Best Lenses for Canon 90D – Top 10 Picks (2023 Ultimate Guide)

This is a guide covering the best lenses for the Canon EOS 90D.

The Canon EOS 90D is a great midrange DSLR. It replaces the EOS 80D and is like the DSLR version of the EOS Mark II.

It’s an impressive camera and because of this, there are also many great lens options. If you choose a lens outside of this list, make sure it has an EF/EF-S lens mount as that is what is compatible with the Canon 90D.

Also, it is important to note that the EF-S mount is used for lenses specifically designed for APS-C sensors, which the Canon 90D has, and it provides a smaller image circle than the EF mount which makes it possible to create a more compact lens. Lenses with EF mount can also be used with the 90D, but it will only utilize the center part of the image.

As a result, the image captured by the camera will only be using the center part of the lens, resulting in a crop factor, which means that the field of view will be narrower and the focal length will be effectively longer. For example, a 50mm EF-mount lens will be 75mm on the Canon 90D.

In a hurry? Here’s the quick overview:

How to Choose the Best Lens for the Canon 90D?

Focal Length: Decide on the range of focal lengths you need for the type of photography you plan to do. For example, a wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and architecture, while a telephoto lens is better for portraits, sports and wildlife.

Aperture: Consider the maximum aperture of the lens. A lens with a wide aperture (low f-stop number) will allow more light in and give you more control over depth of field.

Image stabilization: Some lenses have built-in image stabilization which can be helpful for shooting in low-light or hand-held situations.

Quality: Lenses vary in build and image quality. L-series lenses from Canon are known for their exceptional image quality and durability, but they are more expensive.

Compatibility: Make sure the lens you choose is compatible with the Canon 90D’s EF and EF-S lens mount.

Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a lens, and try to balance your needs with your budget.

9 Best Lenses for Canon EOS 90D

1. Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM

Sigma 50mm F1.4
Sale

Specifications:

  • Lens type: Prime lens
  • Maximum aperture: F1.4
  • Minimum aperture: F16
  • Max Format size: 35mm FF
  • Focal length: 50mm
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Lens mount: Canon EF
  • Weight: 815g (1.80 lb)
  • Diameter: 85mm (3.35″)
  • Length: 100mm (3.94″)

My Pros With This Lens:

  • Very sharp image quality
  • There is minimal distortion

My Cons With This Lens:

  • It’s a pretty big lens
  • I wish there was image stabilization

The best overall lens for the Canon 90D has to be the Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens. First, it’s 50mm which means that it’s versatile for different scenarios. Next, this lens has better bokeh than your Canon 50mm f1.8 prime lens.

This gives users a slightly better edge in shooting portraits if they ever want to shoot photos at night. And also, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM lens provides crisp images that can go toe to toe with Canon-made lenses.

Sale

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2. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Canon EF 50mm f1.8

Specifications:

  • Lens type: Prime lens
  • Maximum aperture: F1.8
  • Minimum aperture: F22
  • Max Format size: 35mm FF
  • Focal length: 50mm
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Lens mount: Canon EF
  • Weight: 159g (0.35 lb)
  • Diameter: 69mm (2.72″)
  • Length: 39mm (1.54″)
  • Sealing: No

My Pros With This Lens:

  • Very sharp at F/1.8
  • The lens feels very light weight and compact

My Cons With This Lens:

  • I wish there was image stabilization

The Canon EF 50mm F1.8 STM lens is a highly versatile prime lens that can allow you to capture stunning portraits.

Just like other Canon lenses, it is known for providing vivid and sharp images perfect for capturing facial expressions.

With a decent aperture to blur the background, you will be able to isolate the subject and remove the noise from your background.

With a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet, emphasize different parts of the face in composing your photos.

Focusing is also discreet with the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 STM lens thanks to its Stepping Motor technology.

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3. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

Canon EF 100mm f2.8 Macro

Specifications:

  • Lens type: Prime lens
  • Maximum aperture: F2.8
  • Minimum aperture: F32
  • Max Format size: 35mm FF
  • Focal length: 100mm
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Lens mount: Canon EF
  • Weight: 600g (1.32 lb)
  • Diameter: 79mm (3.11″)
  • Length: 119mm (4.69″)
  • Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
  • Sealing: No

My Pros With This Lens:

  • Love the bokeh
  • Image quality is excellent
  • Fast focusing

My Cons With This Lens:

  • I wish there was image stabilization

If you are working on some food photography (check out best cameras for food photography) project or doing fashion photography in a studio, the Canon EF 100mm F2.8 Macro USM Fixed Lens is a handy tool for these scenarios. This lens can highlight details on a product.

