Best Camera Lenses of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Camera lenses are an essential part of any photographer's toolkit. They come in a variety of types, including wide-angle, telephoto, and macro lenses, each with its own unique capabilities. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing sweeping landscapes or large group shots, while telephoto lenses are perfect for wildlife or sports photography. Macro lenses allow for extreme close-ups, making them ideal for capturing the intricate details of small subjects such as flowers or insects. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, investing in a quality camera lens can make a huge difference in the quality of your images.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Cover #TOP 1
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Canon EF 75-300mm Telephoto Lens Cover #TOP 2
Canon EF 75-300mm Telephoto Lens
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Big Mike's 420-1600mm Telephoto Lens Cover #TOP 3
Big Mike's 420-1600mm Telephoto Lens
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Camera Lenses

#TOP 1

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

0570C005AA
Black
Lens Only
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Cover
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality lens that won't break the bank. With a 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8, it's great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meter) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x. It also features a stepping motor (STM) for near silent, continuous move Servo AF for movies and smooth AF for stills. It's compatible with Canon EF mountings and is a great choice for both crop and full frame cameras.

What We Like
Price – Right at the top of the list is the price, typically 125 USD, though sometimes it can be had new for as little as 100.
Image quality –Sharp lens, even when wide open it stays fairly sharp.
Compatible with Canon EF mountings and is a great choice for both crop and full frame cameras.

Canon EF 75-300mm Telephoto Lens

6473A003
Black
Canon EF 75-300mm Telephoto Lens Cover
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

The Canon 75-300mm Lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Canon SLR cameras. With a focal length range of 75 to 300 millimeters and a maximum aperture of f/4-5.6, you can capture stunning distant subjects with clarity. The improved zoom mechanism allows for smoother adjustments, making it easier for you to frame your shots perfectly. Its compact design, measuring just 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.8 inches long, ensures that it remains portable, while its lightweight build of 16.8 ounces makes it comfortable to carry. Additionally, the lens has a closest focusing distance of 4.9 feet, allowing you to get up close to your subjects for detailed photography.

What We Like
Versatile zoom range
Smooth zoom mechanism
Lightweight and portable
Close focusing distance

Big Mike's 420-1600mm Telephoto Lens

Big Mike's
4332060496
Big Mike's 420-1600mm Telephoto Lens Cover
High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EOS 80D, EOS 90D, Rebel T3, T3i, T5, T5i, T6i, T6s, T7, T7I, T8I, SL3, EOS 70D, EOS 5D, EOS5D IV, EOS 6D II, EOS 7D II SLR Cameras

The Big Mike's Telephoto Lens offers incredible versatility for capturing distant subjects with its impressive zoom range of 420mm to 1600mm. This lens is perfect for wildlife and sports photography, allowing you to get closer to your subjects without disturbing them. Its compatibility with various Canon cameras means you can easily attach it to your existing gear. With a sophisticated f/8.3 aperture, you can expect sharp, clear images, even at long distances. Plus, the manual focus feature gives you complete control over your shots, ensuring you capture every detail beautifully.

What We Like
High zoom capability
Compatible with many Canon models
Sharp, clear images
Manual focus control
#TOP 4

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens

6473A003AA
Black
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens Cover
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, 6473A003 (Renewed)

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens is a great choice for amateur photographers looking for a budget-friendly telephoto lens. It features a DC Autofocus Motor, 4.9' Minimum Focus Distance, and 58mm Filter Thread Diameter. It has a 32- to 8-degree diagonal angle of view and improved mechanism for smoother zooming. Customers have praised its sharpness and color, as well as its auto focus capabilities. It is an excellent value for the price.

What We Like
Affordable
Versatile zoom range
Well-built and balanced
#TOP 5

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Lens

4112C002
White
500mm
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Lens Cover
Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Lens, Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, White

The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Lens is a high-performance versatile super-telephoto zoom lens compatible with Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras. With up to 5 stops of shake correction, three image stabilization modes, and minimum focusing distance of 3.0ft, this lens provides creative versatility and smooth, quiet autofocus with dual Nano USM.

What We Like
Up to 5 stops of shake correction
Three image stabilization modes for creative versatility
Smooth and quiet autofocus with dual Nano USM
#TOP 6

Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 USM

5050C002
Black
Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 USM Cover
Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM Black

The Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 USM is a compact, lightweight and high-image quality telephoto zoom lens with a versatile zoom range of 100-400mm. It features Optical Image Stabilizer with up to 5.5 Stops of shake correction, minimum focusing distance of 2.89 feet at 200mm and maximum magnification of 0.41x at 400mm. It also has high speed, smooth and quiet autofocus with Canon's Nano USM. Customers have praised its sharp images, fast autofocus, and lightweight design.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
High-image quality
Optical Image Stabilizer with up to 5.5 Stops of shake correction
High speed, smooth and quiet autofocus with Canon's Nano USM
Sharp images
#TOP 7

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Lens

3792C002
Silver
5.8"
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Lens Cover
Canon RF70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Telephoto Zoom Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, White

The Canon Telephoto Zoom Lens is a high-quality RF L lens, designed for Canon Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras. It has a bright f/2.8 aperture and offers impressive image quality. The lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It also features optical image stabilization with up to 5 Stops of shake correction, which is useful for capturing sharp images in low-light conditions or when shooting handheld. The high speed, smooth and quiet autofocus with dual Nano USM is great for capturing fast-moving subjects. The minimum focusing distance of 2.3 ft. by 0.7 M is helpful for close-up shots. Overall, the Canon Telephoto Zoom Lens is a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of photography genres, including portraits, events, and landscapes.

