In case, you are a canon camera user. If you are thinking to purchase a powerful lens for your camera, then you are at the right place. In this blog, we’ll highlight all types of canon mounts and pick the top Canon lenses under various lens categories. We will guide you to figure out the compatible lens for your camera. All DSLR users will get the best EF and EF-S compatible lenses for their full-frame and APS-C SLRs. However, the rest of the two types of lenses that we will discuss are EF-M and RF, precisely designed for EOS M and EOS RP mirrorless cameras.
But before going into details, you must know that there are certain types of lenses such as Macro lenses, Telephoto lenses, standard lenses, wide-angle, and specialty lenses. Each lens brings you different focal lengths, wide angles, and functionalities. So knowing more about each will help you to use it in the right situation.
Macro Lens
This type of lens is used to take close-ups usually recommended for macro photographers. It can be a great addition to the collection of wildlife and nature photographers. Canon has a vast variety of macro lenses and it is available for each mount type among DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
Telephoto Lens
Telephoto lenses can be zoom lenses with a wide range of focal lengths. It helps you to focus on distant objects. It is used for multiple- purposes such as travel photography, portraits, wildlife, sports, and action photography.
Wide-angle Lens
A significant lens to cover more of the scene in front of you. It comes with a wide-angle but limited range of focal length. These types of lenses are perfect for taking photographs of landscapes, streets, and events.
Standard Lens
It is ideal for different types of photography. Basically, it has a narrow range of focal length, mostly falling between 35mm-85mm. However, it fulfills your vast interest in photography. You can use it for street, portrait, and travel photography.
Speciality Lens
These are specialized lenses, which are unique in functionalities. All of these bring exclusivity to your photographs. Some of the famous specialty lenses are the tilt and shift lens, fisheye lens, and bokeh lens. Being very unique, these lenses are rare and Canon hasn’t designed some of the specialty lenses for its EF-S, RP, and EF-M mounts, yet. Hopefully, we will hear a piece of good news soon but till then, we will use EF lenses in our EOS RP and EOS M cameras with adapters.
Now that you are familiar with the different types of lenses, let us introduce you to the best Canon lenses for each category.
Top 17 Best Canon Lenses In 2023
Canon RF Lenses
1. Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon RF
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 9
- Max Resolution:
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 24°
- Minimum focus distance: 10.2″ / 26 cm
- Maximum magnification: 1.4
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Weight: 1.6 lb / 730 g
- Dimensions: 3.2 x 5.8″
It is the world’s first full-frame AF macro lens that gives you an incredible magnification of 1.4x by maintaining excellent image quality. The RF lens is capable of enhancing the size of the subject by up to 40% in comparison to its actual size. Along with its fixed 100mm focal length, it sports a bright aperture of maximum f/2.8. This aperture would upkeep your creativity by producing stunning images in low light. Canon RF 100mm is impressively fast and has precise autofocus that silently ensures amazing results for both stills and videos. With the variable spherical aberration control ring, you can adjust the Bokeh by adding a soft-focus effect to your subjects. Besides magnificent zooming, it gets you exquisite portraits of your subjects. Its sleek body is mainly designed to be handheld with advanced image stabilization. Weather-sealing and fluorine-coating make it a premium construction.
2. Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM-Telephoto
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon RF
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 9
- Max Resolution:
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 34° to 12°
- Minimum focus distance: 2.3’
- Maximum magnification: 0.23X
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Weight: 2.35 lb / 1070 g
- Dimensions: 3.54 x 5.75″
It is a versatile Telephoto lens that can be used for covering sports events, wildlife, landscape, portraits, and architectural sceneries. Comparatively, smaller in size and lighter in weight among EOSR lenses, Canon RF 70-200 mm carries an inner barrel, which is adjusted for zoom settings. Professionals preferably use this lens of 70-200 mm focal length range for various purposes. Nonetheless, it has an accurate and fast Autofocus, with a maximum f/2.8 aperture to produce outstanding results in lowlight areas. At the same time, image stabilization helps in keeping track of moving subjects with clarity. If you are a wildlife or sports photographer, it will allow you to capture fast action for very reasonable prices. However, there are other expensive telephoto options such as RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM to give astonishing results. Moreover, this convenient, affordable, and slim accessory enables weather-sealing to keep dust and moisture away.
3. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM-Wide angle
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon RF
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 9
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 110° 30′ to 63°
- Minimum focus distance: 11.02″
- Maximum magnification: 0.21x
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Weight: 1.85 lb / 840 g
- Dimensions: 3.48 x 4.99″
An amazing lens with a versatile focal length range, with the capabilities of working in brighter conditions. It is one of the trio lenses with an f/2.8 aperture, which is highly recommended by professionals or amateur photographers. With a flexible wide-angle range, it is perfect for taking photos of beautiful sceneries, large groups at events, and some incredible architectural views. Nonetheless, the silent Nano USM Autofocus is fast despite a wider viewing angle. Furthermore, the advanced optical design captures clarity and sharpness, by controlling color fringing and distortion. However, it is also very popular among vloggers because of its adjustable wide-angle range. Besides, it comes with a customizable ring, which is employed to control the aperture and ISO range. It is weather-sealed with amazing build quality and protective fluorine Air-sphere coating that minimizes ghosting and flare. Improved in handheld shooting by the addition of a five-stop optical stabilizer, it never compromises the image quality.
4. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM-standard
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon RF
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 10
- Image Stabilizer: No
- The angle of View: 46°
- Minimum focus distance: 1.31″
- Maximum magnification: 0.19x
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
- Weight: 2.09 lb / 950 g
- Dimensions: 3.54 x 4.25″
Performing outstanding in full-frame photography, RF 50mm f/1.2 affords extensive control of the depth of field in various situations. This aperture is exceptionally bright, and expert in producing clear and sharp details of the subject even in low light. At the same time, the added UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) is employed to minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing by maintaining color accuracy, whereas the aspherical element corrects the spherical aberrations and distortions. Availing of the USM system, its silent autofocus ensures fast delivery and precision. This standard prime lens will just not impress you in normal conditions, but with its accuracy and quick responses, it nails out at challenging conditions. However, the lack of optical image stabilization in the lens is compensated by the vibration shock resistance mechanism present in the lens, which promises to maintain focus in turbulent situations. The small size and lightweight make it a great fit on Canon mirrorless cameras of the EOS RP range. Coming from a member of the L series, the lens is weather-resistant and shields against dust and moisture.
Canon EF
5. Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L USM Macro Lens
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 08
- Image Stabilizer: No
- The angle of View: 13° 40′
- Minimum focus distance: 1.57’
- Maximum magnification: 1x
- Maximum Aperture: f/3.5
- Weight: 2.4 lb / 1090 g
- Dimensions: 3.25 x 7.35″
It is one of the longest macro lenses from Canon that offers a magnification of up to 1x. With it, you can take life-size close-ups from a longer distance without troubling the subject. Hearing the news wildlife or insect photographers are going to grab it. Additionally, there is no fear of compatibility as it is compatible with Full-frame Canon and APS-C DSLRs. It has some amazing features for concerning enthusiasts or photographers of macro photography. Most importantly, there is internal floating to overcome fluctuations in aberrations, which are triggered by variations in the focusing distance. Besides, the USM autofocus system of the lens is known for its fast, precise, and quiet performance whereas the full-time manual focus via a large ring also allows you to refine focusing immediately. Moreover, the Super Spectra coatings help to maintain precise color balance and contrast by controlling over-flare and ghosting in light. Thus, Canon’s Flagship Professional lens from the L-series ensures exceptional image definition and outstanding performance by preventing dust and moisture ingress.
6. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM-Telephoto
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 09
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 34° to 8°
- Minimum focus distance: 3.94′
- Maximum magnification: 0.25x
- Maximum Aperture: f/4-5.6
- Weight: 1.56 lb / 710 g
- Dimensions: 3.15 x 5.73″
Covering a significant telephoto range, the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM offers improved AF, optical quality, and great image stabilization. The lens can be useful to cover multiple subjects varying from portraiture to sceneries. Without spending much, you can get a versatile lens with flexible zooming capabilities, which is going to be your major lens on various occasions. With its compact design and reasonable weight, it fits well on Canon DSLR cameras. Whether it is a dual-purpose AF technology or its USM system, both are incorporated to give a fast, smooth, and accurate performance. In addition, handheld shooting is not a problem with EF 70-300mm because the optical image stabilization compensates for shakes. Moreover, the nine-blade diaphragm is employed to produce charming bokeh quality for a shallow depth of field in the frame. Adding substantial features to optical performance, there is Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) feature to minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing to enhance clarity.
7. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM- Wide angle
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 09
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 108° 10′ to 63°
- Minimum focus distance: 11.02”
- Maximum magnification: 0.23x
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Weight: 1.35 lb / 615 g
- Dimensions: 3.25 x 4.44″
An extremely sharp wide-angle lens that promises to deliver prime-grade image sharpness in a full frame within Nano-seconds with impressive accuracy. Fulfilling your diverse range of interests in photography, it can be a great companion on the top of the mountain to capture a beautiful landscape or on a busy street in a foreign country. However, there are some expensive options from Canon such as Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM that do justice in covering a wide-angle range. Yet, EF 16-35mm f/4L is lightweight, brings you amazing image stabilization, and is compatible with any EOS SLR camera. Combining three aspheric lens elements and two UD lens elements so that aberrations throughout the zoom range are reduced, whereas fluorine coatings are added to control ghosting. Suitably used in every situation, even lowlight will not affect its performance. Moreover, the lens has promising weather resistance in order to give heroic performances even in unfavorable weather conditions.
8. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM-standard
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 09
- Image Stabilizer: No
- The angle of View: 84° to 34°
- Minimum focus distance: 1.25′
- Maximum magnification: 0.21x
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Weight: 1.77 lb / 805 g
- Dimensions: 3.48 x 4.45″
It is a great performing full-frame lens from Canon, which gives outstanding image quality and speedy AF at different focal length ranges. The optical design of the lens is updated to reduce distortion in comparison to its predecessors. The new design also feels lighter and smaller in size now. However, compatibility with full-frame and APS-C SLRs remains the same. It can be a good standard lens because it has the most used range of focal length, which is used for general purposes. You will notice professional wedding photographers or event photographers that commonly use this lens. It is also very common among beginners because it is less pricey, is light in weight, and brings a longer zoom range. Moreover, the f/2.8 aperture of the lens does not compromise sharpness and contrast. It gives you exceptional performance and it is very useful in reducing chromatic aberration. When it comes to its construction, it is weather-sealed which has improved its robustness.
9. Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L-Speciality
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF
- Autofocus: No
- Diaphragm Blades: 08
- Image Stabilizer: No
- The angle of View: 104°
- Minimum focus distance: 9.84″
- Maximum magnification: 0.14x
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Weight: 1.8 lb / 820 g
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 4.21″
This ultra-wide-angle tilt and shift lens was introduced in 2009 and still rocks in the market as a T/S lens. Somehow, the current lens is different from the former Canon TS-E designs. You can independently rotate the tilt and shift directions via a new barrel. As there is a high degree of control over the setting of the focal plane now, which adds flexibility to the lens. The unwanted movements can be avoided because of the locks on the tilt and shift mechanism. It is a great option for architecture and interior photography, where it requires controlling the depth of field without involving the aperture. The lens is designed for Canon’s full-frame and APSC SLRs. Using a large-diameter molded glass aspherical, it provides edge-to-edge high resolution and the lowest distortion. Besides, it has UD elements to control chromatic aberration which is usually common in wide-angle capturing. It is an L-series lens with excellent build quality and stunning optics. You can create perfect panoramic images by simply shifting the lens. Like all other tilt and shift lenses, it uses Manual Focus. Those who are looking for AF might get disappointed but it is not for you guys.
