Best Canon Lens For Travel Photography: Ultimate Guide

When it comes to choosing the best Canon lens for travel photography, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the type of photography you want to do. Are you interested in landscape photography, portrait photography, or a bit of everything? The lens you choose should be suited to the type of images you want to capture.

Another important consideration is weight. Travel photography often involves a lot of walking and hiking, so you'll want a lens that's lightweight and easy to carry. It's also a good idea to choose a lens that's versatile and can handle a range of shooting situations, from low light to bright sunlight.

- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM: This lens offers a useful focal range, solid optics, image stabilization, and a respectable aperture, making it a popular choice for travel photographers.

- Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: With its fast aperture, superb construction, and near-flawless optics, this lens is a favourite among professional travel photographers.

- Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM: This lens offers great optical quality and flexibility, all at an affordable price, making it a great option for budget-conscious travellers.

- Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM: This superzoom lens offers a 10x zoom range in a reasonably lightweight and weather-sealed package, making it ideal for Canon EOS R-series mirrorless cameras.

- Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM: This lens is perfect for low-light photography, with a fast aperture, image stabilization, and solid optical performance.

Best Canon lens for travel photography on a small budget

When it comes to travel photography, the best lens for you depends on your style and what you like to shoot. If you're on a small budget, there are a few lenses that could be a great option for you.

The Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 STM is a great value lens, coming in at under $150. Its small size makes it lightweight and easy to travel with, and it's ideal for portraits while on the road.

Another option is the Canon RF 35mm F/1.8 IS STM. While most of the RF line comes with a high price tag, the 35mm is available for under $600. It's also light and compact, which is convenient when travelling with gear.

If you're shooting with a mirrorless system, the Canon RF 24-105mm F/4-7.1 IS STM is a great general-purpose zoom lens, available for under $600.

For those shooting with a DSLR, the Sigma 24-105mm f4 DG OS HSM Art lens for Canon EF is an alternative option, although it comes with a slightly higher price tag.

If you're looking for a lens for landscape photography, wide-angle lenses are best for capturing panoramic views. The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS is a good option for ultra-wide shots, although it will create distortion at its widest setting.

For a more lightweight option, the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is a good choice for those shooting with a crop sensor camera.

If you're looking to shoot portraits, the Canon EF 35mm F1.4L II USM is a good option, although it is expensive. The Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM is a cheaper alternative, although it is softer when shot wide open.

For astrophotography, the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC is a good choice, although it lacks autofocus and some recorded data due to its manual focus.

For wildlife photography, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM is a sharp and affordable lens with effective autofocusing and image stabilization.

Remember, the best lens depends on your personal preferences and shooting style, so consider what type of photography you want to focus on during your travels.

Best Canon lens for landscape photography

Capturing stunning landscapes while travelling requires a good wide-angle lens that can fit an entire scene into your frame. Here are some of the best Canon lenses for landscape photography:

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS

This lens is fantastic for ultra-wide shots and still maintains sharp images on the sides and corners. It is a wide-angle lens, which is ideal for landscape photography as it allows you to capture more of the scene in your frame. At its widest, this lens will create distortion (a fisheye effect), which can be used stylistically to create unique and artistic shots.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L

This lens offers a wide focal range, making it versatile for capturing sweeping landscapes or architecture. It is also incredibly versatile, with a constant f/2.8 aperture that performs well in low-light conditions and creates beautiful bokeh.

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

While this lens doesn't have as wide an aperture as the 24-70mm, it is still an excellent choice for landscapes. It is lightweight at 1.5 pounds, has an internal seal to protect against dust and water, and delivers superb image quality.

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

This lens is a great choice for landscape photographers who want to capture wide scenes with its focal range of 16-35mm. It delivers astounding optical performance and is relatively lightweight and rugged, making it ideal for travelling. The lens has excellent sharpness across its aperture range, and while there is some corner shading, it is a minor issue that can be corrected in post-processing.

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

Don't be fooled by its appearance; this lens packs a punch when it comes to image quality. It delivers stellar sharpness in a tiny package, making it perfect for travel photography. Vignetting and distortion are well-controlled, and autofocus is speedy, making it a great choice for landscape photography.

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

This lens is an excellent choice for Canon EF-S mount cameras. It has a fast aperture of f/2.8, solid optical performance, and image stabilisation, making it a versatile lens for low-light conditions.

Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8

This lens is a great choice for those using the Canon EF-S mount and looking for a premium option. It offers amazing optical quality, a fast aperture of f/1.8, and a rugged build. The focal range may feel limited for some, but it still includes useful focal lengths for landscape photography.

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM

This lens is a great choice for those who want a prime lens for landscape photography. It delivers superb image quality, and while it is on the pricey side, it is worth the investment for its versatility and sharpness.

Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

This compact and lightweight lens is a great option for landscape photography, offering a wide field of view. It is optically excellent and has an internal seal to protect against dust and water.

Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

This lens is a great choice for Canon EOS R-series mirrorless cameras. It offers a useful 10x zoom range in a reasonably lightweight and weather-sealed package. It has fast and silent autofocus and a highly effective 5-stop image stabiliser.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

This lens is a great choice for Canon DSLR cameras. It is less than half the weight of Canon's full-frame superzoom lens, making it a more travel-friendly option. It delivers excellent image quality and has extensive weather seals, making it a durable choice for landscape photography.

