Canon DSLR user? - Here's My Top 5 Bang-For-Buck Lenses
Words by me - @condra
Working closely with the local photography community, I've been lucky enough to own or try most of the lenses available for both Nikon and Canon systems over the years. Before going to the darkside of Nikon, I shot Canon for 5 years.
Here is a list of my top 5 "bang-for-buck" lenses for Canon. You may feel differently and rue the omission of your favourite piece of glass, but this is not supposed to be an authoritative list, only some suggestions based on my experience. Where necessary, I've included some information about alternatives..
(Click here for a similar list for Nikon)
1 - Canon 35mm f2 IS
If I was really pushed, I would probably say this is my favourite lens of all time, hence the presence of such an expensive lens on this "bang-for-buck" list. The 35mm is a beautifully constructed lens, being lightweight and strong, with fantastic sharp optics. Image stabilization performs superbly, and when that is combined with a fast aperture of f2, and near instantaneous focus speeds, this lens will capture nearly any moment, in nearly any light. On paper, it sounds great. To use it, it is incredible.
Price: $500
Best used for: Travel, groups, weddings, street, creative, fashion, lifestyle, video
2 - Canon 50mm 1.8 STM
On a full frame camera, the 50mm focal length creates a look that's very close to how human eyes see the world, hence the term "normal lens". Not only is the 50mm f1.8 STM extremely sharp, it's also well made, very light, and produces great bokeh. Within this focal range, you will have to spend rather a lot of money to better it, with something like a Tamron 45mm VC or Sigma Art, both of which cost upwards of $550.
Price: Around $130
Best used for: Portraits, Street, Weddings, Video, An amazing all rounder
3 - Canon 85mm 1.8
The 85mm focal length is very popular for portrait photography. This lens is extremely sharp and focus speed is practically instantaneous. To improve on the optical quality of this lens would mean spending at least double the money, and even then, you're getting only marginal gains in sharpness. Many pros use this lens without hesitation.
Price: Around $300
Best used for: Portraits, headshots, fashion, weddings
4 - Canon 100m f2.8 Macro ("non L")
Dedicated macro lenses are an absolute must for serious macro shooters. Yes, there are alternatives such as reverse rings an closeup filters, but a dedicated macro lens gives you the convenience of aperture control, and the best possible optical results. There is a more expensive "L" version on the market but the difference between the two lenses is insignificant, especially considering most macro shots are down around the f16 mark, where sharpness is extremely high. This lens also doubles up as a brilliant portrait and headshot lens.
Price: Around $350
Best used for: Flowers, insects, beauty, headshots, etc
5 - Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di
This lens also featured in my recommendations for Nikon lenses. Putting both Nikon and Canon to shame, this lens is comparitively affordable compared to the "professional" 24-70mm lenses from Canon which all cost upwards of $1000. It's light, loud, not very well built, but sharp as Hell and indistinguishable to all but the most nerdy of pixel peepers.
Price: Can be found around $250 used
Best used for: Travel, events, landscape, group shots, general purpose
For the Canon 50mm 1.8 STM you need to do micro adjustments with your camera in the settings, sometimes it will be impossible to focus correctly. It took me a while to figure that out as mine is off by a few mm but then i couldn't take any sharp picture. Here is a video on how to do it :
Nice @condra
Shot you an Upvote :)
Keep up the great work @condra
Upvoted
Upvoted
TYVM
Thanks @condra! That 50mm lens is great for food photography for sure. My Rebel T3i and I thank you for the other recommendations... my wallet does not! Ha! Cheers :)
Thanks for the comment! Yes I love food shots with 50mm and selective focus! Pro results with a very affordable lens :)
I own the 50mm f1.8 lens. I've had it for about 18 years. It was a favourite of mine when I used it with my old EOS film camera - especially good for low light situations like live music photography.
Using it with a smaller sensor DSLR, it becomes a master portrait lens, as it is that little bit longer focal length, and has great depth of field control.
Also, as it's so cheap, you're not scared of damaging it, so you have one less thing to worry about when you've got it out & about.
Light, cheap, compact, fast - what's not to love! Best EOS lens for the money!
Absolutely. I made the mistake of selling mine once. Then came back a month later to buy another wondering "what the Hell was I thinking". Everyone should have a 50!
True true. Fortunately this one won't break the bank. Plus it's more robust than it seems. I've dropped mine several times, got it wet, bashed it against rocks & trees... It just keeps taking sharp photos!
I have a Canon 6D and 24-105mm. Want to buy a wide one. Any suggestions? Any big difference between 15mm and 18mm? Thanks