Here’s a list for those who are either interested in purchasing a new lens, or simply want to see what Canon lenses sell the best. You obviously can’t go wrong with any of these, as popularity is a great sign that a lens is good for its price. What’s even better is that the majority of lenses below cost less than $500!
The statistics reflect this year’s sales from Amazon, and also what our readers purchase through our links (affiliate links that help support our blog).
1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Canon just updated their old 50mm (also #1 on our previous lists) with this one above! Same price, but even better image quality, faster and more silent auto focus, nicer bokeh and better build quality. For around $100, you won’t find anything better. Check it out here.
2. Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
Another relatively new lens on the market, replacing the old 10-22mm. Again, improved optics, better auto focusing mechanism and more appropriate for videos as well. It’s got 4mm less reach, but most people already have a lens that covers 18mm+. Excellent for landscape, architecture, nature and indoor photography. Check it out here.
3. Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 STM
For those who want a high quality prime lens with a large aperture (great for traveling or any indoor photography where you want to pack as light as possible). This ‘pancake’ like lens has excellent image quality and works like a charm, despite looking like it’s missing the rest of it. Check it out here.
4. Canon EF 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Here’s another improved version of an old lens. The new 55-250mm looks better and delivers higher quality images throughout all focal distances, and features Image Stabilization and STM for better auto focusing. Best telephoto lens for those on a budget! Check it out here.
5. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Twice as expensive as the f/1.8 version, the f/1.4 offers a slightly larger aperture which is helpful in darker conditions (weddings, parties etc.), faster auto focusing thanks to the Ultra Sonic Motor and a better design. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the newly released 50mm f/1.8 though! Check it out here.
6. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
If you were wondering which lens is the sharpest on this list, you’ve found it. Besides beautiful bokeh and colors, the 85mm f/1.8 USM is razor sharp and offers better image quality than most higher priced lenses out there! Excellent for concerts, portraits or simply anytime where professional like quality is a must. Check it out here.
7. Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Here’s another $150 pancake lens, this time with a slightly longer focal length. It’s quite similar to the 50mm f/1.8, so go with this one if you really need something small and light to go with your compact DSLR, and is just as razor sharp! Check it out here.
8. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5-6. IS USM
It offers 50mm more reach than the 55-250mm above, slightly better quality at the 300mm distance, an Ultra Sonic Motor for silent and more accurate focusing, and just feels better in hands. It’s around $200 more expensive, so I’d recommend it to those who are quite serious when it comes to sports, wildlife or any telephoto work. Check it out here.
9. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
It costs almost as much as all lenses above combined, but for a real good reason. Canon’s L lenses offer super image quality, beautiful colors and tack sharp images. Their auto focusing precision and speed are unmatchable, build quality is great and they’re also more weather-proof (not water-proof though). This lens is for those who are serious about photography and want nothing but the best when it comes to sports, action, wildlife, weddings or any type of photography. Check it out here.
10. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Most people shoot in the range between 24 and 70mm, which makes this lens an extremely versatile choice. Combined with the large f/2.8 aperture, it’s also great for low light, portraits, indoor photography, but is perfect for sports and other outdoor activities as well. There’s no Image Stabilization, but it won’t be needed most of the time. It’s also an L lens, so you can expect the best image quality and sharpness . Check it out here.
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