25 Best Canon Lens For Video

Are you looking for the best Canon Lens for video? Canon is a global leader when it comes to producing some of the most cutting-edge standards of photography, videography and imaging equipment available on the market today. Amongst the vast inventory, Canon offers an impressive selection of lenses – each designed to accommodate a diverse range of settings, professions and shooting styles.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore the possibilities of a new craft or are a veteran in need of some of the more creative elements Canon can provide, this list of the top 25 best Canon lenses for video is guaranteed to provide you with some endless possibilities.

With the convenience of compact and portable cameras, more and more amateur and professional videographers are making room in their budgets for top quality gear, lenses and accessories that can give their productions an edge. From wide-angles and tilt-shift lenses to those designed for macro photography, there’s no shortage of lenses available for videographers to choose from.

In this thoughtfully curated list of the top 25 best Canon lenses for video, you’ll find an assortment of lenses from a variety of categories, from super-wide angle to telephoto and long-range, that meet each unique purpose.

1. Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens

This ultra wide-angle lens is an excellent option for those looking for expansive views and expansive depth of field, and the f/4.5-5.6 aperture gives users a moderate amount of flexibility. Thanks to its relatively lightweight design, this is a great budget lens for those just starting out.

Pros include: ultra-wide angle of view, light weight, low cost and excellent sharpness.

Cons include: distortion and chromatic aberration towards the edges, slow maximum aperture and fixed focal length.

2. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens is an extremely popular choice amongst seasoned and professional videographers. With a wide range of 24-105mm on full frame cameras, combined with a wide aperture of f/4, this lens is as versatile as it is powerful.

Pros include: sharpness, optical stabilization, weather sealing and outstanding performance in low light.

Cons include: higher cost and distortion towards the wider end of the lens.

3. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens is the ultimate wide-angle lens for videographers looking to capture stunningly detailed shots. To provide evenly lit scenes, this popular lens has a fast f/2.8 aperture and works with full frame cameras.

Pros include: excellent sharpness, great build quality, fast aperture and robust autofocus system.

Cons include: expensive, chromatic aberration at the 16mm end.

4. Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

This lightweight and versatile lens is ideal for videos shot in landscapes or for action sequences. Fitted with an STM autofocus motor, this lens produces near-silent autofocus operation.

Pros include: great sharpness (especially at 18mm), fast autofocus, outstanding price, and excellent value.

Cons include: increased distortion and chromatic aberration towards the 135mm end.

5. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens is renowned for its great performance and durability. Its constantly fast f/2.8 aperture allows you to capture clear and crisp details with shallow depth of field, and its USM motor focuses quickly and quietly.

Pros include: excellent optical performance, great sharpness, fast autofocus and good build quality.

Cons include: expensive and somewhat heavy.

6. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens is the workhorse of many videographers thanks to its incredibly versatile range and excellent image quality. Working with full frame cameras, this lens is perfect for shooting landscapes and tight, medium-range scenes.

Pros include: excellent sharpness, fast autofocus and great construction.

Cons include: higher cost, distortion at the 24mm end, and vignetting at the wider apertures.

7. Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens

This lens offers users a mid-range of focal lengths with a USM motor and a hybrid Image Stabilization system that can compensate for camera shake allowing you to capture stunningly clear images.

Pros include: great sharpness and colors, ample focal range and good autofocus performance.

Cons include: chromatic aberration at the wide end and distortion throughout.

8. Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens

This budget-friendly fixed focal lens is designed for a variety of shooting styles, whether it’s for capturing stills or creating videos. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens works particularly well in low light conditions, and its STM autofocus is nearly silent.

Pros include: great sharpness, low cost and fast autofocus.

Cons include: fixed focal length, no weather sealing and some color fringing.

9. Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is another great all-in-one lens that can cover most everyday shooting conditions. This lens features image stabilization, giving you the ability to capture sharp images even when you don’t have the steadiest of hands.

Pros include: great sharpness, weather sealing, fast autofocus and wide focal range in a small package.

Cons include: lens distortion and vignetting.

10. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens

This highly popular lens from Canon features a fast USM motor and image stabilization giving users incredibly sharp images and videos. With a focal range of 70-300mm, this lens is perfect for mid-range to long-range shots, and it works with both APS-C and full frame cameras.

Pros include: excellent sharpness, fast autofocus and great performance in low light.

Cons include: expensive, variable maximum aperture, and reduced performance towards the 300mm end.

11. Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is a great all-in-one option for videographers who need quality and flexibility in one lens. With a wide range of 17-55mm and a constant f/2.8 aperture, this lens is ideal for capturing vibrant stills and detailed video clips.

Pros include: fast autofocus, excellent image quality, great build quality and weather sealing.

Cons include: expensive, chromatic aberration and distortion at the 17mm end.

12. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens

This classic prime lens offers great performance in both stills and videos. With a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 and excellent sharpness, this lens is great for creating bokeh effects and creating a shallow depth of field.

Pros include: great sharpness, fast maximum aperture, good close-focusing ability and low cost.

Cons include: chromatic aberrations, some vignetting, and slow autofocus.

13. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens

This telephoto lens from Canon features STM autofocus and image stabilization for excellent performance in stills and videos. Suitable for both APS-C and full frame cameras, the multifunctional design of this lens offers great versatility.

Pros include: fast autofocus, sharpness, low cost, and excellent value.

Cons include: distortion and chromatic aberration towards the 250mm end.

14. Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens

This economical lens is designed for everyday use and sports a hybrid image stabilization system and USM motor for faster and quieter autofocus performance. With a range of 18-135mm, this lens is perfect for capturing detailed shots without missing a moment.

Pros include: great sharpness, fast autofocus, low cost and good quality.

Cons include: the lens distortion towards the 135mm end and vignetting at wider apertures.

15. Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens

This classic portrait lens is a great choice for videophiles to create stunning depth of field effects with beautiful bokeh. With a fast maximum aperture of f/1.2, you can capture amazing low light shots too.

Pros include: excellent sharpness, fast maximum aperture, outstanding build quality and fast autofocus.

Cons include: expensive, slow autofocus in low light and some chromatic aberration.

16. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens

This lens is perfect for both close-range stills and videos. With a 1:1 image ratio and image stabilization, this lens gives users the ability to capture stunningly detailed macro shots while producing amazing blur effects.

Pros include: excellent sharpness, good build quality and fast autofocus.

Cons include: expensive, heavy and somewhat slow autofocus in low light.

17. Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens

This ultra-wide-angle lens is designed for APS-C cameras and is perfect for capturing landscapes and vast vistas. This lens features a USM motor for fast and accurate autofocus performance and a multi-layered coating to reduce ghosting and flare.

Pros include: excellent sharpness, fast autofocus, weather sealing and good build quality.

Cons include: chromatic aberration and distortion towards the 22mm end.

18. Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens

Designed for the APS-C camera system, the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens is an excellent choice for those looking for a little bit of macro shot in a multi-purpose lens. This lens offers a fast USM motor and image stabilization, allowing you to capture stunning stills and videos.

Pros include: great sharpness, fast autofocus, weather sealing and good close-up performance.

Cons include: expensive, and distortion throughout.

19. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

This highly versatile telephoto zoom lens is designed for both formats – full frame and APS-C cameras. Offering a wide range of focal lengths, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens features a fast USM motor and image stabilization to ensure crisp and vivid images and videos.

Pros include: excellent sharpness, fast autofocus, and rugged construction.

Cons include: heavier weight, expensive and some chromatic aberrations.

20. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

This standard zoom lens is the perfect option for entry-level videographers looking to capture some beautiful scenic footage. With an STM autofocus motor, this lens produces quiet, smooth autofocus performance and a built-in image stabilization system.

Pros include: excellent sharpness, lightweight, low cost and good build quality.

Cons include: chromatic aberration at the wider end, and slow maximum aperture.

21. Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens

For experienced videographers who want a lightweight mid-range zoom lens that performs well without breaking the bank, this Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens is an excellent option. It’s fitted with the USM motor, providing fast and quiet autofocus performance and the four-stop image stabilization works to reduce motion blur when shooting handheld.

Pros include: sharpness and clarity, fast autofocus and great build quality.

Cons include: some distortion, slow maximum aperture and expensive.

22. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens is a great lens system for those looking for a wide angle macro lens. It has great optical performance, a fast autofocus motor and is fitted with three stops of image stabilization.

Pros include: excellent sharpness, constant f/4 aperture, fast autofocus and good close-up performance.

Cons include: expensive, chromatic aberration at the wider end and some barrel distortion.

23. Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens

For those looking to capture stunningly detailed mid-range to long-range shots, the Canon EF 70-200m f/4L IS USM Lens provides an excellent choice. It features a constant maximum aperture of f/4, three stops of image stabilization, and a fast USM autofocus motor.

Pros include: excellent sharpness, fast autofocus, good build quality and outstanding performance in low light.

Cons include: expensive, barrel distortion and chromatic aberration.

24. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens

This lightweight and budget-friendly lens is designed for APS-C cameras and offers users a midrange to telephoto zoom range of 55-250mm. This lens also features an Australian coating which reduces ghosting and flare as well as an Image Stabilization system to reduce the appearance of camera shake.

Pros include: sharpness, low cost, fast autofocus and weather sealing.

Cons include: barrel distortion and chromatic aberration at the longer end, and some vignetting.

25. Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

As the last entry on the list, this highly versatile lens from Canon is ideal for shooting landscapes, video and day-to-day stills. With a quick STM autofocus and hybrid Image Stabilization system, this lens gives you the speed and image quality required for capturing fast and crisp footage.

Pros include: excellent sharpness, fast autofocus, good build quality and low cost.

Cons include: lens distortion and chromatic aberration at the 135mm end.

Final Thoughts On Best Canon Lens For Video

Canon’s impressive selection of lenses provides videographers with the most diverse and high-quality options on the market today. From ultra-wide angle to telephoto zoom and macro lenses, this thoughtfully compiled list of the top 25 best Canon lenses for video is a great place to start if you’re looking to make the right choice. With its constant growth of stunningly advanced technology, Canon is here to stay and have firmly placed itself as a leader in the world of imaging equipment.