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Home » Gear » best canon travel lenses

16 UNBELIEVABLE Canon Travel Lenses (2024)

Canon is one the most successful and well-regarded lens manufacturers in the world and for good reason – they produce some stunning pieces of glass.

Because of this, there is a Canon lens for nearly every type of photography out there – especially for travel photographers!

But sorting through Canon’s lens library can be very daunting. Which is exactly why we wrote this epic guide to the best travel lesnses for Canon. 

To shoot like a pro, you have to pack like a pro, and this insider guide to the best Canon travel lenses will show you EXACTLY which travel lens is best for YOU.

So without further ado, let’s get into discussing the best Canon lenses for travel photography (so you can shoot like a pro!)

Quick Answers: Best Full Frame Canon Travel Lenses

Quick answers: best travel lenses for canon ef-s, best full frame canon lenses for travel, best ef-s canon travel lenses of 2018, things to consider when buying the best travel lenses for canon, faq about the best canon travel lenses, final thoughts.

  • All Around Best Travel Lens for Canon Full Frame – Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM
  • Best Full Frame Budget Travel Lens for Canon – Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di LD
  • Best Full Frame Professional Travel Lens for Canon – Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
  • Best Full Frame Prime Travel Lens for Canon – Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM
  • Jump to -> The List of Best Full Frame Canon Lenses for Traveling

canon 24-105 f/.40 travel lens

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM

  • Feature Highlights > IS, 77mm filter
  • Weight > 1.47 lbs/670 g
  • Dimensions > 3.29” x 4.21”

tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 travel lens

Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di LD

  • Feature Highlights > No IS, 67mm filter
  • Weight > 1.12 lbs/508 g
  • Dimensions > 2.87” x 3.62”

canon 24-70mm f/2.8 travel lens

Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

  • Feature Highlights > No IS, 82mm filter
  • Weight > 1.77 lbs/ 805 g
  • Dimensions > 3.48” x 4.45”

canon 50mm f/1.8 travel lens

Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM

  • Feature Highlights > No IS, 49mm filter
  • Weight > 5.64 oz/160 g
  • Dimensions > 2.72” x 1.54”
  • All Around Best Travel Lens for Canon EF-S –   Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
  • Best EF-S Budget Travel Lens for Canon EF-S –   Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
  • Best EF-S Professional Travel Lens for Canon EF-S – Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8
  • Best EF-S Prime Travel Lens for Canon EF-S – Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM
  • Jump to -> The List of Best EF-S Canon Travel Lenses of 2018

canon 17-55mm F/2.8 travel lens

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

  • Weight > 1.42 lbs/645 g
  • Dimensions > 3.29” x 4.35”

sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 travel lens

Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

  • Weight > 1.24 lb/565 g
  • Dimensions > 3.3” x 3.6”

best nikon travel lenses

Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8

  • Feature Highlights > No IS, 72mm filter
  • Weight > 1.78 lb/811 g
  • Dimensions > 3.07” x 4.76”

best canon travel lenses

Canon is, in a sense, at the head of the pack when it comes to lens R&D and is usually the vanguard of all things new and exciting in the camera lens world.

If you have a Canon camera (EF or EF-S) and are having trouble finding the best Canon lenses for travel photography, then we’re here to help!

We’ve compiled a list of 16 lenses that are suitable for travel photography. Each has their own merits (and faults) that will suit whatever kind of photographer that you are. Whether or not you’re a professional or an ultralight backpacker or a casual enthusiast there’s a travel lens from Canon out there for you!

travel lens for canon

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All Around Best Canon Lens for Travel (Full Frame)

  canon ef 24-105mm f/4.0 l is usm.

canon 24-105 f/.40 travel lens

  • Weight:  1.47 lbs/670 g
  • Dimensions:  3.29” x 4.21”
  • Filter Size:  77mm
  • Image Stabilization:  Yes

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L took the travel photography world by storm when it was released. With solid optics, a very useful focal range, image stabilization, and a respectable aperture, the Canon 24-105mm seemingly has it all. For those who want a useful full frame zoom lens that can do a little bit of everything, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM is a great buy and is our choice for best Canon lens for travel photography.

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM greatest strengths are its focal range and superior optical performance. At 24-105mm, this lens can capture everything from landscapes to close-up portraits.

The f/4.0 aperture, though not the fastest, is still very capable and, when shot wide open, can still create some nice bokeh. The lens is quite sharp – especially when stopped down – and combined with image stabilization and a fast autofocus, images are sure to be crisp.

The of Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM does suffer from some distortion and chromatic aberrations. These are to be expected though from such a large package and these can easily be fixed in post-processing anyway.

Overall sharpness isn’t jaw-dropping either but, as mentioned before, stopping down the lens can fix this.

  • Very useful focal range.
  • Solid optical performance.
  • Effective IS and autofocus.
  • Should be stopped down for optimal sharpness.
  • Some distortion and chromatic aberrations.
  • Not the fastest aperture.

Best Full Frame Budget Canon Lens for Travel

  tamron 28-75 f/2.8 xr di ld.

tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 travel lens

  • Weight:  1.12 lbs/508 g
  • Dimensions:  2.87” x 3.62”
  • Filter Size:  67mm
  • Image Stabilization:  No

Though we were tempted to name the legendarily affordable Canon 50mm f/1.8 as our pick for best budget Canon lens for travel, we simply couldn’t pass on the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di LD.

For around $500, you can get a fast, lightweight, sharp lens; that just about covers all the bases for travel photography! Though it’s not the cheapest lens on this list, the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di LD is certainly the best bang for your buck and a great alternative to some of the more expensive full frame lenses.

Aside from the price, the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di LD greatest strengths are its size and image quality. At the time of its release, this lens was touted as the lightest and most compact medium zoom lens (that had a f/2.8 aperture) yet. 10 years later, it’s still impressively useful.

With a fixed f/2.8 aperture, the Tamron Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di LD should deliver excellent image quality as is customary of this type of lens. It doesn, in fact, perform very well, creating pictures that are crisp and sharp. Corner softness is a problem when the aperture is wide open but, like most lenses, this disappears when the lens is stopped down. Distortion is noticeable at wider angles and CA is well controlled throughout.

The Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di LD is built from high-grade plastics. Usually, in these cases, durability becomes an issue as plastic is less hardy than certain alloys. Given the price point of this lens though (plastic is cheaper) this is understandable and probably forgivable if price is a concern.

  • Very affordable.
  • Light and small.
  • Overall great image quality.
  • Soft edges in images.
  • Plastic construction.

Best Full Frame Professional Canon Travel Lens

  canon 24-70mm f/2.8l ii usm.

canon 24-70mm f/2.8 travel lens

  • Weight:  1.77 lbs/ 805 g
  • Dimensions:  3.48” x 4.45”
  • Filter Size:  82mm

If you like the idea of having a fast, supremely sharp lens that can outperform all the rest and you don’t have financial concerns, then the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is about the best that you can get.

With near-flawless optics, a constant f/2.8 aperture, and superb construction, the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is one of the most impressive lenses that you can buy and is our choice for the best professional Canon travel lens.

The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is classified as a “medium zoom;” we’d like to call it a “working man’s lens” though because it performs amazingly well and is very reliable. Lenses like these are used by professionals to get shit done. The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is no exception.

The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM’s optics are just about perfect – sharpness is superlative, CA and distortion are extremely well controlled, and mechanics are state-of-the-art. The lens’ autofocus system is silent as the grave and very quick.

The constant f/2.8 aperture performs better when shot wide open than other lenses, so low light photography should be less of a hassle. Throw in a rugged, weather-sealed body that can withstand the elements, and you have a lens that can go anywhere and do (almost) anything.

The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is not perfect though. Most noticeably, the lens struggles while shooting subjects up-close – sharpness drops down and focusing becomes finicky at these short distances.

On a more general note, the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM still lacks image stabilization, which appears to be endemic to all pro-level medium zooms. The price of this lens may make some shudder as well.

  • Unbeaten image quality.
  • Robust, weather-resistant build.
  • Fast aperture and autofocus.
  • Very expensive.
  • Still no image stabilization?
  • Struggles up close.

Best Full Frame Prime Canon Travel Lens

  canon 50mm f/1.8 stm.

canon 50mm f/1.8 travel lens

  • Weight:  5.64 oz/160 g
  • Dimensions:  2.72” x 1.54”
  • Filter Size:  49mm

Some lenses are just timeless; the Canon 50mm f/1.8 is one of those. For years, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 has been loved and used by thousands of photographers and has solidified itself in their kits. It’s current iteration, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM continues the legacy.

There are simply too few lenses that can compete with the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM’s price point and image quality. This lens is one of the most useful (ever) and travel photographers can grab one for around only $100!

The Canon 50 f/1.8 STM offers great optical quality. When used wide open, the lens has great center sharpness although the edges are somewhat soft.

When stopped down, this softness disappears quickly. CA is well controlled and there is a bit of distortion but latter can be easily fixed in post-processing. Build-wise, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM is very-small, near pancake-like, and is built from more durable materials than its predecessors.

One of the reasons the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM has succeeded so well is its focal length. 50mm lenses, lovingly referred to has “nifty fifties,” are super flexible focal-wise. Nearly any scene can be captured with a 50mm lens, from landscapes to people to urban settings. You can read this article for more on why 50mms are amazing.

Let’s not forget the age-old saying “you get what you pay for” though – the Canon 50 f/1.8 STM, obviously, lacks a lot of things.

Autofocus is reportedly a little sluggish, peak sharpness isn’t achieved until f/5.6, and distortion is apparent, which isn’t something you see very often in prime lenses. Downsides taken into consideration, it’s still hard not to love the Canon 50 f/1.8 STM.

  • Price that can’t be beaten.
  • Ultra-portable.
  • Excellent optics.
  • Autofocus can be sluggish.
  • Has to be stopped down for best optical quality.
  • Some distortion.

Best Full Frame Canon Travel Lens for Landscape Photographers

Canon ef 16-35mm f/4.0l is usm.

canon 16-35mm f/4.0 travel lens

  • Weight:  1.35 lbs/615 g
  • Dimensions:  3.25” x 4.44”

For travel photographers who are going to be taking primarily landscape or, perhaps, interior architecture photos, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4.0L IS USM is a no-brainer. With astounding optical performance and a relatively lightweight, rugged body, this is the best Canon travel lens for landscape photographers.

Optically, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4.0L IS USM leaves little to be desired. The lens is amazingly sharp at nearly every aperture until f/16.0 when diffraction sets in. CA is well controlled and distortion, which is very common in wide zooms, is actually well-maintained.

The corners do show vignetting that never really disappears no matter what aperture you’re at but, like distortion, this can be alleviated somewhat in post-processing.

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4.0L IS USM’s aperture is a little on the slow side and won’t be appropriate for certain situations like astrophotography. Thankfully, this lens does come equipped with image stabilization though, which will be helpful with handheld shooting in low-light as well as videography.

For diehard travel photographers who are constantly on the move, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4.0L IS USM lightweight will appeal greatly. Given its usefulness, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4.0L IS USM is quite compact and is thus more versatile.

Thanks to its robust construction as well, this lens will stand up to elements, which landscape photographers will be exposed to quite often.

  • Lightweight.
  • Excellent optical performance across the spectrum.
  • Image stabilization helps with slower aperture.
  • Slower aperture.
  • Some corner shading.
  • Not appropriate for astrophotography.

Best Full Frame Canon Travel Lens for Portrait Photographers

Canon 85mm f/1.8 usm.

canon 85mm f/1.8 travel lens

  • Weight:  15 ozs / 425 g
  • Dimensions:  2.95” x 2.81”
  • Filter Size:  58mm

Much like the Canon 50mm f/1.8 USM, the Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM stuns with its awesome image quality, small size/weight, and, best of all, unbeatable price. For those who enjoy portrait photography, this is the best travel lens for Canon hands down.

85mm is one of the most widely regarded focal lengths among photographers. At this narrower angle, subjects are isolated wonderfully against their backgrounds and bokeh is usually of that dreamy variety. These lenses are also known for being ridiculously sharp.

What dissuades many newcomer photographers from these 85mm lenses are that they are usually prohibitively expensive. Most of the good ones go for at least $1000 or more (the Canon 85mm f/1.2L is $1,800!!!).  The Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM, on the other hard, is usually found for only (^) though, which is why it’s such an awesome opportunity!’

The Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM delivers in much the same way as its competitors do – sharpness is excellent, the bokeh is smooth, autofocus is quick, and there is little in the way of blemishes e.g. CA, distortion or vignetting. This lens is the real deal.

The Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM does suffer from some very minor issues – shooting wide open often results in soft, CA laden images plus there’s no lens hood included. In my opinion, these flaws are far-and-away forgivable. At the end of the day, this is a must for any portrait photographer.

  • Amazing price given its focal length.
  • Stellar optics.
  • Very compact.
  • Little soft when shot wide open.
  • Chromatic aberrations when shot wide open as well.
  • No lens hood included.

Best Full Frame Canon Travel Lens for Astrophotographers

Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 as ed umc.

rokinon 20mm f/1.8 travel lens

  • Weight:  1.09 lbs/497 g
  • Dimensions:  3.27” x 3.48”

The Korean company Rokinon, or Samyang as it’s sometimes referred to, is most well-known for producing sharp, effective lenses that are very affordable. The Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC is one such lens. With this lens, you can capture the night sky in all of its splendor and not have to break the bank in the process. For these reasons, we think that the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC is the best Canon travel lens for astrophotography.

Rokinon lenses are cheaper because they lack a lot of the electronics that are found in modern day lenses. Autofocus and some recorded data are possible because of these electronic components and so Rokinon lenses cannot do either. When using the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC, you’ll have to focus the lens manually and write down the aperture value for future reference.

Honestly, focusing manually isn’t such a hassle especially if your shooting landscapes and starscapes. Since the scene in question is far away and doesn’t really “move,” you won’t have to worry much about shifting focus. For me, the cheaper price tag is worth the sacrifice.

Optically, the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC is still a worthy performer. Sharpness is great though you’ll have to deal with some CA at wider apertures; that latter bit maybe tedious as you’ll being shooting at wider apertures near constantly for astrophotography. Try stopping it down just a tad to hit that balance between optimal low light and optical performance.

The body of the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC is built from high-grade plastics while the mount is metal; both are quite sturdy. The whole lens can feel quite bulky though not as much as some other full frame lenses.

  • Good optical performance for price.
  • Distortion is well controlled.
  • Fast and wide.
  • Slightly bulky.
  • Manual only.
  • CA and shading at widest aperture

Best Full Frame Canon Travel Lens for Telephoto Lovers

  canon 70-200 f/4.0l usm.

travel lens for canon

  • Weight:  2.99” x 6.77”
  • Dimensions:  1.55 lbs/705 g
  • Image Stabilization:  No, but can come with IS for a higher price

Telephoto zooms are some of the most expensive lenses out there – they’re bigger, have more moving parts, and contain more glass elements. Many wildlife photographers invest in only one and expect to get their money’s worth out it.

For those who can’t or don’t want to drop a couple of grand on a professional telephoto zoom or need IS, look no further than the Canon 70-200 f/4.0L USM! Though this lens is one of the most affordable in the bunch, it still performs very well. For backpackers who need something less expensive and doesn’t sacrifice much quality, the Canon 70-200 f/4.0L USM is one of the best telephoto Canon travel lenses that you can buy.

There’s not much to hate about how the Canon 70-200 f/4.0L USM performs – images are very sharp, CA is well controlled, and the autofocus is zippy. The corners are a bit soft at longer focal lengths but this is endemic of most telephoto zooms. It can arguably hold its own against other more expensive telephoto zooms outside of low-light situations.

Those who shoot fast-moving subjects or more often in low-light may be wanting something more out of the Canon 70-200 f/4.0L USM – the f/4.0 aperture is somewhat dim and the lack of IS can be a problem. Luckily, that latter gripe can be alleviated by investing a little more in the Canon 70-200 f/4.0L IS USM , which is the same lens albeit with image stabilization.

Being an L-type lens, the Canon 70-200 f/4.0L USM is quite robust and can hold its own against the elements. Weight wise, it’s actually a bit on the lighter side, which I’m sure will appease backpackers. It is not, shorter or less cumbersome than others though.

  • Great price for telephoto.
  • Excellent optical performance.
  • Great autofocus.
  • Still relatively big and bulky.
  • f/4.0 may leave some wanting.
  • No IS, but you can buy a different model with this feature

travel lens for canon

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All Around Best Canon Lens for Travel (EF-S)

  canon ef-s 17-55mm f/2.8 is usm.

canon 17-55mm F/2.8 travel lens

  • Weight:  1.42 lbs/645 g
  • Dimensions:  3.29” x 4.35”

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a fine lens thanks to its fast aperture, image stabilization, and solid optical performance. If you need a medium zoom lens and like shooting in low-light than we recommend this one as it is our choice for the best Canon EF-S lens for travel photography!

At 17-55mm is roughly 25-85mm in full frame equivalency, which makes it a classic medium zoom. These lenses are usually very useful as they offer an excellent mix of great image quality, fast apertures, and the ability to shoot many subject matters because of its focal range.

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a fine medium zoom for the company’s EF-S line. Optics are generally very good in this lens – sharpness is excellent throughout the aperture range, peaking at f/4.0. Images are a little soft at f/2.8. CA and vignetting are also apparent when this lens is shot wide-open.

Of great benefit is the addition of image stabilization, which, for some reason, isn’t always built into f/2.8 medium zooms. The IS works very well and when you combine it with the fast aperture, you have a lens that functions very well in handheld/low-light situations.

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a bit bulky for an EF-S lens. Some might find this a positive rather than a negative though as its greater bulk is related to its greater durability. Overall, this lens is built rather well and should hold its own.

Finally, this lens is a bit expensive, again, considering that it’s for the EF-S line. If you find the price prohibitive, be sure to take a look at our next lens review!

  • Performs very well in low-light.
  • Good image quality.
  • Quick, silent autofocusing.
  • Chromatic aberration and vignetting.
  • Slightly more expensive.

Best EF-S Budget Canon Travel Lens:

sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 travel lens

  • Weight:  1.24 lb/565 g
  • Dimensions:  3.3” x 3.6”

For those who might find the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 too expensive, the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM is an excellent alternative. For a couple of hundred dollars less, you have a lens that offers similar optical performance, image stabilization, and a fast aperture. The Sigma is one of the best bang-for-your-buck lenses on this list and is our choice for best budget travel lens for Canon’s EF-S mount.

The Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM performs in a very similar way to the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 – sharpness is overall very good though the edges are soft, more so in the Sigma than the Canon. Chromatic aberrations are present to some degree and vignetting is a little stronger when the lens is shot wide-open. Each lens does produce slightly different distortions and CAs but these differences are minor enough to feel more like distinct and amiable personality traits.

Image stabilization (referred to as optical stabilization in Sigma lenses) is built into the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 and works well. Like the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8, the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM excels in low-light situations because of its optical stabilization and fast aperture.

The Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM is a bit lighter than the Canon EF-S and the barrel is shorter as well. The plastic construction leaves a bit to be desired but the lens still feels solid enough. Many users report that the focus ring is a bit annoying to use as well.

  • Great bang for your buck.
  • Excellent center sharpness.
  • Fast aperture and IS.
  • Edges are soft at lower apertures.
  • Tedious focus ring.

Best EF-S Professional Canon Travel Lens

  sigma art 18-35mm f/1.8.

best nikon travel lenses

  • Weight:  1.78 lb/811 g
  • Dimensions:  3.07” x 4.76”
  • Filter Size:  72mm

If there was a lens that would convince someone to invest in the EF-S mount, it would be the Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8. Simply put, this lens is one of the most gorgeous, most effective, and most admired lenses in all of the photographic world. It is, without question, the best premium EF-S Canon travel lens that a professional could buy

The Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 has it all – amazing optical quality, excellent construction, a fast aperture, and blazing autofocus. Even at its widest aperture (f/1.8), the Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 is amazingly sharp from corner to corner, which is very impressive. Chromatic aberrations, vignetting, and distortion are still present but in microscopic amounts.

The Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 is made from various alloys and feels very robust. Topping out at over 800 grams, this lens is definitely on the heavier side but, for many photographers, this adds a nice balance to the lens and feels good in their hands.

The focal range of the Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 can feel a little limited for some photographers. Luckily, this range still contains some very useful focal lengths and users will still be adept at taking photos of everything from landscapes to portraits. Given the unprecedented performance of this lens as well, we think that it’s a worthy tradeoff.

  • Extremely sharp at all apertures.
  • Very few optical blemishes (CA, distortion, vignetting, etc).
  • Focal range may be too limited for some.

Best EF-S Prime Canon Travel Lens

It’s back! Regardless of which Canon mount that you use, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM is still one of the best deals that you can find. Few lenses can compete with this one as no other offers the sharpness, size, and versatility this one does for such a low price. It is, above all else, the best budget Canon lens for travel of any sort, period.

Even though this lens was developed for the full frame Canon EF system, it can still be mounted on an EF-S body. By doing so, the lens’ focal length will effectively be extended – to 75mm – for certain technical reasons . Overall image quality isn’t affected in the least though and some might even find this change more appealing as the increased telephoto effect is great for portraits.

For a complete review of this lens, refer to our former expository . Aside from the focal length, little will be different about the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM when using it with an Ef-S camera.

  • Price that can’t be beat.

Best EF-S Canon Travel Lens for Landscape Photographers

  canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is stm.

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

  • Weight:  8.47 oz/240 g
  • Dimensions:  2.94” x 2.83”

Don’t let this lens’ appearance fool you – this is one of the best Canon travel lenses for landscapes photographers out there and a must-have in their bags. Offering stellar sharpness in a tiny package and at a great price, the Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM will serve you very well.

Most look at the Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM’s price tag and plastic body and immediately dismiss it as poor craftsmanship. I mean, how could something that looks so basic be worth buying?

Little do they know that the Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is actually an extremely sharp lens at nearly every aperture setting. Seriously! Overall resolution with this lens is very impressive. Vignetting and distortion, which are common in wide-angle zooms, are still present but actually very well controlled. Chromatic aberrations are noticeable at times but these can be fixed in post processing.

Autofocus in the Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is speedy and the included image stabilization is very handy in low-light situations. The extra 4 stops of shake compensation that you get more than makes up for the relatively slow aperture.

At less than 10 ozs as well, the Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is very portable and should take up next to no room in your bag. The Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM’s build quality is, justifiably, subject to some criticism for being rudimentary but, given the amazing price of this lens, most will forgive this fault I’m sure.

  • Impressively sharp.
  • Very good price.
  • Some vignetting and distortion.
  • Basic plastic construction.
  • Chromatic aberrations present around the edges.

Best EF-S Canon Travel Lens Portrait Photographers

  canon 50mm f1/.4 usm.

canon 50mm f/1.4 travel lens

  • Weight:  10.23 oz/290 g
  • Dimensions:  2.91” x 1.99”

For those who want a little extra speed to throw out the backgrounds behind their subjects, think about upgrading to the Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM over the f/1.8. The brighter aperture combined with good image quality is sure to create some amazing shots. We at Broke Backpacker definitely recommend this lens to any portrait photographer looking for the best travel lens for Canon.

Like the 50mm f/1.8 that we talked about just prior, the Canon 50mm f1/.4 USM was designed to be used with Canon’s full-frame EF mount. When used with a cropped EF-S mount, the focal length of this lens becomes longer. This gives the benefit of isolated your subjects even more and creates some lovely bokeh.

Optically, the Canon 50mm f1/.4 USM performs well though you’ll have to stop it down to around f/4.0 or f/5.6 to achieve maximum sharpness. When used wide-open,the edges are noticeably soft while the center is somewhat less sharp. Portrait photographers may not notice this softness around the edges or even care about it as these areas are usually blurred from the bokeh anyways.

Most of the time, the Canon 50mm f1/.4 USM’s autofocus performs as it should: quickly and accurately. Many users report that the autofocus can lag at times though. The Canon 50mm f1/.4 USM does tend to behave differently depending on the camera body that it’s mounted on and autofocus may be affected as such.

Build-wise, the Canon 50mm f1/.4 USM is built from high-grade plastics that many complain feel flimsy at times. Regardless of its integrity, which is good enough, the lens is very light and compact. Packing this one around is very easy.

  • Very fast aperture.
  • Good price.
  • Center is sharp and bokeh is dreamy.
  • Needs to be stopped down for optimal sharpness.
  • Focusing struggles at times.

Best EF-S Canon Travel Lens for Astrophotographers

  samyang 16mm f/2.0 ed as usm cs.

samyang 16mm_f/2.0 travel lens

  • Weight:  1.28 lb/583 g
  • Dimensions:  3.39” x 3.52”

Rokinon/Samyang deliver yet again the best travel Canon lens for astrophotographers. Like full frame Canon users, those who use the EF-S mount will find that Samyang lenses will give them the best low-light performance and for the best price. In summary, the best astrophotography lens for the Canon EF-S mount is the Samyang 16mm f/2.0 ED AS USM CS.

