12 best lenses for Canon

Initially, Nikon lenses were used on Canon cameras, and there was no tough competition between the companies. The spirit of competition originated in the 80s of the XX century. Consumers suffered from competition: components for SLR cameras are no longer universal. Canon lens mounts are now only suitable for cameras of the same name.

When buying a camera equipped with a simple whale lens. It does not differ in high-quality optics or aperture, but allows an amateur to experiment with different genres. But as far as the comprehension of the photo art is concerned, the beginners get a taste of and want to get more sharp and juicy photos. The logical question is: which Canon lens to choose? There is no definite answer to it.

First of all, it is necessary to determine the genre preferences. For portraits, optics with a fixed focal length are considered the best, macro lenses for insects, and long-focus lenses for wildlife or sports events. For each type of shooting, Canon produces dozens of models: from budget options for 200–300 dollars, to expensive professional optics worth more than 10 thousand dollars.

Regardless of the price there are more and less successful models. Lens lines are constantly updated. Our ranking includes the best modern Canon lenses of 2015–2016, which have been recognized by photographers. Review compiled on the basis of operational properties and reviews.

The best standard permanent FR lenses for Canon cameras

Fixed focal length lenses have any professional photographer. High-aperture optics removes without a flash in rooms with low illumination and gives a pleasant blur of the background. Standard lenses do not distort the geometry of space and transmit the picture as the human eye is used to seeing. The only flaw in the fixes that shocks the commoners is the lack of zoom. To bring / remove an object, you need to get closer to it or move further.

3 Canon EF 85mm f / 1.2L II USM

Super fast fix in all its glory will reveal itself in the twilight. Now your photos in museums, salons and design rooms will find a previously indescribable atmosphere. The technique will accurately and confidently convey color shades, contrast and details. This lens is an indispensable tool for complex scenes in the twilight, for working with light and shade, volume, plasticity, numerous light sources and other highly artistic experiments.

From the positive and negative opinions we single out the brightest. Kenon praises this product for sharpness in the frame, careful color accuracy, reliable microcontrast in the shadows - portraits in the dark are especially good, skin tones are carried incredibly.There are also disadvantages: a heavy lens unit, slow focusing and a very small depth of field. But all the flaws are ready to forgive him for transmitting the volume in digital to the rare quality of optics, and even critics agree with this.

2 Canon EF 40 mm f / 2.8 STM

The undoubted advantage of the lens - versatility. Looking at the specifications, professionals can wrinkle their nose - “neither this nor that”, but among fans, the lens Canon EF 40 mm f / 2.8 STM claims to be the best. He does not fall under the usual classifications: it is not a portrait painter yet, but not a wide-angle to the full. A slight distortion of the space with such characteristics of the review is inevitable, but it is not striking. At the same time, the focal length, smaller than that of fifty dollars, allows the photographer to turn around in small rooms, as well as shoot landscapes and portraits on the street.

Experts and consumers note high build quality, uncharacteristic for low-cost fix models. Metal bayonet ring, high-quality plastic with rubber inserts. The lightness and compactness of the lens helps out on the go. Pictures leaves a pleasant impression. Smooth color transitions, a little goes to pastel colors. Tenacious autofocus.

With the maximum opening of the aperture of 2.8 you should not count on a spectacular bokeh, but the blurring of the background is pleasant to the eye. The owners of the SLR cameras note that the lens is not inferior to the budget fifty dollars with aperture ratio 1.8 in terms of bokeh intensity. But in dimly lit rooms they are not so comfortable to photograph. Without a flash, it is unlikely to achieve a decent result by using light from a window in the back of the room. Loud noise of the motor spoils the sound. The manufacturer promises a smooth focusing STM, the lens is adapted to the video.

1 Canon EF 50mm f / 1.4 USM

Canon lens rarely lingers on store windows. It has become the most popular standard lens for two reasons:

• Every amateur photographer dreams of "fifty dollars"
• This model embodies the best value for money.

The price remains affordable for amateurs, but the quality of optics is enough for shooting portraits with a professional camera. Compared to Canon's cheap “fifty dollars”, the EF 50 mm f / 1.4 USM lens looks solid. The heavy construction - 290 grams - creates a pleasant first impression. And it is not deceptive.

Classic portrait gives a sharp picture and a spectacular background blur. Beautiful bokeh appears due to the eight-petal diaphragm. The lens belongs to the most high-aperture, it is pleasant to work with it without a flash, even in dimly lit rooms. But users note that the opening of the 1.4 aperture is actually inoperative. Chromatic aberrations come out, the image quality drops. The lens is suitable for both crocs and full-frame cameras. But on a budget SLR, the capabilities of the optics will not fully reveal, the best option for shooting is a waist-length portrait. Portraits in full growth, landscapes will not look so advantageous, but to achieve a good result is real.

Ultrasonic autofocus motor works quickly and silently, but automation often misses. The disadvantages of the lens include the unreliability of the design: the plastic ring of the manual focus adjustment requires delicate handling.

