Best Third Party Lenses For Canon (2024 Updated)

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As a photographer, finding the best lenses is essential to ensure you capture the perfect shot. When it comes to third-party lenses for Canon cameras, there are various options available, but how do you choose the best one for your needs?

Firstly, it's essential to consider the lens's focal length and aperture, as these can significantly impact the image's quality. Secondly, you should look for lenses with image stabilization technology to minimize camera shake and produce sharper images. Thirdly, researching the lens's build quality and durability is essential to ensure it can withstand regular use.

Fourthly, checking compatibility with your Canon camera model is vital, as not all lenses are compatible with all cameras. Lastly, you should consider the lens's price and overall value for money; some third-party lenses can offer similar or even better performance than their Canon counterparts at a lower price.

In summary, when looking for the best third-party lenses for Canon cameras, you should consider the focal length, aperture, image stabilization, build quality, compatibility, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find the perfect lens to enhance your photography experience.

10 Best Third Party Lenses For Canon

1. Canon Rf100mm F2.8 L Macro Is Usm

The Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM is the world's first medium telephoto macro lens that offers a maximum magnification of 1.4x. It is designed to provide high image quality and a bright, fixed f/2.8 aperture, making it an ideal choice for macro photography.

The lens is equipped with an optical image stabilizer that provides up to 5 stops of shake correction, enabling users to capture sharp and clear images even in low light conditions. Additionally, the hybrid IS feature compensates for angular and shift camera shake during macro shooting, ensuring that users can capture stunning images with ease.

One of the most notable features of the Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is its spherical aberration (SA) control ring. This feature allows users to adjust the shape and character of foreground/background bokeh, which can add a unique look to their images. This gives photographers the ability to create images with stunning background blur that can help isolate their subjects and make them stand out.

The lens also features a high-precision autofocus system that is powered by a ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM). This system enables users to achieve fast and accurate autofocus performance, making it easier to capture sharp and clear images of moving subjects.

Overall, the Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM is an excellent choice for photographers who are looking to capture stunning macro images with ease. Its advanced features and high-quality construction make it a versatile lens that can be used in a wide range of shooting situations, from portraits to landscapes and beyond.

2. Canon Ef 24-70mm F/2.8l Ii Usm Standard Zoom Lens

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens is a versatile and high-quality lens for photographers looking to capture a range of subjects. With a focal length of 24-70 millimetres and a 38.4-112 millimetre equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras, this lens is well-suited for a variety of photography styles, including portraits, landscapes, and action shots.

One of the standout features of this lens is its constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, which allows for excellent low-light performance and a shallow depth of field. The minimum aperture is f/22, providing greater flexibility in bright environments. The ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) allows for fast and quiet autofocus, while full-time manual focusing is also available.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens has an 82 millimetre filter size and a closest focusing distance of 0.38 metres or 1.25 feet. While this lens does not have image stabilization, its inner focusing with USM allows for fast and accurate focus adjustment. The diagonal angle of view is 84° – 34°, providing a wide range of coverage. The lens weighs 1.7 pounds, making it easy to carry around on long shoots.

One benefit of purchasing this lens between May 1, 2016 and July 30, 2016 is the 13 months of free damage protection from Canon. To be eligible, the product must be registered within 30 days of the purchase date.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens also features optimized lens coatings for exceptional color balance and minimal ghosting. The front and rear lens surfaces are coated with florine to reduce smears and fingerprints. The lens has a new optical design that utilizes one Super UD lens element and two UD lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and eliminate color blurring around the edges of the subject, resulting in images with high resolution and contrast. The lens also combines two types of aspherical lenses to reduce spherical aberration and achieve high image quality across the entire screen area and throughout the full zoom range.

For added convenience, the zoom lock lever locks the zoom position at the wide end for safe transporting. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a high-quality and versatile lens for a range of photography styles.

3. Canon Rf 24-105mm F/4l Is Usm Lens, Black – 2963c002

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens is a compact and versatile lens designed for the EOS R system. The lens offers a broad zoom range that makes it perfect for a wide range of photography genres, including portraits, landscapes, and street photography. With a constant f/4.0 aperture, the lens delivers consistent performance throughout the zoom range, making it an ideal choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The lens features a Nano USM, which is a new type of focusing motor that combines the benefits of both ring-type USM and STM (Stepping Motor) technologies. This results in faster and more accurate autofocus that is virtually silent, making it perfect for capturing stills and video. The lens also features a control ring that allows users to quickly and easily adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO with a simple twist of the ring.

