The best Canon EF lenses allow you to shoot any style of photography at the highest levels. The EF lens catalog is one of the most extensive in all of photography, with lenses for any type of photography. Canon also has EF lenses for beginners, professionals, and anyone in between.
Our top two choices are the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. They are two versatile, high-performance lenses any Canon user would love to get their hands on.
We’ve split our list into two sections. The first looks at prime lenses and the second at zoom lenses. With 15 excellent EF lenses to choose from, you’ll definitely find the Canon DSLR lens you’re looking for.
What Is the Best Canon EF Prime Lens?
In selecting the best Canon EF prime lenses, we prioritized optical quality, versatility, and performance in low light. The lineup features standout lenses like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM.
It also covers a range of photography styles from macro to wide-angle shots, ensuring sharp, detailed images across a wide range of genres.
- Exceptional low-light performance with f/1.8 aperture
- Natural perspective for portrait and street photography
- Compact, lightweight design for easy portability
- Superb image sharpness and minimal aberrations
- Smooth, quiet autofocus ideal for video recording
- Exceptional low-light performance with f/1.4 aperture.
- Superior image quality, minimal aberrations.
- Fast, precise autofocus with USM technology.
- Robust, durable construction for longevity.
- Ideal for portraits and street photography.
- Ultra-slim, lightweight design for easy portability.
- Wide f/2.8 aperture, perfect for low light.
- Smooth, silent STM focusing for video recording.
- Superb image quality with minimal distortion.
- Affordable option for everyday photography and videography.
- Exceptional low-light performance with f/1.4 aperture.
- Superior image quality, minimal distortion.
- Fast, accurate USM autofocus system.
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for reliability.
- Ideal for landscape and street photography.
- Exceptional low-light performance with f/1.4 aperture.
- Built-in Image Stabilization enhances sharpness, reduces blur.
- Superior optical quality, ideal for professional portraits.
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for outdoor reliability.
- Fast, accurate autofocus with USM for discreet shooting.
- Exceptional macro performance with 1:1 magnification ratio.
- Hybrid Image Stabilization for steady macro shots.
- L-series quality ensures durability and weather resistance.
- Ultra-low dispersion element reduces chromatic aberrations.
- Fast, silent autofocus with full-time manual override.
- Unmatched f/1.8 aperture for low-light shooting.
- Ultra-wide 14mm perspective, perfect for landscapes.
- Superior sharpness and minimal distortion.
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for outdoor use.
- Compatible with Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras.
Our Favorite Canon EF Prime Lens
Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Canon EF prime lenses.
From wide apertures for low light excellence to macro capabilities for detailed close-ups, there’s a lens here for every shooting scenario. You’ll find the perfect match for your Canon DSLR camera.
1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
159 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is one of the most popular Canon EF lenses. It’s a classic “nifty-fifty” that combines a 50mm focal length and a fast f/1.8 aperture. It’s a great option for street photography, but you can also use it for travel, product, and portrait photography.
The optical quality ensures you get clear, sharp images even in tough conditions. High-quality glass reduces distortion and chromatic aberration, giving you edge-to-edge clarity.
A fast f/1.8 maximum aperture is always a great feature in any lens. It allows you to work in lower light without increasing your ISO. It also gives you more depth of field control, allowing you to blur your background while keeping your subject in focus.
It does have Canon’s inferior STM autofocus drive. But while not as fast and smooth as USM-driven AF systems, it’s reliable enough for most photographers. It’s quiet and quick, so you’ll have very few complaints.
This lens is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great choice for street and travel photography. However, it lacks weather sealing, which means it’s not the best option for shooting in rain or dusty conditions.
2. Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
760 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is a high-quality prime lens with a wide range of uses. It has the L classification, which means it’s one of Canon’s superior lenses. And it really is a pro-level piece of glass.
A 35mm focal length gives you a standard-angle view, but it’s wider than a 50mm focal length. That means you can capture more of your scene, which is helpful when in confined spaces. It’s also great for landscape photography, but you can still use it for travel, street, and portrait photography.
Its f/1.4 aperture is perfect for low light and creating a shallow depth of field. This makes it great for portraits and street photography, where you want your subject to stand out.
The lens is sharp across the frame, even at its widest aperture. It’s this clarity and sharpness that give you the truly professional results. It’s also fully weather sealed, protected against moisture and dust.
