Best lenses for Canon EOS 90D & EOS 80D in 2023

Best lens for Canon EOS 90D
(Image credit: Canon)

Looking for the best lens for Canon EOS 90D? This guide gives our pick of the six top choices available out of the hundreds you could buy. Although chosen for the 90D, these lenses will also likely be the best lenses for the Canon EOS 80D, and many other older Canon APS-C DSLRs.

A feature-packed enthusiast camera, the Canon EOS 90D is a DSLR in a mirrorless world. It’s small, nimble, and shoots 32MP stills with uncropped 4K UHD video. As a powerful piece of recently released kit, it’s worth investing in some decent lenses to accompany such a unique camera.

As an APS-C sensor camera almost all of our top picks are EF-S lenses because they’re specifically designed to work with crop-sensor Canons. That means the image circle and distance from the rear of the lens to the image sensor is aligned perfectly. However, EF lenses do work on crop-sensors too, and there’s one in this roundup you should be sure not to miss.

From versatile ultra-wides with impossible-sounding apertures, to stabilized telephoto zooms that help reach into a scene and pluck out far-away subjects there’s something for everyone here at a range of price points. So do yourself a favor and check out some of the best lenses for the Canon EOS 90D below to bag some glass that’ll last you a lifetime.

Best lenses for Canon EOS 90D

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(Image credit: SSigma)

1: Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC Art HSM

The world’s first f/1.8 constant aperture zoom

Specifications

Maximum aperture: Constant f/1.8
Effective focal length on 90D: 28.8-56mm
Image Stabilization: No
Lens construction: 17 elements in 12 groups
Dimensions: 78 x 121mm
Weight: 810g
Filter size: 72mm

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible constant wide aperture
+
Wonderfully smooth bokeh character 

Reasons to avoid

-
A little costly  
-
Vignetting when shot wide open

Although nearly a decade old, this versatile ultra-wide angle lens was the world’s first f/1.8 constant aperture zoom lens for DSLRs and absolutely smashes low light performance. Typically, those who wanted to shoot apertures as fast as this would typically need to swap out their wide-zoom for a prime lens, but this lens offers greater flexibility in many shooting scenarios, especially for interior and astro photography.

Minimum focusing distance of 28cm means close-up subjects aren’t out of reach. 

It has improved durability through its tough brass bayonet mount. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet, speedy autofocusing. A rounded 9-blade diaphragm in the lens prevents unwanted light source bursts and instead offers beautifully smooth bokeh.

(Image credit: Future)
This compact telezoom is perfect for travel photography

Specifications

Maximum aperture: f/4-5.6
Effective focal length on 90D: 88-400mm
Image Stabilization: Yes
Lens construction: 15 elements in 12 groups
Dimensions: 70 x 111mm
Weight: 375g
Filter size: 58mm

Reasons to buy

+
Good, clear optics
+
Quiet internal autofocus

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the sharpest 
-
Not compatible with extenders

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM has a generous zoom range that favors far-away subjects like sports competitors, wildlife, and action. However, due to the small form factor and its extremely light construction it’s actually ideal for travel photography as well. 

Four stops of image stabilization keeps the frame steady when shooting handheld, allowing for slightly longer exposures when faced with dim light conditions. A small 58mm filter thread on the front element means lower cost for filters (larger filters generally cost more) further adding to the affordability of this lens. Its Stepping motor (STM) technology gives decent autofocus which remains quiet during video recording, too.

(Image credit: Future)
Tiny prime ideal for street and travel photography

Specifications

Maximum aperture: Fixed f/2.8
Effective focal length on 90D: 38.4mm
Image Stabilization: No
Lens construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
Dimensions: 68.2 x 22.8mm
Weight: 125g
Filter size: 52mm

Reasons to buy

+
Slim profile and lightweight
+
-Good anti-flare lens coatings

Reasons to avoid

-
Autofocus a little slow
-
Canon's only EF-S prime lens

As a pancake lens this 24mm prime is absolutely tiny. One way Canon have done this is to use a more mechanical Stepping Motor (STM) autofocusing system which, though a little slow and noisy, works well when shooting.