One of the key features of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens is its optical image stabilization, which offers up to 5 stops of shake correction. This allows users to shoot in low light conditions without the need for a tripod, making it perfect for capturing stunning images and videos in a variety of settings.

The lens also features a weather-sealed design that makes it resistant to dust and moisture, providing peace of mind when shooting in challenging environments. Additionally, the lens is constructed with high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity, making it a sound investment for any photographer.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens is a highly versatile and reliable lens that offers exceptional performance and image quality. Its broad zoom range, constant f/4.0 aperture, and advanced autofocus system make it perfect for a wide range of photography genres, while its image stabilization and weather-sealed design make it a dependable choice for shooting in challenging conditions. Whether you're a professional photographer or an enthusiast, this lens is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

4. Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Telephoto Lens For Canon Ef Mount Dslr, Compatible With Full Frame And Aps-C Bodies.

The Meike 85mm f1.8 Large Aperture Full Frame Auto Focus Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Camera is a high-quality lens that is compatible with APS C bodies such as 1D, 5D3, 5D4, 6D, 7D, 70D, 550D, and 80D. It is equipped with a 67mm filter size and a minimum focus distance of 0.85m, making it suitable for a wide range of photography needs.

The lens aperture range is F/1.8-F/22, and it features a lens construction with 6 groups of 9 pieces. This lens is designed to provide full-frame view with a level of 16 degrees, vertical of 24 degrees, and diagonal of 28.5 degrees. This wide-angle view is particularly useful when photographing landscapes, architecture, and other subjects that require a broad view.

The Meike 85mm f1.8 Large Aperture Full Frame Auto Focus Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Camera is also equipped with electronic contacts and a USB connection, which can be used to upgrade the lens firmware. This feature ensures that the lens always performs at its best and is up-to-date with the latest technology.

This lens is perfect for those who want to capture portraits, short range sports, and theatre photography. It is designed to provide superior image quality, with a large aperture that allows for a shallow depth of field and a beautiful bokeh effect. The lens is also suitable for selective architecture photography, allowing photographers to capture the unique details of buildings while blurring out distracting elements.

Overall, the Meike 85mm f1.8 Large Aperture Full Frame Auto Focus Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Camera is a versatile and high-quality lens that is perfect for a wide range of photography needs. With its electronic contacts and USB connection, it is also a lens that will keep up with the latest technology for years to come.

5. Canon Ef 70-200mm F/2.8l Is Iii Usm Lens For Canon Digital Slr Cameras, White – 3044c002

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens is a high-performance zoom lens designed for Canon Digital SLR Cameras. With a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, this lens can capture stunning images even in low light conditions.

The lens features Canon’s Air Sphere Coating (ASC), which minimizes ghosting and flare, ensuring that your images are sharp and clear. Additionally, the lens is equipped with optical image stabilization that can provide up to 3.5 stops of shake correction, resulting in sharp and stable images even when the camera is handheld.

The front and rear elements of the lens are coated with fluorine, which helps to reduce smears and fingerprints. This coating also makes the lens highly resistant to dust and water, making it an ideal choice for outdoor photography. Furthermore, the lens is built to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring improved durability.

The lens boasts an inner focusing system with ring ultrasonic motor, which enables quick and quiet autofocus. The lens also features full-time manual focus, giving you complete control over the focus of your images.

To ensure high image quality, the lens is equipped with one fluorite element and five UD elements. These elements work together to reduce chromatic aberrations and produce images with excellent color accuracy and sharpness. The lens also has a minimum focusing distance of 3.9 feet, 1.2 meters, and a diagonal angle of view of 34° – 12°.

Included with the lens are Lens Cap E-77II, Lens Dust Cap E, Lens Hood ET-87, and Lens Case LZ1326, providing everything you need to protect and transport your lens.

In summary, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens is a versatile and high-performance zoom lens that is ideal for professional photographers. With its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, optical image stabilization, and advanced coatings, this lens can capture stunning images even in challenging lighting conditions.

6. Canon Rf50mm F 1.2l Usm Lens, Black

The Canon RF50mm F 1.2L USM Lens is a high-quality, fixed focal length lens designed specifically for the EOS R system. With a bright f/1.2 aperture, this lens is perfect for capturing stunning images with exceptional clarity and detail.

Featuring a minimum focusing distance of 1.31 ft. /0.40M and a filter size of 77mm, this lens is ideal for a wide range of photographic applications. The lens also features a control ring for direct setting changes, making it easy to adjust your settings on the fly.

