This is a guide covering the best Canon lenses for video.
Canon has some of the best cameras for shooting videos.
Whether you’re a vlogger starting his or her podcast on YouTube, or someone shooting weddings, Canon can provide you with a range of good DSLRs and mirrorless options.
However, you also need the right lens. So what’s the best Canon lens for video? That can be confusing given the number of lenses that you can choose from.
I’ll give you everything that you need to know in case you want the best bang for your buck. When choosing a lens, make sure you know your lens mount because I wouldn’t want you picking a lens that is not compatible with your camera. In this guide, I’ve provided EF/EF-S/EF-M/RF lens mounts.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Canon Lens for Video
- 👩 Best Canon Lenses for Low-Light Videography, Bokeh & Close-Ups
- 🌐 Best Canon Lens for Wide-Scene Videography
- 🔭 Best Canon Zoom Lens for Videography
How to Choose the Best Canon Lens for Video?
Focal length: For videography, a lens with a wide focal length range, such as a zoom lens, is often preferred as it allows for greater flexibility in framing shots.
Image stabilization: Look for a lens with built-in image stabilization to help reduce camera shake and produce smoother footage.
Aperture: A lens with a wide aperture, such as f/2.8 or wider, will allow for more light to enter the lens and produce a shallower depth of field, which can be useful for creating a more cinematic look.
Autofocus: For video, it is important to have a lens with fast and accurate autofocus.
Compatible with your camera: Make sure the lens is compatible with your camera body.
Quality of the build: Look for a lens with a durable build quality that can withstand the demands of videography.
Table of Contents
10 Best Canon Lenses for Video
1. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–70 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Autofocus: Yes
- Weight: 805 g (1.77 lb)
- Diameter: 89 mm (3.48″)
- Length: 113 mm (4.45″)
- Sealing: Yes
I believe the best Canon lens for videos is the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM.
If you are a professional videographer looking for what many pros would consider the ideal Canon lens for video recording, then you should take a closer look at the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens as a good option.
For some, it is even the best Canon lens for video. It offers a decent range from 24mm to 70mm plus the aperture is not that bad at F2.8.
It means that it can open work well even indoors.
On top of that, it also comes with a useful range that lets you record landscapes or go close up on faces.
The ultrasonic motor for its AF mode is best for shooting videos because it works silently and can focus accurately on subjects.
It also comes with image stabilization which makes it easier to use even if you are planning to hold the camera without a gimbal.
Perhaps, it’s still not as good as a prime lens in terms of aperture but it gets you the versatility that you need when shooting videos.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Good for indoors and outdoors
- Great range
- Silent when focusing
- Accurate focusing
My Cons With This Lens:
- Not as good as a prime lens in terms of aperture
2. Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 24 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Autofocus: Yes
- Weight: 125 g (0.28 lb)
- Diameter: 68 mm (2.68″)
- Length: 23 mm (0.91″)
- Sealing: No
In case you are the type who needs a wide-angle lens for your Canon then you might seriously consider the Canon EF-S 24mm F2.8 STM lens.
It’s the most beginner-friendly option for any videographer regardless if you’re only starting or you are an advanced user.
You can use this lens whether you are setting up outdoors or shooting indoors.
A good number of photographers and videographers love the results of the Canon EF-S 24mm F2.8 STM lens.
The colors are realistic and could compete against higher-end lenses from Canon. It is also reasonably sharp.
You also get a lightweight lens that is easy to carry around if you plan on taking videos of your travel. It is considered the slimmest and the thinnest in the EF-S series.
The STM motor, however, is a bit noisy not to mention it tends to back focus. When used in most situations, you might prefer its manual focus over the AF.
But other than this, it is most likely the best Canon lens for videography if you are somewhat looking to invest in a beginner-friendly lens.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Compact
- Great for landscapes
- Also useful indoors with its wide aperture
- Sharp results
My Cons With This Lens:
- STM lens is a bit noisy
3. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Autofocus: Yes
- Weight: 290 g (0.64 lb)
- Diameter: 74 mm (2.91″)
- Length: 51 mm (1.99″)
- Sealing: No
If you are under the impression that you will need to have silent AF and a prime lens to get the best results when taking videos, then you should go for the Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM lens.
It has the most versatile focal length perfect for both shooting landscapes and portraits.
If you’re going to just keep one lens, we won’t be surprised if you are going to pick the Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM lens.
It does well both indoors and outdoors. Its F1.4 aperture gives you the flexibility you need in case you want to shoot in low-light scenarios and if you need to focus more on the subject in front.
As a favorite Canon lens for videography by different pros, you might be thinking that it’s a perfect lens.
