Canon is offering up some holiday treats as we head into winter. The company has announced two new full-frame RF lenses, one APS-C RF lens, a Power Zoom Adapter, and firmware updates for the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C cameras. The three new lenses cover everything from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto, offering a bit of something for everyone. They include the RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM. There’s lots to unpack here, so let’s get into it.

Canon RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z

We are especially excited to see the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. This lens is the world’s first 24-105mm focal length lens with a consistent f/2.8 maximum aperture. Canon designed the RF24-105mm as a hybrid lens, tailoring it to high-level video content creators and video production individuals or firms. It did specify that this is not a cinema lens but does approach that category with new features.

Though it offers many video-centric features, it should also be a superb still photography lens. The 24-70mm has long been the workhorse lens for many photographers, but we could see this extended range becoming the new go-to for many. The fast and constant f/2.8 aperture will offer excellent low-light performance, adding to its versatility. It will be ideal for a vast number of applications, including portraits, weddings and events, fashion, photojournalism, sports, wildlife, and more.

RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z build & design features

Canon’s RF24-105mm offers a constant overall length when zooming and focusing, which is a big advantage for videographers. It also offers a stepless manual aperture ring for video use. Canon optimized the optical design for high-end video, with excellent focus breathing performance and superb image quality. The image stabilization results in 5.5 stops of optical IS or eight stops of coordinated IS.

The lens can focus as close as 1.5 feet at all focal lengths and offers a maximum magnification of 0.29x at 105mm. Two Nano USM focus motors drive the autofocus system, resulting in fast and accurate focusing abilities. Its 11 aperture blades provide beautifully smooth bokeh.

The RF24-105mm weighs 2.9 pounds and is 7.8 inches long. It offers an 82mm filter thread.

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Power Zoom Adapters

For videographers, one of the most exciting aspects of this new lens is the option to use a newly developed Power Zoom Adapter. This new optional accessory will connect to the side of the RF24-105mm without any tools required. It enables super-smooth zoom control when recording video. Zooming will look more natural, and it will make control easier for solo creators.

Canon is making two different versions of the Power Zoom Adapter. You can opt for a standard version (PZ-E2) with only a USB port or a 20-pin port version (PZ-E2B) to support zoom and focus demands. It’s important to note that, as of now, the Power Zoom Adapter is only compatible with the RF24-105mm.

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Pricing & availability

The Canon RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z will be available in December, though is available for pre-order now for $2,999.00.

Both versions of the Power Zoom Adapter won’t be available until the spring of 2024, but you can already pre-order both. The standard version (PZ-E2) is priced at $999.00, while the 20-pin port version (PZ-E2B) is $1,299.00.

Canon RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM

For those who need ultimate telephoto reach, the RF200-800 F6.3-9 IS USM should fit the bill. This lens is impressive for many reasons, most notably the range it offers. There are not many zoom lenses that offer a maximum focal length of 800mm, with most topping out at 600mm. And at $1,899, it’s very reasonably priced for what it provides. For context, Nikon’s new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens is $1,696.95, so you’ll get 200mm more reach for roughly $200 more.

Its long reach makes it perfect for photojournalism, wildlife, outdoor sports, and dramatic landscapes. Should you need even more zoom power, it’s compatible with the Canon RF 1.4x and 2x tele extenders, which will get you up to a whopping 1600mm.

The maximum aperture varies from f/6.3 at the wide end to f/9 when zoomed in, so its low-light capabilities are slightly limited. But as we would expect on such a lens, it offers image stabilization to assist with obtaining sharp images even when handholding the lens. You’ll get 5.5 stops of correction at 800mm, and 7.5 stops at 200mm. It also offers automatic panning detection.

RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM design & features

The RF200-800mm uses an extending lens design, meaning it gets longer when you zoom in. Even though this lens isn’t in Canon’s pro-level L-series, it did apply weather sealing, meaning it is still durable and protected against the elements despite the extending design. The lens is surprisingly lightweight for what it is, weighing just 4.5 pounds. It should be feasible to shoot handheld for at least short durations. A rotating tripod mount on the lens makes it easy to attach to a tripod as well.

Canon pointed out that even though the lens RF200-800m is white, it is not the IR reflective surface found on the latest L-series lenses. A single, compact Nano USM motor drives the autofocus system, which is fast and quiet. It is a varifocal lens, meaning it won’t stay in focus as you zoom in. But Canon promised superb image quality thanks to an optimized optical design.

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Pricing & availability

The Canon RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM will be available in December, but you can pre-order it now for $1,899.00.

Canon RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM

The third lens of the new trio is a beginner-friendly APS-C lens. And at just $329, it is extremely budget-friendly as well. The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens offers a full-frame equivalent view of 16-29mm. Canon designed this lens for video and vlog creators as well as amateur photographers. The wide-angle perspective is ideal for selfie videos, travel videos, and landscape, travel, or architectural photography. For many, this could be the only lens they use on their camera because of its versatility and size. It would pair well with cameras like the R100, R50, or R7.

RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM design & features

Canon created an entirely new optical design lens for the RF-S10-18mm, one that isn’t based on any current Canon lenses. It is absolutely tiny, weighing only 5.3 ounces. It utilizes a collapsible design to maximize its compact size for travel, meaning you’ll need to extend it out in order to start shooting. But when collapsed down, it is a measly 1.8 inches.

Surprisingly, Canon included image stabilization on the RF-S10-18mm. You’ll get four stops of optical IS and six stops of coordinated IS with your camera’s in-body image stabilization. For video users, this can also be combined with Movie Digital IS for added stability, but that will result in a crop. Canon also mentioned that the focus breathing is very well handled with this lens. There is some present, but it is minimal, and some cameras offer focus breathing correction in-camera to improve it even more.

A stepping motor drives the autofocus, and it offers close focusing abilities of 5.5 inches with autofocus at all focal lengths or 3.4 inches at 10mm with manual focus. Unsurprisingly for such a compact, budget-friendly lens, there is no focus switch on the lens, so you’ll need to change between manual focus and autofocus in your camera’s menus.

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Pricing & availability

As with the other two lenses, the Canon RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens will be available in December (just in time for you to pick it up as a Christmas gift for a photographer in your life) and is available for pre-order now for $329.00.

The post Canon adds three new lenses and a Power Zoom accessory to its RF lineup appeared first on Popular Photography.

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If you’re someone who likes to get their holiday shopping done early but doesn’t like paying full price, you’re in luck. You don’t have to wait until Black Friday in order to take advantage of excellent savings on camera equipment right now. There are some great Canon early Black Friday deals on Canon’s cameras, lenses, and binoculars, from beginner-friendly items to pro-level gear. Whether you are shopping for a loved one or picking up new tools for yourself, you’ll want to take advantage of these discounts. And if you’re not a Canon person, there are also some early Black Friday deals on Nikon cameras and lenses as well.

Canon EOS R3 camera body $4,999.00 (was $5,999.00)

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You must really like someone if you’re thinking of picking up the Canon EOS R3 for them. Or, maybe you don’t want to miss $1,000 off and are considering it for yourself. Either way, this is a true beast of a camera. It’s capable of 30 frames per second burst shooting of full-res raw files with the electronic shutter, making it our top pick for cameras for sports photography. The autofocus is impressively fast and responsive, even when working with fast-moving subjects. And the rugged DSLR-like body is comfortable to hold for long shoots. This is the lowest price we’ve seen on the R3, so if you’ve been thinking about upgrading (or know someone who has), now is the time to hit that buy button.

Canon EOS R5 C camera body $3,799.00 (was $4,299.00)

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The Canon R5 C is a workhorse of a video camera and our pick for the company’s best camera for video applications. It is capable of full-frame video up to 8K 60p, or 4K 120p. It offers HDMI raw output, Canon Log 3 HLG/PQ support, Dual Pixel CMOS AF with eye detection, and unlimited recording time. Canon even included a built-in fan to prevent overheating. The R5 C is no slouch for photos, either, thanks to the 45-megapixel sensor and DIGIC X image processor.

Even more Canon early Black Friday deals

Canon cameras

• Canon EOS R100 + RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM Lens Kit $499.00 (was $599.00)
• Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera + RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM Lens $749.00 (was $799.99)
• Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 is STM Lens Kit $1,199.00 (was $1,299.00)
• Canon EOS R7 + RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit $1,799.00 (was $1,899.00)
• Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera + RF 24-105mm F4 L is USM Lens Kit $4,499.00 (was $4,999.00)

Canon prime lenses

• Canon RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens $1,799.00 (was $1,999.00)
• Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens $249.00 (was $299.99)
• Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro is STM Lens $479.99 (was $599.99)
• Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens $169.00 (was $179.00)
• Canon RF 50mm F 1.2L USM Lens $2,099.00 (was $2,199.00)
• Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM Lens $499.00 (was $599.99)
• Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens $2,499.00 (was $2,799.00)
• Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM Lens $999.00 (was $1,399.00)

Canon zoom lenses

• Canon RF14-35mm F4 L is USM Lens $1,199.00 (was $1,699.00)
• Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L is USM Lens $2,099.00 (was $2,399.00)
• Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens $2,739.95 (was $3,099.00)
• Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L is USM Lens $1,399.00 (was $1,499.00)
• Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Telephoto Zoom Lens $2,499.00 (was $2,799.00)
• Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM Lens $599.00 (was $649.99)
• Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Super-Telephoto Lens $2,599.00 (was $2,899.00)

Binoculars

• Canon Cameras US 10X32 is Image Stabilizing Binocular $899.00 (was $1,169.95)
• Canon Binoculars 8 x 20 is $449.00 (was $499.00)

The post Save up to $1,000 on Canon gear with these early Black Friday deals appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Thus far, the options for wide-angle lenses on Canon’s mirrorless system have been fairly limited. The widest zoom lens available was the RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM lens. But now, Canon has expanded its offerings with its widest lens for the RF system yet, covering twice the angle of view as the 14-35mm at its wides setting. The Canon RF 10-20mm f/4 L IS USM lens is the first autofocus zoom lens with 10mm coverage across any brand. It will be an ideal choice for architecture, landscape, and travel photography, or any other genre requiring serious visual drama. Here’s what we know about the lens so far.