Like most Rokinon/Samyang lenses, image quality is excellent. Center sharpness is great from the get-go at f/2.0, while the edges are only moderately so. Stopping down the lens a bit allows the edges to catch-up sharpness-wise. Chromatic aberration, vignetting, and distortion are all well-controlled.

Even though the Samyang 16mm f/2.0 is built mostly from plastics sans the metal mount the whole lens feels very sturdy. The zoom ring is perfectly damped and feels great to use. Regrettably, there are no hyperfocal markings on the actual lens, which means you’ll have to use a separate app or make the calculations yourself. Investing in a Rokinon/Samyang lens means that you’ll have to relinquish autofocusing. While this could be a problem with certain types of shooting, autofocus isn’t very useful with astrophotography anyways. Shooting landscapes as well shouldn’t be hampered by manual focusing either. Doing both, you’ll hardly miss autofocusing.

  • Great center sharpness.
  • Good value.
  • Fast aperture.
  • Needs to be stopped down for edges to catch up.
  • Manual focus.
  • Lack of hyperfocal scale.

Best EF-S Canon Travel Lens for Telephoto Lovers

  canon ef-s 55-250mm f/4-5.6 is stm.

canon 55-250mm travel lens

  • Weight:  13.23 lb/ 375 g
  • Dimensions:  2.76” x 4.38”

For photographers who use telephoto lenses a lot to shoot wildlife or sports, there’s a lot to love about the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. This a surprisingly sharp lens that performs very well thanks to an effective autofocusing system in addition to image stabilization. Given the amazing price of the lens these days as well, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM should be in almost every Canon EF-S photographer’s bag.

We mentioned just before that the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a surprisingly sharp lens – it is, in its own right, a very sharp lens actually. Center sharpness is excellent throughout the lens’ focal and aperture range. The edges, though slightly soft, are nice and sharp once the lens is stopped down. Overall sharpness does drop-off beyond the 200mm focal point though.

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM has a fairly slow aperture, one that you’ll probably be stopping down anyways for sharpness. Thankfully, the lens’ internal stabilization is very effective and compensates for 4 stops of shakiness. Combine this with a quick and accurate autofocus system and capturing moving objects should be less of a problem.

Construction wise, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is just ok. The all-plastic body doesn’t necessarily scream “take me into the wilderness” but it’s still reasonably sturdy. Due to its plastic construction, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is very light especially so for a telephoto lens. Note that there is no lens hood included with this lens.

  • Great sharpness.
  • Very lightweight.
  • Effective autofocus and IS.
  • Aperture’s a little slow.

travel lens for canon

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Lenses are just as if not more important as your travel camera ! They are the ones that create the image, that bend the light to then be read by the camera sensor. Sharpness, contrast, color, composition; all of these aspects are influenced greatly by the quality of your lens.

When looking for the best travel lens for your Canon camera, there are many qualities to take into consideration. Size, aperture, IS, and more are all vital components to the making of a great travel lens.

Below is a list of features to consider when looking for the best travel lens for Canon. Note that I’m going to glossing over a lot of photographic concepts here. I’ll try and keep things clear; otherwise, feel free to post any question regarding photography in the comment section below.

best travel lenses for canon

Size/Weight

Lenses come in all shapes and sizes from pint-sized pancakes to behemoth, tree-trunk-like tools. How big and heavy a lens thus influences how you carry and use it.

Larger lenses obviously take up more space and so leave less for other lenses or accessories. As you start packing more as well, the weight of your bag gets heavier and heavier. I personally have carried both heavy backpacks and shoulder bags and can say it’s fun for about 5 minutes.

If you have limited space in your camera bag or like lenses that happen to be larger, you’ll have to pick and choose your equipment wisely. Take note of how much a lens weighs and its dimensions and then think about how much you’re willing to carry.

If you’re going to be bringing a lot of equipment with you, be sure to invest in a good travel camera bag as well! You’ll need something spacious and secure to protect your equipment to the max. Read our article on the best travel camera bags for some suggestions!

woman with canon travel lens

Along with shutter speed and ISO, aperture is a key part of the exposure triangle , which must be considered if you want to take great photos. Though shutter speed and ISO fall within the realm of the camera, the aperture is directly controlled by the lens. How an aperture behaves directly influences what kind of photos you can take and can also lead to some pretty creative compositions.

A fast aperture – one that is less than or around f/2.8 – is almost always preferable. Though not always the case, a faster aperture is usually indicative of optical quality, It is also useful during certain photographic situations. Without going too deep into the mechanics, a faster aperture means that your camera can take in more light and, thus, be more suited for dimmer situations. Moral of the story: a smaller aperture number (meaning faster) is most often a good thing.

A quick aperture is not always necessary though. Lots of lenses with slower apertures can offer exceptional image quality e.g. the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4.0L IS USM. Besides, most lenses don’t even reach optimal sharpness until they’re stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8. Unless you really need a fast aperture for low-light performance or for creating bokeh, you may not need to spend the extra money.

canon travel lens bokeh

Focal Length/Type

A lens’ focal length dictates its field of view , which, in turn, determines how large the compositional frame is. The wider the focal length, the wider the field and the more you can capture in a photo. In addition, depth is influenced as well – foregrounds and backgrounds appear closer when shot with a longer lens and further apart with a wider lens. Focal length is measured in millimeters e.g. 12mm, 50mm, 70-200mm.

Certain lenses with certain focal lengths are better for capturing certain scenes. Longer lenses, renowned for their shallow depth of field and isolating qualities, are great for portraits. Wider lenses, with their expansive fields of view, are great for interior shots when space is tight or for capturing big vistas.

Whether or not a lens covers a single focal length or many is something to consider as well. Prime lenses only cover one focal length but are usually sharper and less prone to optical abnormalities. Zoom lenses cover multiple focal lengths but can suffer from image softness, chromatic aberrations, and distortion. Higher quality zoom lenses suffer less from these issues but you’ll have to pay a pretty penny for them.

What type of photographer you are will determine what kind of focal length you find most useful. You’ll often find that certain lengths are more attractive to your style of shooting or that you favor a particular lens over others. Remember too that any lens can be useful if they’re used by a skilled set of hands. A good photographer can take beautiful landscape photos with a telephoto lens or create an alluring portrait using a super-wide angle.

canon travel prime lens

Not every autofocusing system is created equal – some are lightning fast, utilizing state-of-the-art technology, while others are sluggish doofuses that can’t make heads or tails of a subject. How well an autofocus system behaves in a lens may or may not frustrate you depending on your photographic style.

Generally speaking, most lenses autofocus pretty well. Only in rare situations does a lens really suffer from poor autofocus and most of the time these are pretty much shunned.

Certain photographers, like sports or wildlife photographers, may need better than average autofocusing to keep up with their subjects. If you need an autofocus system for your style of shooting, be sure to see if your potential new lens is up to parr. Also know that camera sensors play an important part in autofocusing as well so, if you keep finding yourself unimpressed, it could be more than the lens.

Though autofocusing is currently the dominant trend in modern photographic equipment, lens that use manual focusing are still common. Of particular note, Rokinon/Samyang lenses are only manual focus, a decision made by the company to cut costs.

Manual lenses can still be useful in certain situations. Landscape and astrophotographers feel their limitations less, due to their subject matter, and may even enjoy their vintage-like feel, much like a musician might enjoy an old record.

photographer focusing canon travel lens

Filter Thread

Each lens has a certain filter threading found at the front of the barrel, which is used to attach various (you guessed it) filters. These filters e.g. polarizers, NDs, UVs are used for both creative effects and sometimes additional protection.

There really isn’t such a thing as a proper filter threading. Most filter sizes have become standardized and there is almost always a full set of filters for each one. No matter your lens, there’s a filter that will fit it.

Filter sizes do play in part in costs though. If you have multiple lenses with multiple filter threadings, you may end up spending more money for more filters, many of which maybe perform in the same way. Buying the same filter twice just to accommodate different lenses is super annoying.

To avoid this issue, try investing in a single set of filters, preferably with a larger threading, and than use step-down rings. These handy accessories are adapters for your filters and will allow you to install larger filters on lenses with smaller threadings. Or think about investing in a slot-in filter system, which uses a screw-in adapter to hold a plate-like filter. Polarizer filters are not effective with slot-in filter systems.

canon camera with lens front

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization or optical stabilization technology has become extremely commonplace in modern-day lenses. This tech is found in all sorts of lenses, from cheap pieces of shit to luxurious professional-grade glass. It is, at the end of the day, a very useful feature to have in your lenses as it can allow for some very crisp images.

Image stabilization (IS) works by compensating for shake caused by hand holding a camera. This shakiness is, unless you’re using a tripod, often unavoidable. Shakiness appears as blurring in images and so they are usually unusable (though some photographers have found a creative way to use shake). With image stabilization, handheld shooting becomes much easier as you have to worry less about steadying your hand.

Whether or not you need image stabilization is something to consider in choosing the best Canon travel lenses. If you’re a landscape photographer who constantly has their camera mounted on a tripod, image stabilization is pretty redundant. On the other hand, if you shoot subjects that require you to move often or you just like to have your camera ready in your hands, then IS would be useful.

night best canon travel lenses

Sensor Size

You’ll see two types of Canon lenses out there: EF and EF-S. This is because certain lenses are designed for certain sensor sizes. EF lenses are meant to be mounted on full frame Canon cameras while EF-S lenses are meant for APS-C or crop sensor Canon cameras.

Lenses are designed to be paired with their corresponding sensor sizes for reasons that are technically challenging and too time-consuming to explain right now. Just understand that a lens will most often function best with the sensor that it was designed for. Some lenses do get along quite well with different sensor sizes and you’ll have to study which ones these are. Keep this in mind when purchasing a travel camera lens.

You can mount full frame lenses on APS-C cameras (and not vice versa), again, for certain technical reasons. Optically, the lens should perform somewhat similar to its native sensor type – vignetting may increase but sharpness is often not affected. Of very important note, the focal range will be lengthened when mounting a full frame lens onto a crop sensor body – a 24mm EF lens mounted onto EF-S camera will behave more like a 35mm lens.

big lens on canon camera

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What Canon lens do professional photographers use?

Professional Photographers that use (full frame) Canon cameras often use the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM . If you’re shooting with a Canon EF-S, check out the Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 .

Which lens is best for travel photography?

Travel photography is different than shooting professionally or shooting fixed set ups. Therefore, we recommend the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM , which is ideal for your travel adventure.

How can I protect my camera lens?

When storing your camera, make sure you have a high quality camera and lense bag that will prevent pressure points and scratching. Having an additional UV filter will add more protection as well.

How do I know what camera lense I need?

First, find out what kind of camera you have. There are all kinds lenses for different camera types. Then figure out what your main shooting style (travel, professional, landscape, etc) will be and choose the lense accordingly.

travel lens for canon

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So there you have them – the best travel lenses for Canon! We’ve covered 16 lenses – 8 for each of Canon’s mounts – and every one of them is unique. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses and each quality needs to be taken into consideration when looking for the best Canon lenses for travel photography.

Consider what kind of photographer you are and what kind of lens(es) you need. Do you like to photograph wildlife or faraway subject? Then buy a telephoto lens like the Canon 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM. Maybe you like to shoot landscapes and want to try your hand at astrophotography? Invest in a fast, wide-angle prime like the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 then!

Once you’ve realized what kind of travel photography you want practice, it’s just a matter of choosing the best Canon travel lens for yourself. Know that each one will be different and that each will dramatically affect the quality of your pictures. Lenses are, after all, the apparatus that creates the image in the first place.

So think carefully about which Canon travel lens is best for you. As one photographer once told me: “you don’t invest in an expensive camera; you invest in great glass.” Upon reaching a conclusion, just buy it! You’ll feel good knowing that you did your homework and bought the perfect lens for yourself.

best canon travel lenses

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ralph Cope

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travel lens for canon

great article but surprised not to see 18-135 or 15-85 for EF-S.

I’d suggest the two Canon EF pancake lenses, the 40 and 24 F2.8s, for full frame and crop Canons respectively. Great, discrete, inexpensive and super light lenses.

nice article, thank you 🙂

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10 Best Canon Lenses for Travel Photography in 2024 (Top Picks)

Table of Contents

Your lens can make or break your shots; that’s why we’re going to discuss the best Canon lenses for travel photography in this article.

With Canon’s extensive range of lenses, it can be a daunting task to choose the best one for your needs.

Whether you’re shooting wide landscapes or capturing intricate details, there’s an ideal Canon lens just waiting to enhance your images.

