This is a guide covering the best lenses for the Canon 80D.
As a successor to the 70D, I love the Canon EOS 80D. It was released in 2016 but it is still one of the best mid-range DSLR cameras on the market.
With that being said, there are lots of great lens options.
Believe me, I know how exciting, yet difficult it can be to find the perfect lens for your camera especially since it can be an investment.
Because of this, I dive into each Canon 80D lens to uncover the pros and cons in terms of quality, build, important features, etc.
So make sure to read the post until the end. That way you can make the best decision for you! If you choose a lens outside of this list, make sure it is an EF/EF-S lens as that is the lens mount compatible with the Canon 80D.
I always wanted to point out that the Canon 80D is an APS-C camera so you can use EF lenses on it but expect a 1.6x crop factor on your EF lens focal length, due to the smaller sensor size. So a 50mm length would look like a 75mm length.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Lens for the Canon 80D
- 👩 Best Portrait Photography Lenses for the Canon 80D
- 🌄 Best Landscape Photography Lenses for the Canon 80D
- ⚾ Best Sports Photography Lenses for the Canon 80D
- 🌹 Best Macro Photography Lenses for the Canon 80D
- 🚗 Best Street Photography Lenses for the Canon 80D
- 💸 Best Budget Lens for the Canon 80D
How to Choose the Best Lens for the Canon EOS 80D?
Focal length: Decide on the type of photography you will be doing and choose a lens with an appropriate focal length. For example, if you plan on doing portrait photography, a 50mm or 85mm lens would be a good choice. If you’re interested in landscape photography, a wide-angle lens such as a 10-22mm or a 16-35mm lens would be a good choice.
Aperture: The aperture controls the amount of light that enters the camera and affects the depth of field in your photos. A lens with a lower f-stop number (such as f/1.4 or f/2.8) will allow for a shallower depth of field and a more blurred background.
Image stabilization: If you plan on shooting in low light or handheld, a lens with image stabilization can help reduce camera shake and improve image sharpness.
Autofocus: Consider whether you need a lens with fast and accurate autofocus for action or sports photography.
Brand: Some photographers prefer to stick to one brand of lens, as it can be more convenient to have lenses that share the same filter size and accessories.
Table of Contents
12 Best Lenses for Canon 80D
1. Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 35mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 815g (1.80 lb)
- Diameter: 81mm (3.19″)
- Length: 105mm (4.13″)
- Sealing: Yes
Among the best lenses for Canon 80D that we’ve tested, I consider the Tamron SP 35mm f1.4 Di USD lens as the best overall lens for different situations.
Wider than your typical 50mm prime lens, it’s the perfect option for landscapes and even for taking videos.
With its wide aperture, it can also be a good option for portraits. You also get to have an easier time shooting family portraits using this lens (also check out the best Canon lenses for family portraits).
It offers a moisture-resistant construction plus crisp images even in low light conditions. And on top of that, it has quiet yet accurate focusing capabilities.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Accurate focusing
- Moisture-resistant construction
- Sharp images
- Perfect even in low light conditions
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
2. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Len 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
The best portrait lens for the Canon 80D is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.
You can’t go wrong with a 50mm f/1.8 lens for portrait photography. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is an choice for a 80D.
Crisp images, great bokeh, and a stepping motor to deliver autofocus, it’s a camera that can give you a great shooting experience and a great photo at the same time.
And when you need to switch to MF, there is a switch right outside the lens to make things easy for the photographer.
However, some users complained that the lens tends to focus a bit slow. But you pay for what you get. It’s still a good portrait lens nonetheless.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Quiet focusing
- Great bokeh
- Sharp images
My Cons With This Lens:
- Focusing is a bit slow
3. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F32
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 100mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stop Hybrid IS)
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 625g (1.38 lb)
- Diameter: 78mm (3.06″)
- Length: 123mm (4.84″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: Yes
The best macro lens for the Canon 80D is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM.
The Canon EF 100mm f2.8 IS USM Lens is a good option if you are looking to capture the small details on your subject. It’s a good tool to use for taking photographs of food, toys, and even for products that require you to highlight their small details.
