three best cannon lenses

3 Best Cannon Camera Lens

The Canon Ultra Deluxe Kit delivers versatility with its 0.43x wide angle and 2.2x telephoto attachments, compatible with Rebel T3-T7i and EOS 80D/77D models. Brightin Star’s 60mm f/2.8 macro lens offers impressive 2:1 magnification for Canon EF-M mounts at under $60. For portraiture, the EF 85mm f/1.8 produces exceptional background blur through its six rounded aperture blades. Understanding focal length requirements and mount compatibility will help you select the ideal lens for your specific photography needs.

Key Takeaways

  • EF 85mm lens with f/1.8 aperture delivers beautiful background blur ideal for portrait photography.
  • Ultra Deluxe Kit offers versatility with 0.43x wide angle and 2.2x telephoto lenses at an affordable price.
  • Canon’s professional lenses feature metal alloy construction and multi-layer coatings that reduce flare by up to 99.8%.
  • Brightin Star 60mm lens provides excellent value under $60 with 2:1 magnification ratio for macro photography.
  • Canon lens mounts (EF, EF-S, RF, EF-M) offer varying compatibility across camera systems with adapters preserving autofocus functionality.

Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Canon Rebel and EOS Cameras

Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Canon Rebel T3, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T7i, EOS 80D, EOS 77D Cameras with Canon...
  • Comprehensive Gear – This 58mm lens kit for Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II STM is a comprehensive equipment set essential for photographers. It bundles a vast array of...
  • Wide Angle and Telephoto Lens – With its 0.43x wide angle lens, it allows you to add depth and dimension to your shots and this can be split into two macros. The 2.2x...
  • Compatibilities - This 58mm lens kit is compatible with Canon EOS 80D 77D 1100D 700D 650D 600D 550D 7D, Mark II 6D Mark II 5DS 5D Mark IV 1D Mark II, Rebel T8i T7 T7i T6i...

The Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit emerges as the ideal choice for Canon Rebel and EOS camera owners seeking to expand their photographic capabilities without investing in costly professional-grade equipment. This complete package includes a 0.43x wide angle lens for dimensional depth, a 2.2x telephoto lens for distant subjects, and various filters that enhance image quality in different lighting conditions.

Compatibility extends across numerous Canon models, including the 80D, 77D, and multiple Rebel variants (T3-T7i), functioning with Canon EF-S 18-55mm and other standard lenses. Construction quality features durable steel barrels and multi-coated anti-reflection glass, earning the product a 4.2/5 star rating from 821 users who praise its affordability and versatility.

Best For: Amateur and hobbyist photographers using Canon Rebel or EOS cameras who want to expand their creative options without investing in expensive professional lenses.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive kit includes wide angle and telephoto lenses plus multiple filters that significantly expand photographic capabilities
  • Compatible with numerous Canon models including Rebel T3-T7i series and EOS 80D/77D cameras
  • Durable construction with steel barrels and multi-coated glass delivers good value for the affordable price point

Cons:

  • Some users report threading issues with certain lens combinations
  • Image quality, while good for the price, doesn’t match that of professional-grade Canon lenses
  • Users must verify their camera’s lens thread size (58mm compatibility) before purchasing

60mm F2.8 Macro Manual Focus Camera Lens for Canon EF-M Mount

Brightin Star 60mm F2.8 2X Macro Magnification Manual Focus Mirrorless Camera Lens, Fit for Canon...
  • [Attention Please ] In order to provide you with a satisfying experience, please make sure you've READ and UNDERSTAND the below information before purchasing. Please...
  • [Note] This product is a manual lens without an auto-focus function. And the most important thing is to make sure you've set the "release without lens" mode, or your...
  • [2:1 Double Magnification Macro Lens] Brightin Star 60mm F2.8 Macro Lens has an excellent 2:1 magnification, the imaging effect is twice the actual, can show more real...

Aspiring macro photographers seeking exceptional close-up detail without breaking the bank will find the Brightin Star 60mm F2.8 Macro lens particularly compelling, offering an impressive 2:1 magnification ratio that exceeds many competitors in its price range. This manual focus lens, compatible exclusively with Canon’s mirrorless EF-M mount cameras (M, M2, M3, M5, M6, M10, M50, M100, M200), features an internal zoom construction that effectively prevents dust infiltration during operation.

The optical formula consists of 7 elements in 5 groups, delivering excellent center sharpness with some edge softness and minor vignetting. Operating at a close focus distance of 19cm with a hyperfocal distance of 1m, this lens requires sufficient lighting conditions for best results.

Best For: Budget-conscious Canon EF-M mount camera owners who want to explore macro photography with exceptional 2:1 magnification capabilities for capturing extreme close-up details of insects and small objects.