This roundup focuses on the battle between Canon’s EF and RF lenses, two leading choices among Canon travel photographers worldwide. We’ll provide top-notch recommendations for both types that cater specifically to travel photography enthusiasts.

So, if you’re keen on upping your photography game and capturing stunning travel memories with ease, scroll down as we unveil our top picks in this category.

canon dslr camera and lenses on the floor

Canon EF vs RF Lenses for Travel Photography

Canon EF and RF lenses are both excellent choices for travel photography, each with their unique features and benefits.

EF lenses , introduced in 1987, are Canon’s lens mount standard for their full-frame DSLR cameras . They are renowned for their wide variety and high-quality performance. EF lenses are also compatible with Canon’s APS-C DSLR and mirrorless cameras , making them a versatile choice for photographers.

a close up photo of canon EF Lens on top of the wooden table

On the other hand, RF lenses are the newer generation, designed specifically for Canon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras.

The RF lenses have a larger mount and shorter back focus distance, which allows for a greater optical design freedom. This results in lenses that are typically sharper, faster, and with less distortion than their EF counterparts.

However, it’s important to note that while RF lenses are only compatible with Canon’s RF-mount mirrorless cameras, Canon’s EF lenses can be used on RF-mount cameras with an adapter. This gives photographers the flexibility to use their existing EF lenses on new RF-mount cameras.

a close up photo of canon eos r5 camera with rf lens mounted

In terms of performance, both EF and RF lenses deliver high-quality images.

A quick note on other Canon lens mounts

In total, there are four Canon lens mounts: EF, EF-S, EF-M and RF .

EF-S and EF-M are more niche, so I won’t be talking about them in this round up, but they are worth knowing about.

  • EF lenses are designed to be used with BOTH Canon’s full-frame and APS-C DSLR camera bodies without an adapter, and with an adaptor they will also work with full-frame (EOS R) and APS-C (EOS M) mirrorless bodies.
  • EF-S lenses are for APS-C DSLR bodies, but will also work on APS-C (EOS M) mirrorless bodies with an adaptor.
  • EF-M lenses ONLY work with Canon’s APS-C (EOS M) mirrorless cameras.
  • RF lenses ONLY work with Canon’s range of full-frame (EOS R) mirrorless cameras.

Canon “L” lenses

When you see the letter “L” in the title of a Canon lens it means it’s part of the exclusive club of Canon “L” series lenses . “L” lenses are considered to be some of the best currently available, not just from Canon but all manufacturers. You can spot an “L” lens from the signature red ring that runs around it near the focus ring.

Canon currently only make L lenses for the EF and RF range but since the EF range can be adapted to work on all Canon cameras, it shouldn’t be a problem for anyone wanting some crispy L lens goodness no matter which body you have.

In this roundup, I will only be recommending EF and RF lenses.

Each has its own strengths and can be the best choice depending on the specific needs and photographer’s equipment.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, both EF and RF lenses offer excellent performance and versatility for travel photography.

a photo of canon lens on top of the shiny table

Best EF Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

Canon ef 50mm f/1.8 stm lens, compact, affordable and versatile.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

If you’re on the hunt for a compact camera lens that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens . This baby is perfect for capturing those stunning portraits, action shots, and nighttime scenes when you’re out exploring.

The best part? It’s got a stepping motor (that’s what “STM” stands for) that ensures near-silent continuous Servo AF. That means you can snap away without disturbing your subjects or getting unwanted noise in your video footage.

And guess what else? Its minimum focusing distance is only 1.15 feet (0.35 meter). Yeah, you heard it right! You can get up close and personal with your subjects without losing focus or detail.

Now let’s talk about its effective focal length – it varies between APS C and full-frame cameras. So whether you’re shooting with an entry-level DSLR or a high-end professional camera, this lens will give you fantastic results.

But here’s the kicker: despite its compact size and affordable price tag, this Canon EF lens doesn’t skimp on quality. It features dual pixel CMOS AF for fast and accurate autofocus in live view mode, making it ideal for vlogging or streaming.

With all these killer features packed into one compact size, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens truly gives other lenses in its category a run for their money!

Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L II USM Lens

The perfect all-rounder.

Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L II USM Lens

If you’re into travel photography, the Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L II USM lens is your all-purpose buddy. This high-performance standard zoom lens comes with a constant f/4L aperture. This means whether you’re capturing the Eiffel Tower at sunrise or snapping shots of bustling night markets in Bangkok, this baby will deliver consistent light throughout the entire focal length.

The lens sports an Air Sphere Coating that seriously cuts down on flare and ghosting. No more worrying about those annoying spots ruining your perfect shot! Even in tricky lighting conditions, this lens has got your back.

a man holding a Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L II USM Lens

But wait, there’s more! The image stabilizer corrects up to 4 stops of shake. That’s right folks, say goodbye to blurry images due to shaky hands or moving subjects. This feature ensures sharp images even when you’re on the go.

One cool thing about this lens is its new optical design which improves peripheral brightness. In simple terms, it means your photos won’t have dark corners anymore. Your pictures will be evenly lit from center to edge giving them a professional look.

The Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L II USM lens is like having multiple lenses packed into one without lugging around extra weight in your bag – a dream come true for any would-be or successful travel photographer !

This bad boy isn’t just versatile; it’s also built tough for rugged use while maintaining top-notch image quality. It’s a no-brainer choice if you want stunning photos without breaking a sweat (or your bank).

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

An excellent wide-angle zoom for landscapes.

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

Get ready to be blown away by the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L USM lens . It’s a real game-changer, folks!

I mean, who doesn’t love a lens that offers full-time manual focus in AF mode? Talk about precision! This feature is a lifesaver when you’re trying to capture that perfect shot and need just the right amount of focus.

But wait, there’s more. The color balance on this bad boy is top-notch. You won’t have to worry about your photos looking too warm or too cool. They’ll come out just right every time.

And let’s not forget about the rounded 9-blade diaphragm. This little gem helps create beautiful bokeh effects in your photos. It’s like having your own personal photo editor built right into your camera!

The focal length range on this lens is also worth raving about. With its wide-angle zoom, you can capture everything from stunning landscapes to intimate portraits with ease.

One of my favorite features of the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L USM lens is its compatibility with various Canon models. No need to worry if it will fit your camera body – chances are it will!

Finally, we can’t ignore the Dual Pixel CMOS AF that covers approximately 100% area. This means fast and accurate autofocus for all your travel photography needs.

To sum up, this lens has got it all – versatility, precision, excellent color balance and a broad focal length range. Best part? It’s all packed into one durable piece of equipment ready to hit the road with you.

a photo of 35mm and 85mm canon lens

So whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, I’d say give the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L USM lens a shot (pun intended!) . It’s a solid investment that will take your photography game to the next level.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Best telephoto lens.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM lens is your go-to gear. It’s a lightweight champ that doesn’t skimp on quality.

So what makes this lens stand out? For starters, it’s got Optical Image Stabilization with up to five stops of shake correction. This means even if you’re bouncing around in a jeep on safari or cruising on choppy waters, your shots will still be crystal clear. No more blurry zebra stripes or fuzzy dolphin fins!

But the features don’t stop there. This lens is also dust and water-resistant making it perfect for any adventure – whether you’re trekking through a sandy desert or caught in a tropical downpour.

You know how some lenses struggle when tracking moving subjects? Well, not this one! The Canon EF 70-200mm has three Image Stabilization modes that ensure excellent results when capturing motion. So whether you’re shooting a bustling cityscape or an action-packed sports event, this lens has got you covered.

And let’s not forget about its reduced minimum focusing distance from previous models. You can get closer to your subjects without losing any image quality – great for intimate portraits or detailed close-ups!

In terms of weight and length, this lens is surprisingly compact considering its capabilities. It won’t weigh down your camera bag but will definitely punch above its weight in performance.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens

Best ef macro lens.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens

If you’re all about capturing those tiny details that make your travel snaps pop, then this bad boy is for you! The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens is a top-notch gadget for macro photography.

Its focal length of 100mm means it’s got a superzoom that’ll let you get up close and personal with your subjects, without having to invade their personal space. You’ll be able to capture the intricate patterns of exotic flowers or the intricate architecture of historic buildings with ease.

Now, let’s talk about its inner focusing system with USM (Ultra Sonic Motor). This feature ensures rapid autofocus without making a racket. Plus, there’s also a full-time manual focus option if you prefer to take control and fine-tune your shots yourself.

One thing I absolutely love about this lens is its maximum close-up magnification of 1x. It literally lets you fill your frame with small subjects as if they were larger than life!

But what about blurry images? Well, worry not my friend! The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens comes equipped with sophisticated Image Stabilization technology that compensates for camera shake and helps deliver clear, sharp images even at slow shutter speeds.

Whether you’re shooting indoors or shooting in low light conditions outside, this lens performs brilliantly thanks to its maximum aperture of f/2.8 which allows plenty of light in.

Setting up this lens on your APS-C or full-frame Canon camera is easy-peasy too! So no matter where in the world you are, whether inside locations like museums or outdoors exploring nature, whipping out this lens and getting ready for some serious photography won’t be an issue.

In short, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens is your go-to tool for capturing stunning close-up shots on the move.

Best RF Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

Canon rf50mm f1.8 stm lens, best grab-n-go option.

Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens for EOS R System

This little dude is compact and lightweight – the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM is just what you need when you’re traveling with photography gear and want to keep things light. No more lugging around heavy gear, this lens is as portable as they come. It fits snugly into your camera bag or even your pocket!

But don’t let its size fool ya. This baby packs a punch with its large F1.8 aperture that’s ideal for low-light photography. So whether it’s a beautiful sunset or an indoor event, this lens has got you covered.

Now let’s talk video recording – it’s smooth sailing all the way with the stepping motor in this lens offering quiet continuous AF during video recording. No more annoying motor sounds ruining your videos!

And here’s where things get really cool – the control ring on this lens allows direct setting changes without having to fiddle around with your camera settings.

So, if you’re looking for a versatile travel companion that can handle both photos and videos like a pro, Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens is worth checking out.

Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L Lens

Perfect for all scenarios.

Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L Lens

Hey shutterbugs! If you’re in the market for a new lens, check this out. The Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L lens is like the Swiss Army knife of camera lenses, ideal for just about anything you throw at it.

What’s so special about this RF lens? Well, let me tell you – it’s all about that bright f/2.8 aperture and optical image stabilization up to 5 stops. This means even if your hands are a bit shaky from too much coffee (or excitement), your photos will still come out crisp and clear.

Now, let’s talk autofocus because nothing ruins a great shot like blurry subjects. Thanks to the Nano USM technology in this baby, you get high-speed, smooth, quiet autofocus. That means no more awkward moments when everyone hears your camera focusing during that hushed sunrise shoot.

One thing I totally dig about this rf lens is the control ring. With it, you can make direct setting changes without having to fiddle with your camera body – super handy when you’re on-the-go and need to adjust quickly.

And guess what? This canon rf is compatible with various Canon Mirrorless Cameras! So whether you’ve got an EOS R or an RP sitting at home, this lens will fit right in.

In short, if you’re looking for a versatile lens that can handle everything from landscape shots to portrait photography with ease and precision, then look no further than the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L Lens.

Canon RF 15-35mm Lens

Best wide-angle zoom for landscapes.

Canon RF 15-35mm Lens

Nothing beats a versatile wide-angle lens. Say hello to the Canon RF 15-35mm lens . This bad boy is not just big; it’s a beast in the world of wide-angle lenses.

Now, if you’re thinking, “What makes this lens so special?” Well, let me tell you. It’s got an impressive f/2.8 aperture that lets in loads of light for those early morning or late evening shots when natural light is low.

But here’s where it gets even cooler! The lens features optical image stabilization up to 5 stops. So even if your hands are shaking from the cold (or excitement), your photos will still come out sharp and clear.

And let’s talk about autofocus for a second because this lens has some serious game there too! Thanks to Nano USM technology, focusing is quick and smooth as butter.

Another neat feature? You can get super close with this lens – its minimum focusing distance is just under one foot (0.92 ft./0.28M). Perfect for capturing all those intricate details in nature without disturbing the peace!

This lens works great on both full-frame cameras like Canon R5 and crop sensor cameras. No matter what sized camera you use, you’ll be able to capture stunning wide-range photos with beautiful 4k image quality.

Bottom line? If you’re into travel photography and love shooting large format landscapes scenes or need various focal lengths at your disposal, then the Canon RF 15-35mm should definitely be on your radar.

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L USM Lens

A powerful telephoto option.

