusing. The notable point is that this one is better for recording videos as it provides more stability than others.
Summary: Overall, Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 has an exceptional range of focal length and aperture. For those who are looking for the best all-in-one lens for Canon, this would be the best option.
👍 Pros:
- Good performance even in humid conditions
- Useful magnification ratio
- Quiet and precise autofocusing
- Great color and contrast production
👎 Cons:
- Slight chromatic aberration at focusing above 450mm
Best Macro: Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens
Things We Like:
- Zoom telephoto
- Built-in motor for autofocusing
- Compact and lightweight construction
- 95m minimum focus distance
The all-in-one lens can cover the top 3 lenses on the list, but it can’t replace a macro lens like this one. For close-range photography, you have to rely on a specialized telephoto lens. Tamron manufactures the Best third party lens for Canon, and our favorite is Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens.
For its lightweight design, you can hold it for a long time and take the perfect shot. With its 1:2 maximum magnification ratio, it is possible to capture realistic images. It can perfectly capture the subject from a minimum of 0.95 meters.
You may have noticed a notation ‘Di’ in the title, which means that the lens has a digitally integrated design. It is particularly designed to serve the best with a DSLR camera.
Several elements, along with useful coatings on the glass surfaces, make its overall performance praiseworthy. Here, f/4.0 maximum aperture can’t provide the same performance as the best standard zoom lens model. But it is not too bad either.
It has both manual and autofocusing mode to provide more clarity in different situations. Altogether, the lens can satisfy amateurs or semi-pros.
👍 Pros:
- Sturdy, heavy-duty frame
- Close-range photography
- Impressive image sharpness
- Good low-light performance
👎 Cons:
- A bit slow and noisy autofocus motor
What To Consider Before Buying The Best Zoom Lens For Canon
Based on your photography requirements and several feature factors, the decision may change. Let’s see what you should consider before buying a zoom lens for Canon cameras.
Purpose
The first criterion is to fix what you are going to use the lens for. In this regard, our little section describing the types of zoom lenses at the beginning of the article will help you a lot.
Whether you are interested in categories like landscape, real estate, product, sports, Astro, wildlife, or any other photography, we have covered it all. One benefit is that a single model from our selected list can do the same task several times.
Image Quality
The quality of the photo or video depends both on your skill and the camera lens. Here, you should make sure that the lens elements actively eliminate all aberrations and color fringing types. The factors don’t end here, and the following parameters would complete everything regarding image quality.
Aperture
The maximum aperture value plays a significant role in low-light image quality. Some lenses have f/2.8, and some have f/4. A small number means a large aperture and more light on the sensor. That is how you get a crisp, sharp, and bright image even after facing lighting difficulties.
Image Stabilization
Another important thing is the optical image stabilization feature of the lens. A few of the lenses in the higher price range offer it. The 4-point image stabilizers in the lens eliminate the blurry effects due to camera shakes.
Focusing
Now, see the factors that make a lens better at focusing. The major portion of this feature depends on the quality of the motor. With a good-quality motor and an advanced algorithm, you can enjoy quiet, precise, and fast focusing in both automatic and manual mode.
Also, see the number of blades on the diaphragm. More the number, the better the focusing quality and control over the depth of field. It is important to apply different focusing techniques and capture stunning photos.
Coating
Lens coating decides in which weather condition you can use it and whether the lens can eliminate flare and ghosting. It is recommended to go with the fluorine coating to prevent fingerprints and moisture and help maintain the color accuracy.
Build
Finally, look for the build quality of the lens. Most of the lenses perform well for years, and small efforts from your end can get you the best zoom lens for Canon.
You will find plastic-build and metal-build; we all know that metal is the first choice. However, you can also choose to have a plastic body, and we assure you that the body doesn’t come in the way of increasing one’s photography or videography skills.
That is the end of our best zoom lens for Canon reviews, and please read the FAQ section before you go because it may help you clear any misconception.
Which Is The Most Suitable Zoom Lens For Your Canon Camera?
Buying the best standard zoom lens for Canon is easy once you have known their categories and their respective applications. Here, we have researched and gathered enough information to help you make a decision.
Wide-Angle Lenses
In the wide and ultra-wide category, there are mainly two types; rectilinear and fisheye lenses. The use of rectilinear lenses is in real-estate, landscape photography, and more. The images it produces are not curved around the edges, which is helpful in most cases.
On the other hand, fisheye lenses are the best for wide panoramic or hemispherical images. It distorts the images around the edges to achieve a wide view of the skylines. 10mm to 15mm falls in between the range of ultra-wide-angle fisheye lenses.
Some wide-angle lenses offer a 118-degree to a 180-degree field of view, and fisheye models can provide even wider than 180-degrees. For landscape and architectural photography, you can’t rely on the standard lenses. These are widely used in commercial applications where the product needs more focus.
Standard Lenses
For regular photography, average requirements, every professional and beginner must have one of these lenses. The range of focal lengths varies, and you should set your requirements as per your needs.
From 18mm to 105mm, you will find several lens models with a large aperture. So, it is possible to capture stunning images, even in low-light situations.
Another benefit of the standard lenses is that they can capture the perceived distance of multiple subjects correctly. Photographers mainly consider it for street photography as the focal length of standard lenses resemble the way we look naturally. It is also great for portrait images.
Telephoto Lenses
The main reason to buy telephoto lenses is to capture objects far away from your position that even the human eye can’t see. Among several focal length recommendations or lens availability, you should consider above 100mm.
Our article has managed to review an amazing lens with a range of 100mm to 400mm. So, that would also meet your requirements for a super-telephoto zoom lens.
Telephoto ones are the heaviest, and one needs to use a mount while shooting outdoors. The lens magnifies the object making it perfect for sports and wildlife photography.
All-in-one Lenses
The all-in-one lens category is also very popular because one doesn’t need to carry multiple lenses. Here, you won’t get an ultra-wide-angle lens or super-telephoto zoom over 400mm.
But the range is between 18mm to 400mm making it perfect for meeting almost all sorts of photography requirements. The only downside is that you can’t get a larger aperture feature like the specialized lenses in other categories.
Macro Lenses
You will love the available macro lenses for Canon cameras because they can provide half to 5x magnification ratios. Also, the focal length ranges from 50mm to 300mm.
For product photography, you will need close-range shots with accurate size and sharpness. That is why professionals go for macro lenses in commercial applications. The lenses can provide edge-to-edge high-contrast and sharp images with flat-field characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Canon lens is best for zoom?
One can’t give you a definite answer to the question as it varies depending on the person’s purpose and requirements using the lens. Read the best zoom lens for Canon above and choose the one as per the needs.
What is the longest zoom lens for Canon?
At the time of publishing this article, EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens was the longest zoom lens for Canon DSLRs. You can also extend its focal length even further up to 1600mm by using a compatible EF 2X III Extender.
What is the Canon 75 300mm lens good for?
For sports, wildlife, and portrait photography, Canon 75 300mm lens is the best budget-friendly option.
What zoom lens is best for wildlife photography?
Lenses with focal lengths ranging from 70mm to 400mm are considered the most suited ones for wildlife photography.
What is the best Canon standard zoom lens?
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the best canon standard zoom lens that can produce images exactly as we see through our human eyes.
What is the best budget telephoto zoom lens for Canon?
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS II is the best budget telephoto zoom lens for Canon cameras. Due to its low price tag, you will have to compromise the focal length and aperture range.
Conclusion
By now, you have understood that it is impossible to declare one particular model as the best zoom lens for Canon cameras. Read the summaries of every model review, and you would find out which one matches your needs.
