Best Canon APS-C lenses

In this article, I will explore the best Canon APS-C lenses. After exploring the world of the best Canon full-frame lenses, it’s time to move on to APS-C cameras.

I will dig into various excellent optics developed expressly for APS-C sensor cameras, just like we did for their full-frame counterparts. These lenses are designed to give exceptional image quality and performance, making them an ideal complement to Canon’s APS-C DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, I will walk you through the best options for taking your APS-C photography to the next level.

List of best Canon APS-C lenses [Quick list]

Here is a quick list of the best Canon APS-C lenses.

1. Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
2. Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
3. Canon 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
4. Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
5. Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
6. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
7. Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
8. Canon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
9. Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM

 

List of best Canon APS-C lenses [Detailed analysis]

Here is a detailed analysis of the best Canon APS-C lenses.

1. Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

• The variable maximum aperture of the Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is f/4.5 at 10mm and f/5.6 at 18mm.
• The lens has a maximum magnification of 0.15x, allowing you to photograph subjects up close. However, it is not a true macro lens.
• The filter thread size for this lens is 67mm.
• Unfortunately, the Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is not weather-sealed, so it must be protected from inclement weather while in use.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.22 m.
Weight	240 g.
Adjustment	Stepping motor.

Reasons to buy: 

• Ultra-wide perspective for expansive scenes.
• Lightweight and compact, ideal for travel.
• Image stabilization for sharper shots.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Limited low-light performance.
• Variable aperture narrows at full zoom.
• It is not suitable for portraits or telephoto shots.

 

2. Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

• The lens features a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout its zoom range.
• This lens has a maximum magnification of 0.17x, which can help you catch close-up details of your subjects.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 77mm.
• Unfortunately, the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is not weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	19 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	35 cm.
Weight	645 g.
Adjustment	Ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM). AF with full-time MF adjustment.

Reasons to buy: 

• Constant wide aperture for low light.
• Versatile for various photography styles.
• Fast and silent USM focusing.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Higher cost compared to some alternatives.
• Heavier and bulkier than other lenses.

 

3. Canon 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

• The maximum aperture of this lens is variable, ranging from f/3.5 at 15mm to f/5.6 at 85mm.
• As you zoom closer, the aperture narrows, which may affect low-light performance and depth of field control.
• The maximum magnification of this lens is around 0.21x, allowing you to capture subjects with some close-up detail.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 72mm.
• The Canon 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is not weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.35 m.
Weight	575 g.
Adjustment	Ultra-sonic motor.

Reasons to buy: 

• Versatile zoom range.
• Good image stabilization.
• Suitable for general-purpose photography.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Slower variable aperture.
• Moderate low-light performance.

 

4. Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

• The maximum aperture of this lens is variable, ranging from f/4 at 55mm to f/5.6 at 250mm.
• The maximum magnification for this lens is around 0.29x.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 58mm.
• The Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is not weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C DSLR camera.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	15 elements in 2 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.85 m.
Weight	375 g.
Adjustment	The lens has both AF and MF.

Reasons to buy: 

• Affordable telephoto reach.
• Image stabilization for steady shots.
• Lightweight and compact.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Limited low-light capabilities.
• Narrow aperture at full zoom.

 

5. Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

• This lens has a variable maximum aperture, ranging from f/3.5 at 10mm to f/4.5 at 22mm.
• The maximum magnification for this lens is around 0.17x.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 77mm.
• The Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is not weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	6 blades.
Lens construction	13 elements in 10 groups.
Minimum focus distance	24 cm.
Weight	385 g.
Adjustment	Superior AF performance and quickness, as well as full-time manual focus with a ring turn.

Reasons to buy: 

• Ultra-wide-angle versatility.
• Fast and quiet USM focusing.
• Good image quality.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Variable aperture narrows when zoomed.
• Not suitable for telephoto needs.

 

6. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

• The maximum aperture of this lens is fixed at f/1.8.
• This lens has a maximum magnification of about 0.25x.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 43mm.
• The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is not weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Prime lens.
Lens format coverage	Full-frame EOS DSLR.
Compatible Mounting	Canon RF.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	6 elements in 5 groups.
Minimum focus distance	30 cm.
Weight	160 g.
Adjustment	A Stepping Motor (Gear-Type STM) provides smooth, quiet, continuous AF when recording video and taking photos.

Reasons to buy: 

• Wide f/1.8 aperture for low light.
• Compact and lightweight design.
• Affordable prime lens.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Fixed focal length, no zoom.
• Not ideal for wide-angle or telephoto.

 

7. Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM

• The maximum aperture of this lens is f/2.8, which provides good low-light performance and depth of field control.
• The Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM offers a maximum magnification of 1.0x.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 52mm.
• The Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM, however, is not weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	For Canon DSLR cameras
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	12 elements in 8 groups.
Minimum focus distance	20cm.
Weight	335 g.
Adjustment	Ring-type ultrasonic monitor (USM) for autofocusing that is both silent and strong.