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L USM Lens

Let’s talk about the big gun in travel photography, the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L USM lens . This bad boy is compact and lightweight, making it a breeze to carry around on your globe-trotting adventures.

Its design is top-notch, just what you’d expect from a high-end telephoto lens. It’s like having a whole bag of lenses in one neat package!

But don’t let its size fool you. This lens packs a punch. With its bright f/2.8 aperture, this zoom lens can capture stunningly sharp images even in low light conditions.

And here’s the kicker – it has optical image stabilization that offers up to five stops of shake correction! That means you can say goodbye to blurry photos caused by shaky hands or moving subjects.

One more thing I absolutely love about this telephoto lens is its dual Nano USM technology, which ensures smooth and quiet autofocus. Whether you’re capturing wildlife in action or shooting candid street photography , this feature will come in super handy.

In short, the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L USM Lens offers excellent image quality without weighing down your camera bag.

Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro USM

Best rf macro lens.

Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro USM

Ready for a lens that’ll knock your socks off? You gotta check out the Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro USM , my friends. This bad boy is the world’s first medium telephoto macro lens with a maximum magnification of 1.4x. Yeah, you heard it right!

Now, what does that mean in plain English? Well, this usm lens can get you super close to your subject and still keep things crystal clear. Perfect for capturing those tiny details on your travels.

But wait, there’s more! Ever had a shot ruined by shaky hands? We’ve all been there, dude! But with this lens’ optical image stabilizer, those days are history. It compensates for both angular and shift camera shake during macro shooting. So even if you’ve just downed three cups of coffee (not that I’m speaking from experience or anything), your shots will be steady as a rock.

One thing I absolutely love about this usm is its Spherical Aberration (SA) control ring. This nifty feature lets you adjust the bokeh shape and character to suit your creative vision. Want soft, dreamy backgrounds? You got it! Prefer something sharper and more defined? No problemo!

And let’s not forget about the bright, fixed f/2.8 aperture on this rf mm prime lens! Even in low-light conditions (think dimly lit street markets or dusky landscapes), you’ll get high-quality images every time.

Plus, with firmware updates regularly released by Canon, this lens just keeps getting better over time.

In short (or should I say “in focus”?), the Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro USM is a top-notch choice for travel photography – whether you’re an old hand at it or just starting out. It’s got all the features you need to capture your adventures in stunning detail.

Buyer’s Guide to Selecting a Travel Photography Lens

First things first, think about what you’ll be shooting most. Love capturing sprawling landscapes? Or are you more into street photography? Maybe both? If landscape photography is your thing, consider a wide-angle lens. For street snaps or portraits, a prime lens might be your best bet. You’ll also have to jump into the zooms vs primes debate and decide whether you value versatility and cost-effectiveness or pin-sharp images the most.

Now let’s get real about size and weight. You’re gonna be lugging this thing around on your trip, right? So it better not weigh a ton! Look for something compact and lightweight but doesn’t compromise on optical quality.

And lastly, let’s talk moolah! Lenses can cost a pretty penny but remember: you don’t always have to go for the priciest option. Compare features across different price ranges and find one that gives you the biggest bang for your buck!

There obviously a lot more to it, but remember these tips when shopping around and I guarantee you’ll find the perfect companion for your camera! Check out which three lenses I recommend for travel photography ; in the article, I talk about types of lenses rather than the manufacturer, but it should give you a better idea of the kinds of lenses you’ll get to capture the different scenes you’ll likely come across.

Concluding Thoughts on Best Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

So, you’ve made it this far. You now have a solid understanding of the top Canon lenses for travel photography. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes or intimate portraits, there’s a lens here that’s perfect for your needs. The versatility of the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L USM Lens, the affordability of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, and the all-around excellence of the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L Lens are just a few examples.

But remember, these are just tools to help you capture your vision. The best camera is always the one you have with you – so don’t let gear hold you back! Now it’s time to get out there and start shooting. And if you need any further advice or information about these lenses or other photography equipment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re here to help make your travel photography dreams come true.

The best Canon lens for travel photography can depend on your specific needs and shooting style. However, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L USM Lens is a versatile option that offers excellent color balance and full-time manual focus. For those interested in portraits or low light photography, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens could be ideal.

Canon RF lenses such as the RF 24-70mm F2.8 L Lens, RF 15-35mm Lens, RF 70-200mm F2.8 L USM Lens, and RF100mm F2.8 L Macro USM are designed to be compatible with Canon Mirrorless Cameras including EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, and EOS R6.

Image stabilization in Canon lenses works by correcting camera shake to produce sharper images at slower shutter speeds. Some of the Canon lenses offer up to 5 stops of shake correction like the RF 24-70mm F2.8 L Lens or even Hybrid IS that compensates for angular and shift camera shake during macro shooting like in the case of RF100mm F2.8 L Macro USM.

Yes! Many of these lenses feature technologies like stepping motor (STM) or Nano USM which ensure near-silent continuous Servo AF making them suitable not only for still photography but also for movie recording.

Absolutely! The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens allows you to get really close to your subject offering a maximum close-up magnification of 1x while maintaining high-quality images thanks to Canon’s sophisticated Image Stabilization technology. Alternatively, the RF100mm F2.

More useful travel photography resources

  • Best mirrorless cameras for travel photography
  • How to become a successful travel photographer
  • Selling stock photography isn’t impossible
  • 8 ways to turn your passion for travel photography into a business 
  • Why it’s crucial for travel photographers to develop a brand 
  • XF 10-24mm f4: Best Fuji Landscape Lens?

Charlie Gardiner

I’m a professional travel photographer, and I’ve been living the digital nomad lifestyle since 2016. I make money by working on client assignments, selling stock photography and helping other photographers by sharing my experiences on this website. I move around at my own pace (I hate fast-paced travel) and like to spend a few months getting to know each place I base myself in.

My writing and photos have been featured on industry leading websites such as Digital Photography School , Atlas Obscura and the world’s leading underwater photography resource The Underwater Photography Guide . I authored an eBook called “ Breaking Into Travel Photography: The complete guide to carving out a career in travel photography ” that has been published on Amazon. My stock images have also appeared in ads promoting destinations and companies that sometimes has been a surprise, even to me. But I guess that’s the nature of stock photography, you never know who will license them!

I’m always happy to connect, so feel free to reach out!

9 BEST Canon Travel Lenses – Complete Guide & Review

Searching for the BEST Canon travel lens?

Canon is one of the best brands in terms of camera and photography equipment. It goes without saying that the best Canon travel lenses are some of the greatest on the market today.

There are many different types of glasses to choose from and this is your full guide to the best Canon travel lens for both DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

The best lenses are high-quality pieces of equipment that enhance a photographer’s vision by providing impeccable detail and clarity for their subject matter.

One problem with choosing the best Canon travel lens is that there are many different types on offer, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

To help you choose the right one, here are 9 specific travel photography lenses that may be perfect for your needs.

canon lens 5

Table of Contents

WHAT IS THE BEST CANON LENS FOR TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY?

To keep things short, these below are the best Canon travel photography lenses on the market today.

Whether you need an ultra wide-angle lens for travel or a prime lens to shoot fast-moving subjects, you surely won’t be disappointed with these glasses:

  • Canon EF 24-105MM f/4.0 L IS USM – from $999
  • Tamron 28-75MM f/2.8 XR Di LD – from $249
  • Canon 50MM f/1.8 STM – from $149

Make sure to read on to know all the details about each of them and more.

WHAT IS THE BEST CANON CAMERA FOR TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY?

The best Canon travel lens would be nothing without a great camera. In fact, you can have the best glass on the market, but if you don’t attach it to a good camera for landscape photography , you won’t be able to get the dreamy shots you have in mind.

These are the best Canon cameras available today for traveling:

  • Canon EOS R – from $1,599
  • Canon EOS 6D Mark II – from $1,399
  • Canon EOS R6 – from $2,499

While these aren’t the cheapest devices, they are remarkably better than other cameras on the market in terms of resolution, size, video quality, and battery life.

Combined with the right accessories for photography , you will get outstanding results all the time.

best Canon travel lens, best Canon travel lenses

WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN GETTING A CANON TRAVEL LENS

A camera lens is the most important accessory that you can purchase for your camera. When comparing lenses, you should keep in mind that each has its own pros and cons as well as other important factors.

LENS SIZE AND WEIGHT

If you have a small camera bag or prefer to remain light when traveling, the size of the lens is an extremely important fact. Take notice of how much a lens weighs and how big it is before deciding how much you’re willing to carry.

In plain words, if you’re going to be bringing a lot of stuff with you, invest in a decent travel camera bag or simply consider a zoom lens to bring less glass.

Aperture is another crucial element to consider when choosing your best Canon travel lens. The exposure triangle , which must be considered if you want to take good images, comprises three components: shutter speed, ISO, and aperture.

A fast aperture (less than or around f/2.8) is always preferable because it allows for more light into the camera during a single exposure.

FOCAL LENGTH

The lens’s focal length determines the field of view, which in turn influences the photo’s compositional frame.

The wider the focal length, the more you can capture in a photograph; depth is also affected – foregrounds and backgrounds appear closer together when photographed with a longer lens and further apart with a wider lens.

Focal length is the millimeters part you see in every lens’ description (12mm, 50mm, or 70-200mm, for instance).

IMAGE STABILIZATION

Image stabilization (usually listed as IS) corrects for camera shake caused by hand-holding. Unless you’re using a tripod, this shakiness is usually unavoidable and can show up as blurring in photographs, making them sometimes unusable.

Handheld shooting becomes much easier when you don’t have to worry about steadying your hand since image stabilization prevents blurring.

best Canon travel lens, best Canon travel lenses

PRIME LENSES OR ZOOM LENSES – THE DIFFERENCES

One of the most significant distinctions between a zoom lens and a prime lens is the focal length.

Prime lenses have a constant focal length while zoom lenses have a wider and changeable focal length. Prime lenses are usually smaller, and lighter, and provide superior low-light performance than zoom lenses.

But to help you understand more in-depth, these are the pros and cons of both prime and zoom lenses.

PROS AND CONS OF PRIME LENSES

The most apparent benefit is picture quality. Professionals employ prime lenses to take the highest-quality photographs from their cameras.

The following are the criteria on which image quality is evaluated;

The test results in all of these Canon prime lenses indicate a high rank for sharpness and low values for distortion and chromatic aberration.

On the other hand, the fixed focal length is the biggest disadvantage of choosing a prime lens over a zoom lens.

In fact, it is only when you begin shooting with a prime lens that you notice its limits. There is no zoom, so you’ll need to compose your shot by moving further away or closer to the subject.

PROS AND CONS OF ZOOM LENSES

Of course, there are also advantages of choosing a zoom lens over a prime one;

  • Different focal lengths in one lens
  • You have more room for creativity
  • Zoom lenses are great for wildlife photography

Apart from that, the disadvantage of carrying a zoom lens is that they are heavier. But, if you plan to carry multiple prime lenses, then the total weight of a zoom lens might just be less.

best Canon travel lens, best Canon travel lenses

9 BEST CANON LENSES FOR TRAVEL

It can be difficult to know what the best travel lens is the one for you, especially if you’re looking at every single specification.

Let’s go through the travel photography lenses that you should consider when going on a trip.

CANON EF 24-105MM f/4.0 L IS USM – OVERALL BEST CANON TRAVEL LENS FROM $999

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM is the perfect lens for various purposes like cityscapes, wildlife, and nature photography.

This lens offers a large focal range and delivers pictures of exceptional quality with its high-quality optics and construction. With a constant f/4 aperture, you will be able to be creative with a nice depth of field.

PROS AND CONS OF THE CANON EF 24-105MM f/4.0 L IS USM

  • Good zoom range
  • Shoots incredibly sharps photos
  • Optimum image stabilization
  • Very expensive

TAMRON 28-75MM f/2.8 XR Di LD – MOST AFFODABLE CANON TRAVEL LENS FROM $249

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical IF lens, while not being an official Canon lens, is a fantastic choice for your camera.

This stabilized lightweight lens offers superb image quality and fast, accurate autofocus for both stills and video work.

Delivering sharp images at any focusing distance, this affordable lens is the perfect solution for photographers who need to balance performance with their budget.

PROS AND CONS OF TAMRON 28-75MM f/2.8 XR Di LD

  • Great price for such a good lens
  • Light-weight and ideal for traveling
  • Fast lens great for low-light travel photography
  • Slow autofocus compared to the other best Canon travel lenses

CANON 50MM f/1.8 STM – BEST PRIME LENS FROM $149

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM is an affordable, fast, and light lens for your camera. The 50mm focal length is the “normal” lens that mimics what you see with your own eyes, so this lens is perfect for everyday shooting.