Canon RF 10-20mm f/4 L IS USM at a glance

• Weighs 1.25 pounds
• 5 stops of image stabilization, 6 stops when combined with IBIS
• 10-inch minimum focusing distance
• Weather sealed
• Rectilinear design for minimal distortion
• $2,299.00
• Available early November

Canon RF 10-20mm f/4 L IS USM optical design

First thing first, despite the ultra-wide angle, Canon’s RF 10-20mm lens is a rectilinear lens, not a fisheye. It features one Super UD element, three standard UD elements, and three aspherical elements to reduce chromatic aberration and distortion. That means that it is a viable option for architectural or interior photographs, as distortion looks to be handled really well. These elements also result in superb sharpness and illumination across the entire image area.

Canon also built the lens with ASC (Air Sphere Coating) and SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating), which reduce flare, ghosting, and other aberrations. These coatings will increase contrast and color accuracy, providing rich, vibrant images. There’s also an FLC fluorine coating to repel dust, water, grease, and dirt.

Although ultra-wide-angle lenses aren’t exactly known for their bokeh, the RF 10-20mm contains a nine-blade diaphragm for round and pleasing bokeh when conditions are right.

Handling & build

As an L-series lens, Canon built this lens with plenty of features to improve handling. It features a programmable control ring that can be set to control exposure settings such as aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation. You’ll also find a lens function button, image stabilization on/off switch, and focus switch, all of which keep you from digging in the camera menus quite as often.

As is typical on ultra-wide lenses, the front element of the RF 10-20mm is bulbous, which means that it does not accept traditional front filters. But Canon did include a rear filter holder. It accepts gelatin filters that you will need to cut down to size and place behind the rear lens element, but it does at least allow you to use filters. Canon also included a built-in petal-shaped lens hood to protect that protruding front element. It is sealed against dust and moisture to protect it from the elements.

Canon managed to keep the size of this ultra-wide zoom very reasonable. It weighs just 1.25 pounds, which is almost half the weight of the EF 11-24mm. It measures 3.3 by 4.4 inches, which is roughly the same size as the RF 24-105mm.

RF 10-20mm f/4 L IS USM autofocus & stabilization

It isn’t very common to see built-in image stabilization (IS) in lenses of this class. In fact, Canon is the only brand to offer in-lens IS in a lens wider than 14mm. The Optical Image Stabilizer can reduce the appearance of camera shake by up to five stops. Or, if you pair it with an EOS R camera with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) for Coordinated IS, you’ll get up to six stops of correction.

The in-lens IS certainly helps improve images when shooting with slow shutter speeds in low-light conditions. But it also improves blurring and deformation in the periphery. Both of those tend to be weak spots in ultra-wide-angle lenses, so it is nice to see it addressed.

In terms of focus, Canon built the 10-20mm with an STM leadscrew-type focus drive system. You’ll typically find this type of focus motor in entry-level lenses. But it is fast and smooth enough to keep up with high-speed cameras. Plus, this motor allowed Canon to keep the weight and size of the lens down. Additionally, it features a position sensor that returns to the previous focus area when you start the camera back up, making it faster to get back to shooting if you’re working with the same subject or scene.

The RF 10-20mm can focus as close as 9.8 inches at all focal lengths, enabling unique ultra-wide closeup shots.

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Pricing & availability

The Canon RF 10-20mm f/4 L IS USM lens is available for pre-order now for $2,299.00. It will begin shipping on November 2.

The post New gear: Canon RF 10-20mm f/4 L IS USM super-wide-angle zoom lens appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Canon makes a truly expansive list of gear, from cameras and lenses built for true beginners to equipment for high-level pros and everything in between. And while the company does offer a range of budget-friendly items, camera gear is never all that cheap. Luckily, even though Amazon Prime Day is over, you can take advantage of some lingering Canon deals still to save money on new tools. It’s a great time to pick up a new camera if you’re a student just getting started or to expand your kit if you’re a seasoned pro looking for something to refresh. your style.

Canon EOS R3 Body $4,999.99 (was $5,999.00)

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The Canon EOS R3 is a seriously impressive camera, making the top of our list of the best cameras for sports. It is capable of up to 30 frames per second in full resolution. The autofocus is fast, accurate, and responsive, so you can nail focus on your shots of fast-moving subjects. It offers superb noise handling, so even if you are working in dark conditions like poorly lit gyms, you’ll be able to get usable images. And the DSLR-like body design makes it comfortable to hold for long days of shooting, which is a definite plus. It’s an expensive camera, but right now, it’s $1,000 off, which is the lowest price we’ve ever seen on this beast of a camera.

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Lens $2,499.00 (was $2,799.00)

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A 70-200mm lens is a fantastic tool that most photographers should have in their arsenal. It is the tool of choice for wedding, motorsport, and portrait photographers, among other genres. This Canon lens is especially good, with excellent sharpness and overall image quality. It can focus as close as 2.3 feet, so you won’t need to stand too far away from your subject. And it is smaller and lighter than the DSLR version, which is always appreciated.

Even more Canon Prime Day deals

Canon Prime Day deals on cameras

• Canon EOS R7 RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit $1,799.00 (was $1,899.00)
• Canon EOS R5 Body $3,399.00 (was $3,899.00)
• Canon EOS R5 C Body $3,700.00 (was $4,299.00)

Canon Prime Day deals on video cameras

• Canon VIXIA HF G70 Camcorder $1,099.00 (was $1,249.00)
• Canon XA65 Pro Camcorder $2,099.00 (was $2,299.00)
• Canon XA70 Pro Camcorder $2,299.00 (was $2,499.00)
• Canon XA75 Pro Camcorder $2,799.00 (was $2,999.00)

Canon Prime Day deals on zoom lenses

• Canon RF14-35mm F4 L is USM $1,199.00 (was $1,699.00)
• Canon RF15-30mm F4.5-6.3 is STM $499.00 (was $549.99)
• Canon RF15-35mm F2.8 L is USM $2,099.00 (was $2,399.00)
• Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L is USM $2,099.00 (was $2,399.00)
• Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM $399.00 (was $484.95)
• Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM $2,499.00 (was $2,799.00)
• Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM $599.00 (was $649.99)
• Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM $2,599.00 (was $2,899.00)

Canon Prime Day deals on prime lenses

• Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM $249.00 (was $299.99)
• Canon RF24mm F1.8 Macro is STM $479.99 (was $599.99)
• Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM $169.00 (was $179.00)
• Canon RF50mm F 1.2L USM $2,099.00 (was $2,199.00)
• Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM $499.00 (was $599.99)
• Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM $2,499.00 (was $2,799.00)
• Canon RF85mm F1.2 L USM Ds $2,799.00 (was $3,099.00)
• Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM $999.00 (was $1,399.00)

Canon Prime Day deals on printers

• Canon SELPHY QX10 Portable Square Photo Printer $77.39 (was $149.99)
• Canon PIXMA G3270 – Wireless MegaTank All-in-One Printer $179.99 (was $229.99)
• Canon PIXMA G6020 All-in-One Supertank Wireless (Megatank) Printer $199.00 (was $299.99)

Canon Prime Day deals on binoculars

• Canon Binoculars 8 x 20 IS $449.00 (was $499.00)
• Canon Cameras US 10X32 is Image Stabilizing Binocular $899.00 9was $1,169.95)

The post The best Amazon Prime Day deals on Canon gear appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best full-frame mirrorless camera		Canon EOS R5		SEE IT	A powerful all-around mirrorless camera.
Best mid-range mirrorless camera		Canon EOS R6 Mark II		SEE IT	A full-frame camera built for capturing fast action.
Best for beginners		Canon EOS R50		SEE IT	A camera with lots of beginner-friendly modes.

Canon cameras have been some of the most dominant and prolific image-making devices for more than half a century. The company released its first digital camera, the EOS D30, back in 2000 when most photographers were still loyal to their film bodies, and digital was a novel concept. In 2020, Canon held nearly half of the global digital camera market. The company’s current lineup has options aimed at every level of photographer, from budding beginners to seasoned pros. While options are good, the wide selection of Canon cameras can be difficult to navigate, so here are some things to consider before jumping full-force into the best Canon cameras.

• Best full-frame mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R5
• Best mid-range mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II 
• Best entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R8
• Best for sports photography: Canon EOS R3
• Best mid-range Canon DSLR: Canon EOS 90D
• Best professional Canon DSLR: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
• Best for beginners: Canon EOS R50
• Best for beginner vloggers: Canon PowerShot V10
• Best budget: Canon EOS R100

How we chose the best Canon cameras

The writers and editors at Pop Photo have decades of experience with every major camera manufacturer, including Canon. We have hands-on experience with most of the cameras included here, along with most other Canon cameras, which guided our decisions. We also relied on a mix of editorial reviews and user feedback. 

When selecting the best Canon cameras, we aimed to choose options suitable for a variety of photographers and videographers, from beginners to professionals. As a result, we considered a range of features and specs, including overall image quality, burst shooting abilities, video capabilities, build quality, and usability. 

The best Canon cameras: Reviews & Recommendations

Canon’s camera options span the full range from beginner-friendly to pro-level models. No matter your price point or what you are hoping to use your camera for, one of these cameras is sure to meet your needs. 

Best full-frame mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R5

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Specs

• Resolution: 45 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots: Slot 1: CFexpress Type B, Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.62 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.43 x 3.84 x 3.46 inches

Pros

• Superb image quality
• Advanced focus tracking
• Durable build quality
• Capable of recording 8K video

Cons

• Overheating may be an issue at the highest video quality

The Canon EOS R5 is the brand’s flagship mirrorless camera, at least for the moment. It pairs its ample 45-megapixel resolution with a powerful Digic X image processor. As a result, it boasts an ISO range of 100-51200 (expandable to 1024001), high-speed shooting up to 12 fps with a mechanical shutter, and 20 fps with the electronic silent shutter. It features dual memory card slots and promises fast, accurate AF with its dual-pixel CMOS AF and subject tracking for human and animal subjects. 

If you are looking for a pro-level camera inside a compact mirrorless camera body, look no further. It even has robust video capabilities that top out at 8K, though that’s not its primary purpose. If you want truly pro video features, you’ll want to upgrade to a Canon cinema camera. To learn more about the Canon EOS R5, check out our full review.

Best mid-range mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II 

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Specs

• Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots: Dual slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.3 pounds (body only)
• Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches

Pros

• Impressive autofocus abilities
• Good noise handling at high ISOs
• Fast burst shooting is ideal for action
• Excellent video quality

Cons

• Relatively low resolution isn’t for everyone

If you want a highly capable camera but don’t need something as advanced as the R5, the R6 Mark II is a fantastic choice. It’s a camera built for action, thanks to its whopping 40 fps when using the electronic shutter. Or you can bump down to 30 fps to record action that happens half a second before you press the shutter. It also borrows the advanced autofocus abilities of the twice as expensive R3. The Auto Subject Tracking mode makes it easy to nail focus on shots without fussing with loads of settings and menu options. 