Canon EF-S
10. Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF-S
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 07
- Image Stabilizer: No
- The angle of View: 25°
- Minimum focus distance: 7.87″
- Maximum magnification: 1x
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Weight: 11.82 oz / 335 g
- Dimensions: 2.87 x 2.75″
The 60 mm macro lens is a useful invention from Canon. It is ideal for macro photography as it offers life-size 1:1 magnification with a minimum focus distance of 7.9 inches. The 60mm is not a bad range for general photography. You can get perfect portraits with this focal length. At the same time, it is also substantial for low-light shoots where you can create incredible background blur for a pleasing image. It offers decent color and contrast with low distortion. Additionally, there are other great features such as Autofocus, Super Spectra Coating, and a Floating optical system, which you would be looking for in a macro lens for your APS-C SLR. The Autofocus is up to the mark with its fast, accurate, and silent performance. Besides, the lens also uses internal focusing, which it does not require changing the length to focus. Thus, the lens works very well in magnifying small subjects, minimizing ghosting and flare, and offering contrast in strong lighting situations.
11. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM-Telephoto
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF-S
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 07
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 27° 50′ to 6° 15′
- Minimum focus distance: 2.79′
- Maximum magnification: 0.29x
- Maximum Aperture: f/ 4 to 5.6
- Weight: 13.23 oz / 375 g
- Dimensions: 2.76 x 4.38″
It is one of the cheap and lightweight telephoto lens, aimed at entry-level photographers. It is complemented for general-purpose photography as it has a good range of focal lengths, image stabilization, and more essentially, it ensures excellent image quality at this price. The image stabilization will help you to take sharp and clear images by holding the camera in your hands, without demanding a tripod. It can be a versatile lens that captures sharp images with fast and quiet autofocus. An STM AF motor is good for both photography and videography, whereas the manual focus is also available to perform fully. The high-speed performance will not disappoint you in delivering high-resolution results with perfect contrast even in bright light conditions. Moreover, it is equipped with a UD element that minimizes chromatic aberration and fringing throughout the range. The addition of UD has improved the functioning of the lens at the maximum zoom level. As an EF-S lens, it only works on APS-C cameras of canon.
12. Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens- Wide angle
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF-S
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 06
- Image Stabilizer: No
- The angle of View: 107° 30′ to 63° 30′
- Minimum focus distance: 9.45″
- Maximum magnification: 0.17x
- Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 to 4.5
- Weight: 13.58 oz / 385 g
- Dimensions: 3.29 x 3.54″
This lens is equivalent to EF 16-35 mm wide-angle lens, however, provides compatibility with only EF-S camera bodies. It brings an ultra-wide-angle focal length for small sensor cameras. Photographers who enjoy drawing in more of the surrounding around them will be satisfied with this lens. It has an amazing optic quality that can cover more of the scenery for you. It offers you fast and precise autofocus along with a full facility of manual focusing. There is a flexible zoom range and includes various features such as the UD feature to control chromatic aberrations. The lens is very good at covering wide angles in the frame but sometimes, softness creeps into the corners of the frame at the longer focal length. Chromatic aberration also gets high at a focal length of 10mm but decreases with an increase in focal length that drops to a minimum at the longest focal length. The build quality seems good comparatively. A decent plastic quality is used that feels quite smooth on the zoom ring.
13. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM –Standard
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF-S
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 06
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 74° 20′ to 27° 50′
- Minimum focus distance: 9.45″
- Maximum magnification: 0.34x
- Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 to 5.6
- Weight: 7.05 oz / 200 g
- Dimensions: 2.7 x 2.76″
It is a standard zoom lens, designed for Canon’s 1.6X cameras. It brings you electronic auto and manual focus. The autofocus produces smooth, calm, and quick results whether it is video-making or still photography. However, in order to focus manually, you need to turn the ring when the camera is in AF mode. The lens is easy to operate and it is optically fantastic. It is all plastic except for glass and electronics. The kit is less expensive but gives the best results. Photos are brilliant, sharp, and colorful. If you are not getting rightful results, then you are not using it right. The 18-55mm is a common focal length for canon, but this one is special because of its image stabilization. As image stabilization has reduced the use of a tripod. Nonetheless, it has one aspherical element to control distortion and spherical aberrations in order to retain sharpness and clarity. The lens EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM performs well to fulfill your interest in photography and it can be used for various photography purposes.