The Canon RF50mm F 1.2L USM Lens is built with three aspherical elements and one UD Element, which work together to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration. This ensures that your images are sharp and clear, with accurate color reproduction.

In addition, the lens features a 12 pin communication system that allows for seamless integration with the EOS R system. This ensures that your camera and lens work together seamlessly, allowing you to capture the perfect shot every time.

The Canon RF50mm F 1.2L USM Lens is designed with the Canon RF mount, which provides a secure and stable connection between the lens and camera body. This ensures that your lens stays in place during use, even in the most challenging shooting conditions.

Finally, the lens features built-in Wi-Fi technology, which allows you to easily share your images with friends and family. With just a few clicks, you can upload your photos to select social networking and media sites, allowing you to showcase your work to a wider audience.

Overall, the Canon RF50mm F 1.2L USM Lens is a high-quality lens that is perfect for photographers who demand the best. With its exceptional image quality, bright aperture, and advanced features, this lens is the perfect choice for capturing stunning images with ease.

7. Canon Ef 85mm F/1.8 Usm Medium Telephoto Lens For Canon Slr Cameras – Fixed

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens is a high-quality fixed lens designed specifically for use with Canon SLR cameras. With a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and a focal length of 85mm, this lens is ideal for capturing stunning portraits and natural images with a natural angle of view and perspective.

The lens features a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) that brings the subject quickly into focus, ensuring that you never miss a shot. The closest focusing distance of 2.8 feet enables you to capture sharp and detailed images even from a short distance.

One of the standout features of the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens is its ability to produce beautiful background blur, making it perfect for portrait photography. The lens is also remarkably lightweight, weighing just 15 ounces, and measures 3 inches in diameter and 2.8 inches in length.

Although this lens is not zoomable, it is a highly versatile piece of equipment that is perfect for capturing a wide range of subjects. The lens is designed to deliver exceptional image quality, and its natural angle of view and perspective make it an ideal choice for photographers looking to capture stunning portraits and natural images.

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens is a high-quality piece of equipment that is built to last. It comes with a 1-year warranty and a user manual that provides troubleshooting steps to help you get the most out of your lens.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a high-quality lens that delivers exceptional image quality and is perfect for capturing stunning portraits and natural images, then the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens is an excellent choice. Its lightweight design, natural angle of view and perspective, and ability to produce beautiful background blur make it an indispensable tool for any photographer looking to take their craft to the next level.

8. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary Dg Os Hsm Lens For Canon

The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens for Canon is a high-performance lens that offers exceptional image quality and versatility. Designed for use with Canon DSLR cameras, this lens boasts a lightweight and compact construction that makes it easy to handle and use in a variety of shooting situations.

One of the standout features of this lens is its water and oil repellent coating on the front glass element. This coating helps to prevent moisture and dirt from adhering to the lens surface, making maintenance and cleaning much easier. Additionally, the lens is equipped with a 95mm filter size, which allows for the use of a wide range of filters to enhance your photos.

With a minimum focusing distance of 280cm (110.2 inches) and a focal length of 150-600mm, this lens is perfect for capturing distant subjects in stunning detail. Whether you're photographing wildlife, sports events, or landscapes, the Sigma 150-600mm lens provides exceptional clarity and sharpness across the entire zoom range.

The lens is equipped with Sigma's advanced Optical Stabilization (OS) technology, which helps to minimize the effects of camera shake and ensures that your photos are sharp and clear, even at longer focal lengths. Additionally, the Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides fast and accurate autofocus performance, making it easy to capture fast-moving subjects with ease.

Overall, the Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens for Canon is an excellent choice for photographers who demand the highest levels of performance and versatility from their equipment. Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, this lens is sure to deliver exceptional results and help you capture stunning photos that you'll be proud to display.

9. Canon Rf 85mm F1.2 L Usm Lens, Black

Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black is a high-quality lens designed for use with EOS R System cameras. This lens boasts a bright f/1.2 aperture, which provides exceptional image quality even in low light conditions. Additionally, the lens features Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics (BR), which helps to reduce chromatic aberration and produce clear, crisp images.

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 2.79 ft. /0.85M, making it an ideal lens for capturing close-up shots with stunning detail. Furthermore, the lens is equipped with a control ring that allows for direct setting changes, providing photographers with greater control over their shots.