For video shooters, you’ll have access to 6K external recording, 4K 60p full-width internal recording, or full HD at 150 fps. And the Detect Only AF keeps focus on your subject even if they come in and out of the frame, resulting in smoother videos. Its overall image quality is also superb, with impressive noise handling at higher ISOs. This camera is an impressive option for hybrid shooters who want a solid all-arounder. 

To read more about the R6 Mark II, check out our review.

Best entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R8

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Specs

• Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Image stabilization: Digital, 5-Axis (video only)
• Memory card slots: Single slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1 pound
• Dimensions: 5.22 x 3.39 x 2.76 inches

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Class-leading autofocus
• Compact and lightweight
• Fast burst shooting

Cons

• No joystick for adjusting focus points

Canon’s EOS R8 is an impressive camera for those who are looking to upgrade to a full-frame mirrorless camera. Its reasonable price doesn’t mean that you miss out on refined features. As with other Canon cameras, it borrows advanced, AI-driven autofocus abilities from much more expensive models, resulting in class-leading autofocus. It is fast, responsive, highly accurate, and also easy to use without messing with settings. 

Canon did away with the mechanical shutter in the R8. But the electronic shutter is capable of a speedy 40 fps and pre-shooting support, which is ideal for capturing fast action. It can record up to 4K 60p video and offers Vertical Movie Mode for those who share their videos on social media. And the image quality is excellent, with impressive dynamic range even in jpeg files. It’s an easy camera to use and get used to, making it a fantastic choice for beginners wanting a full-frame camera.

Head over to our review to learn more about the EOS R8.

Best for sports photography: Canon EOS R3

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• Resolution: 24.1 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots: Slot 1: CFexpress Type B, Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.6 x 3.4 inches

Pros

• Fantastic AF performance
• Very comfortable to hold thanks to the integrated vertical grip
• Long battery life
• Fast memory card slots
• Networking capabilities
• Large viewfinder
• Excellent layout with lots of tactile controls
• Fast capture speeds

Cons

• Eye Control may be of limited usefulness
• Expensive
• Heavy

If you’re shooting heavy-duty action photography, this is the Canon camera you want on your back. Built for pro sports shooters, this full-sized camera has a built-in vertical grip like the flagship 1-series DSLRs that came before it. While that grip makes it heavier than a typical body, it also provides ample hold and nice balance when using larger zoom lenses. I very much enjoy how the shaped grip fits my hand in both vertical and horizontal orientations. 

The design has other positive aspects, too. You’ll find a ton of tactile buttons and controls, including a control wheel, a joystick, and even a touch-sensitive pad that allows you to quickly zip around an image when you’re reviewing it. It’s surprisingly handy. 

The half-inch viewfinder offers more than 5.7 million pixels of resolution. It’s big, bright, and fast, which is crucial for shooting action. It has a pair of card slots, including one that fits CFexpress cards. Plus, it offers the high-speed networking capabilities that high-end pro sports shooters require for delivering images instantly. 

When it comes to image quality, the 24.1-megapixel resolution seems a bit paltry when compared to other high-end models, but this body is built for speed. It can capture 12 fps with the mechanical shutter or 30 fps with the electronic shutter. 

Yes, this is an expensive piece of gear, but it’s built for work, and it does a great job. You may not get much use out of the clever Eye Control system, which focuses by detecting where you’re looking in the scene. But, it is effective once you get used to it. There’s also a learning curve that comes with the camera, so you’ll need to do some tweaking and practicing to get the most out of it. Once you’ve put in the work, however, this is one of the best sports cameras available full-stop. I’ve also shot weddings, portraits, and pretty much everything else with this infinitely capable body.

Best mid-range Canon DSLR: Canon EOS 90D

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Specs

• Resolution: 32.5 megapixels
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Lens mount: Canon EF-S
• Image stabilization: Digital (video only)
• Memory card slots: Single slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.54 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.54 x 4.13 x 3.02 inches

Pros

• Quality optical viewfinder
• 4K video recording
• Excellent image quality in raw and jpeg files
• Durable build quality

Cons

• Digital IS for video results in heavy crop

The Canon EOS 90D is one of the best APS-C DSLRs that Canon currently offers. It can shoot 10 fps, offers a 45-point all cross-type AF system, can shoot 4K UHD 30P video, and features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility. Face and eye detection while shooting in live view is excellent, and the burst shooting capabilities make it great for capturing fast-moving action. This is a versatile DSLR for advanced amateur shooters who are interested in capturing stills and video. Canon has been refining this line for more than a decade, and that experience shows here.

Best professional Canon DSLR: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

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Specs

• Resolution: 30.4 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Image stabilization: None
• Memory card slots: Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I), Slot 2: CompactFlash (UDMA 7)
• Weight: 1.76 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.9 x 4.6 x 3 inches

Pros

• Extremely durable build quality
• Superb image quality
• Excellent autofocus performance
• Yeas-to-use touchscreen interface

Cons

• 1.64x crop in 4K video
• Fixed rear screen is limiting

Although the Canon 5D Mark IV was released five years ago, it remains a popular full-frame DSLR among professional photographers. It provides an ISO range of 100-32000 (expandable to 50-102400) and shoots 4K video at 30p or 24p. It features excellent dual-pixel CMOS AF, an LCD touchscreen monitor, and a 7 fps burst mode. 

This was the first 5D camera to feature Wi-Fi capability, which is great for photographers who need to share images shortly after they are shot. It is an excellent tool for high-level enthusiasts or professionals looking for a lighter setup than the bulky EOS 1D-X. The Mark IV is also built like a tank, so you don’t have to worry about it crapping out during an intense shoot.

Best for beginners: Canon EOS R50

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Specs

• Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Image stabilization: None
• Memory card slots: Single slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Weight: 13.2 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.4 x 2.7 inches

Pros

• Lots of beginner-friendly features
• Very compact and lightweight
• Results in attractive photos without editing
• Uncropped 4K video

Cons

• Limited controls aren’t ideal for those wanting to advance their skills
• No in-body stabilization

Canon released the EOS R50 in the spring of 2023, and it is clear the company designed this camera for true beginners. The menu system has been paired down to the bare necessities, making it very easy to learn how to use. And it’s a tiny camera, making it ideal for family snapshots or travel. And it is compatible with all RF lenses, so you can opt for quality glass.

The R50 features a new A+ auto mode, which makes the camera act like your smartphone. If it detects backlighting or a high-contrast scene, the camera will take multiple photos and merge them into an already processed file. You don’t need to spend any time editing in order to get an attractive image. The Creative Bracketing and Creative Assist modes also help you get excellent results with minimal work. The R50 is capable of manual exposure, but Canon optimized it for automatic shooting, meaning it won’t be the best choice for those who want something to grow into. But if you want a basic, easy-to-use camera for your family or travel images, this is an impressive little device.

Head over to our review to learn more about this beginner-friendly mirrorless camera.

Best for beginner vloggers: Canon PowerShot V10

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Specs

• Resolution: 13.1 megapixels
• Sensor size: 1-inch
• Lens mount: N/A
• Image stabilization: Digital
• Memory card slots: Single slot: microSD
• Weight: 7.4 ounces
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.4 inches

Pros

• Extremely tiny
• Built-in stand is handy
• Affordable
• Very simple to use

Cons

• No raw photos
• Built-in lens isn’t for everyone

If you are just entering the vlogging or content creation world, the PowerShot V10 will be a useful tool. The camera marked a new lineup for Canon and is a true point-and-shoot-style device. It is incredibly simple to use, with very limited menu items and settings. Canon designed it to be an easy transition from a smartphone, and indeed, it feels rather similar. You’ll be able to pick it up and instantly get to recording. The built-in lens also means that you don’t need to worry about buying or changing lenses. 

The built-in stand on the V10 is very useful, but it also offers a tripod socket on the bottom for when you want more height.  It’s capable of 4K 30p video or Full HD up to 60 fps. And turning the camera on its side easily switches to vertical video for social media content. It can also take still photos, though only in automatic mode, and it only results in jpeg files. But for those who want to focus on video as they jump into content creation, the V10 is a good choice.

You can read our full review to learn more about the PowerShot V10.

Best budget: Canon EOS R100

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Specs

• Resolution: 24.1 megapixels
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Image stabilization: None
• Memory card slots: Single slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.4 x 2.7 inches

Pros

• Very affordable for an interchangeable lens camera
• Extremely tiny
• Very good image quality
• Easy to use

Cons

• No touchscreen

The EOS R100 serves as a replacement Canon camera for the Rebel T7. As evidenced by the approachable price, it is a beginner-friendly camera that’s easy to learn and use. It provides access to Canon’s Scene Intelligent Auto, which helps in creating properly exposed images even in challenging lighting situations. And it features a true viewfinder, Eye Detect autofocus, and a 24.1-megapixel sensor that results in great image quality. And it’s the smallest EOS R camera to date, making it ideal for travel. 

The R100 is capable of cropped 4K 24p or full-width Full HD video at 60p with Movie Digital IS for smoothing out motion somewhat. Despite the video capabilities, Canon primarily intends this camera for still photos, as the fixed rear screen demonstrates. It also doesn’t offer touchscreen functionality, which may be frustrating for some. But for the price, this little camera is hard to beat, especially for beginners or those wanting a simple, easy-to-use camera that allows for some room to grow.

Things to consider when choosing the best Canon cameras for you

Choosing a camera from any brand can be a tricky endeavor. While you want to choose a camera that will let you grow and adapt to your skills as you improve, overkill is a real possibility. For instance, a high-end, pro-level camera like EOS R3 has lots of capabilities, but it’s also bulky and expensive. And by the time you grow into its advanced features, new technology may have made it outdated. Considering the features and specifications below will help you narrow down which level of camera is right for you. 

Mirrorless versus DSLR

While mirrorless cameras have done a lot to eclipse DSLRs in recent years, Canon still sells a number of extremely capable and worthwhile DSLR models. Canon DSLRs like the EOS 5D Mark IV and the EOS-1D X remain favored tools of wedding photographers, sports shooters, and photojournalists. Canon’s DSLRs are built to take a beating, which is one of the reasons that many pros still use them. Although they are heavier and bulkier than Canon’s mirrorless cameras, they typically have increased battery life and will withstand more abuse. Canon’s DSLRs are compatible with EF mount lenses. 