This lens is compatible with all Canon EF-mount cameras, making it a versatile addition to any photographer’s camera backpack. It is not a budget prime lens, but the price tag matches the quality of this Canon EF lens.
3. Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
125 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is the best prime lens for beginners with APS-C cameras. It’s simple, affordable, and has an ultra-slim pancake lens design.
Its 24mm focal length, is equivalent to 38.4mm on a full -frame camera. This means the field of view is standard rather than wide-angle, making it a great option for travel and street photography. You can also use it for landscapes and environmental portraits.
The f/2.8 max aperture isn’t the fastest, but it still gives you good control over you exposure settings. You can work in low light, and it gives you a shallow depth of field.
Weighing just 125 grams, this lens is incredibly light and easy to carry, ideal for photographers who prefer to travel light. Despite its plastic construction, it feels solid and is capable of producing sharp, detailed images. It’s also small enough to fit in your pocket, though we don’t recommend carrying it that way.
The lens delivers impressive sharpness and controls aberrations well, thanks to its simple yet effective design. The STM motor ensures focusing is smooth and quiet, beneficial for both photos and videos.
The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is a great option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable, and compact prime lens.
4. Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
650 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is a beautiful wide-angle prime lens for Canon DSLR cameras. The 24mm focal length is a ideal for capturing expansive landscapes. It’s great for architectural photography and property exteriors and interiors.
You get incredible exposure control thanks to the super-fast f/1.4 maximum aperture. You can work in low light without increasing your ISO, keeping image quality high. It also gives you an ultra-shallow depth of field, producing stunning bokeh.
Constructed to meet the demands of professional use, the lens combines durability with a lightweight design. Its weather-sealed construction offers protection against dust and moisture, making it robust enough for outdoor photoshoots.
Two specialist glass coatings enhance picture quality even more. One protects the glass while the other reduces visual defects like glare and ghosting.
Photographers looking for a wide-angle lens with excellent low-light capability will find the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM to be a very useful tool. Its sharpness, even at wide apertures, and the quality of its bokeh make it a popular choice for landscape, environmental portrait, and night photography.
5. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
950 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
85 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is one of the best Canon EF lenses for portrait photography. It’s short-telephoto 85mm focal length gives you a tight composition that’s ideal for portraiture. It’s also a great lens for product and food photography.
You get stunning low-light and depth of field control with the fast f/1.4 aperture. This gives you smooth, creamy bokeh when capturing portraits with a wide aperture. The circular aperture diaphragm makes the background blur even smoother.
The low-light performance is made even better with a four-stop image stabilization (IS) system. This allows you to work in low light without a tripod, giving you more freedom of movement.
Sensational optical quality ensures your images are consistently clear and crisp. And thanks to special glass coatings, you don’t have to worry about glare, vignetting, or ghosting.
Weighing in at 950 grams, it’s relatively light for its capabilities, balancing well on most DSLR bodies. The build quality is robust, with weather sealing that protects it in challenging conditions.
Delivering fast AF with it’s superior USM motor, you never need to worry about missing a shot. It’s also practically silent in operation, so you won’t make a scene when shooting in quiet environments.
6. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
625 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
100 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is a pro-level macro lens. It offers a 1:1 magnification ratio, allowing photographers to capture life-size images of their subjects with stunning detail.
While it’s a specialist macro photography lens, the 100mm focal length is ideal for portraits. You can also use it for food and product photography.
Constructed as part of Canon’s L series, the lens promises durability and professional-grade performance. Its weather sealing provides an added layer of protection, making it suitable for outdoor use. Weighing around 625 grams, it balances well on most cameras, ensuring comfortable use over extended periods.
You get decent exposure control thanks to the f/2.8 max aperture. It also gives you a smooth, rich bokeh that gives you macro shots and portraits a professional finish.
Equipped with an image stabilizer, it also has excellent low-light performance. With a reduced risk of camera shake when using slower shutter speeds, you can work confidently without a tripod.
The optical quality is staggering. Comprised of high-quality glass elements, distortion and chromatic aberrations are practically non-existent. Special coatings also reduce other problems like lens flare and ghosting.
7. Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM | A for Canon EF
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1170 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
14 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM | A is a stunning lens from Sigma. While some third-party lenses don’t hit the required standards, that’s not the case with Sigma, especially if you’re looking at their Art series lenses.
