Best Canon standard zoom lenses: for Canon DSLRs, EOS R and EOS M

Looking to replace your kit lens? This guide to the best Canon standard zoom lenses will help choose the right lens for you and allow you to take your photography to the next level.

When we talk about kit lenses, we're referring to the standard zoom lenses that are often supplied with your Canon camera. This are useful lenses to help you get started, but have been designed to be compact and affordable before anything else.

Over time though, you'll want to look at replacing this kit lens with a new lens. The best Canon standard zoom lenses offer a longer focal range than you kit lens, a constant maximum aperture or just better all-round picture quality. 

As we've just touched on, one major reason for upgrading to a new standard zoom lens is so you can get a lens with a wider maximum aperture, typically f/2.8, that remains available throughout the zoom range. This enables faster shutter speeds under dull or indoor lighting conditions, without the need to bump up your ISO setting too much. 

A wider aperture also enables a tighter depth of field, so you can make the main subject really stand out against a blurred background. Alternatively, you can compromise on a ‘slower’ f/4 aperture and enjoy a lens upgrade with a more compact, lightweight build, or a bigger zoom range that stretches further into telephoto territory.

It's not just Canon that makes great standard zoom lenses, both Sigma and Tamron do as well and are certainly worth consideration.

We've split this guide to the best Canon standard zoom lenses into four categories: one for Canon EF-M mirrorless cameras, one for each of Canon's EF-S APS-C DSLR and EF full-frame DSLR cameras, and one for its full-frame mirrorless EOS RF models. 

With all that in mind, here's our guide to the best Canon standard zoom lenses for your Canon camera...

Canon EF-S

This is the closest thing to a pro-grade, L-series ‘EF-S’ lens for APS-C cameras that Canon has ever built. Unlike Canon’s f/2.8 standard zooms for full-frame cameras, this one features an image stabilizer. Yet it’s an old version of the technology and only gives three, rather than four, stops of advantage in fending off camera-shake. Compared with the autofocus systems of other APS-C lenses on test, it’s faster and quieter, if not near silent as in Canon’s STM or Micro USM lenses. Lab scores for sharpness proved underwhelming for this particular test sample, but we’ve always been impressed by the lens’s clarity in our wide-ranging real-world tests and how other samples have performed in the past.

Read the full Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM review

Sigma’s Contemporary line of lenses aim to be compact, and the 17-70mm is no exception. At 79x82mm and 465g, it’s smaller and lighter than any other lens on test. Centre-sharpness isn’t quite as good as from Sigma’s 17-50mm lens but sharpness towards the edges and corners of the frame is more impressive at wide aperture settings, especially at the short end of the zoom range. Autofocus speed is a little quicker, while the optical stabilizer is similarly effective. This lens comes with a petal-shaped lens hood but, unlike the other Sigma lenses on test, it’s not supplied with a padded soft case. Overall, this newer Contemporary lens is the more appealing of the two.

Read the full Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM | C review

This Sigma lens appears to offer most of the same advantages as its Canon counterpart, but at less than half the price. Whereas both of the Canon and Sigma lenses have ultrasonic autofocus systems, the Canon’s is ring-type, whereas the Sigma’s relies on a small motor. On the plus side, this helps to enable a more compact construction, but the autofocus system isn’t as near-silent and lacks full-time manual override. Image quality is sharp across most of the image frame but quite soft in the corners, especially at short to mid zoom settings when using apertures wider than f/5.6. Living up to its claims, stabilization is slightly more effective than in the competing Canon 17-55mm lens, but autofocus speed is a little slower.

Read the full Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM review

Canon EF

We prefer this lens to Canon’s own EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM standard zoom for DSLRs. Both have an identical zoom range and aperture rating, and both lenses deliver similarly excellent image quality in all respects. The big plus point for the Sigma is that it features an optical image stabilizer, which can be incredibly useful for general walkabout shooting. Another neat extra is that it’s compatible with Sigma’s optional USB Dock, which you can use for fine-tuning and customizing the lens, as well as for applying firmware updates. And like many Sigma Global Vision lenses, it can take full advantage of in-camera corrections in current and recent Canon DSLRs, for the likes of lateral chromatic aberration, distortion, and peripheral illumination. All in all, it’s a highly desirable lens at a very attractive price.

Read the full Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A review

The standard zoom of choice for pro photographers, Canon’s original 24-70mm f/2.8L was something of a classic. As you’d expect from Canon’s range-topping standard zoom, autofocus comes courtesy of a fast and whisper-quiet ring-type ultrasonic system. Image quality is excellent, with great sharpness and contrast even when shooting wide-open. Sharpness has been improved towards the edges of the frame but, even so, the ability to capture consistently sharp handheld images can suffer due to the lack of an optical stabilizer, featured in all of the other lenses on test. The lack of stabilization aside, this simply delivers the best performance of any lens in the group.

