The Best Canon Lenses of 2023

The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the workmanlike backbone of Canon's pro lens lineup. Fast, sharp, relatively compact, and flexible enough to handle any and all situations, this is a must-have for any pro. Is it sexy? Not really. But it is among the most reliable, well-built, dependable lenses you'll ever own, and it's the one that'll spend the most time attached to your camera.

Canon's 35mm f/1.4 is an exceptionally pricey bit of glass, but it's also just plain exceptional. It's fast, phenomenal in low light, tack sharp, and the focus length is useful for just about everything short of sports or wildlife photography. While prices typically hover just below $1,500, you can often find it for closer to $1,000, putting it within reach of hobbyists and pros alike.

If you're on a limited budget but are looking for a lens that will improve your low light photography, the 24mm f/2.8 STM is worth checking out. Though Canon's 50mm f/1.8 is better in low light, the 24mm f/2.8's STM is a better choice for anyone shooting video, thanks to it's smoother, faster STM focus motor and more forgiving field of view. Just remember, these EF-S lenses don't work right on full-frame DSLRs.

Canon’s EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is a telephoto lens that offers professional-grade performance and flexibility. It can grab ultra-fast stills, which allows you to capture the action in a shorter focus range, such as an athlete during a game or a bird flying. Its f/2.8 maximum aperture also makes it easy to take clear shots during cloudy days. It includes an image-stabilization feature that prevents blur and decreases shake—even while using slow shutter speeds—and instead makes them look sharper. This zoom lens can work with any DSLR with a Canon EF mount.