Pros:

  • Impressive 2:1 magnification ratio surpasses most competitors in its price bracket, enabling extraordinary detail capture without disturbing subjects
  • Sturdy metal construction with internal zoom structure prevents dust infiltration, enhancing durability and protecting image quality
  • Excellent value under $60 with sharp center focus and pleasing bokeh (soft out-of-focus areas) for creative macro photography

Cons:

  • Manual focus only requires practice and patience, with no auto-focus capabilities (camera must be set to “release without lens” mode)
  • Requires abundant light (full sunlight or flash recommended) for optimal performance due to the macro shooting requirements
  • Some edge softness and minor vignetting reported, with occasional quality control issues like lens cap design flaws

EF 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens for Canon EOS Cameras

EF 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens - Medium Telephoto Manual Cameras Lens for Canon EOS Rebel T Series...
  • [Easy-to-Use Warm Tips] - ⚠Fully manual(Advantages: precise focus control, creative freedom, high adaptability, stability and durability, and learning value) lens has...
  • [Professional Manual Focus Experience] - Tailored for photographers who pursue the ultimate, the 85mm F1.8 lens adopts a fully manual focus design, requiring...
  • [Superb Image Quality & Charming Bokeh] - The 85mm F1.8 lens is equipped with 6 rounded aperture blades, a smooth large focus ring design, and an internal focus (IF)...

Professional portrait photographers seeking precise control over their compositions will find exceptional value in this manual focus EF 85mm F1.8 lens, specifically engineered for Canon EOS camera systems. The medium telephoto design, featuring six rounded aperture blades and a hybrid aspherical lens element, delivers remarkable background blur effects while the ultra multi-coating technology effectively minimizes aberrations and glare.

Compatibility extends across both entry-level models (Rebel T8i/T7i/T7/T6) and professional DSLRs (6D Mark II/5D Mark IV), though users must enable the “Release shutter without lens” setting in full manual mode. While some customers report isolated issues with focus ring mechanics, the majority praise its lightweight construction (1.06 pounds) and optical performance, yielding an impressive 4.1/5 star rating from 1,573 reviewers.

Best For: Photography enthusiasts and budget-conscious portrait photographers seeking creative control with manual focusing on Canon EOS cameras.

Pros:

  • Exceptional image quality with beautiful background blur effects thanks to the 85mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture
  • Lightweight construction (1.06 pounds) with solid build quality makes it comfortable for extended shooting sessions
  • Ultra multi-coating technology effectively reduces aberrations and glare, resulting in clear, high-contrast images

Cons:

  • Requires full manual mode operation with “Release shutter without lens” setting enabled, which may challenge beginners
  • Some users report mechanical issues including stuck focus rings and loose screws that affect focusing performance
  • No autofocus capability limits versatility in fast-paced shooting environments

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cannon Camera Lens

canon lens selection factors

When selecting your Cannon camera lens, you’ll need to evaluate several critical specifications that determine both compatibility and performance capabilities. Lens mount compatibility must be verified first, as Canon offers multiple systems including EF, EF-S, RF, and EF-M mounts that aren’t universally interchangeable across all camera bodies. Your focal length requirements, aperture range limitations, and the quality of construction materials will further refine your selection based on specific shooting scenarios, light conditions, and durability needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cannon Camera Lens

Selecting the right Canon camera lens requires careful evaluation of several technical specifications that directly impact your photographic capabilities. Focal length determines your field of view—shorter lengths (18-24mm) provide wider angles for landscapes, while longer lengths (85mm+) offer telephoto capabilities for distant subjects.

Aperture values, measured in f-stops, affect light intake and depth of field. Wider apertures (f/1.8 or larger) enable superior low-light performance and create artistic background blur.

Lens mount compatibility must match your camera system precisely to guarantee proper attachment and functionality. Construction quality, particularly metal components and weather sealing, directly correlates with durability in challenging environments.

Magnification ratio becomes essential for close-up work, with higher values (1:1 or 1x) allowing true macro photography without additional equipment.

Lens Mount Compatibility

The precise interaction between your Canon lens and camera body hinges critically on lens mount compatibility, which establishes both the physical connection and electronic communication pathway essential for proper functionality. Canon’s EF mount, introduced in 1987, features a 44mm diameter and 44mm flange focal distance, while the newer EF-S mount, designed for APS-C sensors, maintains the same diameter but restricts mounting on full-frame bodies. The RF mount, Canon’s mirrorless system offering, reduces the flange distance to 20mm while expanding contact points from 8 to 12, enabling enhanced data transmission.

You’ll need to verify your camera’s specific mount before purchasing lenses, as incompatibility can result in focusing failures, communication errors, or physical mounting impossibility. Using adapters, particularly Canon’s EF-RF adapter, allows integration of legacy lenses with newer bodies while preserving autofocus capabilities.