Although there may be advantages to DSLRs, it is worth noting that many companies, Canon included, have announced that they will no longer release new DSLR models and instead are focused on mirrorless cameras. As a result, it may be a wiser investment to go mirrorless if you are in the market for a new Canon camera. 

All of the Canon mirrorless cameras employ Canon’s new RF mount. That means that you can upgrade from an APS-C to a full-frame camera without needing to buy new lenses. And the bodies still work with the older EF lenses thanks to an adapter, which makes upgrading to the new mirrorless ecosystem much less painful from a budget perspective. Canon’s mirrorless cameras are much lighter and more compact than its DSLRs. And they are known for precise, advanced autofocus, impressive video capabilities, and the ability to eliminate shutter noise with the silent shutter feature.

Sensor size

Canon cameras come with both full-frame and smaller APS-C sensors, making them suitable for the full spectrum of photographers and videographers. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so it comes down to your needs and preferences.

Because APS-C sensors are smaller than full-frame, the camera bodies are able to be much more compact and lightweight. That’s an appealing advantage for anyone who travels a lot or wants a smaller camera body. For some, the resulting crop factor from APS-C sensors is also a plus. The smaller sensor doesn’t cover as large of an image area as a full-frame, meaning that lenses will have a narrower field of view. So, for example, a 50mm lens on an APS-C Canon camera will look like an 80mm lens. If you want long reach for wildlife or sports photography without dropping thousands of dollars on super-telephoto lenses, an APS-C camera may be best.

Full-frame cameras cover a wider image area, which means you can take full advantage of a lens’ focal length. That means that they are ideal for anyone wanting to document sweeping landscapes or large architectural features. Full-frame cameras are also typically better at higher ISOs and offer a narrower depth of field than APS-C cameras when using large apertures. This makes them perfect for low-light situations like wedding receptions and slightly better for portraiture. 

Video quality

Video has become a prevalent type of content in recent years, and as such, many need devices that can produce both quality photographs and video in a single camera body. While all of Canon’s mirrorless cameras offer video capabilities, some are more video-centric than others. For example, the R5 is capable of 8K 30p raw video, while the R100 only provides 4K 24p video with a crop. If you need high-end video specs, you’ll need to invest in one of Canon’s top-tier mirrorless cameras. On the other hand, if you’re a casual content creator and can get away with less robust video tools, something like the V10 may be enough. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Canon cameras

• Best full-frame mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R5
• Best mid-range mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II 
• Best entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R8
• Best for sports photography: Canon EOS R3
• Best mid-range Canon DSLR: Canon EOS 90D
• Best professional Canon DSLR: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
• Best for beginners: Canon EOS R50
• Best for beginner vloggers: Canon PowerShot V10
• Best budget: Canon EOS R100

Jumping into a camera system is a big decision, but Canon has been a safe bet for decades. It’s still regularly announcing new models and compatible lenses. While choosing the best Canon camera isn’t always easy because the lineup is so deep, a little legwork will lead you to the right body. Leave yourself room to grow, but don’t talk yourself into paying for features you’ll probably never use.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best Canon cameras of 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Fall is nearly upon us, and with the new season comes new photographic opportunities. Picking up a new camera or lens can be a great way to refresh your creative side and capture unique scenes this fall and winter. Luckily, there are some excellent discounts on Canon cameras and lenses at Amazon right now. Whether you simply want to document fall foliage or are gearing up for the holiday portrait season, these deals will help you elevate your work for less.

Canon RF14-35mm F4 L is USM Lens $1,199.00 (was $1,699.00)

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Fall is a great time to capture sweeping landscapes to show off the foliage colors, and this Canon ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is a great tool for doing just that. It offers a constant f/4 aperture, which, although it isn’t as wide as alternative lenses, does help keep the size and weight of this lens down. The result is a surprisingly compact lens for the class. It weighs just 1.2 pounds and is only 3.9 inches long. It also is able to utilize 77mm front filters. The lens offers excellent sharpness, even on the edges of the frame, so you’ll be able to get crisp, quality images.

Canon EOS R3 Body $5,499.00 (was $5,999.00)

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If you’ve been eyeing a new pro-level camera, you’re in luck. The Canon EOS R3 is at its lowest price since earlier this summer. This beast of a camera offers a DSLR-like build with a built-in vertical grip for easy handling no matter which way you are shooting. It’s built around a 24.1-megapixel stacked sensor with fast readout speeds to reduce rolling shutter distortion and improve continuous shooting. The result is 30 fps bursts and up to 6K 60p raw video recording with advanced Eye Control AF.

Even more Canon camera, lens, & printer deals

Canon cameras

• Canon EOS R10 Content Creator Kit $1,199.00 (was $1,299.00)
• Canon EOS Rebel T7 $438.11 (was $479.00)
• Canon EOS R5 C $3,999.00 (was $4,299.00)
• Canon EOS R RF24-105mm F4 L is USM Lens Kit $2,499.00 (was $1,899.00)
• Canon XA65 Pro Camcorder $2,099.00 (was $2,299.00)
• Canon XA70 Pro Camcorder $2,299.00 (was $2,499.00)
• Canon XA75 Pro Camcorder $2,799.00 (was $2,999.00)

Canon zoom lenses

• Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM $2,799.00 (was $3,099.00)
• Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L is USM $2,099.00 (was $2,399.00)
• Canon RF70-200mm F4 L is USM $1,399.00 (was $1,499.00)
• Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM $2,499.00 (was $2,799.00)
• Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM $2,599.00 (was $2,899.00)

Canon prime lenses

• Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM $129.00 (was $149.00)
• Canon RF24mm F1.8 Macro is STM $499.00 (was $599.99)
• Canon RF50mm F 1.2L USM $2,099.00 (was $2,299.00)
• Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM $169.00 (was $199.99)
• Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM $499.00 (was $599.99)
• Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM $2,499.00 (was $2,799.00)
• Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM $999.00 (was $1,399.00)

Canon printers

• Canon SELPHY QX10 Portable Square Photo Printer $99.00 (was $149.99)
• Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer $69.00 (was $129.99)
• Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless Inkjet All-In-One Color Printer $79.00 (was $99.00)
• Canon PIXMA TR7020a All-in-One Wireless Color Inkjet Printer $79.00 (was $159.99)
• Canon PIXMA G3270 – Wireless MegaTank All-in-One Printer $174.97 (was $229.99)
• Canon PIXMA G6020 All-in-One Supertank Wireless $199.00 (was $299.99)
• Canon Megatank G4270 All-in-One Wireless Supertank Printer $215.00 (was $249.99)

The post Save up to $500 on Canon cameras, lenses, and printers at Amazon appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Canon EOS R5C		SEE IT	The R5C features a fan to prevent overheating and is capable of up to 8K video.
Best for pros		Canon EOS C300 Mark III		SEE IT	This pro-level camera features a Super 35mm sensor and is Netflix approved.
Best budget		Canon EOS R100		SEE IT	It’s tiny and affordable yet still offers 4K 24p video.

Canon cameras for video were some of the first to adopt HD video, starting with the EOS 5D Mark II. It was the first DSLR to offer full-HD video recording capability and made it possible for photographers to dive into video without having to invest in an expensive cinema camera. Since then, Canon has made it a priority to release cameras that work exceptionally well for shooting video along with still photography. The company’s current lineup features a number of cameras aimed at a wide variety of video shooters. Keep reading to learn more about the best Canon cameras for video.  

• Best overall: Canon EOS R5C 
• Best for pros: Canon EOS C300 Mark III
• Best mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II 
• Best for vlogging: Canon EOS R10
• Best budget: Canon EOS R100

How we chose the best Canon cameras for video

When selecting the best Canon cameras for video use, it was important to choose options that would appeal to a wide variety of video shooters: from professionals to content creators, vloggers, and enthusiasts looking to capture life’s everyday moments on something that isn’t their phone. We considered a range of budgets, features, and usability when selecting the cameras for this buying guide. We have hands-on experience with the majority of cameras that appear here, but also relied on editorial reviews and user feedback when making our selections. 

The best Canon cameras for video: Reviews & recommendations

Canon offers a huge array of cameras that shoot video for the creator at every level and every budget. No matter what your experience level, Canon likely has a product that will work for you. 

Best overall: Canon EOS R5C 

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Specs

• Resolution: 45 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Image stabilization: Digital only 
• Memory card slots: Slot 1: CFexpress Type B Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.6 x 4 x 4.4 inches

Pros

• Shoots 8K video
• Excellent autofocus
• Built-in fan 
• Includes waveforms

Cons

• Short battery life
• Only offers digital stabilization

You can think of the Canon EOS R5C as the video-centric version of the EOS R5. This 8K capable camera lacks image stabilization but features a built-in fan to prevent overheating while shooting. Canon built the camera around a 45-megapixel sensor and its DIGIC X image processor. It offers 15 stops of dynamic range, can record 10-bit 4K video at 120 fps, and is capable of shooting 45-megapixel stills. 

On top of all that, the Canon EOS R5C features a comfortable ergonomic build with fully customizable buttons. It’s a highly capable video camera that’s much smaller than a dedicated cinema camera and more budget-friendly. We do wish the battery life on this one was a bit longer, but this camera still checks a lot of boxes for filmmakers at many levels. 

Best for pros: Canon EOS C300 Mark III

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Specs

• Resolution: 8.85 megapixels
• Sensor size: Super 35mm 
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Image stabilization: Yes, electronic IS 
• Memory card slots: Dual slot: CFexpress Type B and Single slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Weight: 3.86 pounds (body only)
• Dimensions: 6 x 5.8 x 6.6 inches (without grip)

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Cinema RAW light capabilities 
• Intuitive menus 
• Netflix streaming approved 

Cons

• Expensive

Canon’s EOS C300 Mark III is a high-end cinema camera designed for use on film productions and commercial shoots. It features a super 35mm sensor and advanced color science for accurate reproduction of skin tones. It can shoot 4K at 120p, has Dual Pixel CMOS AF up to 120p, and supports 4-channel recording. 

The modular design of the C300 Mark III makes it easy to customize with accessories depending on a filmmaker’s individual needs. It certainly isn’t cheap, but for filmmakers working on commercial sets, documentary work, or professional film shoots, it’s one of the best Canon cameras for video on the market. 