Plus, it has a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture that’s ideal for low-light shooting situations wherever you are in the world.

Lastly, it is one of the best full-frame lenses that is adaptable to ASP-C sensors too.

PROS AND CONS OF CANON 50MM f/1.8 STM

  • Very fast last
  • Affordable price
  • Adaptable to both ASP-C and Full-frame sensors
  • Not weatherproof

SIGMA 18-200MM f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM – BEST ULTRA WIDE ANGLE LENS FROM $399

For only $399, the Sigma 18-200mm lens is perfect for everything from close-ups to long-distance shots, giving you the ability to capture just about any photo.

The 18-200mm focal length is perfect for landscapes or buildings, and fast enough when shooting at 18mm at night.

PROS AND CONS OF SIGMA 18-200MM f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM

  • Compact and light-weight
  • Image stabilization is top-notch
  • Great zoom range for both wide and zoomed shots
  • Not super sharp at the maximum aperture

CANON RF 24-240MM f/4-6.3 IS USM – FROM $899

The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is another of the best Canon travel photography lenses. The 24mm wide-angle will offer up a more dramatic perspective from closer to the subject, while the 240mm telephoto will zoom in on your subject from afar.

This lens has been designed for use with APS-C-sized sensors and offers a range of shooting situations with its versatility and sharpness.

PROS AND CONS OF CANON RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

  • The 10x zoom capacity is impressive
  • The build quality is sturdy
  • Quiet and fast autofocus
  • Sharpness isn’t great on wide photos

CANON EF-S 17-55MM f/2.8 IS USM – FROM $429

With its remarkably fast aperture for an affordable price, the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is considered the best Canon travel lens for many reasons.

This lens gives you a great focal length, perfect for landscape photography , portraits, and everyday shooting. The lens also has an image stabilizer which helps reduce camera shake by up to 4 stops making it easier to handhold at slower shutter speeds — allowing you to achieve sharper images that are free from blur caused by camera shake.

PROS AND CONS OF CANON EF-S 17-55MM f/2.8 IS USM

  • Image Stabilization
  • The constant 2.8 aperture
  • Photos are bright on both wide and zoomed ranges
  • The lens extends when focusing

SIGMA 17-50MM f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM – FROM $319

SIGMA 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM is a high-quality zoom lens with a fast maximum aperture that is perfect for taking low-light shots or candid shots without flash.

It has an optical stabilizer system to help compensate for camera shake and it’s lightweight so it’s easy to carry around all day long!

PROS AND CONS OF SIGMA 17-50MM f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

  • The price is great for this fast lens
  • Image stabilization is very decent
  • The lens is able to shoot bright photos quickly
  • It isn’t weatherproof

CANON 70-200MM f/4.0L USM – FROM $1,199

The Canon 70-200mm f/4.0L USM lens offers a five-stop aperture range, and it allows photographers to get up close and personal with their subjects without sacrificing quality or sharpness.

Durable construction will withstand the bumps and bruises of travel photography, while a circular aperture produces a natural-looking background blur. Photographers of all levels will appreciate this lens!

PROS AND CONS OF CANON 70-200MM f/4.0L USM

  • The sharpness is first-class
  • The image stabilization is fantastic
  • Fairly light for the amount of glass
  • The edges tend to get soft when fully zoomed

CANON 10-18MM f/4.5-5.6 IS STM – BEST WIDE ANGLE CANON TRAVEL LENS FROM $249

If you’re looking for a great Canon lens that will stand the test of time, you might want to consider their 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens.

This is one of the best travel lenses that Canon has and it’s also one of the most popular lenses on the market!

PROS AND CONS CANON 10-18MM f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

  • The price is very attractive
  • Photos are sharp throughout the whole range
  • Ultra-wide angle – Great for travel photography
  • The lens is made out of plastic

MORE PRODUCT GUIDES

If you are planning a road trip or an international adventure, be sure to check out these other product guides that will make your life easier abroad:

  • Best Camera Gear For Travel
  • 9 Must-Have Camera Accessories For Photographers
  • Best Affordable Camera For Landscape Photography
  • 25 Essential Things To Bring On A Road Trip

CONCLUSION – THE 9 BEST CANON TRAVEL LENSES

This list of the nine best Canon lenses for travel is a great starting point if you’re looking to purchase a new set.

These lenses are all compatible with your favorite mirrorless or DSLR camera, which makes them easy to use on the go or in-studio.

To conclude, these Canon travel lenses will be able to handle any situation, from wide shots of landmarks and expansive landscapes to close-up portraits of people or animals.

They can all do a great job at capturing images that accurately represent what is happening around you to share with friends on social media or your audience on your blog.

If you have any further questions, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

Fb Community Image

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

bookingcom

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

logos 3

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

logos 7

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

logos 14

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

discover cars

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

hey mondo

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .

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Travel Blog

Indigo Sahara

Travel Reviews, Guides, Tips & Travel Hacking

Best Canon Travel Lenses To Buy In 2024 (W/ Examples)

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A. | Published: September 14, 2022 | Updated: February 4, 2024

If you’re in the market for the best Canon travel lenses , you’ve made it to the right place.

This comprehensive guide to the best Canon camera lenses for travel will go in-depth through the different types of lenses best suited for travel photography, the best Canon and other affordable versions, as well as why manual photography is so important for travel photography.

Best Canon Travel Lenses To Buy (W/ Examples)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If a product is purchased using one of the following links, I may earn a small commission from the brand at no cost to you.

Best Canon Travel Lenses To Buy In 2024 (W/ Examples)

Table of Contents

What To Know Before Buying The Best Canon Travel Lenses

Before we begin, it’s important to know that you can buy the most expensive lens on the market and still take sub-par photos .

The truth is, a camera does not take great photos. A photographer takes great photos.

So, how exactly do you become a photographer who takes great photos? By understanding your camera’s functions and learning manual photography.

best canon lenses for travel

Manual photography is daunting , I know. But, after this guide, hopefully you’ll have a beginner-level understanding of why manual photography is so worthwhile.

After all, once you know manual photography and travel photography basics , you will be able to take amazing professional photos from any camera — even your iPhone.

What Is The Ideal Lens For Travel Photography?

There are three types of ideal lenses for travel photography: a wide angle lens, a telephoto lens and a prime lens. As a travel photography beginner, start with a wide angle (18-35mm) or prime lens (35mm).

In overview, a wide angle lens will allow you to get more into the photo (perfect for landscape travel photography ). Whereas, a prime lens , meaning it doesn’t zoom in or out, will give you more bokeh (AKA background blur), which is amazing for travel portraits .

Furthermore, telephoto lenses , which allow you to zoom in far, are ideal for travel photography because they allow you to make the backgrounds of photos look bigger.

best camera lenses for travel

You’ll also want to look at the f-stop of each lens, which controls how much light is let into a photo as well as how much background blur the photo will have.

The best lenses always have a low f-stop (between 1.0 and 2.0), which means they have capability for more light and background blur.

(A low f-stop is particularly important if you’re interested in astrophotography and travel portrait photography .)

Best Canon Travel Lenses

Now that you have a basic understanding of travel photography lenses, let’s get a little more specific. Here are the best Canon travel lenses on the market.

Note: all of the following linked lenses fit the Canon EF lens mount . Before purchasing, please verify that your Canon camera body has the EF mount. Otherwise, these lenses will not work on your camera body.

1. Canon Wide Angle Lens: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III

travel lens for canon

If you’re completely brand loyal to Canon and are willing to invest a bit in a Canon wide angle, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III is a fantastic option.

This wide 16-35mm lens gives you a great aperture range for landscape photos , meaning you’ll be able to zoom in and out plenty for landscape photography purposes. Moreover, the low f/2.8 f-stop can produce great background blur if desired, and it will do really well in low-light environments .

2. Cheaper Canon Wide Angle Lens: Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art DC HSM Lens For Canon

travel lens for canon

A much cheaper alternative to the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III is the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art DC HSM lens for Canon EF camera bodies.

For a fraction of the cost, you can still get a very wide angle shot. Additionally, you can let even more light in for astrophotography and background blur with the lower f-stop .

This is the exact wide angle camera lens that I use for all of my wide angle photos. Trust me when I say this is a reliable , durable , professional camera lens that produces incredible high-quality photos despite its generic brand name and price.

Here are a few wide angle travel photo examples that I took with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 lens .

sigma art lens canon

3. Canon 35mm Prime Lens: Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II

travel lens for canon

Next, as previously mentioned, prime lenses (AKA lenses that do not zoom in and out and are more precise than a zoom lens) are ideal for travel portraits .

Why? Because they produce astonishingly sharp images and uncomparable background blur .

With the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens , you will be able to capture travel photos that show personality, evoke emotion and truly tell a story

4. Cheaper Canon Prime Lens: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM Lens For Canon

travel lens for canon

Likewise, if you’re on a budget like me and not quite willing to invest several thousand dollars into a prime lens, Sigma also has an equally incredible 35mm prime lens: the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM lens for Canon EF .

With Sigma’s version, you can again expect extremely high-quality , sharp , professional travel portrait images .

Similarly, this is the exact prime lens that I use for the vast majority of my travel photos today. I can say with complete honesty that this lens was, hands-down, the best investment I made for my travel photography .

Here are a few travel portrait examples that I took with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM lens for Canon .

canon lens guide

5. Affordable Canon Telephoto Lens: Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens

Finally, a telephoto lens is also essential for professional travel photography.

First, by stepping back and zooming in, a telephoto lens will compress the background, making it appear much grander and more dramatic. This is a phenomenon called lens compression . Second, a telephoto lens with a high zoom range is also helpful for wildlife photos when you can’t get close to the animals.

Unfortunately, the best telephoto lenses are huge, heavy, breakable and cost as much as a brand new car.

A much more affordable and travel-friendly Canon telephoto lens is the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III telephoto zoom lens .

Although this lens has a higher f-stop and does not perform as well in low-light conditions, the lens compression and zoom capabilities are equally effective.

travel lens for canon

I love using my Canon EF 75-300mm when my other lenses can’t quite depict how massive and epic the places I visit are. When the background looks bigger to my eyes than to my camera, that’s when I pull out this exact Canon telephoto lens .

Here are a few travel photos that I took with my Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III telephoto zoom lens to demonstrate such lens compression.

best canon lenses for travel

What Lens Do Travel Bloggers Use?

Travel bloggers use a variety of camera lenses, usually including a wide angle lens for landscape shots, a prime lens for portraits, and a telephoto lens for wildlife photography and distant backgrounds.

All of the lenses reviewed above are used by travel bloggers worldwide (including myself).

Are Prime Lenses Good For Travel?

Yes, prime lenses are great for travel, especially portrait travel photography.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one travel camera lens , a 35mm prime lens will be your best option. However, just remember that you won’t be able to zoom in or out . The trade-off is usually worth it in my opinion.

Have any questions about the any of these best Canon lenses for travel? Leave a reply below or message me on Instagram . I’ll respond as soon as possible.

Looking for more travel-friendly camera gear? Here is the best budget camera gear for travel photography .

Best Canon Travel Lenses To Buy In 2024 (W/ Examples)

More On Travel Photography And The Best Canon Travel Lenses

Best Budget Camera Gear For Travel Photography 15 Easy Beginner Tips To Elevate Your Travel Photography 25 Easy Poses For Travel Photos (With Examples)

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travel lens for canon

About Indigo Sahara, M.A.

Indigo Sahara, M.A., is the founder and CEO of the Indigo Sahara travel blog. Since earning her master's degree in global leadership, she has traveled to more than 20 countries. Now, her goal is to make travel accessible to all by teaching others how to travel on a budget. She writes world travel guides and travel hacking tips weekly.

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Reader Interactions

travel lens for canon

September 20, 2022 at 11:31 am

Hi, Great article! I’m really enjoying reading your posts. This is well worth a read. You presented great insight and information. Thanks.

travel lens for canon

September 20, 2022 at 1:26 pm

Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad that you found this article helpful. Let me know if you ever have any questions!

travel lens for canon

December 7, 2022 at 5:48 am

I always have the 50mm f/1.4 lens with me and never leave it at home. You can get dramatically different results from your photography if you switch up your vantage point.

December 7, 2022 at 4:28 pm

So true! The low f-stop makes these lenses so versatile, which is perfect for traveling. Thanks for sharing!

travel lens for canon

April 29, 2023 at 6:55 am

Your post is very creative and unique. I appreciate your excellent presentation of the best Canon travel lenses to buy in 2023 Your writing is clear and informative enough that audiences can easily promise to provide valuable information and recommendations on Canon lenses designed specifically for travel photography, an exciting and growing niche.