Focal Length Needs

Understanding why focal length constitutes perhaps the most essential specification in your lens selection process will fundamentally shape your photographic capabilities and creative options. Shorter focal lengths (under 35mm) deliver wider angles ideal for landscapes, while standard 50mm lenses approximate human vision, perfect for street photography. Portrait photographers should consider 85-135mm ranges, which provide subject isolation and pleasing background blur. Wildlife and sports scenarios demand telephoto lenses exceeding 200mm for capturing distant subjects effectively.

Your camera’s sensor size greatly impacts focal length performance, as crop sensors multiply the effective focal length (typically by 1.5x or 1.6x) compared to full-frame equivalents. This “crop factor” means a 50mm lens on an APS-C sensor behaves more like a 75-80mm lens, affecting your composition possibilities and requiring adjustment in your lens selection strategy.

Aperture Range

A lens’s aperture range represents one of its most essential technical specifications, directly impacting both exposure capability and creative potential when shooting with your Canon system. The f-stop values, ranging from the lowest (widest opening) to highest (smallest opening), determine how much light reaches your camera’s sensor in various conditions.

Canon lenses with wider maximum apertures (f/1.2, f/1.4, f/1.8) excel in low-light environments, allowing you to maintain faster shutter speeds without raising ISO. These wider apertures also produce shallower depth of field, creating that sought-after background blur that isolates your subject dramatically. Conversely, smaller apertures (f/16, f/22) extend your depth of field, keeping more elements in focus—ideal for landscape photography where maximum sharpness throughout the frame is essential.

Build Quality Materials

Premium materials distinguish professional-grade Canon lenses from entry-level options, affecting not only durability but also your long-term investment value. The metal alloy construction in higher-end models delivers superior resistance to physical wear, extending operational lifespan in demanding environments.

Multi-layer anti-reflective coatings on glass elements provide critical protection against environmental hazards such as dust, scratches, and moisture while simultaneously reducing flare by up to 99.8%. Material density directly correlates with stability, with professional L-series lenses typically weighing 1.5-3× more than consumer alternatives. Internal components manufactured from precision-engineered metals guarantee consistently smooth focus ring operation through 100,000+ actuation cycles. Advanced aspherical elements, constructed through molding techniques exclusive to Canon’s manufacturing process, maintain structural integrity while eliminating spherical aberration across the entire focal plane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Canon Lenses Compatible With Other Camera Brands?

Canon lenses aren’t directly compatible with other camera brands without adapters. You’ll need brand-specific adapters that connect Canon lenses to Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, or other mounts. These adapters often limit functionality, reducing or eliminating autofocus capabilities and electronic communication. Some third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron produce lenses in multiple mount versions, offering cross-compatibility options. Full functionality is best achieved when using native lenses designed specifically for your camera’s mount system.

How Do I Clean My Camera Lens Properly?

You should clean your camera lens using a systematic approach. First, remove loose particles with a soft-bristled brush or blower. Next, apply 1-2 drops of lens cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth—never directly to the lens. Wipe in gentle circular motions from center outward. For stubborn smudges, breathe lightly on the lens before wiping. Complete cleaning by examining under light for any remaining marks. Always store with lens caps to minimize future cleaning needs.

What’s the Difference Between EF and EF-S Lens Mounts?

EF (Electro-Focus) mounts work on both full-frame and APS-C Canon cameras, while EF-S mounts are designed exclusively for APS-C sensor bodies. You’ll notice EF-S lenses have a smaller image circle optimized for the 1.6x crop factor of APS-C sensors. The mounting mechanism differs slightly, as EF-S lenses feature a rear element that protrudes deeper into the camera body, which would damage mirror mechanisms in full-frame cameras.

Can I Use Vintage Lenses on Modern Canon Cameras?

Like treasured artifacts waiting to be rediscovered, vintage lenses can indeed work on your modern Canon cameras with the right adapters. You’ll need mount-specific adapters (M42, FD, Nikon F, etc.) that connect between your camera body and the vintage lens. EF bodies accept more adapters than EF-S cameras due to flange distance considerations. Note that you’ll typically lose autofocus capabilities and electronic communication, requiring manual focus and aperture adjustments when using these classic optics.

How Long Do Canon Lenses Typically Last Before Requiring Replacement?

Canon lenses typically last 10-20+ years with proper maintenance. You’ll find that professional L-series lenses, constructed with superior weather sealing and materials, often exceed 20 years of service. Consumer-grade lenses generally provide 7-15 years of reliable use. Mechanical components (focusing motors, aperture mechanisms) typically fail before optical elements deteriorate. Your usage patterns greatly impact longevity—professional daily use accelerates wear compared to occasional recreational photography. Regular cleaning and proper storage substantially extend functional lifespan.