Ranking of the best lenses for Canon cameras in 2022

A quality lens for a photographer is the key to successful and beautiful photographs. All models are classified into several types, so the review includes single representatives of each class for Canon cameras. What is the best lens to buy? The answer to this question and all the ensuing ones are detailed in the article.

Selection rules

How to choose the right lens? Before answering this question, it is worth mentioning the purpose of each specific model. All optics have their own classification, based on which it is easy to choose the right model for work.

What are lenses and what are they for? The main group includes:

• Ordinary - with a focal length of 5 cm (standard);
• With the tilt-shift function - a combination of shift and tilt of the optical axis;
• Macro - for macro photography of small objects close-up, up to a scale of 1: 1 .;
• Wide-angle - for shooting in a limited space;
• Ultra wide angle is used to give the image extra expressiveness (exaggerated rendering);
• Portrait, for him the nature of the optical pattern and bokeh is important;
• Universal - a combination of the characteristics of several lenses in one;
• Fisheye for highly pronounced distortion aberration;
• Long-focus - shooting distant objects.

What to look for when choosing optics? The list is replenished with the main elements of technical characteristics:

• bayonet;
• Aperture;
• viewing angle;
• Stabilizer;
• Motor;
• crop factor.

Criterias of choice:

• Compatible with cameras;
• For what purpose is it acquired;
• Functional;
• Price.

The line of presented products has other features, according to which lenses are distinguished. For example, by the size of the matrix. There are two types of optics: for full-frame or non-full-frame cameras.

In the first case, the size of the matrix should be 36 by 24 mm, i.e. match the full frame size.

In the second case, the frame size is APS-C, that is, somewhere around 24x16 mm (the diameter of the coverage circle is 28 mm).

By mount type, for Canon cameras: EF - for full-frame cameras, EF-S - for "cropped" cameras with an APS-C sensor. Popular models, those that can be combined with these two types of fasteners.

By focal length: with a constant unit number, for example, 24mm, 35mm, etc.There is also a variable focus - a double number (example, 28-80 mm).

List of lenses

The best lenses currently available for Canon cameras are offered for consideration. For a better perception, the entire range of goods is divided into small subcategories. And compiling the positive and negative sides of the models helped to identify user reviews.

Standard lens "RF 50mm f/1.2L USM"

The SLR model delivers the latest in optical performance in full frame shooting. It has a number of functions for creative ideas and copes well with shooting in low light. In addition, the lens has excellent sharpness, which gives a high level of detail throughout the frame.

The design of the model, when focusing, moves vertically within the body (back and forth). It is desirable to provide additional protection to the front lens with a light filter that completely covers the tube.

The lens body is black, has a red stripe (rim) along the front edge; resistant to moisture, which allows you to use the equipment in any weather.

The weight of the lenses affects the run time of the ring - more than 1 second. This means that the speed of autonomous focusing is slower compared to other lenses in the L series.

Due to spherical aberration, skin imperfections of photo models are hidden during portrait shooting, and a soft effect appears on ordinary images. Aberration provides a soft separation of plans, but with some loss of detail.

The model can be used for various portraits (full-length or only the bust), as well as subject photography.To create the first category of shots, bokeh and soft effect are involved, and for the second, a blurry background.

For those who care about image detail, this lens is the perfect solution. It can be used by both professionals and amateurs.

Characteristics
Dimensions (in centimeters):	length - 10.8; width - 8.98
The weight	950 grams
Bayonet	Canon EF
Type of	standard
Viewing angle	46 degrees
Aperture	1,2
focal length	50 mm fixed
Material	plastic
Filter diameter	7.2 cm
Protection:	from moisture and dust
By price	160000 rubles

• Fixed focal length;
• Pleased with the image quality;
• Reliable;
• Easy to attach to the camera;
• Lightweight;
• For lovers who care about any detail in the photo;
• Suitable for Canon EOS R;
• Beautiful drawing;
• Moisture resistant case;
• Large luminosity;
• The model is damage resistant.