May 1, 2023 at 2:32 pm

Glad you liked it!

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Best Canon Lens for Travel Photography

Best Canon Lens for Travel Photography image

photo by martin-dm via iStock

If you have a Canon camera and aren’t sure what Canon lens to bring on your next trip, you’ve come to the right place! I’m here to tell you which are the best canon lenses for travel photography and why.

The main thing to consider when deciding on a Canon travel lens is portability. Other things you will want to consider are focal length, aperture, image stabilization, mount compatibility, weather sealing, and, of course, price.  

When traveling, you have limited space and, unfortunately, most of the time, it’s impossible to bring your whole kit. Carrying only one or two lenses is what I recommend for most people. That’s why choosing the right lenses is critical! 

Zoom lenses are a popular choice for travel photographers due to their versatility, while new superzoom lenses are also gaining popularity. Prime lenses are less versatile, and telephoto’s are often quite heavy, but depending on the type of travel photography you like to shoot, they can also come in handy. 

With all that said, let’s jump into this ultimate guide of the best Canon lenses for travel photography! 

Best Canon Zoom Lens for Travel Photography

Best Canon Zoom Lens for Travel Photography image

The Canon EF 24-105mm ​​f/4L IS USM is my overall favorite canon travel lens! Speaking plainly, it’s hands down one of the best lenses for travel photography ever built, regardless of brand. 

For starters, it weighs in at a very reasonable 1 pound, 8 ounces, and has an incredibly useful 24-105mm focal length. If you’re using it on an APS-C camera, the focal length grows by 1.6x to 38.4-168mm. 

Additionally, the constant f/4 aperture helps in low light situations and creates a nice bokeh effect when shooting portraits and street photography. 

If you shoot video, this lens works great too! It has image stabilizer technology built into the lens, which helps avoid shaky footage, and if paired with a gimbal, it works even better! It’s a top choice by travel vloggers, wedding videographers, and documentary filmmakers alike.  

Other fantastic features of this Canon lens for travel photography include a dust and moisture resistant metal construction, silent and quick autofocus, and a large easy to use focus ring.

Best Canon Superzoom Lens for Travel Photography

Best Canon Superzoom Lens for Travel Photography image

Superzooms have been getting extremely popular in the world of travel photography in recent years due to more of them being made as well as the fact that they cover such a wide range of focal lengths.

Without a doubt, the best superzoom lens for travel photography is the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM ! If you only want to carry one lens when you travel, this is certainly the best Canon lens for travel photography. 

At almost half the price of the Canon 24-70mm that we just spoke about, this is a terrific budget lens for travel photography. It weighs in 1 pound, 5 ounces,, which is also less than the 24-70mm and has an unbelievable zoom range of 18-300 (28.8-480 with an APS-C camera). 

Best Canon Superzoom Lens for Travel Photography 2 image

More travel features I love are the fast autofocus, optical stabilization, a zoom lock switch which helps prevent accidental zoom adjustments, and its compact build.  

The biggest faults of this lens are the plastic body and the lack of any sort of weather resistance. When shooting outdoors, you have to be a little more careful with it and try to avoid dust and water. Also, when compared with the Canon 24-70mm, the images aren’t quite as sharp. 

Learn More:

  • Best Canon Camera for Travel
  • Top Photography Travel Bags

Best Canon Prime Lens for Travel Photography

Best Canon Prime Lens for Travel Photography image

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the perfect prime lens for travel photography to pair with a traditional zoom lens. This nifty fifty is compact and lightweight (6 ounces) and will take up almost no additional space in your camera bag. 

With this lens on, your camera will be much more low key and may even fit in your jacket pocket, depending on which body you pair it with. 

The 50mm focal length is the closest to that of the natural eye and is a superb option for street photography. Additionally, the f/1.8 aperture makes this lens great for shooting portraits, sports, and astrophotography!

Further features this lens provides are an 80mm focal length when paired with an APS-C camera, smooth and silent autofocus when shooting video, a metal mount to increase its durability, and the fact that it’s the most compact Canon 50mm lens ever! 

Best Canon Telephoto Lens for Travel Photography

Best Canon Telephoto Lens for Travel Photography image

The majority of people won’t want to travel with a telephoto lens since they are some of the biggest and heaviest lenses out there, but if you like photographing animals, sports, or super detailed shots (of architecture, for example), you may decide you need to pack one. 

My go-to Canon telephoto lens for travel photography is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM . That’s a whopping 160-640mm when paired with an APS-C crop sensor camera. It’s compact for a lens of its focal length, but at 3 pounds, 7 ounces, it’s definitely not light. 

This lens was built for the outdoors and is extremely weather-resistant. You can comfortably take this beast even into the harshest of conditions without a second thought.  

Moreover, it has three image stabilization modes that deliver astounding results no matter the situation. There are tons of customization options on this lens, too, so you can set it up and adjust it however it best works for you. 

One thing to keep in mind is that this is certainly a professional lens. The performance and the price tag both reinforce that. While the quality of the images is hard to match, unless you are a pro photographer, I’d opt for a superzoom such as the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM . 

Final thoughts on the Best Canon Telephoto Lens for Travel Photography

best canon lens for travel image

photo by alejomiranda  via iStock

Personally, I like to travel with two lenses when I travel. If I’m going to be mostly staying in the city, I’ll go for a setup that includes a zoom lens and a prime lens.

On the other hand, if I’m going to be heading into nature, I like to pack a superzoom and a prime. The extra zoom range is useful for both wide dramatic landscapes shots as well as close-up animal shots. 

Want to see more options? Check out these bonus Canon lenses for travel photography:  

  • Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II
  • Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM
  • Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS
  • Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC
  • Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 VC

And if you have a Canon mirrorless camera with the RF mount, these lenses are great choices: 

  • Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
  • Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
  • Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM
  • Canon RF70-200mm F4 L is USM
  • Travel Photography Do’s and Don’ts
  • How to Get Started With Travel Photography

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The Best Travel Lenses for Canon Cameras

best canon travel lenses

Now more than ever, photographers are working on-the-go, taking jobs across the country, and even around the world. We need lenses built to travel with us, that perform at the highest level, but don’t weigh us down. As the major camera manufacturer, Canon develops some of the best lenses and professional glass on the market. However, more recently, they have shifted to develop more portable, lightweight lens options in their RF series line up, that complement the lighter, travel-friendly, full-frame mirrorless, EOS R series of cameras. They’ve also done a fantastic job with their EF series lenses, to keep up with the ever-changing demands of travel photographers.

These lenses truly strike the perfect balance, and provide the travel-friendly options that content creators, photographers, and videographers need this year and beyond. So, let’s break down some of these best travel lenses , shall we? Here are the top  Canon lenses for travel . This article will highlight RF and EF series lenses that combine weight, size, portability, and performance in one package, perfect for travel and the modern-day photographer.

What to look for in a travel lens

A solid travel lens, whether it’s perhaps the best travel Canon lens or a lens from Sony, Nikon, or other brands, has a few key features. These include:

Airline weight restrictions can make life tough on travel photographers. That’s why you should look for a portable, lightweight lens whenever possible to keep your pack easy to carry and well within airline requirements.

The faster the aperture, the more versatility you have to work in low-lit conditions and to get creative with the shot (e.g., blurred backgrounds or bokeh). Look for an aperture range of at least around f/4, although even faster, like f/2, is ideal — especially for night-sky images .

Make sure the lens has solid autofocus capabilities, including fast and accurate focusing. You don’t want to waste precious travel minutes perfecting (or missing) the shot.

Focal length

The focal length you need depends on the type of images you hope to create. If you want to try landscapes or astrophotography, get a wider focal length like 20mm. If you hope to break into wildlife photography, nab a telephoto lens with at least a 300mm focal length. A zoom lens that transitions from wide to telephoto is also a great option for travel.

Best Travel Lenses for Canon Cameras

Canon camera outdoors travel lens

Whether you’re shooting with a Canon DSLR or mirrorless camera, you’ll find a lens that you can bring with you on your next trip or turn into your favorite primary lens. All you’ll likely need is a Canon Mount Adapter — if you’re using the newest Canon mirrorless systems  — and you’re good to go!

Best Canon Mirrorless Lenses for Travel

Canon rf 28-70mm f/2 l usm lens.

When it comes to the best Canon travel lens, it’s hard to top the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM lens. This Canon travel lens is bursting at the seams with coveted features, including a constant f/2 aperture for stunning bokeh no matter the focal length, a 12-pin communication system to optimize data transfer, and a control ring for easily adjusting settings. It also comes with reliable image stabilization, so you can rest assured that you’ll capture sharp shots, even when shooting handheld.

Key Specifications:

  • Full-Format Wide Angle to Telephoto Zoom
  • Focal Length of 28-70mm
  • Aperture Range of f/2 – f/22
  • 9 Rounded Diaphragm Blades
  • Weighs 1,430g (3.15 lbs.)

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Another solid option on the list of the best Canon travel lens options is the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens, which offers up to five stops of image stabilization with five stops of shake correction, high image quality via a large-diameter RF mount, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.92 feet — which means you can go from wide-angle landscapes to creative macro shots. The clarity and focusing work in tandem to make this one of many options for the best Canon travels lenses on the market.

  • Full-Frame Wide Angle Zoom
  • Focal Length of 15-35mm
  • Aperture Range of f/2.8 – f/22
  • Optical Image Stabilization Technology
  • Weighs 840g (1.85 lbs.)

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

This Canon RF-mount lens is designed for Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras, and more dedicated shooters would appreciate the fact that this mirrorless lens offers a true wide-angle perspective of 24mm and that it bears Canon’s L-series lens technology, ensuring more vibrant, sharp, high-quality images.

For many professionals, it’s a dream to be able to use a smaller, pro-level mirrorless camera and have the option to mount a premium lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths. The RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM offers it all, especially when you want pro-quality images to bring home from your travels.

  • Full-Frame Wide-Angle to Telephoto Zoom Lens
  • Focal Length of 24-105mm
  • Aperture Range of f/4 – f/22
  • Ring-Type Nano USM AF System
  • Weighs 700g (24.7 oz)

Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens

When it comes to the best Canon lenses for travel, it’s hard not to include the powerful and impressive Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 . This, Canon’s shortest and lightest 70-200mm interchangeable zoom lens, promises seriously high quality images—even when zoomed in. The camera features five stops of shake correction (and up to 7.5 stops with coordinated optical image stabilizer and in-body image stabilization). The result? Sharp, crisp shots, even when used handheld.

The lens comes with a control ring for easy settings changes, a 12-pin communication system, and a coating that’s dust and water resistant—all must-have features for travel photographers and videographers .

Learn more about the lens in this hands-on review by Vanessa Joy .

Key Specifications: 

  • Full-Frame Telephoto Zoom Lens
  • Focal Length of 70-200mm
  • Aperture of f/4
  • Optical Image Stabilizer with up to 5 Stops of Shake Correction
  • High Speed, Smooth and Quiet Auto Focus with Dual Nano USM
  • Minimum Focusing Distance of 1.96 ft.
  • Dust- and Water-resistant with Fluorine Coating
  • Weighs 695g (1.5 lbs)

Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM Lens

Another Canon lens you can’t skip when it comes to travel is the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 lens . The lens is perfect for those looking to experiment with landscape , architecture , and even night sky photography . With a wide angle focal length of 14-35mm, this lens will capture entire sweeping scenes that truly draw the viewer in.

Specs-wise, this ultra-wide-angle lens features up to seven stops of shake correction when it’s used in tandem with the EOS R series cameras that feature in-body image stabilization. It also has a minimum focusing distance of 7.9 inches across all focal lengths, not to mention a lightweight construction that’s easy to pack for trips close to home or halfway around the world.

See the lens in action in this hands-on review by Josh Katz .

  • Wide Angle Zoom Lens
  • Focal Length of 14-35mm
  • Optical Image Stabilizer with up to 5.5 stops of shake correction
  • High speed, smooth and quiet autofocus with Canon’s Nano USM
  • Control Ring for direct setting changes
  • Dust- and weather-resistant
  • Weighs 540g (1.2 lbs)

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 lens is an all-in-one lens, and one of the best Canon lenses for travel. For starters, this compact lens features a flexible zoom range of 24 to 105mm, which means photographers can go from wide-angle streetscape shots to zoomed in portraits or wildlife subjects—all within seconds, and without the need for a lens change.

The wide-angle zoom was also built for close-up shooting, which means you can capture flowers while on the go , or food from your favorite restaurant in a new city. The lens comes built-in with smart and effective autofocusing to ensure each snap is as sharp as the last. And, this lens is budget friendly and therefore perfect for the aspiring travel photographer.