Best mirrorless: Canon EOS R6 Mark II 

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Specs

• Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots: Dual slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.3 pounds (body only)
• Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches

Pros

• 10-bit video 
• False color display
• Capable of 6K video with an external recorder
• Dedicated video controls

Cons

• Inconsistent AF performance with video
• IBIS can lead to warp at edges of the frame

The EOS R6 Mark II is a fantastic hybrid camera for the creator who wants to shoot stills and video. That’s especially true because Canon decided to clearly separate the controls for each function. The R6 Mark II is capable of shooting 6K with an external recorder or 4K at 60p internally. And it includes advanced video features like false color display, C-Log, and HDR PQ modes. 

The image quality is excellent when shooting with the R6 Mark II, but there are some inconsistency issues when using AF while shooting video. Ultimately, the R6 Mark II is highly functional for a large variety of shooters with a price point that is nearly half of that of the R5 series. 

To read more about the R6 Mark II, check out our full review.

Best for vlogging: Canon EOS R10

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Specs

• Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
• Sensor size: APS-C 
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Image stabilization: Digital (video only) 
• Memory card slots: Single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) slot
• Weight: 15.1 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.5 x 3.3 inches

Pros

• 10-bit HDR PQ video 
• 4K 60p capabilities
• Affordable
• Out-of-camera HDR

Cons

• Unreliable AF tracking in video mode
• Rolling-shutter issues in 4K mode

Most vloggers want an uncomplicated, compact camera that will help them gather footage quickly without fiddling with too many settings or menus. That’s exactly where the EOS R10 excels. The camera uses the full sensor when recording UHD 4K 30p and can also shoot 4K 60p with a cropped region of the sensor. 

The fully articulating screen makes it an ideal option for doing a vlogging walk-and-talk or filming content in a home studio. It also features out-of-camera HDR, so you can plug it directly into an HDR TV or quickly upload it to YouTube. Unfortunately, you can’t record Log with this model, and its autofocus can be a bit unreliable with fast-moving subjects. Nevertheless, it’s a great choice for a content creator who is looking to capture footage that doesn’t require much post-processing work. 

To learn more about the Canon EOS R10, check out our full review.

Best budget: Canon EOS R100

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Specs

• Resolution: 24.1 megapixels
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Lens mount: Canon RF 
• Image stabilization: None 
• Memory card slots: Single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot
• Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.4 x 2.7 inches

Pros

• Compact and affordable
• 4K/24p video capabilities (cropped sensor)
• Excellent image quality

Cons

• No touchscreen 

Canon designed the EOS R100 to be an entry-level, affordable camera, and its features certainly reflect that. Although it has video features and is good for filming short clips, the low price point does come with a lower level of quality. It can shoot 4K 24p video using a cropped portion of its sensor or full-width 1080 60p. The R100 can shoot in slow motion, but only at 720 resolution. Features like Movie IS can smooth out camera movement, but once again, it comes with a crop. However, if you are looking for something simple and with a better lens than your phone, the R100 is a decent budget-friendly starting point for filming. 

What to consider when shopping for the best Canon cameras for video 

Sensor size

Having a nice big sensor is important when filming video. As a result, Full Frame and Super 35 are the most popular sizes found in cameras designed for shooting video. But how much of the sensor they are actually using is just as important. For example, a camera that can shoot 4K footage using the full width of a sensor will give you more leeway in the edit than one that is shooting 4K with a cropped area of the sensor. 

Stabilization

Shaky footage can take a lot away from your content. It can even be a significant deterrent for people trying to watch your videos, leading them to click away and watch something else instead. If you plan to record videos while hand-holding your camera and don’t have the budget for a gimbal, be sure to look for a Canon camera that offers effective image stabilization. And pairing your camera with a lens that also offers image stabilization will help you out even more.

Video resolution

4K capabilities have become the norm in the video world. Although it’s certainly nice to have a camera that can do that, it does mean you will need to stock up on fast memory cards and a speedy machine that can handle those massive files. Certain clients will demand 4K resolution footage, but in many scenarios, having 1080p footage will be plenty. Ultimately, the video resolution you need will depend on where your footage will be seen. 

Budget

The price of Canon cameras for video use is all over the map. A high-end Canon cinema camera can cost you up to $10K, while entry-level models can run between $600 and $1,000. More expensive doesn’t always mean best, though. Before you buy, consider your budget and what types of video content you’d like to be shooting. If you are primarily using your camera to capture footage that will be shown online, a mid-level machine should get you plenty of mileage. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on Canon cameras for video

• Best overall: Canon EOS R5C 
• Best for pros: Canon EOS C300 Mark III
• Best mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II 
• Best for vlogging: Canon EOS R10
• Best budget: Canon EOS R100

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all Canon camera for video since Canon offers a variety of solid options for filmers at all levels. Canon was one of the first camera companies to put serious video tech inside of their products, and it’s no surprise that they continue to create cameras that put the needs of video makers at the forefront. Choosing the right camera for you means evaluating your budget, what your needs are as a video creator and where you ultimately want to see yourself go. Thankfully, there are a lot of great choices in Canon’s lineup that can grow alongside your video career. 

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best Canon cameras for video in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for Canon mirrorless		Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM		SEE IT	This is the mirrorless version of the legendary EF 15-35mm lens.
Best for Nikon mirrorless		Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8		SEE IT	This versatile lens is compact and affordable.
Best for Sony		Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM		SEE IT	This Sony lens offers exceptional sharpness.

A wide-angle lens is more versatile than you may realize. Technically, wide-angle lenses allow you to fill the frame with more content than other lenses, but they also are tools to create dramatic effects, especially at low or close angles. From ultra-wide to mid-range, wide-angle glass expands both the creative and practical aspects of picture-taking. While standard and telephoto lenses often are the more common components of your camera kit, the best wide-angle lens (or two) will complement other focal lengths with their unique perspective.

• Best for Canon mirrorless: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM
• Best for Canon DSLRs: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
• Best for Nikon mirrorless: Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8
• Best for Nikon DSLRs: Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
• Best for Sony: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
• Best for Fujifilm: FUJIFILM XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR
• Best Micro Four Thirds: Olympus M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO
• Best for astrophotography: Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

How we chose the best wide-angle lens

The writers and editors at Pop Photo have experience with just about every camera and lens brand. We have hands-on experience with many of the lenses included here. We used that experience, as well as a mix of editorial and user reviews, in making our selections. Image quality was one of the most important factors, but we also looked for a balance of quality and price. Finally, we also considered build quality, autofocus abilities, and any special features a lens may have.

The best wide-angle lens: Reviews & recommendations

Finding the right wide-angle lens largely depends on the camera you shoot with and what you intend to shoot. Here are some of our favorites for every major camera manufacturer. 

Best for Canon mirrorless: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 82mm
• Minimum focus distance: 11.02 inches
• Weight: 1.85 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.48 x 4.99 – 5 inches

Pros

• Provides image stabilization
• Superb optical quality
• Weather-resistant design
• Customizable control ring

Cons

• Heavy and bulky
• Expensive

The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 carries on much of the impressive legacy of the EF version of this lens. It offers an ultra-wide view along with a more modest wide-angle perspective making it highly versatile. It’s weather-sealed, so it can stand up to the elements if needed. A customizable control ring makes it more convenient to access settings that you need. And, as we would expect from Canon’s L-series lenses, it results in excellent all-around image quality, though with a little bit of edge softness when shooting wide open. 

The RF 15-35mm f/2.8 lens features a fast and constant f/2.8 aperture, ideal for low-light situations like wedding receptions and night landscapes. Adding to its low-light abilities, the lens provides five stops of image stabilization. That’s unique for an ultra-wide-angle lens, which typically doesn’t offer that. And it can focus as close as 11 inches. Combined with the f/2.8 aperture and nine rounded diaphragm blades, you’ll achieve some nice bokeh and background separation, even at the wide end. 

The primary downside to this lens is that is is rather bulky and heavy, partly because of that image stabilization. It even weighs slightly more than the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens. It also doesn’t offer quite the same level of edge-to-edge sharpness as the legendary EF 16-35mm. But it’s still plenty impressive and well worth the money.

Best for Canon DSLRs: Canon EF 16-35MM f/2.8L III

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon EF, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
• Image stabilization: No
• Filter size: 82mm
• Minimum focus distance: 11.02 inches
• Weight: 1.74 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.48 x 5.02 – 5.04 inches

Pros

• Superb image quality
• Fast maximum aperture
• Excellent colors
• Fast and accurate autofocus

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

The EF 16-35mm was so good that Canon created three iterations of it. It was designed for full-frame Canon DSLRs but is compatible with its APS-C DSLR siblings. It offers a versatile focal range suitable for weddings, events, real estate, landscapes, and astrophotography. 

What makes this lens so impressive is the edge-to-edge sharpness, even when shooting wide open. That means you can take advantage of the f/2.8 aperture for low-light shooting or achieving shallow depth of field and still get sharp, quality images. And it produces excellent, true-to-life colors for strong overall image quality.

As with all of Canon’s pro lenses, it is weather-sealed and built to stand up to abuse. Despite the slightly bulbous front element, it accepts 82mm filters. The lens utilizes a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and an internal focusing system, resulting in fast, accurate, and silent autofocus. The price is steep, but this lens has a lot to offer for that price.

Best for Nikon mirrorless: Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8

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Specs

• Lens mount: Nikon Z, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
• Image stabilization: No
• Filter size: 67mm
• Minimum focus distance: 7.5 inches
• Weight: 15.9 ounces
• Dimensions: 3 x 4 inches

Pros

• Fast and silent autofocus
• Reasonably priced
• Compact and lightweight
• Internal focus and zoom

Cons

• Not as sharp as pricier lenses
• No controls on the lens body

The NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is a well-rounded and versatile wide-angle lens for Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras that is priced very reasonably for what you get. It offers a fast and constant f/2.8 aperture, which you typically only see on more expensive models. The focus and zoom are internal, meaning the lens won’t change length as you zoom or adjust focus. That’s ideal for use on a gimbal, especially as it won’t require you to rebalance whenever you want to change your focal length.

There’s no image stabilization, but that’s typical on wide-angle lenses. And it weighs just under a pound, which is very lightweight for the class. That makes it easier to hold and carry for long periods or when trying to hold steady when using slower shutter speeds. The compact size and lightweight build were particularly nice on hikes. It can focus as close as 7.5 inches, resulting in really nice wide-angle detail shots. And it’s weather-sealed and plenty rugged for serious use. 