This lens lets you see some details up close, which is something that you don’t usually get from other lenses. Though it’s a prime lens without any capability to zoom in and out, a 100mm helps give you close-up shots that can even be used in microphotography.

This lens is known for its robust construction which is why it tends to be heavy. Though you get a fixed lens and a 2.8 aperture that will most likely not work well in low light conditions, it offers great shots during the daytime. And also, you could easily use it in a well-lit indoor setting. This lens can even be practical when shooting sports events both indoors and those conducted outdoors.

It makes use of an ultrasonic motor that can focus accurately on the subject in an instant. You also have the option to go full manual focusing in case that’s your preference.

Also, check out the full list of best Canon macro lenses.

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4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Canon EF 85mm f1.8 USM

Specifications:

  • Lens type: Prime lens
  • Maximum aperture: F1.8
  • Minimum aperture: F22
  • Max Format size: 35mm FF
  • Focal length: 85mm
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Lens mount: Canon EF
  • Weight: 425g (0.94 lb)
  • Diameter: 75mm (2.95″)
  • Length: 72mm (2.81″)
  • Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
  • Sealing: No

My Pros With This Lens:

  • The image quality is very sharp
  • The bokeh/background blue is fantastic
  • Feels very light and compact

My Cons With This Lens:

  • I noticed some minor chromatic aberration at F/1.8

Another lens on our list of best lenses for Canon 90D is the Canon EF 85mm f1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens. It is a prime lens. Many find it an awkward lens simply because you don’t get to enjoy zooming in or zooming out of your subject. Instead, the photographer is going to be the one who will have to get closer or farther away from the subject to capture the best shot.

However, unlike other telephoto lenses that you see in the market, the Canon EF 85mm f1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens performs just as well as a portrait lens. With a wide aperture, it can blur the background and focus on the subject in front. And also, you can use this lens even in low-light situations or indoors.

This lens can also focus quickly thanks to its ultrasonic motor. And most important of all, it offers crisp images.

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5. Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM

Canon EF 35mm f1.4L II USM

Specifications:

  • Lens type: Prime lens
  • Maximum aperture: F1.4
  • Minimum aperture: F22
  • Max Format size: 35mm FF
  • Focal length: 35mm
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Lens mount: Canon EF
  • Weight: 760g (1.68 lb)
  • Diameter: 80mm (3.15″)
  • Length: 106mm (4.17″)
  • Sealing: Yes

My Pros With This Lens:

  • Very sharp image quality
  • Love the wide aperture
  • The build quality feels very solid

My Cons With This Lens:

  • No image stabilization

The Canon EF 35mm f1.4L II USM Lens is a good option for those who love portraits and landscape photography.

But unlike your typical wide-angle lens, this lens also has a wide aperture that allows photographers to isolate their subject and blur the rest of the background.

However, unlike the 50mm lens, the 35mm focal length gives you a wider perspective on your shots.

You also have the freedom whether you want to use the automatic focus or the manual focus feature for this lens.

Unless you are willing to shell out for a 35mm lens, then this may not be the one for you. But so far, it’s one of the best lenses for Canon 90D given the number of practical applications that you can get from this lens.

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6. Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6

Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f4.0-5.6
Sale

Specifications:

  • Lens type: Zoom lens
  • Maximum aperture: F4-5.6
  • Minimum aperture: F32
  • Max Format size: 35mm FF
  • Focal length: 70–300 mm
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Lens mount: Canon EF
  • Weight: 435g (0.96 lb)
  • Diameter: 77mm (3.02″)
  • Length: 117mm (4.59″)

My Pros With This Lens:

  • Feels very lightweight
  • Very sharp image quality
  • Great bang for buck

My Cons With This Lens:

  • I feel the autofocus could be a bit faster

The Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens allows you to explore subjects up close. It is a good option for doing product photoshoots since it can highlight some of the best parts of the product.

And since you get to zoom in or zoom out, you don’t need to switch lenses or to move closer or farther away from the subject.

But what made us decide to include the Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens in our list of best lenses for Canon 90D is the superior image sharpness that it can deliver to the table.

It made use of low-dispersion glass elements that have helped reduce chromatic aberration.

Chromatic aberration is responsible for having a negative impact on the sharpness of an image. With this design, it is a highly versatile macro lens that allows users to shoot small subjects.

However, you will need to have a good light source in case you plan on using this lens. With an f/4.0-5.6 aperture, don’t expect it to do great in low-light conditions.