This is a beautiful wide-angle prime lens for Canon DSLR cameras. The 14mm focal length gives you a lovely, expansive viewing angle. And there’s very little distortion around the edges, which can be common with inferior lenses.
A fast f/1.8 aperture is fantastic for a wide-angle lens, giving you low-light performance and depth of field control. The excellent light transmission also makes it a great lens for astrophotography.
The advanced optical design features FLD and SLD glass elements, ensuring high clarity and contrast across the entire frame.
Using a Hyper-sonic Motor for the AF, it delivers fast and reliable focusing. It’s also very quiet, helping you keep a low profile when shooting in public spaces.
What is the Best Canon EF Zoom Lens?
This section delves into the best Canon EF Zoom lenses.
Each lens was selected for its unique ability to capture exceptional images. We’ve also included a wide range of different zoom lenses, so any photographer can find what they need.
Here’s a quick rundown of all the best Canon EF zoom lenses. Scroll down to see each lens in more detail.
- Versatile 24-70mm zoom range, wide to telephoto
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for low light
- Robust, weather-sealed L-series construction
- Exceptional sharpness and clarity across zoom
- Fast, accurate autofocus with manual override
- Versatile 70-300mm zoom, ideal for wildlife/sports.
- Enhanced image stabilization for sharp handheld shots.
- Fast, silent autofocus with Nano USM technology.
- High-resolution lens with excellent image clarity.
- Informative LCD display for real-time shooting data.
- Exceptional f/2.8 constant aperture for low-light shooting
- Robust L-series build, weather-sealed for durability
- Superb image stabilization, up to 3.5 stops
- Fast, silent autofocus with USM technology
- Outstanding sharpness and color accuracy across zoom range
- Exceptional wide-angle coverage, perfect for landscapes.
- Constant f/2.8 aperture, ideal for low light.
- Superior L-series optics ensure top image quality.
- Robust build with weather-sealing for durability.
- Fast, silent autofocus with USM technology.
- Versatile 55-250mm zoom for diverse photography needs
- STM technology ensures smooth, silent focusing
- Built-in Image Stabilizer enhances low-light performance
- Compact, lightweight design ideal for travel
- Exceptional image quality at an affordable price
- Exceptional f/1.8 aperture for low-light performance.
- Versatile 50-100mm range, ideal for portraits to sports.
- Art series quality ensures superior image sharpness.
- Fast, precise autofocus with HSM technology.
- Durable build, designed specifically for Canon EF.
Our Favorite Canon EF Zoom Lens
Now we look at each EF zoom lens in more detail. We have everything from wide-angle to telephoto zoom lenses. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or a variety of genres, there’s a lens here for you.
1. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
805 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24-70 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is one of the most popular Canon EF lenses of all time. The 24-70mm standard zoom lens is a classic, and this EF model is one of the all-time greats.
With a variable focal length that spans the standard-angle range, it’s one of the most versatile lenses there is. You can shoot sweeping landscapes with the 24mm end. The central zone is ideal for street and travel photography. And you can use the 70mm end for portrait photography.
We love to see a fast maximum aperture like the f/2.8 in a lens like this. You get exposure and depth of field control. And it’s constant throughout the zoom range, so you don’t lose any stops as you zoom in. That compensates for the lack of image stabilization.
Filled with excellent glassware, the lens gives you fabulous image quality. Thanks to the Ultra-low Dispersion (UD), Super UD, and aspherical elements, distortion and aberration are practically non-existent.
Canon’s superior USM AF driver gives you fast, accurate focusing. And the 9-blade, rounded aperture gives you extra smooth bokeh when using a wide aperture.
You can see all the best Canon 24-70mm lenses in this article.
2. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
710 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-300 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is one of the most versatile lenses on this list. It’s super-wide 70-300mm focal range allows you to shoot anything from portraits to sports photography. It’s also one of the best value lenses we’ve looked at here, so it’s a great option for amateurs.
The optical quality isn’t as high as with some of the L-range lenses. But you still get distortion-free images for the most part, which is impressive for a lens with such a large zoom range.
A variable f/4-5.6 max aperture also isn’t ideal, as you lose a stop when you’re zoomed in at 300mm. However, the lens does have built-in image stabilization, giving you four extra stops of exposure compensation.
