The best Canon EF lenses are the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4l USM. These lenses provide excellent image quality, sharpness, and versatility for various photography needs.
Canon EF lenses offer photographers a wide range of options for their DSLR cameras. From wide angles to telephoto zooms, Canon has a selection of high-quality lenses to meet different photography needs.
Among the best Canon EF lenses are the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, the Canon EF 85mm f/1. 8 USM, and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4l USM. The 50mm lens is a budget-friendly option with a wide aperture for low-light shooting, while the 85mm lens provides excellent portrait capabilities.
Meanwhile, the 70-200mm is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that offers a 4-stop image stabilization, making it perfect for sports and wildlife photography. So, let’s take a closer look at these lenses and see why they stand out among the rest.
Best Canon EF Lenses For Creative Photography
Photography enthusiasts and professionals alike know the value of a good lens. But with Canon’s vast array of lenses, how can one navigate which is best for their creative photography needs?
Let’s take a closer look at the top Canon EF lenses and how they can elevate your art.
Canon EF 50Mm F/1.8 STM – “The Nifty Fifty”
- This lens is often referred to as “nifty fifty” due to its all-purpose applications.
- It is lightweight and compact, ideal for on-the-go photography.
- The f/1.8 STM aperture allows for standout depth of field and clean low-light shooting.
- Despite being an affordable option, this lens boasts high-quality optics and image stabilization.
- Sample photos taken with this lens showcase a sharp focal point with lovely bokeh in the background.
Canon EF 85Mm F/1.4L Is USM
- The 85mm f/1.4l lens is known for its versatility in both portrait and landscape photography.
- It offers a large aperture, resulting in beautifully blurred backgrounds with impeccable sharpness in the subject.
- Optical image stabilization allows for sharp handheld shots even in low light.
- In comparison to other lenses, this option is on the pricier side, but for professional photographers, it is worth the investment.
- Sample photos taken with this lens exemplify stunning details and colors in both portrait and landscape settings.
Canon EF 24-70Mm F/2.8L Ii USM
- This lens is the go-to for photojournalists and event photographers due to its versatility in various genres of photography.
- The fast f/2.8 aperture and multiple focal lengths allow for a wide spectrum of shooting options from landscapes to portraits.
- This lens is designed with high-quality optics and image stabilization, resulting in sharper images.
- While more expensive, the durability and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for professionals.
- Sample photos taken with this lens showcase the stunning range of this lens, from wide shots to tight zooms.
Canon EF 16-35Mm F/4L Is USM
- If you’re looking to capture stunning landscape or architectural shots, look no further than the 16-35mm f/4l lens.
- It offers a wide-angle view and boasts a maximum aperture of f/4, perfect for emphasizing details in the foreground and background of your shots.
- The l-series lens is weather-sealed, making it ideal for outdoor shooting.
- Despite its size, it offers image stabilization for steady shots.
- Sample photos taken with this lens feature breathtaking landscapes and crisp architectural details.
Canon EF 70-200Mm F/2.8L Is Ii USM
- The 70-200mm f/2.8l lens is a favorite amongst wildlife and sports photographers.
- With a wide aperture of f/2.8, the lens captures sharp detail in fast-moving subjects and provides beautiful bokeh.
- Image stabilization allows for handheld shooting without compromising sharpness.
- While on the more expensive side, its versatility makes it worth the investment.
- Sample photos taken with this lens capture stunning wildlife and sports movements with crystal-clear precision.
Finding the right lens for your Canon camera can be tough, but these top options offer versatility and exceptional quality for any creative photography need.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Canon EF Lens
As a photographer, choosing the best Canon EF lens for your camera is crucial. There are several factors to consider before selecting the right lens to ensure your images are sharp and of high-quality.
Aperture Range And Maximum Aperture
When considering the aperture range of a lens, you need to think about how much light you want to let in, how much control you want over your depth of field and the amount of bokeh you want to create.
The aperture range determines the lens’s minimum and maximum f-stop value, where a lower aperture number means a larger opening and more light entering the camera.