Best Canon lens for portrait photography

When it comes to portrait photography, there is no single "right lens". However, prime lenses are generally more compact, lighter, and significantly sharper than zoom lens options. They also tend to have wider apertures, which means they perform better in low-light conditions.

Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM

The 35mm is a versatile lens that captures a wider field of view than the human eye, without causing distortion. It also has a maximum aperture of f1.8, which creates a nice bokeh effect.

Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM

The RF 50mm F1.8 STM is a more affordable and lightweight option than the RF 50mm F1.2L. It is still capable of producing high-quality images and is ideal for travel due to its weight.

Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 STM

This 50mm lens is a great value, coming in at under $150. Its small size makes it light and easy to travel with, and it is ideal for portraits on the road.

Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM

This lens is a good alternative to the heavier RF 85mm F1.2. It produces high-quality images and is half the weight, making it a better option for travel.

Canon EF 35mm F1.4L II USM

Due to the crop sensor, the 35mm lens will shoot close to what a 50mm lens would on a full-frame camera.

These lenses should be a great addition to your kit for portrait photography, especially while travelling.

Best Canon lens for wildlife photography

Capturing stunning images of wildlife requires a high-quality telephoto lens that can bring the action up close without you having to move too far from the scene. Here are some of the best Canon lenses for wildlife photography:

Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM

This lens is an excellent choice for those using a mirrorless system, offering incredible sharpness, speed, and lightweight design at a reasonable price. It also features an optical image stabilization switch, which is lacking in some higher-end lenses. This feature helps you capture crisp images even when shooting handheld.

Canon RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM

If you're looking for a versatile lens for both travel and wildlife photography, the Canon RF 70-200mm is a great option. It provides a wide range of focal lengths, making it ideal for various situations. While it doesn't have the same reach as the previous lens, it still offers excellent optical performance and is more compact and lightweight.

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

This lens is perfect for photographers using Canon's EF-S mount, which is designed for APS-C or crop sensor cameras. It offers a surprising level of sharpness and effective autofocus and image stabilization systems. Its lightweight design and affordable price make it a popular choice for wildlife enthusiasts.

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

For DSLR users, the Canon EF 100-400mm is a fantastic telephoto lens. It delivers sharp images, has excellent autofocus, and is built to withstand the elements. While it is on the heavier side, it is still a popular choice for wildlife photography, providing the reach and optical performance needed to capture stunning images of distant subjects.

Canon RF 600mm f4L IS USM

If budget is not a constraint and you are a serious wildlife photographer, the Canon RF 600mm lens is an absolute powerhouse. With a focal length of 600mm and a bright aperture of f/4, this lens will bring you incredibly close to the action, even at a distance. It is worth noting that this lens comes with a hefty price tag of $13,000.

When choosing a lens for wildlife photography, consider your camera system (mirrorless or DSLR), the focal length range you require, and your budget. These lenses will help you capture stunning images of wildlife, bringing you closer to the action and providing the optical performance needed for crisp, clear shots.

Best Canon lens for astrophotography

When it comes to astrophotography, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a lens. Firstly, an ultra-wide-angle or wide-angle focal length is ideal as it allows you to capture more of the night sky in your frame. Secondly, a wide aperture is crucial as it lets in more light, enabling shorter exposures or lower ISO settings. This helps to reduce noise and improve image quality. Other important factors include the sharpness of the lens, even at ultra-wide apertures, and the amount of peripheral shading.

Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens

This lens offers an ultra-wide aperture and focal length, making it a great choice for nightscapes. It is a solid performer optically and has a sturdy build quality. However, it is quite large and heavy.

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

Canon's EF 16-35mm lens is a versatile option, suitable for a wide range of uses, including weddings and indoor events. It has a constant f/2.8 aperture, weather sealing, and impressive image quality.

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art Lens

This lens stands out for its wide f/2.8 aperture, which can be a lifesaver in low-light conditions. While autofocus consistency could be better, it offers impressive image quality for its price.

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens

With its ultra-wide f/1.4 aperture and excellent image quality, this lens is a favourite among photojournalists. It also features a fast ring USM autofocus system and a durable, weather-sealed build.

Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

While this lens delivers good centre and mid-frame image quality at its wide-open aperture, it falls short in peripheral image quality. However, its extremely wide aperture and great focal length for nightscapes make it a viable option.

Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

Another solid choice for nightscapes due to its extremely wide aperture and focal length. However, it only delivers mediocre image quality at f/1.4.

Rokinon (Samyang) 24mm f/1.4 US UMC Lens

This manual focus and manual aperture lens is a more affordable option. While it needs to be stopped down to f/2.8 for optimal sharpness, it offers sharp corner-to-corner image quality and minimal peripheral shading at that setting.

In addition to these options, the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM lens, mentioned earlier for travel photography, could also be a good choice for astrophotography due to its wide focal length range and fast autofocus system.

For those on a tighter budget or just starting out, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm kit lens can be a good starting point for astrophotography, especially when paired with a sturdy tripod.

Lastly, it is worth noting that if you are specifically interested in deep-sky photography or capturing images of planets, you may need to invest in a telescope or a tracking mount.

Frequently asked questions