This “L” series lens offers superb stabilization and ultrasonic focusing that is known for its silent performance.
Many consider it as a semi-professional lens. And most important of all, it takes sharp images.
The only issue is that the ultrasonic motor is known to be sensitive. Therefore, be sure to pack it carefully.
Also, check out the full list of best macro lenses for Canon.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great image stabilization feature
- Sharp images
- Fast and smooth focusing
My Cons With This Lens:
- Sensitive ultrasonic motor
4. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.2
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 580g (1.28 lb)
- Diameter: 86mm (3.38″)
- Length: 66mm (2.58″)
- Materials: Metal barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
The best wedding photography lens for the Canon 80D is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM.
One of the best lenses for Canon 80D or other Canon DSLRs in general is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens.
It is a handy option in different scenarios thanks to its wide aperture. It’s a favorite among wedding photographers since you are shooting a lot of portraits.
With this prime lens, you get the ability to lose the background and focus solely on the subject. Plus, it is something that you can use indoors with limited light.
But despite the weather-resistant design of this lens, the ultrasonic motor is known for its sensitivity that can result in problems.
Also, check out the list of the best Canon lenses for wedding photography.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Has the ability to blur the background
- Weather-resistant design
- Great for shooting portraits even indoors
My Cons With This Lens:
- Sensitive ultrasonic motor
5. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F32
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 70–200mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 1310g (2.89 lb)
- Diameter: 85mm (3.33″)
- Length: 194mm (7.62″)
- Materials: Metal barrel, metal mount
- Colour: Grey and Black
- Zoom method: Rotary (internal)
The best sports photography lens for the Canon 80D is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L USM telephoto lens gives photographers sharp images thanks to four UD glass elements found inside the lens.
You also get great bokeh with its f/2.8 aperture.
Plus, you get to enjoy fast and quiet autofocus features with its ultrasonic motor.
And unlike other lenses, it is dust and moisture resistant making it one of the most durable options in the market today.
The biggest downside though is that you will need to have a tripod when using this lens.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp images
- Wide range of focal length
- Great bokeh
My Cons With This Lens:
- Not a handheld telephoto lens
6. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 290g (0.64 lb)
- Diameter: 74mm (2.91″)
- Length: 51mm (1.99″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is another great option for best lenses for Canon 80D, especially for those who want better bokeh than your typical 50mm f1.8 lens.
It is perfect for highlighting your subject’s face and blurring the rest of the background.
As far as usability is concerned, it has the Ultrasonic Motor that is known for fast autofocus. And with multi-layer coating, it helps to minimize the flare and ghosting that are common issues with digital cameras.
The only issue with this camera is that the motor is a bit sensitive. If you want to use it for a long time, be sure to invest in a good gear bag.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Minimal flaring
- Sharp images
- Great bokeh
- Perfect even for low light conditions
My Cons With This Lens:
- USM motors are sensitive
7. Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 105mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Diameter: 78mm (3.08″)
- Length: 127mm (4.99″)
- Sealing: Yes
We included the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens in the list of best lenses for Canon 80D for several good reasons.
For instance, it offers sharp images. It has a 9-blade circular diaphragm that provides softness on your shots.
On top of that, it has a superb stabilizer that gives users the chance to get good shots even without a tripod.
And also, it has a good range perfect for shooting small insects or flowers.
The only downside is that it can be a bit noisy when you are focusing on the camera. It sounded as if there is something wrong with the lens.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Good range
- Sharp photos
- Has superb image stabilizer
My Cons With This Lens:
- Noisy when focusing
8. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–70mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 805g (1.77 lb)
- Diameter: 89mm (3.48″)
- Length: 113mm (4.45″)
- Materials: Metal barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: Yes
Another great macro lens for doing macro photography is the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens.
What makes it part of our list of best lenses for Canon 8D is the fact that you get to adjust the focal length according to your preference. And for a zoom lens, it has a decent aperture at f2.8.
It has an optimized lens coating that can balance colors and minimize ghosting on your shots.
