Ultrawide Zoom Lenses
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4-5.6 IS STM ($299)
This lens is a rare example of getting more than you paid for in terms of optical quality! Typically, Ultrawide zoom lenses are both big and expensive, but the EF-S 10-18mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens breaks both those barriers with a 67mm filter thread and a $299 retail price. The build quality is not bad, but it does have a plastic mount. Normally I am not a fan of plastic on the mount, but since this lens is so small and inexpensive I am willing to overlook the plastic on this lens. As this lens is an EF-S model, it is only compatible with Canon APS-C cameras such as the Canon Rebel series, the 20D-70D and the 7D/7DII cameras. It will not mount at all on a full frame or older film camera. 67mm Filter Size Buy Online
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
This lens has long been considered a bargain. “L” build and image quality at an affordable $799 retail. Because it is an “EF” model, this lens works on both full frame/Film bodies and APS-C crop factor cameras. On a full-frame/film body this lens gives you a sweeping 104-degrees angle of view, and because it is an “L” you get great build quality, a lens hood and a case included! If you are using it on an APS-C body it gives you a great standard zoom lens range that if you ever upgrade to full frame or pick up a used film body works as well. One of the best features of this lens is the constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range. 77mm Filter size Buy Online
Sample Images (click to see larger):
Standard Zoom Lenses
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Canon EF 28-135mm f.3.5-5.6 IS USM
This lens is a bit of a surprise. Originally over $500, this lens has seen recent price cuts to $369, putting it in the “Kit Lens” price league, but this lens is a step above with it’s great range, image stabilization and slightly better build quality. The image quality is also pretty good. This lens was sold as a kit lens option with the 50D, but this lens is a little awkward on a crop body since the 28mm setting is not very wide on those bodies, but if you have a full frame DSLR or a film camera it is a great lens, especially at the new lower price! 72mm Filter size Buy Online
Sample Images (click to view larger):
Telephoto Zoom Lenses
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
This is a great lens for your crop factor Canon cameras. It is small and lightweight, features Image Stabilization, STM focusing and is inexpensive at $299 (cheaper when you buy it with a qualifying DSLR body typically). Because it is an EF-S lens it will only mount on Canon APS-C bodies such as the Rebel series, but it is an awesome companion to the smaller bodies. It does have a plastic mount, but that is forgiveable due to the light weight and price point. 58mm Filter size Buy Online
Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 VC USD
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8LII IS USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VC USD
The Tamron is my go-to pick for the 70-300 class of lens due to its excellent image stabilization and better price than the genuine manufacturers. Throw in the silent and fast autofocus and you have a great lens and a great value! Available in Canon, Nikon and Sony “A” mounts for $449. Note: The Sony “A” mount does not have image stabilization since the camera bodies have it built in. 62mm filter size Buy Online
Sample Images (click to view larger):
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4-5.6LII IS USM
Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 VC USD
This lens from Tamron is the first budget priced super telephoto lens to feature image stabilization and a fast/silent ultrasonic focus drive. This lens gives great image quality and 600mm for $1069. When it first started shipping Tamron could not build them fast enough for the demand and it was on backorder for several months. Available in Canon, Nikon and Sony A mount. Note: The sony A mount does not feature image stabilization as the camera bodies have this feature built into them. 95mm filter size Buy Online
Sample Images (click to view larger):
Superzoom Lenses
Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VC USD
This lens from Tamron covers a whopping 18x zoom range for APS-C cameras. Starting at a quite wide 16mm and going all the way to 300mm in a single lens is quite an accomplishment. Keeping it as small and light as Tamron almost defies physics. Throw in super close focusing, ultra-fast and silent autofocus and image stabilization and you have the ultimate one-lens-wonder that is great for taking on your next vacation. Available in Canon, Nikon and Sony A mount. Note: The Sony A mount does note feature image stabilization as the camera bodies have this feature built into them. 67mm filter size Buy Online
Sample Images (click to view larger):
Standard Prime Lenses
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
This lens is my favorite lens on my Canon 6D. This lens is what is known in the industry as a pancake lens. Pancake lenses are very short and light. With this lens on my 6d I have a fantastic street shooter combo that is stealthy and the fast and quiet STM focusing helps to keep it that way. When mounted on an APS-C camera the lens is a moderate telephoto. The f/2.8 aperture ensures that this lens can shoot well even when the light isn’t great or help to isolate your subject from your backgrounds. 52mm filter size Buy Online
Sample Images (click to view larger):
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Sample Images (click to view larger):
Portrait Lenses
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Macro Lenses
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Canon MP-E65mm f/2.8
I list this lens mostly because of the unique nature of it. The MP-E65 lens is the only macro lens to offer a 5:1 reproduction ratio. This means that you can fill the frame with head of a wasp. Be warned, however, that this lens is not an easy one to use! But it is very fun! The lens does not even have a “focus” ring. to focus the lens you set the desired reproduction ratio and then move the camera forward and backward until your subject is in sharp focus. A macro focusing rail helps to make this easier.