The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black also features one aspheric element and one UD lens, which helps to reduce distortion and produce sharp, clear images. The lens is a macro lens type and is designed for use with full-frame cameras.

The lens is compatible with Canon's Mirrorless Full Frame Cameras, including the EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, and EOS R6. This makes it an excellent choice for professional photographers who demand the highest quality optics and exceptional performance.

In addition to its impressive technical specifications, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black also boasts a sleek, modern design that is both stylish and practical. Its black finish is both elegant and understated, making it a great addition to any photographer's kit.

Overall, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black is a top-of-the-line lens that offers exceptional image quality, precise control, and a sleek, modern design. Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, this lens is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Best Third Party Lenses For Canon FAQs

How do third-party lenses compare to Canon's own lenses in terms of performance and price?

Third-party lenses have come a long way in terms of performance and quality. While Canon's own lenses are still top-of-the-line, third-party lenses can be a good alternative for those on a budget. In terms of performance, some third-party lenses may have comparable or even better image quality than Canon's own lenses, while others may fall short. It ultimately depends on the specific lens and brand in question.

When it comes to price, third-party lenses are generally more affordable than Canon's own lenses. This can be especially beneficial for hobbyists or amateur photographers who may not need the most high-end equipment. However, it's important to note that not all third-party lenses are created equal and some may be priced similarly to Canon lenses if they offer similar performance and features.

Overall, choosing between a third-party lens and a Canon lens depends on individual needs and preferences. It's important to do research and read reviews to determine which lens will be the best fit for your specific photography needs and budget.

What are the most popular third-party lenses for Canon cameras among professional photographers?

Professional photographers often prefer third-party lenses for their Canon cameras due to their affordability, high quality, and unique features. Some of the most popular third-party lenses include the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art, Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2, and the Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX-II 11-16mm f/2.8. These lenses offer superior optics, fast autofocus, and image stabilization that can rival Canon's own lenses. The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 is known for its sharpness and bokeh, making it a favorite among portrait photographers. The Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 is a versatile zoom lens that is ideal for wedding and event photography. The Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX-II is a wide-angle lens that is perfect for landscape and architecture photography. Overall, professional photographers trust third-party lenses for their Canon cameras as they offer great value for money and exceptional performance.

What are the top third-party lens brands for Canon cameras?

There are several third-party lens brands that are popular among Canon camera users. The top brands include Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina. Sigma offers a wide range of lenses for Canon cameras, including their popular Art and Sport series lenses, which are known for their excellent image quality and build quality. Tamron also offers a range of lenses for Canon cameras, including their popular SP and Di lenses, which are known for their great performance and value for money. Tokina is another popular third-party lens brand that offers a range of lenses for Canon cameras, including their popular AT-X series lenses, which are known for their great sharpness and build quality. Other notable third-party lens brands for Canon cameras include Zeiss, Samyang, and Venus Optics. Overall, these third-party lens brands offer a great alternative to Canon's own lenses, providing users with a wider range of options for their photography needs.

What should I consider when choosing a third-party lens for my Canon camera, such as focal length, aperture, and compatibility?

When choosing a third-party lens for your Canon camera, it's important to consider several factors. Firstly, you need to consider the focal length you require. This will depend on the type of photography you're doing, whether it be landscape, portrait, or sports photography. Secondly, you should consider the aperture of the lens. This will determine the amount of light that enters the lens and can affect the depth of field of your images. A wider aperture will allow more light in and provide a shallower depth of field, while a narrower aperture will result in less light and a deeper depth of field. Finally, compatibility is key. Make sure the lens you choose is compatible with your Canon camera and that you can use all the features of your camera with the lens. You should also check for any compatibility issues with your camera's autofocus and image stabilization systems.

Which third-party lenses offer the best image quality and sharpness for Canon cameras?

There are several third-party lenses available in the market offering excellent image quality and sharpness for Canon cameras. Some of the top contenders include Sigma, Tamron, and Zeiss lenses.

Sigma Art lenses are known for their exceptional sharpness and image quality. The 50mm f/1.4 Art lens and the 85mm f/1.4 Art lens are highly recommended for portrait photography.

Tamron SP lenses are also highly popular among Canon photographers. The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 G2 lens and the Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 lens are both excellent choices for professional photographers.

Zeiss lenses are known for their premium quality optics and sharpness. The Zeiss Milvus line offers a range of lenses for Canon cameras, including the 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4, and 135mm f/2.

Ultimately, the best lens choice depends on your specific needs and shooting style. It is important to research and compare different lenses to find the one that best fits your requirements.

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