There are two minor issues with the 17-28mm. First, there are no controls on the lens body, including no manual focus switch. Instead, you’ll have to access your camera menus. It’s also not as sharp as Nikon’s more expensive lenses, especially on the edges. It’s good enough for most situations and people, but if you want pristine sharpness, the NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, despite offering a slightly different focal length, is your best bet.

Best for Nikon DSLRs: Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

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Specs

• Lens mount: Nikon F, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
• Image stabilization: No
• Filter size: Not compatible with filters
• Minimum focus distance: 11.02 inches
• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.86 x 5.18 inches

Pros

• Exceptionally sharp
• Beautiful colors
• Capable of very attractive bokeh
• Solid build quality

Cons

• Heavy
• Not compatible with filters

Nikon’s 14-24mm for Nikon F-mount cameras has long been seen as one of the very best ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses for DSLR cameras across all brands. The Nano Crystal Coat helps reduce ghosting and flare for strong contrast and color accuracy, even in harsh light or backlit conditions. It offers exceptional sharpness and beautiful colors, resulting in overall stunning image quality.

Of course, with all that quality, there has to be a downside. In this case, it comes in the form of weight and a bulbous front element. The lens weighs 2.2 pounds and is 3.86 x 5.2 inches, which is quite bulky and heavy. It’s not one you’ll want to be holding up for long. The front element also protrudes quite a bit, making it incompatible with filters. The built-in lens hood helps protect it from bumps somewhat, but you’ll still want to be aware and cautious. 

With all the weight comes an extremely solid build quality, though. It feels like a tank, able to handle just about anything. This lens best matches a full-frame Nikon DSLR to maximize its dramatic ultra-wide-angle perspective. But it also delivers equally impressive sharpness on DX DSLRs, although with a cropped field of view. 

Best for Sony: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

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Specs

• Lens mount: Sony E, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
• Image stabilization: No
• Filter size: 82mm
• Minimum focus distance: 11 inches
• Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 4.8 – 5.4 inches

Pros

• Versatile focal length range
• Durable built-quality
• Exceptional sharpness
• Fast autofocus

Cons

• Pricey

Sony’s 16-35mm f/2.8 GM is a pricey lens, but for those who want the best in quality and features, it’s well worth the price. As with other G Master lenses, it is built to withstand the elements and some general abuse. It also gets a focus hold button and AF/MF switch for better handling.

This lens features two Direct Drive SSM autofocus groups for fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus. It will allow you to take full advantage of Sony’s advanced autofocus in both still and video applications. The rounded, 11-blade diaphragm results in highly attractive bokeh when you want a shallow depth of field, and the floating focusing system maintains consistent performance when zooming and focusing.

Perhaps most important, though, is that this lens is extremely sharp. It is possibly the sharpest lens of this category across brands. And the Nano AR coating does an excellent job of reducing flare and ghosting, improving contrast and colors even in strong light. Overall, this lens is hard to beat if you are looking for a versatile wide-angle zoom lens.

Best for Fujifilm: FUJIFILM XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR

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Specs

• Lens mount: FUJIFILM X, APS-C
• Aperture range: f/4 – f/22
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 72mm
• Minimum focus distance: 9.4 inches
• Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.4 inches

Pros

• Very compact
• Zoom is smooth
• Utilizes regular, low-profile filters
• Protected against dust and moisture

Cons

• Some visible distortion

Fujifilm’s wide-angle offering may not provide as fast of an aperture as the other lenses on our list, but it still has a lot to offer. As an APS-C lens, it provides a 15-36mm equivalent focal length range, which is ideal for a variety of situations. It’s a very compact lens, so it balances really nicely with the X-series cameras. You can even shoot with a pop-up flash when zoomed out all the way, thanks to how small it is.

The front element of this lens doesn’t protrude very much, which means that you can use traditional front filters. The zoom is nice and smooth, making it ideal for video applications. The stepping motor results in quick and quiet autofocus. There’s no focus breathing either, which is another plus for video. And it offers 3.5 stops of image stabilization, a unique feature for a wide-angle.

There is some visible distortion from this lens, but it’s not a wacky amount. And it’s easy to correct when editing as well. It’s a sharp lens as well, especially when stopped down to f/5.6. Images are clean and clear of aberrations, and ghosting is well handled as well. And it’s weather sealed, making it ideal for landscape photography or anything that might involve getting caught in some less-than-ideal conditions. 

Best Micro Four Thirds: Olympus M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO 

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Specs

• Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
• Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
• Image stabilization: None
• Filter size: Not applicable
• Minimum focus distance: 7.87 inches
• Weight: 1.17 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.11 x 4.17 inches

Pros

• Ultra-wide zoom range
• Weather sealed
• Very sharp
• Programmable function button

Cons

• Not compatible with filters

The M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO is one of the widest angle Micro Four Thirds zooms. With a full-frame equivalent focal length of 14-28mm, it offers a wide-angle field of view at both ends of the zoom range. That makes it ideal for real estate and dramatic landscapes, but also street photography and some creative portraiture.  

This Olympus lens is relatively heavy for an MFT lens, but it still balances well on Olympus cameras. And it offers truly excellent image quality, even when shooting at the wide f/2.8 aperture. It also handles distortion very well for an ultra-wide. There is some noticeable distortion, but it’s easy to correct in post. 

The lens is splashproof, freezeproof, and dustproof. The durable construction, in combination with the compact and lightweight design, make this a great choice for those who frequent rugged destinations. There is a dedicated programmable Fn button to make frequently used settings more accessible. And the built-in petal-type lens hood cuts down on flare and adds some protection to the bulbous front element.

Best for astrophotography: Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

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Specs

• Lens mount: Sony E, Leica L
• Aperture range: f/1.4 – f/16
• Image stabilization: None
• Filter size: Rear filters only
• Minimum focus distance: 11.9 inches
• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 4 x 5.9

Pros

• Very sharp, even when shooting wide-open
• Weather sealed
• Silent and fast autofocus
• Lots of astrophotography-specific features

Cons

• Very heavy
• Only compatible with rear filters

Astrophotography is a genre that has a handful of pretty specific requirements, and this lens does a fantastic job of meeting most of those. It features a dedicated place to attach a lens heater to keep condensation and fogging at bay. A manual focus lock keeps the focus ring from moving once you dial everything in. And the optical design results in clear, accurate star shapes with essentially no fringing or aberrations.

Sigma’s 14mm f/1.4 also has a lot to offer beyond astrophotography. It can focus as close as 11.9 inches and, along with the f/1.4 aperture, is capable of really shallow depth of field for an ultra-wide-angle lens. It can even produce some nice bokeh, making it a good tool for creative detail shots. It also offers excellent sharpness across the entire image with easy-to-correct distortion, making it an ideal choice for landscape, architectural, and real estate photographers.

Sigma built this lens to be rugged, and it feels really solid. It is weather sealed, so you won’t have to worry about getting caught in the elements. Of course, because Sigma was focused on quality and features, there had to be some sacrifices. The most significant one is the weight. This is a big, heavy lens. But the tripod collar with Arca-compatible foot makes it more manageable on a tripod.

To learn more about this lens, check out our full review.

Even more wide-angle lenses to consider

Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S  

For those who loved the notorious Nikon 14-24mm lens for Nikon DSLRs, you will be just as pleased with the mirrorless version. It is possibly the best lens for Nikon mirrorless cameras across all focal lengths. And it is lighter, smaller, and provides faster autofocus than the DSLR version, making it worth the upgrade if you are moving to Nikon Z mount. 

Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens

The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens is an ultra-wide, pro-quality lens for Sony cameras. It offers exceptional image quality, including superb sharpness when wide open, well-handled flare, and attractive bokeh. And it is weather sealed, ready for your adventures. It’s an expensive lens, but if you want a truly stunning ultra-wide for Sony E mount, this is a fantastic choice.

Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art

For those wanting a more affordable, third-party option for Sony E or Leica L mount cameras, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens is hard to beat. It offers excellent image quality, minimal distortion, and a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture. The autofocus is speedy and accurate, and the lens offers plenty of on-lens controls, making it easier to use. And it’s less than half the price of the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens.

Things to consider when choosing a wide-angle lens

Like all photography equipment, selecting the best wide-angle lens depends on how you plan to use it and, importantly, what camera you’ll be shooting with. Landscape photography is often the first genre that comes to mind when thinking about a wide-angle lens. And while landscapes are one of the most common uses of this lens format, there are many more, including street photography, event coverage, environmental portraits, architecture and real estate, underwater photography, and astrophotography.

Focal length

A wide-angle lens provides a focal length of 35mm or less on a full-frame camera. Anything 24mm or less is classified as an ultra-wide-angle. Although it may not seem like much, a 14mm lens offers a dramatically different view from a 20mm or 35mm lens. Different situations call for different focal lengths, even in the realm of wide-angle lenses. So, it’s important to consider what you will be shooting or the styles of images that you are aiming for before making your purchase. 

For example, 14mm lenses are ideal for underwater photography and night sky images. Street photography and environmental portraits are often best served by 35mm lenses since they’re wide enough to include a subject’s surroundings without distorting people’s faces. You have more flexibility when you choose a wide-angle lens for landscapes and architecture since the optimal field of view depends on the scope of the scene.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you are using an APS-C—also called crop sensor—or Micro Four Thirds camera, you won’t get the same view from a lens as you would on a full-frame camera. Instead, you need to multiply the focal length of a lens by the crop factor of your sensor. For Fuji, Sony, and Nikon DX, that number is 1.5, while Canon is 1.6, and Olympus and Panasonic are 2x. So, for example, if you are shooting with the Nikon Z50 and using a 35mm lens, it will provide the field of view of a 52mm lens. Your wide-angle lens then won’t actually provide a wide-angle view, so be sure to plan accordingly if you are using a crop sensor camera. 

Prime or zoom lens

You should also consider whether you want (or need) a prime or zoom lens. A prime lens only offers a single, fixed focal length, and a zoom lens covers a range of focal lengths. While a zoom lens provides a broader range adding to its versatility, a prime lens may be smaller and lighter. Also, prime lenses sometimes offer a faster maximum aperture, which translates to a shallow depth-of-field for times when you want an out of focus background. 

Maximum aperture

Wide-angle lenses aren’t going to provide the same dramatically shallow depth of field as normal or telephoto lenses. But, with the help of a wide maximum aperture (among other factors), you can achieve quite a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh with a wide-angle lens. Plus, a wide maximum aperture also makes it easier to shoot in low-light situations like wedding receptions or astrophotography. If you want a shallow depth of field and more flexibility with shooting in low light, focus on a lens that offers a fast maximum aperture like f/2.8. 