And also, you get to enjoy fast and silent autofocus in this lens. However, there’s no image stabilization feature which is a turnoff.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great lens for shooting close-up and shooting wide
- Great color balance
- Quiet and fast autofocus
My Cons With This Lens:
- No image stabilization
9. Meike 8mm f3.5
The Meike 8mm f3.5 Fisheye Lens brings a different type of perspective to users. It offers a more circular result with a vignette on the side.
The images are sharp as well. Though it isn’t something that you want to use in your daily affairs, a lot of wedding photographers are going to have fun using this.
They’ll be able to capture the entire surroundings plus the subject right in the middle.
This lens gets the job done. The only downside is that it got some weight compared to other lenses.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp images
- Good value
- With vignette effect
- Great for doing landscapes
My Cons With This Lens:
- A bit heavy
10. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F3.5 – 5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22 – 38
- Max Format size: APS-/DX
- Focal length: 18–55mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Weight: 205g (0.45 lb)
- Diameter: 69mm (2.72″)
- Length: 75mm (2.96″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, plastic mount
- Sealing: No
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Zoom Lens is a perfect option for a lot of wedding photographers who don’t want to be switching cameras or lenses whenever they are shooting an event.
What makes it one of the best lenses for Canon 80D is the fact that you have your portrait and a wide-angle lens using this setup. (Check out a full list of the best wide-angle lenses for Canon).
It is also known for fast and accurate autofocus which can make the job a lot easier for a wedding photographer.
Unfortunately, due to its aperture, don’t expect a good bokeh from this camera.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Fast autofocus
- Wide range of focal length
- Decent for mid-shot applications
My Cons With This Lens:
- No bokeh for portraits
11. Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC G2
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8 – 22
- Minimum aperture: F2.8 – 22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 70–200mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (5 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 1500g (3.31 lb)
- Diameter: 88mm (3.46″)
- Length: 194mm (7.63″)
- Sealing: Yes
The Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC G2 lens is a decent midrange to long-range lens.
It also offers a decent aperture for a telephoto lens. This lens is known for its vibration compensation and AF speed and accuracy.
It makes sports photography easy because you get to take waste fewer opportunities and shots.
It is also known for its great bokeh thanks to its optical design features.
It is also sharper even compared to its Canon counterpart which is surprising for a lot of photographers.
Unfortunately, it gets to pick up dirt and scratches which can be frustrating if you take it outdoors.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great bokeh
- Sharp images
- With vibration compensation
- Fast autofocus
My Cons With This Lens:
- Not resistant to dust and scratches
12. Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F3.5 – 6.3
- Minimum aperture: F22 – 40
- Max Format size: APS-C/DX
- Focal length: 18–400mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (Up to 2.5 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Weight: 710g (1.57 lb)
- Diameter: 79mm (3.11″)
- Length: 124mm (4.88″)
- Sealing: Yes
The Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD lens is considered by many as one of the best lenses for Canon 80D because of its sharp images, wide focal length range options, and its vibration control features.
You get to enjoy shooting even without a tripod. Plus, you also get to use it either as a telephoto lens or as a wide-angle lens.
The biggest issue however is the sluggish autofocus capability of this lens.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Can be used for wide-angle shots
- With vibration control
- Can be used even without a tripod
My Cons With This Lens:
- Sluggish focus
FAQ
Is the Canon 80D Full Frame?
No, the Canon 80D is not a full-frame camera. It has an APS-C sensor, which is smaller than a full-frame sensor. This means that the lenses used with the Canon 80D will have a crop factor of 1.6x, which changes the effective focal length of the lens.
Is Canon 80D a Crop Sensor?
Yes, the Canon 80D is a crop sensor camera.
Since the Canon 80D lens mount is compatible with a variety of EF lenses regardless if it’s from Canon or some other brand, photographers and videographers have a lot of options to go for.
The best lenses for Canon 80D we’ve mentioned can be used in different situations.
This way, even budget-conscious consumers can get to enjoy the full potential of the Canon 80D.
Also, check out the full list of the best Canon lenses.
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Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