What We Like
High-quality image
Compact and lightweight
Optical image stabilization
Fast and quiet autofocus
Minimum focusing distance

Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro Lens

4514C002
Black
100mm
Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro Lens Cover
Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM Lens, Medium Telephoto Lens, Macro Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, Black

The Canon Macro Lens is an innovative medium telephoto lens, offering a remarkable maximum magnification of 1.4x. This means you can capture stunning details in close-up shots, making it perfect for macro photography. With a bright fixed aperture of f/2.8, you’ll enjoy high image quality and the ability to shoot in various lighting conditions. The lens also features an Optical Image Stabilizer, providing up to 5 stops of shake correction, which helps you take clear photos even in challenging situations. Additionally, the Hybrid IS technology compensates for camera shake, ensuring your macro images remain sharp and detailed.

What We Like
High magnification for detailed shots
Bright f/2.8 aperture
Effective image stabilization
Compensates for camera shake

Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E

402965
Black
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E Cover
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E (402965) Black

The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 Lens is a high-quality camera lens that is perfect for nature and event photography. With its large f/1.4 aperture, you can capture stunning photos even in low-light conditions. The lens is fully compatible with Sony E mount cameras, making it a great addition to your photography gear. Its compact size makes it very portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go. The lens also fully accommodates Fast Hybrid AF, ensuring that you can capture your shots quickly and accurately. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 Lens is an excellent choice for capturing beautiful images.

What We Like
Large f/1.4 aperture
Compact size
Nature & event photography
#TOP 10

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 Lens

Sigma Corporation of America
585965
Black
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 Lens Cover
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Sony E Black

The Sigma 18-50mm Lens is a compact and lightweight option for photographers seeking versatility. With a wide focal range, it allows you to capture stunning images in various settings, from landscapes to portraits. Its excellent optical performance ensures that your photos will have sharp details and vibrant colors. Additionally, in-camera aberration correction helps to minimize distortions, making it easier for you to achieve professional-quality results without extra editing. This lens combines advanced technology with portability, making it a great choice for on-the-go shooting.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight
Versatile focal range
Excellent optical performance
In-camera aberration correction
Buying Guide Image

Tips for Finding the Best Camera Lenses

Introduction

When it comes to photography, choosing the right camera lens is just as important as selecting the right camera body. Lenses come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be difficult to decide which option is right for you. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a beginner, understanding what type of lens to use will help you get the most out of your photography. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of choosing a camera lens, including the different types of lenses, what to consider when making a purchase, and how to use each type of lens.

Types of Camera Lenses

Camera lenses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each type of lens offers different features. The most common types of lenses are prime, zoom, and macro lenses.

Prime Lenses

Prime lenses are fixed-focal length lenses, meaning they cannot zoom in or out. These lenses are typically lightweight and compact, making them a great option for photographers who prefer to travel light. Prime lenses are also known for their high image quality and low distortion, making them a great choice for portrait or landscape photography.

Zoom Lenses

Zoom lenses are the most common type of lens and allow you to quickly change the focal length of the lens from wide to telephoto. Zoom lenses are great for photographers who want to be able to get different types of shots without having to switch lenses. Zoom lenses are also great for shooting in low light conditions, as they can capture more light due to their larger maximum aperture.

Macro Lenses

Macro lenses are designed for close-up photography and allow you to capture images with a very narrow depth of field. These lenses are great for photographers who want to capture detailed images of small objects. Macro lenses are also great for taking shots of insects and other small creatures, as they allow you to get close to your subject without scaring them away.

What to Consider When Choosing a Lens

When choosing a lens, it’s important to consider the type of photography you’ll be doing. For example, if you’re primarily shooting landscapes or portraits, a prime lens might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you’re shooting in a variety of different situations, a zoom lens might be a better choice.

It’s also important to consider the lens’s maximum aperture, as this will determine how much light the lens can capture. Larger maximum apertures allow for more light and better low-light performance.

Finally, it’s important to consider the size and weight of the lens. If you’re planning on doing a lot of travel photography, a lightweight, compact lens might be a better option.

Conclusion

Choosing the right camera lens can be a daunting task, but understanding the different types of lenses and what to consider when making a purchase can help you make the right decision. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a beginner, understanding what type of lens to use will help you get the most out of your photography. From prime lenses to zoom lenses to macro lenses, there’s a lens out there for every type of photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 4 camera lenses for?

There are four common camera lenses used in smartphones: wide-lens, ultra-wide lens, macro lens, and telephoto lens. Each lens serves a specific purpose in enhancing mobile photography, allowing your smartphone to capture different types of images in various environments.

2. Are cheap camera lenses any good?

Cheap camera lenses may not offer the same quality as more expensive ones. They may lack sharpness, especially in the corners and edges, and may produce less vibrant and contrasted images. However, the performance of cheap lenses can vary, and they can still be suitable for certain situations or when shooting under specific conditions.

3. What is 35mm lens good for?

A 35mm lens is commonly used in street photography. Its wide-angle perspective allows for capturing multiple subjects or a subject and its background easily. It is a versatile lens that works well in fast-moving situations and provides a natural field of view.

4. What is a 50mm lens good for?

A 50mm lens is highly versatile and popular among photographers. It can be used for various purposes, including portraits, car photography, landscapes, and nighttime shots. The only limitation is when you need a telephoto lens for subjects that are far away.

Editor's Notes

During our camera lense research, we found 16 camera lense products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 129,465 customer reviews through our big data system to write the camera lenses list. We found that most customers choose camera lenses with an average price of $620.48.

The camera lenses are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of camera lenses, including Canon, Big Mike's, Sigma, Sigma Corporation of America. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.