Canon EF- M
14. Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF-M
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 06
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 51.55°
- Minimum focus distance: 3.66″
- Maximum magnification: 1.2x
- Maximum Aperture: f/3.5
- Weight: 4.59 oz / 130 g
- Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.79″
It is the first macro-lens for the EOS M series, which exceeds the magnification of 1x for the first time. It also introduces an integrated LED light ring in the EOS M lens. Its Macro Lite feature is useful to eliminate shadows from the subject. In addition, this lens has a fixed focal length and it deliberately opens you up to the world of small creatures and things. Its optical performance is magnificent. The size is small and lightweight and available for an inexpensive price that making it a great choice for EOS M cameras. Even though it is not very pricey, every user praises its build quality. The plastic lens will feel solid in your hands. It manages to produce crisp images from edge to edge and you won’t notice any distortion in results. Besides, the autofocus gives an impeccable performance. There is an optical image stabilizer for correcting camera shake and a seven-blade rounded aperture for seamless bokeh.
15. Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM –Telephoto
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF-M
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 07
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 27° 50′ to 7° 50′
- Minimum focus distance: 3.28′
- Maximum magnification: 0.21x
- Maximum Aperture: f/ 4.5 to 6.3
- Weight: 9.17 oz / 260 g
- Dimensions: 2.4 x 3.41″
A telephoto lens is a very useful addition to your kit. You can capture some beautiful moments of your life such as the portrait of your first baby, a sport’s event of your kid at junior school, some colorful birds in your garden, or a wild animal on your way in a jeep safari. A telephoto zoom lens like Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM can be a great choice for your mirrorless camera of the EOS M series. It is a versatile lens with the longest range of focal lengths. The image quality of this compact device is just amazing. It is very rare to find a dedicated phase-detect AF in mirrorless cameras in comparison to DSLRs. However, Canon has efficiently designed a lens with an f/6.3 maximum aperture that focuses perfectly in landscape or general photography whereas the focus is not very impressive in the case of action photography. In addition, it has a pleasing image stabilizer. The plastic fantastic lens is lightweight and compact, and it feels good on small EOS M cameras.
16. Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM- Wide-angle
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF-M
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 07
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 102° 10′ to 63° 30′
- Minimum focus distance: 5.91″
- Maximum magnification: 0.3x
- Maximum Aperture: f/4 to 5.6
- Weight: 7.76 oz / 220 g
- Dimensions: 2.4 x 2.29″
Canon successfully brings you the first ultra-wide-angle for the EOS M series that is equipped with an Optical Image stabilizer. It offers you a flexible wide-angle zoom range. It primarily intends to help those EOS M users who are passionate about landscape or architecture photography. You will get a first-class optical performance from this telescopic design. The focal range of 11-22 offers an ideal wide field of view to include the environment around the subject without losing focus from the subject. There is an integrated full-time manual focus ring to make accurate adjustments while focusing on your subject. It uses advanced optical technology to give incredible details in its high-quality results. The Super Spectra Coatings in the lens minimizes ghosting and flare, by producing some amazing shots. You will get crisp and clear images even at low lights. It is compact and it can be carried everywhere. Because of its retractable design, it fits easily into small spaces.
17. Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Standard
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Canon EF-M
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades:
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 84° 30′ to 33° 40′
- Minimum focus distance: 9.84″
- Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 to 6.3
- Weight: 4.6 oz / 130 g
- Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.75″
With a retractable design and tiny size, Canon’s 15-45mm lens captures incredible photos. It is a nice entry-level lens at an affordable price. It has a decent build quality but it does not offer you a wide zoom range. Still, you will be able to capture exquisite photos with great focus and a good depth of field. The f/3.5 aperture will allow you to capture crisp focal lengths with a nice blurred background. It is a great choice for your EOS M mirrorless camera, but it is not compatible with a DSLR. You can take different landscapes, portraits, and even actions by using this easy-to-use lens. It is a perfect lens for shooting both stills and films. Whether you are a travel photographer or an amateur, you will enjoy using it. It produces outstanding results in good light but it struggles in low light. Besides, the blurring effect is not very effective when you are shooting at a 45 mm focal length.