• Autofocus speed;
• High price.

Portrait "EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM"

The model is not new, but holds a leading position. A professional-grade lens featuring a wide aperture, variable curvature aspherical lens and other top performance designed specifically for portrait and studio photography.

Thanks to the technique, you can control the depth of field. The lens has excellent performance in low light conditions and also provides fast self-focusing.

Specialist. The coating reduces the reflective effect of the lenses, which contributes to the creation of bright and clear images.

Ultrasonic focusing is corrected manually and automatically. The model is ideal for calm, moderate shooting. Favorite technique of professionals.

Characteristics
Dimensions (in centimeters):	length - 9.15; width - 8.4
The weight	1 kg 95 grams
Bayonet	Canon EF and EF-S
Type of	portrait
Drive unit	ring type ultrasonic motor
Viewing angle	28.3 degrees
Aperture	1.2F
Focal length	85 mm
Thread	7.2 cm
average price	92000 rubles

• Excellent sharpness;
• The sharpness of the picture;
• Color rendition;
• Magic lens;
• Manual focus accurate;
• Soft running of the ring;
• It's nice to shoot a video;
• bokeh;
• Drawing plastic.

• Heavy;
• The case is not protected from moisture and dust;
• Expensive.

Wide angle lens "EF 20mm f 2.8 USM"

The lens is used almost everywhere: when shooting interiors or landscapes, in architecture (giving building objects a natural look) or in reportage activities. The viewing angle allows you to capture a little more than what the human eye sees.

The components of Super UD are responsible for a clear pattern over the entire surface of the image. Autofocus adjusts quickly and is almost silent. This is facilitated by an annular ultrasonic drive.

Super Spectra prevents flare and ghosting, thereby ensuring accurate color balance and image contrast.

Characteristics
Parameters (in cm.):	length - 7.75; width - 7.06
Net weight:	405 grams
Lens	aspherical
Viewing angle	94 degrees
Aperture	2.8F
Fastening	Canon EF and EF-S
Focal length	20 mm
Filter diameter	7.2 cm
Price	36000 rubles

• Focus modes;
• The quality of the material;
• Aperture;
• Wide angle model.
• USM;
• Picture quality;
• Works faster;
• Lightweight;
• Assembly;
• Adequate price;
• Convenient focal length;
• For any shoot
• Sharpness.

• “Viewing angle on the crop, it is almost impossible to pick up a hood”;
• The lens is strongly electrified.

Long throw "EF 70-200mm f 2.8L IS II USM"

The model is designed for reporting, demonstrates excellent optical properties in the most poorly lit places. The upgraded lens system received a built-in image stabilizer. Manual aiming is always available, while the front lens remains fixed, which allows the use of some typical filters (for example, polarizing).

High image quality over the entire zoom range is provided by UD lenses (4 pcs.), which have extra low dispersion and compensate for residual chromatic aberration.

Photo equipment is suitable for professional photographers or journalists, as well as lovers of high-quality images. A big plus of the model is the ability to shoot at a considerable distance or portrait.

Characteristics
Bayonet	for EF cameras
Dimensions (in centimeters):	length - 19.9; width - 8.88
Weight	1 kg 490 g
Focal length:	variable zoom, 7-20 cm
Luminous intensity indicator	2.8f
type of drive	ultrasonic
Motor	annular
View Radius:	12-34 degrees
Minimum focus distance	1.2 m
Filter diameter	7.7 cm
Sum	110000 rubles

• The lens is protected from dust;
• Wear-resistant housing;
• Variable focal length;
• Indicators of aperture ratio and image quality;
• Image stabilizer;
• Fast autofocus;
• Equipment;
• Cutting;
• Juicy picture;
• Soft, artistic bokeh;
• All-weather performance;
• "Fast reportage zoom without chromatic aberration";
• Modernity.

• Price;
• Heavy;
• Dimensional;
• “In a dark room at 2.8, there is no sharpness that we would like.”