Additional features to consider

Once you decide on the main factors listed above, there are a handful of smaller details to think about in case they are essential to your shooting style.

Weather sealing: Not all lenses are built for use in rugged environments. If you plan on taking your wide-angle lens on serious adventures, be sure to look for an option that offers extensive weather sealing

Size and weight: Wide-angle lenses tend to be fairly bulky pieces of equipment, especially when you get into the ultra-wide category. But there have been some nice compact options made if you want to have a lighter kit. 

FAQs

A final word about the best wide-angle lens

• Best for Canon mirrorless: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM
• Best for Canon DSLRs: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
• Best for Nikon mirrorless: Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8
• Best for Nikon DSLRs: Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
• Best for Sony: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
• Best for Fujifilm: FUJIFILM XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR
• Best Micro Four Thirds: Olympus M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO 
• Best third-party: Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art
• Best for astrophotography: Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Regardless of your camera’s format—full-frame, APS-C, or MFT—there are a variety of wide-angle lenses from which to choose at various price points. Adding a wide-angle lens (or two) to your camera gear arsenal can motivate you to add versatility to your image-making. And the best wide-angle lens may give you a whole new perspective on the world.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best wide-angle lens in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best overall		Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS		SEE IT	This classic zoom range offers a lot of versatility in a single lens.
Best for wildlife		Canon RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1L IS		SEE IT	You can keep your distance while getting epic photos of wildlife with this lens.
Best budget		Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS		SEE IT	This lens has a lot to offer for its sub $1,000 price.

Telephoto lenses for Canon cameras take up a huge market segment, with lenses ranging from 70mm up to and beyond 800mm. That’s a lot of variety to choose from! The best options allow for maximum magnification of the intended subject while keeping it sharp, free of distortion, and easy to keep in the frame. The resultant images help to bring the viewer as close as possible to the subject. That’s a lot to ask of a lens, especially when the intended subjects are typically far away, very small, or both. Choosing the right telephoto lens depends greatly on your intended use. This is why there are hundreds of options to choose from, from the very niche super-telephoto primes to the more universal all-in-one superzooms. Here are some of the best telephoto lenses for Canon cameras, no matter your needs.

• Best overall: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS
• Best premium: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM
• Best for wildlife: Canon RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1L IS
• Best for portraits: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM
• Best value: Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS
• Best third party: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports
• Best budget: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS

How we picked the best telephoto lenses for Canon

There were a lot of factors that went into determining the best telephoto lenses for Canon cameras. Although budget was the primary concern, perhaps equally important was lens mount type. Concerning Canon specifically, they have introduced a large spectrum of telephoto RF lenses across all budgets, and it’s no coincidence that those lenses are featured prominently here. 

The RF mount has allowed Canon to dramatically increase the performance and features of their telephoto lens lineup while at the same time reducing their weight and size. In addition, the RF mount has enabled Canon to introduce some truly unique lenses, which would not have been possible before due to the limitations of the EF mount.

The best telephoto lenses for Canon: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you are looking to capture dramatic shots of wildlife, document sporting events, or create beautiful portraits, these telephoto lenses will help you nail the shot.

Best overall: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/32
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 77mm
• Minimum focus distance: 2.3 feet
• Weight: 2.35 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.54 x 5.75 – 8.03 inches

Pros

• Tiny and light
• Extremely good optics
• Accurate, fast, and quiet autofocus
• Configurable control ring

Cons

• Expensive 
• Not compatible with teleconverters

No photographer’s trinity of lenses would be complete without a 70-200mm. If you take the previous EF mount versions into account, what could Canon possibly offer as an improvement to this professional zoom? For a start, nearly 30% reduction in weight and size, with no loss in image quality. To put it bluntly, it is an amazing feat of optical engineering. It is the smallest 70-200 f/2.8 lens on the market today. Only the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is lighter by a paltry 25 grams or about five credit cards. 

Speaking of credit cards, you might need to leverage them against the cost of this lens because this new kid on the block doesn’t come cheap. That 30% reduction in weight and size will cost you 30% more than the last EF 70-200 that Canon released. For some of you, the ultimate deal-breaker for this lens might be that it is not capable of accepting teleconverters of any sort. The rear element is so close to the back of the lens that any teleconverter simply does not have enough room to fit, which seriously reduces its flexibility in the field. 

Putting teleconverter efficacy aside, that’s about the only bad news to report with this lens. Sure, the new design no longer has internal zooming, making people worried about dust and moisture intrusion. But Canon did this before and had great success with the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS. So dust and moisture intrusion should be the least of your worries. Overall this is the best telephoto lens for Canon and a fantastic achievement; anyone with the budget will have no complaints about quality over the previous generations. 

Best premium: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f2.8 – f/22
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 112mm
• Minimum focus distance: 5.9 feet
• Weight: 5.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 5 x 12.7 inches

Pros

• 5.5 stops of stabilization with three modes
• Extremely fast focusing
• Superb image quality
• Compatible with teleconverters

Cons

• Very pricey

For professionals who want one of the absolute best telephoto lenses for Canon cameras, it’s hard to beat the relatively new Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 lens. It’s more versatile than a 300mm prime, but offers absolutely stunning image quality. It offers truly impressive sharpness across the entire image, allowing for highly-detailed images. The fast and constant f/2.8 aperture makes it ideal for low-light situations. And the lens is capable of beautifully blurred backgrounds to keep the focus on your subject.

The lens feels very well-built, handles nicely, and offers extensive weatherproofing to stand up to extreme environments. Focus and zoom are both fully internal, so the lens won’t change length at all when you change your focal length or focus. That adds to its performance in adverse weather and also means the balance of the lens won’t change at all. The zoom and focus rings feature different texturized finishes, so you’ll be able to tell the difference without looking at the lens. And there’s a customizable control ring, which you can use for things like aperture, shutter speed, or ISO.

Canon designed this lens for sports and events, and as a result, focusing on this lens is extremely fast. But there are a few controls to make it even faster should you need that. A Focus Preset option, which allows you to program a focusing distance and instantly focus to that point. And the focus limiter switch with two settings (5.9 feet to infinity or from 19.7 feet to infinity) keeps the lens from searching for focus in unnecessary places. And it offers 5.5 stops of stabilization with three different modes or up to six when paired with a camera with IBIS.

Best for wildlife: Canon RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1L IS

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f/4.5-7.1 to f/32-54
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 77mm
• Minimum focus distance: 2.95 feet
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.7 x 8.2 – 11.7 inches

Pros

• Lightweight
• Increased range
• Excellent image quality
• Configurable control ring

Cons

• Expensive
• Slower maximum aperture 

When thinking of professional hand-holdable superzooms, it’s hard not to consider the 100-400mm range. Canon has made two of these iterations before, and both have been excellent and versatile lenses for the EF mount. This new RF “L” version somehow manages to pack an extra 100mm of focal length while at the same time reducing its weight when compared to the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II. Just about everything in this lens is better than its predecessor. Autofocus is more snappy, thanks to the new dual Nano-USM, and image stabilization has increased to five total stops. And the added control ring allows adjustments of an assortment of exposure settings on the fly.

The slower f/7.1 maximum aperture might be suspect, but remember that the newer RF mount cameras aren’t constrained by light the same way as their EF predecessors. The new cameras allow for full focus across the frame at smaller apertures, even at f/7.1 and beyond. You can use teleconverters, albeit only over 300mm, when the rear element leaves enough room for them. 

The only real negative of this lens is the price, which is indicative of its recent release and added features. However, canon RF body owners should have a hard time overlooking this lens for handheld wildlife shooting as its handling and performance easily eclipses the experience of using prior models.

Best for portraits: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f/1.2 – 16
• Image stabilization: No
• Filter size: 82mm
• Minimum focus distance: 2.79 feet
• Weight: 2.63 pounds
• Dimensions: 4.06 x 4.62 inches

Pros

• Stunning sharpness
• Defocus Smoothing coating produces better bokeh
• Robust weather sealing
• Fast autofocus

Cons

• Expensive
• Rather heavy

While any of the lenses included here could certainly be used as portrait lenses, 85mm is the quintessential portrait lens. And this Canon version is a beautiful example of what a quality 85mm should be. It offers superb sharpness for richly detailed images. The Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics element essentially eliminates fringing and chromatic aberrations, resulting in clear, clean images. But where this 85mm really shines is with its bokeh.

Canon created this lens with its Defocus Smoothing coating, which results in softer and smoother bokeh when shooting at wide apertures. And indeed, the bokeh is absolutely stunning. And the transition from in-focus to out-of-focus elements is very smooth. The downside is that the coating requires 1.3 stops more light when shooting wide open than the standard version of this 85mm without the coating. But by f/3.2, both are effectively the same in terms of light transmission.

Beyond image quality, the lens is built with extensive weather sealing to stand up to whatever you throw at it. The ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) results in fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus performance. And it features an internal focusing design. You’ll have access to a customizable control ring, which you can use for settings such as aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation.

Best value: Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f/11
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 95mm
• Minimum focus distance: 19.96 feet
• Weight: 2.77 pounds
• Dimensions: 4 x 11.1 – 13.85 inches

Pros

• Impressive image quality
• Small and light
• Insane value
• Excellent autofocus and image stabilization

Cons

• Very slow maximum aperture
• Extreme minimum focus distance

Canon’s RF 800mm f/11 IS is easily one of the more audacious lens offerings from such a prominent manufacturer. Canon is no stranger to making 800mm lenses, but it’s rather strange at this low price point. The RF 800mm is impressively sharp, compact, lightweight, and has the autofocus and image stabilization of lenses above its tier. There is no lens with a better value per millimeter on the market today. It also accepts teleconverters, so you could have a 1600mm, autofocusing f/22 lens for not much more. 

The RF 800mm obviously has its shortcomings, the most glaring being the constant f/11 aperture. This lens needs a lot of light to maximize autofocus performance and minimize motion blur. Other drawbacks aren’t so severe. The minimum focusing distance is on the extreme side at 20ft, but that shouldn’t be an issue for birding and wildlife shooting. This lens is not weather-sealed, but since it requires a lot of light, shooting in poor weather would be unlikely. 

Some people might find the need to extend and lock the barrel before shooting a nuisance, but this also allows it to be extremely portable given its immense reach. All things considered, if you can imagine yourself in an environment with enough light, this lens should be on your radar.