Oddly, this is the only EF-S prime lens that Canon still produces, which is a shame if prime is your thing. To gather a set of prime lenses you’ll have to either go for a discontinued lens, opt for a third party model, or take a step up from the 90D and go full-frame to increase your lens selection from Canon’s line-up. However, at 24mm (equivalent focal length of 38mm on this crop-sensor body) it’s exceedingly versatile lending itself well to travel photography due to its size, street photography thanks to its fast aperture, and environmental portraiture with its wide field of view.

(Image credit: James Artaius)
Great budget portait lens for Canon EOS 90D

Specifications

Maximum aperture: Fixed f/1.8
Effective focal length on 90D: 80mm
Image Stabilization: No
Lens construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
Dimensions: 69.2 x 39.3mm
Weight: 159g
Filter size: 49mmv

Reasons to buy

+
Ultra shallow depth of field
+
Useful mid-range focal length
+
Also compatible with full-frame Canon DSLRs

Reasons to avoid

-
Not strictly an EF-S lens
-
Heavy vignetting shot wide open

Yes, this isn’t strictly an EF-S lens designed for the APS-C EOS 90D, however, it will still work just as well and it’s such a useful lens that we couldn’t omit it from this list. Super sharp, fast focusing is powered by a quiet Stepper Motor (STM) technology meaning it’s suitable for both stills and video recording.

A minimum focusing distance of approximately 35cm makes this fifty very nifty for close-up subjects and detail shots. The fixed 50mm is a general jack-of-all-trades focal length and can shoot most things well, but the 80mm equivalent on the 90D means it’s ideal for portraits. Consider that alongside a fast f/1.8 aperture that oozes charm when shot wide open and you have a recipe for magical-looking images.

(Image credit: Matthew Richards)
Best telezoom for a Canon EOS 90D

Specifications

Maximum aperture: Constant f/4
Effective focal length on 90D: 112-336mm
Image Stabilization: Yes
Lens construction: 20 elements in 14 groups
Dimensions: 76 x 176.5mm
Weight: 860g
Filter size: 67mm

Reasons to buy

+
Slim, compact construction
+
Close-focusing 1:3 macro

Reasons to avoid

-
At full zoom image quality suffers 
-
Strong vignetting in places

Aimed at enthusiasts this telephoto zoom is a real upgrade from the cheaper options on the market. A slim profile and lightweight mirrorless-like design pairs perfectly with the 90D’s aesthetics. Clear, sharp optics provide good image quality but it isn’t quite as good at the long 210mm end.

Shooting in difficult lighting situations is made easier with the use of in-built image stabilization that counters up to four stops of camera shake blur. Minimum focusing distance comes in at just under a meter to provide a macro reproduction ratio of 1:3 meaning close-up subjects are a real possibility. The useful zoom range helps isolate portraits and other subjects with a flatteringly shortened depth of field.

(Image credit: Future)
Best ultra-wide zoom lens for Canon EOS 90D

Specifications

Maximum aperture: f/4.5-5.6
Effective focal length on 90D: 16-28.8mm
Image Stabilization: Yes
Lens construction: 14 elements in 11 groups
Dimensions: 74.6 x 72mm
Weight: 240g
Filter size: 67mm

Reasons to buy

+
Ultra-wide field of view
+
Great zoom for composing shots

Reasons to avoid

-
Plastic mount

Optically brilliant without breaking the bank this ultra-wide APS-C lens is a killer lens for landscapes, astrophotography, architecture, and environmental portraiture. Though ultra-wides like this tend to suffer less from camera shake blur when shooting at longer exposures so avoid image stabilization altogether, this lens bucks the trend by whacking on a whopping four stops of IS.