Best Standard Variable DF Lenses for Canon Cameras

A beginner amateur photographer with a variable focal length will seem the most comfortable. Twisting the zoom ring, you can remove and zoom in on objects while standing still. A similar function is in digital soap dish, so it seems familiar. However, versatility affects image quality. With the same settings, genre optics will give the best picture. It is important to understand that approaching / removing objects changes not only the filling of the frame, but also the viewing angle.A whale lens with a focal length of 18–55 at the minimum focusing values ​​turns into a wide-angle, and at the maximum focus it becomes a portrait painter. But the capabilities of the kit-kit are limited; it makes sense for lovers of travel and reportage photography to pay attention to lenses with a wide range of focal lengths and enlightened optics.

3 Canon EF-S 17-55mm f / 2.8 IS USM

Among optics for single-frame cameras, the lens is considered expensive. Impressive cost inevitably dictates high quality requirements for optics. Judging by the reviews, glass meets the expectations of amateur photographers.

The narrow range allowed to achieve high performance optics: sharp frames are obtained at all focal lengths. Unlike budget models, the Canon EF-S 17–55 mm f / 2.8 IS US is equipped with a working 3-stage stabilizer. With him comfortable to shoot at short exposures without a tripod. The lens is bright, suitable for shooting indoors without a flash near the window.

Some amateur photographers have noted the effect of vignetting and distortion, but the “barrels” and “pillows” cannot be called pronounced. The only significant drawback for such an expensive glass - unreliable case. With prolonged use, a weighty "trunk" is loosened and begins to fall out under its own weight. But despite the shortcomings, this optics will be the best replacement for the whale lens for non-full-frame cameras.

2 Canon EF-S 18-135mm f / 3.5-5.6 IS STM

Despite the affordable price, the lens has a solid appearance and impressive weight (480 grams). According to the characteristics it is similar to the whale, which is purchased in the kit with the camera, but wins due to the increased range of focal lengths - from the wide-angle to the long-focus lens. Of the advantages of holders of non-frame cameras note tenacious autofocusing. From the stabilizer in low price categories do not have to expect a lot, but he is working.

Even more versatile is its quiet STM engine, adapted for shooting video. The stepping motor is smoothly and quickly focused on sharpness, without a creaking sound and temporary loss of clarity.

The main drawback is low luminosity, but for a budget lens this is predictable. The EF-S 18–135 mm f / 3.5–5.6 IS STM is an excellent option for a novice amateur photographer, representing the best value for money.

1 Canon EF 24-105mm f / 4L IS II USM

Being in search of universal solutions, be sure to look at the standard zoom with professional performance. Versatility lies in the large selection of shooting scenes in which you get consistent quality and clarity of images. Portrait, landscape, holiday, travel, video recording - nothing is impossible for the maneuverable zoom of the Canon L-series. The lens is suitable for Canon full-frame cameras under the EF-S bayonet, as well as for cut-off APS-C matrices.

The updated version with the marking “II” differs from the previous one with significant advantages:

• improved resolution and sharpness in all parts of the image and the entire zoom range;
• enhanced long-exposure stabilization;
• eliminated glare and spurious illumination thanks to Air Sphere Coating technology.

It is no coincidence that TIPA, the global organization of press representatives who are reviewing photo thematics, in 2017 gave the model primacy in the category of standard zoom lenses.

The best telephoto lenses for Canon cameras

Dimensions telephoto attracts the attention of others. The body hides several optical lenses and motors that allow you to focus on distant objects. Some professional models reach meter length.

Televiki difficult to manufacture, are expensive, but have limited scope.They are indispensable when shooting wildlife or sporting events, but are not used as standard optics.

More popular lenses with variable focal length, fixes are used by professionals for strictly defined purposes. For example, 135-mm glass is in demand among photographers specializing in wedding photography and Love Story in nature. Optics is appreciated for a sharp picture, a spectacular blurring of the background and the ability to work from a distance without disturbing the personal space of lovers.

3 Canon EF-M 55-200mm f / 4.5-6.3 IS STM

Here is one of the most optimal long-focus zoom for shooting animals, sports and distant objects. The optical system is designed for mirrorless cameras. Exterior features - in a laconic "clean" design, in a wide zoom ring with miniature notches for a comfortable grip. Gray matte plastic looks good, reduces the weight of the device (only 260 g). The technical stuffing works in two main directions: it provides quiet and smooth focusing with the STM-motor (ideal for video mode) and optical stabilization with a 3.5-step efficiency.

According to commentators, the model gives a good picture quality (clarity of details, color saturation, excellent dynamic contrast) and refers to the best in terms of lightness and compactness. Manual focus is pretty fast and accurate. The closest focal length is 1 m, so the lens is also suitable for portrait genre: you will get excellent background blur on open apertures.