Sale

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7. Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 STM

Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6

Specifications:

  • Lens type: Zoom lens
  • Maximum aperture: F4-5.6
  • Minimum aperture: F22-32
  • Max Format size: APS-C / DX
  • Focal length: 55–250mm
  • Image stabilization: Yes
  • Lens mount: Canon EF-S
  • Weight: 375g (0.83 lb)
  • Diameter: 70mm (2.76″)
  • Length: 111mm (4.37″)
  • Materials: Plastic barrel, plastic mount
  • Sealing: No

My Pros With This Lens:

  • The sharpness is very impressive
  • Feels very light and compact

My Cons With This Lens:

  • Plastic

We included another Canon lens in our list of best lenses for Canon 90D. This Canon lens is more than just a favorite among food photographers and microphotography enthusiasts. It is also a handy lens for travel photography.

Here, you will be able to shoot between 50mm to 250mm without switching up your lens. And as long as you have a good light source, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM Lens is a good option that you can go for.

It is also known for taking sharp images thanks to its ultra-low dispersion element. On top of that, you also don’t have to worry in case you have shaky hands and you don’t have a tripod available. It made use of an Optical Image Stabilizer to keep your shots steady.

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8. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is II USM

Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 is II USM

Specifications:

  • Lens type: Zoom lens
  • Maximum aperture: F4-5.6
  • Minimum aperture: F32-45
  • Max Format size: 35mm FF
  • Focal length: 70–300mm
  • Image stabilization: Yes
  • Lens mount: Canon EF
  • Weight: 630g (1.39 lb)
  • Diameter: 77mm (3.01″)
  • Length: 143mm (5.62″)
  • Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
  • Sealing: No

My Pros With This Lens:

  • The sharpness is very impressive
  • The distortion is very controlled
  • The autofocus is very fast and precise

My Cons With This Lens:

  • I wish it had weather sealing

Whether you are shooting wildlife or you are trying to capture great moments in a sports event, the Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS II USM lens makes a good choice for these scenarios. This lens made it into our list of best lenses for Canon 90D for some simple reasons.

First, it provides the user with crisp and vivid images. On top of that, you get to enjoy a fast-focusing lens thanks to its Nano USM technology. And last but not the least, it has stabilization technology that prevents shaky shots especially when you are already shooting from a considerably great distance.

However, just like most telephoto lenses, the issue is with its aperture. With the widest aperture at f4-5.6, this might not be a good option even for a well-lit indoor event. And also, though you get to enjoy manual focusing on this lens, you will have to activate this feature using the camera. This is something that takes a lot of time.

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9. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L USM

Specifications:

  • Lens type: Zoom lens
  • Maximum aperture: F2.8
  • Minimum aperture: F32
  • Max Format size: 35mm FF
  • Focal length: 70–200mm
  • Image stabilization: Yes
  • Lens mount: Canon EF
  • Weight: 1440g (3.17 lb)
  • Diameter: 89mm (3.5″)
  • Length: 199mm (7.83″)
  • Materials: Magnesium alloy
  • Sealing: Yes

My Pros With This Lens:

  • The image stabilization is great
  • The build quality is superb
  • Very strong sharpness (in terms of image quality)

My Cons With This Lens:

  • Noticed some very minor distortion

The Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS III USM Lens is another great choice for those looking for a dependable telephoto lens. Though its focal length only ranges from 70mm to 200mm, something that is a notch lower than the Canon 70-300mm lens that we just featured, this lens performs better in low light conditions.

With an f2.8 aperture, photographers can get to play around more with their settings, especially when taking photos of wildlife or sporting events.

This lens not only gives you vivid images but can also help minimize shake thanks to its Optical Image Stabilization feature. It means that even if you opt to not use a tripod, the lens can help compensate for your shaky hands. On top of that, it is also highly resistant to dust and water allowing photographers to shoot in harsh conditions.

Despite being considered one of the best lenses for Canon 90D, it isn’t a perfect lens. The biggest drawback of this lens is its weight. It is heavy which means that it is a hassle to bring whenever you are traveling.

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FAQ

What Lens Mount is the Canon 90D?

The Canon 90D is a camera that uses the Canon EF and EF-S lens mount.

Who is the Canon 90D For?

The Canon 90D is a versatile and high-performance DSLR camera that is designed for a wide range of photographers, including enthusiasts and professionals. It is particularly well-suited for sports photography, portraits, event photography, landscapes, street photography, etc.

There are many great lenses that can be paired with the Canon EOS 90D. But when it comes to selecting the right lens for your needs, it is crucial to know your requirements.

Are you going to shoot indoors? Or perhaps, you are still shooting photos after the sun goes down? These are some of the things that can affect your overall buying decision.

Today, you can select from different brands of lenses in the market. You can choose from a variety of Canon lenses made for EOS cameras or decide to go for third-party lenses. There are instances when third-party lenses outperform their Canon counterpart. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to your shooting preference.

Also, check out the full list of best Canon lenses.

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