The Nano USM motor ensures quick and quiet autofocus, which is beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects without disturbing them. Despite its plastic construction, the lens is lightweight and easy to handle, making it a practical option for day-long shooting sessions.
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM strikes a balance between reach, image quality, and affordability. It’s not the best in low light but shines when used outdoors in good lighting. This lens is a solid option for enthusiasts looking to explore telephoto photography without the high cost of professional-grade lenses.
3. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1440 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is a brilliant telephoto zoom lens for Canon DSLR cameras. The 70-200mm focal length gives you incredible freedom and composition control. You can use it for portrait, product, and sports photography.
A fast f/2.8 aperture is always great to see on a telephoto zoom lens. It’s also a constant max aperture, so you don’t lose any stops as you zoom in. You get the same low-light performance from 70mm to 200mm.
The optical performance is top-notch, with specialized elements reducing aberrations and ensuring sharp, clear images. You also get the same sharp image quality throughout the focal range.
It also has built-in image stabilization, giving you even more freedom with your exposure settings. With 3.5 stops of shake reduction, you can capture sharp results in low-light situations.
Built to withstand the demands of professional use, this lens features durable construction and weather sealing, allowing photographers to shoot in various conditions without worry.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is a useful tool for serious photographers and videographers . Its combination of flexibility, image quality, and robust build makes it a good option for those looking to improve their photography skills.
4. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
790 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16-35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM is the best wide-angle zoom lens for Canon DSLR cameras. With sharp optics and a wide field of view, it’s ideal for landscape, architecture, and real estate photography.
Its constant f/2.8 aperture helps in low light and allows for creative depth of field control. A 9-blade aperture gives you butter-smooth bokeh. And the USM AF drive gives you reactive and reliable focusing, helping you capture fast-moving subjects.
Two Ultra-Dispersion (UD) elements eradicate problems like chromatic aberrations, giving you edge-to-edge clarity.
A sub-wave length coating (SWC) and air sphere coating (ASC) also enhance image quality, reducing glare and ghosting to give you cleaner images. The outer elements also have a protective fluorine coating.
This robust EF lens is ready for professional use, with its weather sealing that can handle challenging outdoor conditions.
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM is the ideal choice for photographers looking for a wide-angle zoom lens.
5. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
375 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
55-250 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a terrific all-in-one zoom lens for Canon APS-C cameras. It’s an affordable lens with a wide focal range, making it a great choice for experimental photographers on a budget.
The wide zoom range offers excellent versatility. You can shoot portraits at the 55mm end while zooming in to shoot sports or backyard wildlife photography.
A variable f/4-5.6 max aperture isn’t the fastest, and it does limit the lens in low light. However, the image stabilization system does provide some compensation, giving you more exposure control in low-light conditions.
Its lightweight and compact design make it an excellent travel companion, fitting easily into a camera bag without adding much bulk.
The STM motor ensures autofocus is both quick and quiet, enhancing the lens’s suitability for video recording as well.
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM offers good image quality and flexibility at a budget-friendly price. It’s a great option for amateur photographers and hobbyists looking to move beyond the standard kit lens.
6. Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM | A for Canon EF
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1490 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50-100 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM | A is a beautiful zoom lens from Sigma’s Art collection. The standard-to-telephoto focal range is perfect for portrait photography, giving you flexibility and sharp image quality.
A fast f/1.8 aperture is great for portraiture, allowing you to shoot with a shallow depth of field. But it’s also consistent throughout the zoom range, so you don’t lose any stops zooming in.
The Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 has a robust build and is designed to meet the demands of professional use. The absence of image stabilization might be seen as a drawback. However, the fast aperture compensates for this, allowing for shorter exposure times to minimize camera shake.
It’s an affordable option for photographers with a tight budget. You don’t need to take out a loan to buy it, and it still delivers pro-quality images.
Conclusion: The Best Canon EF Lens
This is just a snapshot of the best Canon EF lenses, but you can see the wide range of lenses they have in this category. Whether you’re a beginner or pro or a landscape photographer or portrait artist, there’s a Canon EF lens for you.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM were our top picks. The 50mm is a must-have for any Canon DSLR user, while the 24-70mm lens is the perfect blend of quality and versatility.
With so many quality Canon EF lenses to choose from, it is no surprise photographers are sticking with their DSLR cameras. There really is an EF lens for everyone.