Best third party: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Aperture range: f/5 – 6.3 to f/22
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 105mm
• Minimum focus distance: 8.53 feet
• Weight: 6.29 pounds
• Dimensions: 4.76 x 11.43 – 15.04 inches

Pros

• Huge zoom range
• Rugged build 
• Great value for money
• Superb image quality

Cons

• Very heavy
• Requires an adapter to work on RF cameras

While the RF mount represents the future of Canon’s lenses, third-party development of the RF mount has lagged since its introduction in 2018. So to recommend a third-party lens for Canon, we have to look to the past and the legacy EF mount. Luckily, you can get an adapter to use this EF lens on RF cameras. Sigma introduced the 150-600mm Sport in 2014, and it still represents the pinnacle of third-party telephoto lens design. 

It’s a beast at over six pounds. For a lens that looks and feels hand-holdable, it most certainly is not and would benefit from proper mounting on a gimbal or sidekick. However, what it lacks in handling, it more than makes up for in robust build quality with its superior splash and dustproof construction. Even the lens hood boasts an all-aluminum build with a rubberized coating near the front to prevent damage when sitting on rough surfaces. 

The features packed into this lens are just as incredible as its build quality. For instance, you can operate it as a traditional twist zoom or a push-pull, and you can engage the zoom lock at any focal length. The elements that make up the lens design are veritably resistant to flares, chromatic aberrations, and even water and oil (on the front and rear elements). 

The image quality is extremely consistent throughout the focal range. And the autofocus and image stabilization performance are exceptional, silent, and accurate. You can also customize this lens through Sigma’s USB dock, and they also offer a lens mount conversion service to switch between Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma, and Pentax. What’s more, Sigma includes a robust padded case and strap with the purchase.

Best budget: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Aperture range: f/5.6 – 8 to f/32 – 45
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 67mm
• Minimum focus distance: 2.9 feet
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.1 x 6.5 inches

Pros

• Great value
• Small and light
• Surprising image quality
• Great autofocus and image stabilization

Cons

• Slow maximum aperture
• Lens hood and tripod collar are not included

The biggest problem with telephoto lenses, in general, is the overwhelming price most of them command. In the past, telephoto lenses with at least 400mm of range have either been competent and expensive or sacrificed too much in image quality and performance to be good budget buys. But it seems that Canon is on a roll with the development of interesting lenses that somehow manage to break the quality for price barrier. The new RF 100-400mm is the latest in a slew of wins for Canon’s consumer line. This lens packs enough image quality and performance features that seasoned photographers will appreciate while at the same time significantly lowering what has always been a prohibitively high price point in this focal range.

It lacks some creature comforts reserved for higher tier “L” lenses, but that is to be expected at this lower price bracket. It has a relatively slow f/8 maximum aperture at 400mm, which means you’ll need a bit more light to get the proper performance out of it. But it also has Canon’s new quick and quiet Nano-USM focusing motor and 5.5 stops of image stabilization. 

What it lacks in weather sealing and build quality, it makes up for with its small stature and lightweight design. Some might call the image quality pedestrian when compared to Canon’s RF 100-500mm, but remember that this lens is over four times less expensive. There is no lens available at this price with this range in either EF or RF mounts. This lens isn’t complacent; it convincingly establishes itself in a notoriously tough focal range with a lack of clear competition. This is one of best telephoto lenses for Canon on a budget.

Things to consider before buying the best telephoto lenses for Canon

Telephoto lenses cover such a broad spectrum of photography and can be useful in many disparate scenarios. Factors such as focal length, zoom versus prime, weight, and size are not generally related to price. Whereas maximum aperture, sharpness, build quality, autofocus performance, and extra features most definitely are. Of course, there are trade-offs to having a smaller budget, but that’s where knowing what you’re going to use the lens for comes heavily into play. Understanding your specific use case for a telephoto lens will allow you to acknowledge which trade-offs will be acceptable. If you’re looking for the best telephoto lenses for Canon, consider the following:

Budget

The most important factor in deciding which telephoto lens to buy is your budget. The price of this category of lenses can vary wildly, from $100 to $20,000. So knowing what you have to spend will make a huge difference in the kind of lens you are able to acquire. 

Generally, the most expensive lenses are very niche and at the pinnacle of optical quality and performance. The reverse can usually be said of the least expensive telephoto lenses. But the new RF mount lenses from Canon have shown us that you can have optical quality around the $1000 mark. The thing most lacking from these lower-tier lenses isn’t necessarily image quality, but features, performance, and build quality.

Your specific use case

Not all telephoto lenses are created equal, and this segment of the market has a vast and diverse population of lenses built for specific purposes. So before you sink your money into a lens that has been raved about for its performance, sharpness, price, value, etc., consider what you want to use a particular lens for. 

Are you a birder? Are you spending most of your time stationary on a tripod or walking around? Do you need to shoot in low light? Do you shoot outdoors in inclement weather? Do you need it to fit in a carry-on bag? Are your subjects large, small, close, afar, or all of the above? Answering these questions to help figure out what you want a telephoto lens for will narrow down the correct lens to buy, so be specific.

Weight

Whether you intend on hand-holding or using a tripod, lens weight is a factor that you should not ignore. What good is a 7 lb 600, 800, or 1200mm lens when it stays in its case because it’s too cumbersome to set up? Some telephoto zooms weigh in excess of 6 lbs, so budget does not necessarily correlate with weight. It’s best to know your specific use case first, then determine what your arms can manage, either while shooting handheld or lugging around in a case between shoots.

EF VS RF Mount

Whether we like it or not, the RF mount is the future, and Canon has introduced some unique and innovative lenses for this mount. EF mount lenses do have the advantage in numbers; Canon alone has made 151 unique models since 1987. So why not just use an EF to RF mount adapter? There’s nothing inherently wrong with that logic, but that’s only a stop-gap measure as RF mount lenses have a clear advantage in technology. They can be lighter, smaller, have larger constant apertures and communicate faster, which in turn allows for better autofocus, and superior image stabilization.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best telephoto lenses for Canon

• Best overall: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS
• Best premium: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM
• Best for wildlife: Canon RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1L IS
• Best for portraits: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM
• Best value: Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS
• Best third party: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports
• Best budget: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS

Telephoto lenses cover such a large swath of photographic applications and can be highly niched with prime super telephotos or extremely broad with telephoto zooms. Understanding what you want to shoot and the environment you’ll be shooting in will be the biggest key in determining which are the best telephoto lenses for Canon to invest in.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best telephoto lenses for Canon in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Canon has been one of the top camera equipment companies for a very long time. It’s well known for making everything from high-end, professional-level to beginner-friendly gear. It produces tools for still photographers and videographers alike. The company has decent deals on its equipment fairly frequently, especially when you include bundled kits and older goods. But it’s professional-level or new equipment goes on sale less frequently. Big discounts are pretty rare as well. But we’ve scoured the internet for you, so you can easily see what Canon camera deals are currently going on. And if you aren’t a Canon user, check out our full lineup of camera deals.

Canon EOS R6 $1,999.00 (was $2,299.00)

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The Canon EOS R6 is the previous generation, with the R6 Mark II taking its place last fall. But the original R6 is still a superb camera worth buying, especially when it’s $300 off. This full-frame mirrorless camera offers 4K video recording, dual memory card slots, and advanced autofocus. It also offers 12 frames per second with the mechanical shutter or up to 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter, making it a worthy camera for action shots.

More Canon deals

Canon cameras

• Canon EOS M200 Mirrorless Camera with EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens $498.00 (was $549.00)
• Canon EOS M50 Mark II Mirrorless Camera with EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens $599.00 (was $699.00)
• Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens $399.00 (was $479.00)
• Canon EOS R7 $1,399.00 (was $1,499.00)
• Canon EOS R5 $3,399.00 (was $3,899.00)
• Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera with RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens $4,499.00 (was $4,999.00)
• Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body with RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens $6,198.00 (was $6,698.00)
• Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body with Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens $5,798.00 (was $6,298.00)
• Canon EOS R5 C $3,999.00 (was $4,299.00)
• Canon EOS R6 $1,999.00 (was $2,299.00)
• Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Digital Camera with RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens $3,099.00 (was $3,399.00)
• Canon EOS R3 $5,499.00 (was $5,999.00)
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Body $2,499.00 (was $2,699.00)

Canon RF lens deals

• Canon Mount Adapter EF – EOS R $99.00 (was $160.00)
• Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM $249.99 (was $299.99)
• Canon RF24mm F1.8 Macro is STM $499.00 (was $599.99)
• Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM $399.00 (Was $499.99)
• Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM $169.00 (was $199.00)
• Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM $2,599.00 (was $2,799.00)
• Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM $499.00 (was $599.99)
• Canon RF15-30mm F4.5-6.3 is STM $499.00 (was $549.99)
• Canon Rf 15-35mm F2.8 L is USM $2,199.00 (was $2,399.00)
• Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L is USM $2,199.00 (was $2,399.00)
• Canon RF 24–240mm F4-6.3 is USM $799.00 (was $899.99)
• Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM $2,599.00 (was $2,799.00)
• Canon RF70-200mm F4 L is USM $1,499.00 (was $1,599.00)
• Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM $2,699.00 (was $2,899.00)

Canon EF lens deals

• Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM $349.00 (was $399.00)
• Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM $2,604.95 (was $2,999.00)
• Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM $2,099.00 (was $2,199.00)
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM $1,799.00 (was $1,899.00)
• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro $1,099.00 (was $1,299.00)

Canon printer deals

• Canon SELPHY QX10 Portable Square Photo Printer $89.99 (was $149.00)
• Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer $69.00 (was $129.99)
• Canon PIXMA TR7020a All-in-One Wireless Color Inkjet Printer $79.00 (was $159.99)
• Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer $199.00 (was $299.99)
• Canon G3260 All-in-One Printer $199.99 (was $229.99)
• Canon PIXMA G3270 – Wireless MegaTank All-in-One Printer $179.00 (was $229.99)

Canon binocular deals

• Canon Cameras US 10X32 is Image Stabilizing Binocular $899.00 (was $1,099.00)
• Canon Cameras US 12X32 is Image Stabilizing Binocular $999.00 (was $1,199.00)
• Canon Cameras US 14X32 is Image Stabilizing Binocular $1,099.00 (was $1,299.00)

The post Canon camera and lens deals to shop this July appeared first on Popular Photography.

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