Read the full Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM review

The Tamron is well built with a rock-solid feel and great handling. This updated "G2" lens brings with it a superb 5-stop image stabilization system and impressive autofocus performance - and unlike some lenses it is properly weather sealed for use in all outdoor conditions. The Tamron delivers excellent contrast and impressive sharpness in the lab – and particularly so at the wide-angle end. Color fringing and distortions are well controlled but, unlike with some lenses, you can’t take advantage of in-camera corrections for lens aberrations.

Read the full Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 review

The new Mk II has been redesigned to be tougher and more resistant to shock and vibration, as well as featuring fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements. More importantly, the optics have been revamped, with the aim of improving sharpness across the whole image frame, throughout the zoom range. Barrel distortion from the preceding 24-105mm lens was notoriously bad at the short end of the zoom range, but the Mk II performs a little better. It’s also a bit sharper, autofocus is a little quicker and bokeh is smoother, thanks to the fitment of ten, rather than eight, diaphragm blades. Overall, however, each of the improvements is quite subtle rather than making a hugely noticeable difference.

Read the full Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM review

Canon RF-S

The Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is an incredibly lean, lightweight lens that's a great match for the EOS R7 or R10. Its image quality is better than it has any right to be, and it even boasts 4 stops of image stabilization (which ramps all the way up to 6.5 on a body with IBIS), and it's an ideal everyday companion for stills and video shooting.

Read the full Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM review

Canon RF

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a smaller, lighter and more affordable alternative to Canon's popular RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM (see below). Weighing almost half the weight of the pricer L series lens, you need to be prepared to make some compromises for such a great value lens. The obvious one is the variable maximum aperture that dips down to f/7.1 at the longer end of the zoom. This might not be that appealing if you like to shoot wide-open and defocus the background regularly, but the built image stabilization system delivers 5-stops of compensation. More importantly, when paired with a EOS R6 or R5 this increase to 7.5-stops thanks to their in-body image stabilization systems. Another nice touch is the Center Focus Macro mode that facilitates 0.5x shooting at 13cm when shooting at 24mm with manual focus. It's not for everyone, but this is a versatile and affordable Canon standard zoom lens.

Read the full Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM review

A highly popular choice for EOS R-series cameras, this lens occupies the middle-ground between the compact, low-budget RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and the mighty RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM. The former has a disappointingly narrow aperture at longer zoom settings, while the latter has a relatively limited zoom range is much pricier to buy. For our money, the 24-105mm f/4 offers an ideal compromise. It has a very versatile zoom range with a constant f/4 aperture rating, it’s not overly big or heavy, and is sensibly priced. Highlights in handling and performance include a customisable control ring, 5-stop optical stabilization and fast Nano USM autofocus, all wrapped up in a weather-sealed and typically sturdy construction, befitting an L-series lens.

Read the full Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM review

Unless you’re desperate for the faster aperture of Canon’s huge RF 28-70mm f/2L USM standard zoom, which tips the scales at nearly 1.5kg and is fiendishly expensive to buy, the 24-70mm is the better option. At 900g, it’s more manageable and is actually only 200g heavier than the RF 24-105mm f/4 lens. Naturally, it’s an f/stop faster but has less telephoto reach. The premium optical design includes three aspherical elements and three UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements, along with high-tech Air Sphere Coating to minimize ghosting and flare. There’s also a fluorine coating on the front and rear elements, to repel moisture and finger marks. High-speed Nano USM autofocus and 5-stop stabilization are featured but it’s the sensational image quality of this lens that makes it worth its undeniably up-market price tag.

Read the full Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM review

The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is a bit of a monster, weighing in at 1,430g. The reason for this is it being a full f/stop faster than most professional standard zoom lenses, that sees a maximum aperture at all focal lengths of f/2. With a design that goes all out for premium image quality, it's a fabulous lens that really can rival three or four separate prime lenses. There's no built-in image stabilization though, so to help reduce camera shake, you'll want to pair it with either and R5 or R6. Both of these cameras feature in-body image stabilization and will be essential if shooting for prolonged periods unless you have arms as thick as tree trunks. 

Read the full Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM review

Canon EOS M

Despite its impressive 24-72mm ‘effective’ zoom range, this retractable lens measures a mere 61x45mm and is a real featherweight at just 130g. To put that into perspective, a complete outfit comprising an EOS M camera body plus all three of Canon’s standard 15-45mm, 11-22mm wide-angle and 55-200mm telephoto zooms weighs as little as Sigma’s full-frame 24-70mm lens on its own, with no camera attached. Although small, the lens feels sturdy, has good handling characteristics and is impeccably turned out in a choice of silver or graphite finishes. The stepping motor autofocus system is quick and virtually silent, and the image stabilizer lives up to its 4-stop billing. It’s not the sharpest tool in Canon’s box but image quality is very satisfying overall, and it's the ideal kit lens for cameras like the Canon EOS M200 and EOS M50 Mark II.

Read the full Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM review

How we test lenses

We test lenses using a mix of 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-word testing works best, as each reveals different qualities and characteristics. 

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