Macro "EF 100mm f 2.8 USM"

Macro photography is the main activity of this lens. Suitable for those who are engaged in nature and its inhabitants: for example, you can take photographs of insects or other small objects. Thanks to the functionality of technology, you can see the details of the object inaccessible to the human eye. This optics is also used as a telephoto lens.

Medium sized lens body with wide focal ring and travel. Turns are smooth and without backlash. You can adjust the focus at any time. The USM locks on quickly enough to capture fast-moving subjects.

Internal focusing allows you not to change the size of frames in the process of shooting. As a filter, it is recommended to use one that will resist moisture, dust and leaving random fingerprints, such as ultraviolet.

Color perception: rich palette and contrast. And the process of replacing chromatic aberrations is inappropriate in this device. Thanks to the rounded aperture, the lens has decent bokeh. In this regard, photographic equipment can be used for portraiture.

Who: Suitable for beginners and professionals.

Characteristics
Parameters (in centimeters):	length - 11.9; width - 7.9
gravity	600 g
focal length	100 mm
Fastening	EF
Diaphragm	2.8 f, minimum - 32 f
Lens	fixes
Review	24 degrees per minute
Min:	distance - 3.1 cm, aperture - 32
Thread	5.8 cm
average price	30000 rubles

• Minimum focusing distance;
• Fixed glass;
• Sharpness and detail;
• Macro;
• Fairly light;
• Ideal geometry;
• Ultrasonic;
• Virtually no aberrations and vignetting;
• Accurate;
• Build quality;
• Inexpensive;
• For subject photography;
• Comfortable;
• Lens color palette.

• There is no moisture protection of the model case;
• The stabilizer is missing.

Ultra wide "16-35mm f4L IS USM"

Model for full-length shootings. The device is equipped with many useful properties and parameters, the pictures of which are not inferior in quality to stronger analogues.

The design is equipped with an image stabilizer (optical), and this allows you to shoot handheld at fairly slow shutter speeds. Suitable for reportage and architectural activities.

The lens is designed for professionals.

Characteristics
Parameters (centimeters):	length - 11.28; width - 8.26
The weight	615 grams
zoom	variable
Visibility	98-54 degrees
Thread for filter	7.7 cm
Distance	1.6-3.5 cm
Focus	0.28 m
For camera:	Canon EF and EF-S
By price	62000 rubles

• Compact;
• Number of exposure steps;
• Offline stabilization selection mode;
• The angle is wide;
• Suitable for video shooting;
• Accurate;
• high-speed;
• Value for money;
• Assembly;
• Filter size;
• Beautiful picture of the landscape;
• Use in all weather conditions.

• Bad focus;
• Slight vignetting.

Universal "EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM"

An amateur version of equipment for everyday shooting. Works exclusively with digital equipment. This model is popular with travelers due to its focus range.

Applying the background blur effect during photography highlights the image, which turns out to be unusual: the main object of attention is highlighted in its foreground.

Thanks to the property of the lens, the captured image is sharp and crystal clear, regardless of the numerical changes in focus. And multi-layer enlightenment minimizes the likelihood of glare on the frame. Adjusting the contrast (sharpness) of the lens can be manual and automatic.

Characteristics
To whom:	amateurs, beginners
Drive unit	electromagnetic
Lens	bilateral, aspherical
Camera Compatibility:	EOS with EF-S mount
Dimensions (in cm):	width - 7.85; length - 9.2
Weight:	475 grams
Corner	78-18 degrees
Diaphragm:	minimum - 22-32, distance - 0.35 m
Filter thread	6.7 cm
Price	about 17000 rubles

• Focusing;
• Versatility;
• Price;
• Normal frame;
• Autofocus;
• sharpness;
• Accuracy;
• Wide angle for crop;
• constructive;
• Barrel distortion;
• Manual fine-tuning after autofocus;
• Comfortable;
• Works in the dark;
• Good color rendering.

• The trunk, with frequent use, spontaneously leaves over time;
• Chromatic aberration at 17-24mm;
• Poorly shoots architecture;
• No hood included.

