9 Best All-in-One Lens in 2024

Sometimes photographers don’t want to carry around a big bag of gear, and that is when choosing the best all-in-one lens is so important. An All-in-One Lens offers a broad range of focal lengths, from wide angles to telephoto, making it a perfect choice for photographers who want to capture a variety of subjects without changing lenses.

Our top pick, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM, stands out for its balance of quality and versatility. If it’s not quite right for you, then there are eight other lenses to consider, each with its unique strengths, ensuring there’s something for every photographer’s needs.

What Is the Best All-in-One Lens?

Selecting the best all-in-one lens involves balancing versatility, image quality, and portability. Our list includes top picks from Canon, Nikon, Sigma, and Sony, chosen for their wide focal ranges and exceptional performance in various shooting conditions. These lenses excel in delivering sharp images, with considerations for weight and features like image stabilization, making them ideal for photographers looking to minimize their gear without sacrificing capability.

Our Favorite All-in-One Lens

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite all-in-one lenses. From wide landscapes to detailed portraits, there’s a lens here for every scenario. Explore the options and find the perfect fit for your photography bag.

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is a good choice for photographers who need one lens that does it all. Its 24-105mm focal length range is perfect for capturing everything from wide landscapes to detailed portraits. The constant f/4 aperture is a good balance, providing enough light for most situations without making the lens too heavy.

This lens is also built to last, with a weather-sealed design that protects it from dust and moisture. It weighs 1.75 lbs (795 g), which is manageable for a lens with such a wide range of uses. The image stabilization helps keep photos sharp, even in low light or when shooting by hand at the telephoto end. And it has surprisingly good bokeh for such a modest maximum aperture.

However, the lens shows some distortion at wide angles and vignetting at f/4. These issues can be fixed with editing software, but it’s something to keep in mind. The autofocus is quick and accurate, making it easy to capture sharp images of moving subjects.

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens is a lightweight option for Canon RF photographers who like to travel light but still capture a wide range of subjects. With a zoom range from 24mm to 105mm, it’s easy to switch from wide landscapes to detailed portraits without swapping lenses. This lens is simple to handle, weighing just about 0.87 lbs (395 g), making it a good partner for day-long shoots.

Its optical performance is strong, with sharp images at the center and effective control over chromatic aberrations. The variable aperture of f/4-7.1 means it gathers less light at the telephoto end, which could be a challenge in low light. However, the built-in image stabilization helps by reducing blur from camera shake, allowing for clearer shots in dim conditions.

This lens doesn’t have weather sealing, so it’s best used in good weather or with protection. It’s a good match for Canon’s RF-mount cameras, offering a balance of portability, image quality, and affordability. For those who prioritize convenience and are often on the move, this lens is a practical choice.

The Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens stands out for its broad focal range, making it a go-to for photographers who prefer not to switch lenses often. Its ability to cover wide landscapes at 24mm and zoom into 200mm for close-ups offers unmatched flexibility. This lens is particularly useful for travel and event photography, where carrying less gear is a plus. It weighs just 1.25 lbs (570 g), so it’s not a burden during long shooting days.

Optically, the lens incorporates elements that reduce aberrations, ensuring sharp images. While distortion and vignetting are present at extreme ends, they’re easily corrected. The variable aperture does limit light intake at 200mm, but the effective Vibration Reduction (VR) compensates by allowing slower shutter speeds without blur.

This lens is a solid choice for Nikon Z-mount users looking for versatility without sacrificing image quality. Its construction is durable, with weather sealing for reliability in various conditions. For those prioritizing a wide zoom range and effective stabilization, this lens delivers well. It’s an ideal lens to take on your travels and not have to worry about carrying all your gear with you.

The Nikon AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is a versatile tool for photographers who value flexibility. With a zoom range that stretches from a moderate wide-angle to a powerful telephoto, it’s perfect for capturing everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups of distant subjects. Weighing in at 1.76 lbs (800 g), it’s relatively light for its extensive reach, making it a practical choice for day-long shoots or travel photography where minimizing gear is key.

Optically, the lens incorporates elements designed to improve image quality and reduce aberrations. Sharpness is commendable across most of the zoom range, with some softening at the edges when wide open. The Vibration Reduction (VR) feature is a big plus, effectively compensating for camera shake and allowing for sharper images in low light or at long focal lengths.

This lens stands out as a good option for those who need an all-in-one solution without the hassle of changing lenses. Its construction is sturdy enough to handle various shooting conditions, although it’s not fully weather-sealed. For photographers looking for a single lens that can cover nearly any shooting scenario, the Nikon AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR offers a blend of versatility, image quality, and convenience.

The Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM | C for Sony A is a versatile zoom lens that covers a wide range of photography needs. From wide-angle shots at 18mm to telephoto images at 200mm, it’s a solid choice for those who prefer not to switch lenses frequently. Weighing just 0.95 lbs (430 g), it’s light enough for all-day use, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.