Though its ultrasonic motor is perfect for those who want to minimize, if not eliminate the noise while taking a video, it tends to back focus when it’s trying to find a subject.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Silent AF motor
- Wide aperture perfect for indoors
- Versatile design
My Cons With This Lens:
- Tends to back focus
4. Canon EF-M 22mm f2 STM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 22 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF-M
- Maximum aperture: F2
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Autofocus: Yes
- Weight: 105 g (0.23 lb)
- Diameter: 61 mm (2.4″)
- Length: 24 mm (0.94″)
The Canon EF-M 22mm F2 STM lens is another great pick if you want a lightweight option.
It is arguably the best Canon lens for video recording if you are using an M-mount setup.
Designed for mirrorless Canon cameras, it is equivalent to a 35mm lens. It is an ideal pick when capturing landscapes and if you want to shoot close up.
Also, you will notice how the center remains sharp while the edge is not exactly soft.
It gives you a slightly wider result than a 50mm prime lens when using a DSLR allowing users to capture more background or even the head to foot of the person if you change the orientation of your camera to portrait.
Its F2.0 aperture is handy whenever you are shooting indoors and in other low-light situations.
Perhaps the biggest problem with this lens is that it doesn’t have an image stabilization feature.
Just make sure that you have a gimbal with you and you won’t have a problem with this lens.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Equivalent to a 35mm lens in full-frame
- Lightweight and compact design
- Good for low-light scenarios
- Sharp results
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t have image stabilization
5. Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 35 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Maximum aperture: F2
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Autofocus: Yes
- Weight: 335 g (0.74 lb)
- Diameter: 78 mm (3.07″)
- Length: 63 mm (2.48″)
- Sealing: No
The Canon EF 35mm F2 IS USM wide-angle lens is a popular choice since many considered it an all-around lens.
Some would even call it the best Canon lens for video content given its sharpness, compact design, and overall usability.
For starters, this lens offers a slightly wider result than a 50mm prime lens making it suited for both landscapes and even for shooting close-up shots when doing an interview.
This lens comes with an image stabilization feature.
You’d be surprised how it performs even without a gimbal on your DSLR.
As for the AF, that’s where it gets mixed results. It is accurate but slow compared to the other lenses that we’ve covered.
However, its ultrasonic motor is quite accurate and smooth when focusing on a subject. You won’t notice a lot of back-focusing when it tries to find your subject.
But the biggest downside to this lens is that the motor is a bit too noisy if you need the audio in your videos.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Compact design
- Good for landscapes and shooting portraits
- Good even for low-light scenarios
- With image stabilization
My Cons With This Lens:
- The motor is a bit difficult to use
6. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 85 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Autofocus: Yes
- Weight: 425 g (0.94 lb)
- Diameter: 75 mm (2.95″)
- Length: 72 mm (2.81″)
- Sealing: No
The Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM is often used as an alternative to the 50mm F1.8 lens.
It is a good pick for those who are looking to give their subject some space to feel more comfortable.
It is often a good call to invest in a Canon EF 85mm F1.8 lens if you need to take footage from afar and you can’t get closer to the subject.
It comes in handy when shooting birds and other animals in the wild.
The quality of the lens is also superb since it offers accurate colors and amazing sharpness. As for its performance indoors, it has a wide aperture that can do well even in low-light scenarios.
Unfortunately, the AF is a bit slow and not suited for moving subjects. If you are shooting subjects from afar, then this might be the best choice for you.
Though it is arguably the best Canon lens for video for some videographers, we still think that it’s not for everyone.
We still find the 50mm prime lens easier and more versatile for more scenarios.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Good for low-light conditions
- Performs well when you need to shoot subjects from afar
- Sharp results
My Cons With This Lens:
- The focus is a bit slow
7. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon RF
- Maximum aperture: F1.2
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Autofocus: Yes
- Weight: 950 g (2.09 lb)
- Diameter: 90 mm (3.54″)
- Length: 108 mm (4.25″)
- Sealing: Yes
Another mount introduced by Canon for mirrorless options are the RF mount lenses.
One of the best lenses that made its way into the market with this mount is the Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM lens.
This lens could easily be the best Canon lens for video content considering its wide aperture, weather-resistant features, and sharp results.
This fixed focal length lens is perfect not only for shooting beautiful portraits but also for shooting different types of video content.
You can easily use it for shooting videos of places, small subjects, or even landscapes.
The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 USM lens is also suited for both indoors and outdoors given the wide aperture.
Plus, you get sharp results and accurate colors when you use this lens for either shooting photos or videos.
By design, it is perfect for different scenarios. It comes with a dust and water-resistant construction that can be used for almost all sorts of weather conditions.
The optics also has a fluorine coating that can minimize both dirt and dust. Plus, it makes the lens easier to clean.