Light in construction and with an equivalent focal length range of 16-28.8mm it’ll tuck away nicely in a camera bag. The zoom allows for quick recomposition when travelling where you can’t physically reposition yourself to get the shot. STM focusing provides quiet autofocusing, great when video recording.

(Image credit: James Artaius / Digital Camera World)
Canon’s top macro lens for full frame and APS-C DSLRs

Specifications

Mount: Canon EF
Effective focal length on 90D: 160mm
Elements/groups: 15/12
Diaphragm blades: 9
Autofocus: Ultrasonic (ring-type)
Stabilizer: Yes (hybrid)
Minimum focus distance: 0.3m
Maximum magnification: 1.0x
Filter thread: 67mm
Dimensions (WxL): 78x123mm
Weight: 625g

Reasons to buy

+
Typically strong ‘L’ series build quality
+
Hybrid optical stabilization

Reasons to avoid

-
Relatively expensive to buy
-
No sharper than competing Sigma and Tamron lenses

This is a favorite choice for those who need a macro lens for extreme close-ups. Along with sturdy L-series build quality, Canon’s 100mm macro features hybrid optical stabilization. Typical upmarket attractions include ring-type ultrasonic autofocus and a three-position autofocus limiter switch, which can lock out the short or long end of the range. The lens also has weather sealing and an Ultra-low Dispersion element. Image quality remains impressive throughout the aperture range, right down to f/22, helping you to eke out a little extra depth of field. Autofocus is fast and accurate and quiet but, more importantly for most macro shooting, the manual focus ring is smooth and precise. 

(Image credit: Tamron)
Best all-in-one lens for the Canon EOS 90D

Specifications

Effective focal length on 90D: 28.8-640mm
Lens construction: 16 elements in 11 groups
No. of diaphragm blades: 7
Minimum focus distance: 0.45m
Filter size: 72mm
Dimensions: 79x124mm
Weight: 710g

Reasons to buy

+
Monster 640mm ‘effective’ telephoto reach
+
Fairly compact given the zoom range

Reasons to avoid

-
Mediocre sharpness at longer zoom
-
Optical stabilizer only 2.5 stops

A superzoom combines a wide-angle zoom and a telephoto zoom - making it a popular choice travellers, as an all-in-on solution. This Tamron offers a great reach than many of its rivals, with a long reach that means it can provide a lightweight option even for wildlife and field sports.

On a Canon APS-C format camera, it works out to an effective 640mm at the long end, putting it firmly into super-telephoto territory. Autofocus is driven by an HLD (High/Low toque-modulated Drive) motor. When we reviewed the Tamron 18-400mm lens, we found it to be quick and very quiet in operation. Being able to adjust focusing speed accordingly for speedy stills performance and smooth transitions in movie capture is hugely useful, though the VC (Vibration Compensation) system is comparatively mediocre for a Tamron lens, with just 2.5-stop effectiveness. Image quality is good overall but sharpness could be better at medium to long zoom settings.

Read more: Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD superzoom review

How we test lenses

We test lenses using both real-world sample images and lab tests. Our lab tests are carried out scientifically in controlled conditions using the Imatest testing suite, which consists of custom charts and analysis software that measures resolution in line widths/picture height, a measurement widely used in lens and camera testing. We find the combination of lab and real-world testing works best, as each reveals different qualities and characteristics.

Read more:

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 80D vs EOS 7D Mark II

Best Canon lenses

Best 150-600mm lenses

Best 100-400mm lenses

Best macro lenses

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Jason Parnell-Brookes

Jason Parnell-Brookes is an internationally award-winning photographer,  writer, and an optics specialist. He currently serves as the Channel Editor for Cameras and Skywatching over at Space.com and is the former Technique Editor of N-Photo magazine. He won Gold in the Nikon Photo Contest 2018/19 and was named Digital Photographer of the Year in 2014. Jason is a qualified teacher, Masters graduate and works with many high-profile international clients.