Reasons to buy: 

• Versatile focal length.
• Good image quality.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Fixed focal length, no zoom.

 

8. Canon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

• The maximum aperture of this lens is variable, ranging from f/3.5 at 18mm to f/5.6 at 200mm.
• The Canon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS has a maximum magnification for this lens is approximately 0.24x.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 72mm.
• The lens is not typically weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto zoom lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C DSLR cameras.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	6 blades.
Lens construction	16 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.45 m.
Weight	595 g.
Adjustment	AF motor of the micromotor type with no full-time manual focusing.

Reasons to buy: 

• Wide focal range, versatile.
• Image stabilization for stability.
• Convenient all-in-one solution.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Variable aperture narrows at full zoom.
• Moderate low-light performance.

 

9. Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM

 

•  The Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM features a wide maximum aperture of f/1.4.
• The maximum magnification for this lens is approximately 0.25x.
• The lens has a filter thread size of 43mm.
• The Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM is not typically weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Canon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-M.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 8 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.5 m.
Weight	235 g.
Adjustment	The lens also has full-time manual focus, which allows you to override the AF mechanism.

Reasons to buy: 

• Wide f/1.4 aperture for low light.
• Compact and lightweight design.
• Great for portraits and low light.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Fixed focal length, no zoom.
• Not ideal for wide-angle or telephoto.

 

What to look for in the best Canon APS-C lenses

1- Compatibility

When searching for the best Canon APS-C lenses, compatibility is key. To begin, make sure the lens is appropriate for APS-C sensors. Look for image stabilization, a quick aperture, and a range of lens lengths. Read reviews and think about your individual requirements, whether they be for portrait, landscape, or macro photography.

Check to see if the lens is compatible with your camera model. By focusing on these variables, you can identify the finest Canon APS-C lenses for your photographic style.

2- Image Stabilization

Prioritize IS or IS-type lenses while looking for the best Canon APS-C lenses with image stabilization. To confirm this feature, look for terms like “Stabilized” or “IS” in the lens description. Consider the number of stabilization stops, as more stops provide better stability in low-light settings.

Consider your photographic requirements, whether for video or stills. Research and reviews can point you toward the best Canon APS-C lenses with effective image stabilization for clear, shake-free photos.

3- Aperture

When looking for the best Canon APS-C lenses, aperture is crucial. Look for lenses with a low f-number, such as f/1.4 or f/2.8, because they have a wider aperture, allowing more light in and producing lovely background blur (bokeh).

Consider prime lenses for fixed apertures and zoom lenses for variable apertures. Reviews and lens characteristics will assist you in selecting the best Canon APS-C lenses with the appropriate aperture for your photographic style and requirements.

4- Focal Length

Choosing the proper focal length is critical for the best Canon APS-C lenses. First, determine whether you want to shoot wide-angle, normal, or telephoto.

Zoom lenses offer a range of focal lengths for adaptability, whereas prime lenses offer fixed lengths, sometimes with greater apertures. Check the lens description and reviews to ensure it has the focal range you want.

Your photographic preferences and shooting conditions will determine the best Canon APS-C lens.

Best Canon APS-C lenses FAQs

What is a Canon APS-C lens?

Advanced Photo System type-C (APS-C) is an image sensor format that is roughly equal in size to the Advanced Photo System film negative in its C (“Classic”) format, with dimensions of 25.116.7 mm, an aspect ratio of 3:2, and a field diameter of 30.15 mm.

Can I use an EF lens on APS-C?

Interestingly, while EF-S lenses are not compatible with full-frame cameras, all EF lenses are perfectly compatible with Canon’s APS-C cameras. Bottom line: Canon’s EF-S lens mount is built exclusively for APS-C cameras and extends deeper into the camera’s body than conventional EF lenses.

What is a prime lens for APS-C?

The Nifty Fifty (APS-C 30-35mm) is a 50mm lens.
Images align closely with how we comprehend the world since the 50mm focal length is closer to what we see naturally. As a result, 50mm is commonly referred to as a standard prime. The 50mm lens is widely considered as an excellent general-purpose lens.

What happens if you use an EF lens on an EF-S camera?

EF-S cameras feature a smaller sensor size than full-frame EF cameras. This means that when you attach an EF lens on an EF-S camera, the effective focal length is multiplied by the crop factor. For example, a 50mm EF lens on an EF-S camera with a crop ratio of 1.6x will have an effective focal length of 80mm.

Conclusion 

In a nutshell, my search for the Best Canon APS-C lenses has taken me through a world of optical perfection that is ideal for smaller Canon cameras. From versatile zooms to prime lenses with stunning apertures, each lens offers a different viewpoint.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just getting started with your lens collection, the options available meet various photographic needs.

To learn more about lenses and improve your photography abilities, don’t forget to check out my extensive “Beginner’s Guide for Buying Camera Lenses.” Together, these resources will enable you to make wise decisions and capture the moments that matter.