So what’s not to like about this lens?
The biggest downside to this lens is that it doesn’t have image stabilization which can make it challenging if you are shooting without a tripod or gimbal.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Wide aperture making it good for indoors
- Sharp results
- Highly versatile focal length
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t have an image stabilization
8. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS II
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 55–250 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Maximum aperture: F4–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22–32
- Autofocus: Yes
- Weight: 390 g (0.86 lb)
- Diameter: 70 mm (2.76″)
- Length: 108 mm (4.25″)
- Sealing: No
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4.0-5.6 IS II telephoto zoom lens is a favorite lens by different videographers since it allows them to have just one lens for multiple situations.
You could have the same lens if you wish to capture footage from afar or subjects just a few feet away from you.
This lens can be a great choice for those who only shoot during the daytime. Indoors, that’s where you’ll need to ensure that you have enough lighting.
As for the results, it is not as sharp as we’d want it to be, but it gets the job done especially if you are not a professional videographer.
However, if there is a reason to consider this lens as the best Canon lens for video content is the fact that you can shoot even without a gimbal or tripod.
By comparison to other lenses that we’ve tried, its image stabilization feature is something that can outshine most of the lenses that we’ve tried.
And by design, it has a compact construction. It’s easier to carry around, especially if you don’t want to be carrying excessively heavy gear.
The biggest downside to this lens is that it doesn’t work on the full-frame 35mm sensor Canon lenses such as your 1D, 5D, and 6D.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Handy for different situations
- Easy to use even without a gimbal
- Sharp results
My Cons With This Lens:
- You will need good lighting to use this lens
9. Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 10–18 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Maximum aperture: F4.5–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22–29
- Autofocus: Yes
- Weight: 240 g (0.53 lb)
- Diameter: 75 mm (2.94″)
- Length: 72 mm (2.83″)
- Sealing: No
The Canon EF-S 10-18mm F/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens is designed for those who love shooting wide-angle shots. It comes with a decent range of wide-angle focal lengths.
Why should we consider it the best Canon lens for video content?
It’s a handy pick whether you’re shooting from a vantage point or you simply want your viewers to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
Given its aperture, this lens is designed mainly for outdoors in well-lighted scenarios.
You also don’t have to worry if you are only holding your camera since it has an impressive image stabilization feature.
And lastly, the stepping motor is quiet eliminating noise that your camera can catch while taking a video.
What’s the biggest disappointment with this lens? We tried using it indoors and we ended up getting underexposed shots.
So if you’re trying to vlog, be sure that you’re doing it with access to daylight or enough strobe lights.
My Pros With This Lens:
- With image stabilization
- Great for shooting landscapes
- Easy to use during daytime
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t do well in low-light situations
10. Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 17–40 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Maximum aperture: F4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Autofocus: Yes
- Weight: 500 g (1.10 lb)
- Diameter: 84 mm (3.29″)
- Length: 97 mm (3.81″)
- Sealing: Yes
The Canon EF 17-40mm F4L USM ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is another handy zoom lens for daytime use.
It performs well in well-lighted situations and is now the favorite of many travel vloggers.
And since its features are mostly for taking landscape photos and videos, it comes with a dust and moisture-resistant design making it a handy tool for outdoors.
As for the quality of shots, its optics provides users with sharp results throughout the entire focal length range.
Plus, it is also lightweight by design making it easier to carry around compared to the other Canon lenses.
If you are planning to use humans as your subject, you also won’t be disappointed since it comes with a fast and quiet AF that can track subjects accurately.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp results
- Easy to use in well-lighted situations
- Dust and moisture resistant
My Cons With This Lens:
- Only works well outdoors
FAQ
What Focal Length is Best for Videography?
Wide-angle (10-20mm) is great for expansive scenes, standard (24-35mm) is a great versatile focal length, and telephoto (70-200mm) is great for zooming in and isolating subjects.
Does Canon Produce Good Lenses for Video?
Canon produces a wide variety of lenses that are well-suited for videography. Canon lenses are known for their high image quality, fast autofocus, and durable build quality. They also have a wide range of lenses that cover different focal lengths, aperture and image stabilization which makes them ideal for videography.
Final Remarks
There are lots of options for professional videographers and vloggers looking for the best Canon lens for video content creation.
It comes in a variety of focal lengths and apertures that make the selection process confusing even for seasoned professionals.
Be sure to know what you need and compare the pros and cons of these lenses.
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Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California and is also a photography author for Photofocus.com. When he is not photographing clients he is creating educational photography content that he publishes on his website as well as his YouTube Channel. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a search engine of educational creators. Learn more about me here → https://www.natetorresphotography.com/about/