2 Canon EF 135mm f / 2L USM

Among professionals, this L-series lens gained fame as one of the sharpest. The definition of "ringing sharpness" - just about him. Among other advantages: trustworthy assembly, focusing speed, rich picture, soft and smooth bokeh. The lens does not give distortion and will be a boon for portrait painters who prefer to shoot in nature or deserted streets. We will have to go far, so extra people and objects should not get into the frame.

High luminosity in conjunction with a full-frame camera "pull out" the picture at dusk or in a darkened room. With the EF 135 mm f / 2L USM, it is comfortable to work even on concert shooting.

With excellent performance, professional optics have an adequate price; this is the best price / quality ratio in the Canon telephoto lens lineup. According to reviews of photographers, glass has almost no flaws. The most demanding complain about the absence of a stabilizer, dust and moisture protection. The options are certainly convenient, but when choosing optics are not decisive.

1 Canon EF 70-200mm f / 4L USM

The telephoto lens of a L-series possesses a reliable design. Zoom and focus are hidden under the monolithic body that protects the optics from moisture and dust. With such glass, no vagaries of weather are scary to a professional photographer.

Despite the modest luminosity, shots are sharp over the entire range of focal lengths. Canon EF 70–200 mm f / 4L USM is suitable for shooting details, reports, portraits on the street and in spacious studios. In terms of the apartment with him not turn around, but it follows from the technical characteristics. The ultrasonic motor works tenaciously and almost unmistakably. The focus switch will become an indispensable assistant for sports photographers.

With all the advantages this model has a small weight, which makes it possible to shoot with it. It upsets only the complete absence of a stabilizer, which is so necessary for telephoto lenses to compensate for hand-shake when focusing for long distances.

The best wide-angle lenses for Canon cameras

As the name implies, wide-angle lenses have a significant angle of view, fit into the frame a lot of space and transmit its volume. They are comfortable to rent rooms of standard apartments and the architecture of narrow streets.But the non-standard viewing angle inevitably produces a dispersion and distortion of space. Especially noticeable is the rounding at the corners of the frame in super-wide-angle lenses (the so-called "fisheye"). Therefore, wide corners are not suitable for portrait shooting. In people, the proportions of the face change: the nose, forehead and cheekbones visually increase. However, when photographing animals, the wide-angle feature can be used for creative solutions.

3 Canon EF-S 10–22 mm f / 3.5–4.5 USM

The lens is suitable for shooting large-scale landscapes and confined spaces, because almost all the surrounding space fits in the frame. At the same time, distortions are inevitable: knowing this feature of wide-angles, professional photographers use it as a creative device. It's nice that the chromatic aberrations and dispersion are not so significant for a wide-angle. The lens copes well with the backlight. Distortions are present, but with skillful alignment of the composition, they are not evident. Sharpness can not be called ringing, but it persists even at the edges of the frame.

The Canon EF-S 10–22 mm f / 3.5–4.5 USM has an excellent focusing distance of 24 centimeters, which makes it possible to focus on the foreground details. Thanks to the ultrasonic motor, autofocus is fast and silent. Optics are distinguished by reliable build quality, comparable to professional lenses.

The price for glass of the luxury series is also close, but at the same time the luminosity does not inspire optimism. For non-full-frame cameras, optics are darkish, but the best Canon super-wide-angle lens is not found in this segment.

2 Canon EF 28 mm f / 1.8 USM

The main advantage of a wide-angle fixed-lens - high luminosity. This is one of the best lenses for working in dimly lit close rooms. Tenacious autofocus, noiseless with ease make it comfortable to work. Adding to this a smooth blurring of the background, we get an excellent standard lens for crop cameras. At the same time, glass has no restrictions in use for full-frame cameras.

Canon EF 28 mm f / 1.8 USM is suitable for shooting landscapes, architecture, objects and even growth portraits. Close-ups should be avoided to prevent distortion of the proportions of the face.

With all the advantages at the maximum open aperture optics gives zamylennye frames, but then the picture is quite sharp. In general, the image quality owners DSLRs estimate as high. Another unpleasant minus is chromatic aberrations: even amateurs pay attention to the purple border of contrast lines. To bring the pictures to the ideal, you need the knowledge of photo editors to correct the defect.

1 Canon EF 17–40 mm f / 4L USM

One of Canon's most multi-tasking wide-angle lenses. When shooting on a full-frame camera at small focal lengths becomes super-wide-angle. At the same time, it remains possible to narrow the viewing angle to 40 millimeters and get a picture close to how the human eye sees it. On the EF 17–40 mm f / 4L, the USM will be an excellent replacement for the standard lens.

Professionals point out the endurance of optics: with such a strong design, protection from moisture and dust, it is not terrible to damage equipment when shooting in difficult conditions. The advantages of optics include fast, silent autofocus, color reproduction and sharpness for a chicorontal.

The only major drawback is that the lens is darkish, but on a full-frame camera this is offset by ISO. But low aperture makes the price low: wide angle is considered one of the most affordable and best in the L-series. Users note that at small focal lengths, chromatic aberrations and distortions emerge on contrasting images, which are easily corrected in the photo editor.

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