A wide aperture (low f-stop number) allows for a shallow depth of field, which makes the subject stand out from the background.
A narrow aperture (high f-stop number) allows for a greater depth of field, resulting in a sharper image. Consider the type of photography you will be doing when selecting a lens with the best aperture range.
Image Stabilization
When shooting handheld, image stabilization can make the difference between a sharp and blurry image. Image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake, making it easier to capture sharp images in low light.
Canon EF lenses have two types of image stabilization: optical image stabilization (OIS) and in-body image stabilization (ibis).
Optical image stabilization is built into the lens, while in-body image stabilization is built into the camera body. When selecting a lens, make sure to choose one with either OIS or ibis to help you capture clear photos and videos.
Focal Length
The focal length is one of the essential factors to consider when choosing a Canon EF lens. The focal length determines the angle of view of the lens, where a shorter focal length captures a wider angle, while a longer focal length captures a narrower view.
The type of photography you will be doing determines the focal length you should choose. For example, a wide-angle lens (less than 35mm) is ideal for landscape photography, while a telephoto lens (more than 70mm) is excellent for wildlife and sports photography.
Compatibility With Your Camera Body
Before purchasing a Canon EF lens, make sure it is compatible with your camera body. Canon has two types of camera bodies: full-frame and crop sensor. Full-frame lenses will work with both full-frame and crop sensor cameras, while crop sensor lenses will only work with crop sensor cameras.
Make sure to check the lens compatibility with your camera body before choosing a lens.
Budget
The budget is another critical factor to consider when choosing a Canon EF lens. Some lenses can be expensive, while others are more affordable. Consider the type of photography you will be doing and the frequency of use before selecting a lens that fits your budget.
Remember, a high-quality lens can last for years and will be worth the inveSTMent.
Choosing a Canon EF lens can be overwhelming. However, by considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions For Best Canon EF Lenses
What Are The Best Canon EF Lenses For Beginners?
The Canon EF 50mm f/1. 8 STM, Canon ef-s 24mm f/2. 8 STM, and Canon EF 40mm f/2. 8 STM are great options for beginners on a budget. They offer good image quality in a small and lightweight package.
Which Is The Best Canon EF Lens For Portraits?
The Canon EF 85mm f/1. 2l ii USM is widely considered the best Canon EF lens for portrait photography. It produces stunning bokeh and sharp images even at wide apertures, and is commonly used by professional portrait photographers.
What’S The Difference Between EF And Ef-S Lenses?
Ef lenses can be used on both full-frame and crop-sensor cameras, while ef-s lenses are designed specifically for crop-sensor cameras. Ef-s lenses can only be used on Canon aps-c DSLRs and are generally smaller and less expensive than EF lenses.
Are Canon EF Lenses Waterproof?
Most Canon EF lenses are not waterproof or weather-sealed, so they should not be used in heavy rain or extreme weather conditions. However, there are a few weather-sealed Canon EF lenses available, including the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2. 8l iii USM and the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.
8l ii USM.
Can Canon EF Lenses Be Used On Mirrorless Cameras?
Yes, Canon EF lenses can be used on mirrorless cameras, including Canon’s own eos r and rp models. However, an adapter is required to mount the EF lenses on the mirrorless camera bodies.
Conclusion
As we conclude our review of the best Canon EF lenses, we hope that we have armed you with the necessary information to choose the lens that best suits your photography needs. From the versatile Canon EF 24-70mm f/2. 8l ii USM lens to the budget-friendly Canon EF 50mm f/1.
8 STM lens, there is a lens for every type of user. Investing in a high-quality lens can significantly improve your photography, and Canon EF lenses are known for their excellent performance and reliability. With unbeatable image quality, advanced features, and smooth focusing capabilities, these lenses will allow you to capture stunning photos with ease and precision.
We recommend taking the time to evaluate your photography needs before making a purchase, and we are confident that any of the lenses on this list will exceed your expectations. Happy shooting!