Fisheye "EF 8-15mm f4.0 L Fisheye USM"

A zoom lens with a 24x36mm photo sensor that produces a full or fisheye frame. It is considered professional and therefore has a lot of excellent properties that make the process of photography unforgettable and of high quality. For a DSLR with a smaller sensor, full-frame imaging is available to users thanks to a 180-degree field of view.

The L series model is resistant to moisture and dust, and also has excellent ergonomics. The USM uses ultrasonic vibrations, which makes the device virtually silent during autofocus. A high-speed processor has been introduced into the design, which increases the speed of autonomous focus. In addition, there is access to manual correction without switching off the current mode.

The SWC coating softens or prevents flare and ghosting from internal reflections. This results in clear pictures.

To facilitate cleaning of the lens, on the front and rear surfaces, the developers have made a coating of fluorine.

You can use this model anywhere and anytime. It is suitable for both novice photographers and experts in their field.

Characteristics
Fastening	EF and EF-S
Dimensions:	7.85 by 8.3 cm
gravity	540 grams
Minimum focus distance	0.8-1.5 cm
Diaphragm	4F
Corner	91.46 to 180 degrees per minute
Price	approximately 59,000 rubles

• Incredible fisheye effect;
• Creation of circular panoramas;
• viewing angle;
• Guarantee period;
• "Awesome" for video;
• Two lenses in one;
• Moisture protection;
• Qualitative;
• Price;
• Good autofocus;
• Material - metal;
• Cutting;
• No backlash anywhere;
• Fine drawing and color rendition;
• Suitable for everyone.

• It is not always convenient to work with distortion;
• Chromatic aberrations;
• Hood cover.

Tilt-shift "TS-E 135mm f4L Macro"

A Tilt-Shift lens turns simple photos into the illusion of a puppet world. In this case, a small part of the image is in focus, and the rest of the image is blurred. This property increases the color and contrast of the frame. Now you can tilt and shift the optical axis, which is used in the case of shooting objects that do not fit into the frame.

The optics are made according to the most modern technologies and have the highest mark. Smooth and accurate aiming is obtained thanks to the wide focus ring. The model is equipped with a shallow depth of field.

All elements controlled by the mechanism are accessible and easy to operate. Now you can control the blocks independently of each other. And also with a certain fixing of the lens, the angle of inclination changes automatically.

Characteristics
Type of	telephoto lens
Distance	13.5 cm
Diaphragm	4f
Fastening	Canon EF and EF-S
Dimensions (unit see):	width - 8.85; length - 13.91
The weight	1 kg 110 g
Closest focus distance	4.9 cm
Thread diameter	8.2 cm
Angles (degrees):	review - 18, slope - +/- 10
Shift	+/-1.2cm
What is the price	186000 rubles

• For subject photography;
• Sees a problem in a small depth of field;
• Telephoto lens with constant FR;
• Manual focus;
• SWC;
• Two lenses;
• Possibilities of mechanics;
• Independent turn of the block;
• Scale 1:2;
• No chromatic aberrations;
• Sharpness of the model;
• Build quality.

• Price.

Conclusion

The review was made up of the best lens models with their technical characteristics and capabilities. For each category of lenses, a specific model has been allocated. Her selection was based on the following criteria:

• Best Selling. This factor was indicated by the statistics of consumer demand, novelty and cost of goods.
• The number of positive reviews. An analysis was carried out of each optic, which, in the opinion of buyers, is worthy of attention.
• price segment. Two options were considered: expensive models and budget ones. Both were taken into circulation, since for professional photographers, the cost of equipment plays an insignificant role, the main emphasis when choosing is on the capabilities and functions of the lens.
• Appointment. In order not to make a mistake when choosing, especially for novice photographers, you should accurately determine the field of activity. Namely, what the user will shoot: videos, landscapes, portraits of people or “hunt insects”.

Note. For amateurs and those who at the beginning of the creative process, it is recommended to focus on inexpensive lenses. Universal or standard lenses are very popular.