Its optical design includes elements that help improve image quality and reduce aberrations. Sharpness is quite good in the center, with some softening at the edges when fully zoomed in. The lens’s macro capability is a bonus, allowing for close-up shots with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3. While it may show some distortion and vignetting, these are common traits in superzoom lenses and can be corrected in post-processing.

For photographers looking for a single-lens solution, the Sigma 18-200mm offers a good mix of flexibility, portability, and image quality. Its quick autofocus and effective image stabilization make it a practical option for capturing a wide variety of subjects.

The Sony E PZ 18-110mm f/4 G OSS PZ lens is a standout choice for Sony users seeking a versatile, all-in-one lens solution. Its zoom range from 18mm to 110mm covers a wide array of shooting scenarios, making it perfect for videographers and photographers alike who need to quickly adapt to changing scenes. The constant f/4 aperture across the zoom range ensures consistent exposure and depth of field control, which is especially useful in dynamic lighting conditions.

Built to Sony’s G series standards, this lens combines high-quality optics with professional-grade durability. Weighing in at 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg), it’s relatively lightweight for its capabilities, featuring a robust build and weather-sealing for reliability in various shooting environments. The inclusion of Optical SteadyShot image stabilization is a significant advantage, effectively minimizing camera shake and allowing for clearer images in low light.

This lens is particularly well-suited for videographers who value smooth focus and zoom control, as well as photographers looking for a single lens that does not compromise on image quality. Its performance, build, and features like internal zoom and de-clickable aperture ring make it a practical and high-quality option for Sony E-mount users.

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens is a top choice for professionals needing wide-angle versatility. Perhaps it’s a stretch to include it in an all-in-one category. But I know from experience you can take this out for the day and not regret leaving other lenses at home. Its constant f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range is perfect for low-light conditions and achieving a shallow depth of field. Weighing around 1.74 lbs (790 g), it’s built for the demands of professional use, featuring robust construction and weather sealing for reliability in various shooting environments.

Optically, this lens impresses with sharpness and clarity, thanks to its advanced design that minimizes aberrations and distortion. The autofocus is quick and precise, making it easy to capture crisp images of dynamic scenes. While it lacks image stabilization, its optical performance and fast aperture compensate, ensuring quality results in challenging conditions.

Ideal for landscape and architectural photography, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM stands out for its quality and flexibility. It’s a valuable tool for photographers who demand the best, offering exceptional image quality and versatility in a durable package.

The Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens is a game-changer for landscape and architectural photographers. Its ultra-wide angle allows for capturing expansive scenes with stunning clarity. It only weighs 1.43 lbs (650 g), which is surprisingly light for its capabilities and makes it an excellent companion for on-the-go shooting. The constant f/2.8 aperture ensures it performs well in low light, offering creative flexibility with depth of field across its zoom range.

Built to Nikon’s high standards, this lens combines top-notch optics with a durable design. It’s equipped with weather sealing, making it reliable in adverse conditions. The autofocus is both quick and silent, ideal for capturing fleeting moments without disturbance.

For those invested in the Nikon Z system, this lens is a valuable asset. It excels in delivering professional-grade images, whether shooting starry nightscapes or detailed cityscapes. Its combination of portability, optical performance, and construction quality makes it a standout choice for wide-angle enthusiasts.

The Sony E 10-20mm f/4 G PZ lens is a compact powerhouse for APS-C cameras, offering an ultra-wide field of view that’s perfect for expansive landscapes and tight interior shots. Weighing just under 0.4 lbs (179 g), it’s impressively light, making it an ideal travel companion for photographers on the move. The constant f/4 aperture, while not the widest, provides a good balance between size and performance, allowing for decent low-light capabilities without adding bulk.

Optically, this lens delivers sharp images with minimal distortion, a testament to Sony’s G series quality. The Power Zoom feature is a boon for videographers, enabling smooth focal length changes during shooting. Despite lacking built-in stabilization, when paired with Sony’s IBIS-equipped cameras, it performs admirably in various conditions. This lens is a great option for those looking to explore wide-angle photography without the weight, making it a versatile addition to any Sony shooter’s bag.

Conclusion: The Best All-in-One Lens

If you want to take just one lens with you for the day—or even longer—then we’ve found some great choices for you. From wide-angle shots to telephoto zooms, these lenses offer versatility without the need to switch between multiple lenses. We have evaluated them on their optical performance, build quality, and special features like image stabilization and weather sealing, making it easier for photographers to find the right tool for their specific requirements.

Our top choice, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM, stands out for its balance of range, durability, and image quality. It’s a versatile pick for most photography scenarios. For other mounts or requirements, we’ve suggested nine others for you to consider.