  • Wide Angle to Telephoto Zoom Lens
  • Aperture range of f/4-7.1
  • Optical Image Stabilization at up to 5 Stops of Shake Correction
  • Control Ring for Direct Setting Changes
  • In-camera Digital Lens Optimizer
  • Leadscrew-type STM enables Smooth Autofocusing for Still-image and Video Shooting
  • Weighs 395g (13.93 oz)

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Whether it’s for portraits of the people you meet or food films to showcase the delicious cuisines around the world, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L lens has you covered. It’s another one of the best Canon lenses for travel creators, starting first and foremost with the lifelike photos this stunning 50mm focal length produces. The lens also has a fast aperture that helps it work in low-light situations without compromising on quality.

With the tactile control ring, it’s easy to adjust exposure settings like shutter speed. And, the new RF lens mount design promises a shorter distance between the rear element and camera sensor—meaning improved optical performance your fans and clients will adore.

  • Standard Lens
  • Focal Length of 50mm
  • Aperture of f/1.2
  • Three Aspherical Elements and One UD Element
  • Air Sphere Coating (ASC) Minimizes Lens Flare and Ghosting
  • 12 pin Communication System
  • Weighs 950g (2.09 lbs)

Best Travel Lenses for Canon DSLR Cameras

Canon ef 24-70mm f/2.8l ii usm.

If you’re willing to invest more in a professional-quality Canon travel lens, the 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a top choice. Not only does it offer a more versatile “medium zoom” focal length that reaches 70mm, but it also combines a bright maximum constant aperture with the brand’s L-series technology to provide superior low-light, color, and quality performance. Even its Ultrasonic Motor autofocus system is fast and silent, so you’re sure to always catch the perfect moment.

What makes this full-frame lens near perfect is that the premium optics are housed in a rugged, weather-sealed body, making it all the more ideal for outdoor and travel photography.

  • Full-Frame Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
  • Focal Length of 24-70mm
  • Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) AF System
  • Weighs 805g (28.4oz)

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Looking for an awesome “nifty fifty” to document your travels? Fortunately, Canon makes high-quality 50mm lenses that are great for a wide variety of photography styles. The 50mm f/1.8 STM, in particular, is almost everything you’d want in a travel lens: it’s small, lightweight, fast, versatile, and inexpensive.

And with the same maximum aperture of f/1.8, you get nothing less than tack sharp focus and luscious bokeh quality. No wonder it’s still one of the most popular Canon lenses to date.

  • Full-Frame Standard Prime Lens
  • Fixed Focal Length of 50mm
  • Aperture Range of f/1.8 – f/22
  • Gear-Type Stepping Motor (STM) AF System
  • 7 Rounded Diaphragm Blades
  • Weighs 161.59g (5.7oz)

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

This Canon lens also covers a short wide-angle focal range, with a smaller aperture of f/4. What really makes this a must-have (especially for travel photographers with a focus on landscapes or architecture ) is that it’s a full-frame lens, which makes it the only short focal length lens we’ve mentioned so far that offers a true wide-angle perspective.

Bonus features include the brand’s coveted L-series lens technology, image stabilization (helpful for handheld shooting), incredible sharpness with reduced chromatic aberration or vignetting, and a rather compact form factor.

  • Focal Length of 16-35mm
  • Optical Stabilizer (OS) Technology
  • Weighs 615g (21.7oz)

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

We already mentioned a 50mm earlier, but this other Canon nifty fifty offers a faster maximum aperture of f/1.4 — the perfect choice for those who want to really throw out backgrounds with a much narrower depth of field. Its eight rounded aperture blades (one more compared to the f/1.8) helps create gorgeous bokeh .

These make the lens even more perfect for taking portraits while traveling. Canon also developed it with high-grade plastics, so it’s lightweight, handy, and incredibly easy to stash in your camera bag.

  • Aperture Range of f/1.4 – f/22
  • Ultrasonic Motor (USM) AF System
  • 8 Rounded Diaphragm Blades
  • Weighs 290g (10.2oz)

Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM

There aren’t too many lenses for Canon crop sensor mirrorless cameras, so the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM clearly stands out. At first glance, it’s the perfect “pancake lens” that you’ll definitely want to match with your compact camera if you want to be equipped with the lightest camera setup possible.

Once the sensor’s crop factor has been taken into account, you get to shoot with an extended focal length of 35mm, making it great for street photography and other day-to-day snapshots while you’re traveling. You could even insert it right into your pocket and forget it’s there because of its very minimal weight of 105g.

  • APS-C Wide-Angle Prime Lens
  • Fixed Focal Length of 22mm
  • Inner Focusing (IF) AF System
  • Weighs 105g (3.7 oz)

Third-Party Lenses:

Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 ed as um.

For travelers with a penchant for capturing spectacular images of the night sky, the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 AS ED UMC prime helps you capture those dreamy images without having to break the bank. It offers a fixed focal length of 20mm and is suitable for full-frame cameras so you get the exact wide-angle perspective.

Rokinon is well-known for producing competitively priced, sharp, and effective lenses. The result? You can capture starry night skies or the Milky Way from wherever in the world you decide to travel to. This is also a great lens for group shots and daytime landscapes .

  • Full-Frame Wide-Angle Prime Lens
  • Focal Length of 20mm
  • Manual Focusing System
  • Weighs 490g (17.2oz)

Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 DC HSM ART Lens

For those shooting with APS-C format Canon cameras, this other Sigma lens is perhaps the most effective and most admired third-party travel lens. It boasts gorgeous optics that professionals can use, such as a blazing fast autofocus and a shorter wide-angle zoom range that enables the use of a much wider maximum aperture.

As for image quality, you get brighter photos in low-light conditions, enhanced sharpness from corner to corner (even at f/1.8), and distortions and aberrations reduced to microscopic amounts.

  • APS-C Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
  • Focal Length of 18-35mm
  • Aperture Range of f/1.8 – f/16
  • Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) AF System
  • Weighs 800g (28.2oz)

Shop the entire collection of Canon lenses at Adorama. 

travel lens for canon

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THE 7 BEST Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

Are you going on a trip with your Canon camera and looking for a new lens? Sorting through the host of lens options can leave your head spinning. From zoom lenses versus prime lenses to different aperture sizes and focal lengths— there are just so many things to consider. I have used a total of 10 different lenses over the last several years for my photography endeavors and this article lays out my picks for the best Canon lenses for travel photography.

If you use a Nikon or Sony platform for your travel photography, check our lists of the  best Nikon lenses  and  best Sony lenses  for travel. If you need something more compact than DSLR or mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, check out our list of the best compact cameras for travel .

A Quick Review of Some Photography Terms:

Just in case you need a refresher on some photography lingo, here are some important terms to know when purchasing a lens in order to understand the tradeoffs you might be making:

  • FOCAL LENGTH: focal length is the distance between the focal point (where the light captured by the lens converges into a focused image) and the sensor of the camera. It is measured in millimeters. A longer focal length will be more “zoomed in” whereas a shorter focal length will be more zoomed out.
  • APERTURE: aperture size is measured with the f/stop. F/stop is actually a ratio between the length of the lens focal length and the diameter of the aperture opening. You may have seen it as something like f/1.4. This is an abbreviation and the full way to write this is as f 1/1.4, with the 1 representing the length of the focal length and the 1.4 representing the diameter of the aperture. This means that the lower the f/stop number (i.e. f/2.8 versus f/1.4), the wider the aperture. Additionally, halving of the f/stop represents a doubling of the level of exposure. So for example, f/1.4 will result in twice the exposure of f/2.8. Wide apertures do two things: 1, allow more light to hit the sensor, increasing the exposure, and 2, create a more shallow depth of field, which is the amount of space in focus. This is a large contributor to the amount of bokeh, or background blur, present in a photograph.
  • ISO: This term originates from film photography, where an ISO level was fixed for each type of film. Higher ISO meant a higher level of exposure on an image. In digital cameras today, ISO is actually a form of in-camera post processing. Increasing your ISO may increase the exposure of your image without having to change the other settings, but it also runs the risk of making your photo extremely grainy. I recommend that you increase ISO only as a last resort when taking a photo.
  • STOP (OF EXPOSURE): a stop of exposure is a relative measurement of the amount of light that the sensor is being exposed to. An increase of one stop of exposure equates to a doubling of the amount of light hitting the sensor, and a decrease of one stop of light equates to a halving of the amount of light hitting the sensor.

My Picks for the 7 Best Canon Lenses for Travel Photography:

Overall best canon lens for travel photography:, canon rf 24-70mm f/2.8l is usm – $2,399 $2,199, currently on sale.

The Canon RF 24-70 mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is incredibly popular for good reason. When taking travel photos, I want something that gives me a lot of options. I find the wider angle lenses in the 24mm to 40 mm range tend to be best for things like travel portraits and street photography because they include more of the environment in the photograph without having to get extremely far away.

[Check out this article to see Canon’s newest lens – a serious contender for the title of best Canon lens for travel photography.]

The lens’ focal length allows for extreme versatility while also allowing for a wide enough aperture for low-light shots. This lens will also give you the background-foreground compression of a telephoto lens for dramatic scenes and flattering travel portraits. As far as performance, image quality is unmatched and the autofocus is precise and fast. 

The downside of this lens is its size and weight. The Canon RF 24-70 mm f/2.8 is just under 2 lbs. This might weigh your backpack down a bit. In my opinion, the functionality is well worth it. But if you’re traveling light, you may want to choose a prime lens instead (see below).

The level of versatility of this lens also does not come cheap though. Equivalent lenses will cost you from around $1300 for the Sigma budget equivalent to $2,999 for Canon’s top-of-the-line RF 24-70mm f/2L USM lens.

  • Can zoom between wide angle (24 mm) and telephoto (70 mm)
  • Good lowlight performance due to the f/2.8 aperture
  • Crystal clear image quality
  • Built-in Image Stabilization
  • Expensive. Budget versions are still over $1000
  • Heavy (nearly 2 lbs)

Canon EF Version: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM ($1,799)

Overall Best Canon Prime Lens for Travel Photography:

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 art dg hsm – $899 $674.

Staying true to Sigma’s reputation of bringing high quality at affordable prices, this lens clocks in under $1000 – an excellent price for a premium lens. This lens packs a punch. The super versatile 35 mm focal length and the f/1.4 max aperture allows for a super short depth of field.

The lens also has excellent low light performance. You should be able to use this lens for almost any travel photography task. The weight on this lens is 1.47 lbs which is a bit on the heavier side. So it may not be the best option if you are looking to travel light. But for what you’re getting in terms of performance, the camera’s weight shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.

This lens has an EF mount so if you have a newer mirrorless camera model, you will have to get a mount adapter .

  • Short depth of field (very blurry background)
  • Excellent low light performance
  • Under $1000
  • Heavy (1.47 lbs)
  • Fixed focal length (unable to zoom)
  • Not weather sealed

Best Budget Prime Lens for Travel Photography:

Canon rf 35 mm f/1.8 macro stm – $499.

The Canon RF 35 mm 1.8 STM is one of my all-time favorite lenses. The photo quality is excellent. Many of the photos on our Home page were taken using this lens. The 35 mm focal length is the most versatile focal length and the super wide f/1.8 aperture allows you to shoot in virtually any lighting conditions. The lens is fairly compact which makes for easy travel. 

This lens is also a macro lens, meaning it is capable of focusing on objects incredibly close up.

What’s even better is that this lens costs just under $500, and right now it’s on sale for $399. HARD to beat in my opinion.

  • Versatile Focal Length
  • Excellent lowlight performance

Canon EF Equivalent: Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM ($579)

Best Budget Canon Lens for Travel Photography:

Canon ef-s 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is stm – $404.49.

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm is hands down the best travel lens under $500. The focal length variability is borderline shocking- with the ultra-wide angle 18 mm length to the telephoto being at 135 mm. This is more than enough for practically any task. Its variable aperture of f/3.5 to f/5.6 will be adequate for brighter lighting conditions. You should be able to get good photos in slightly darker conditions too though, since this lens has built in image stabilization. This lens is part of the EF line, so if you have a newer mirrorless camera model, you will have to get a mount adapter .

  • Massive zoom range
  • Built-in image stabilization for clear shots in lowlight
  • Limited aperture 
  • Made for Crop Sensor Cameras

Best Canon Lens for Landscape Photography:

Canon rf 15-35mm f/2.8 usm – $2,399 $2,199.

While photographing landscapes in the past, I’ve often found myself wishing I had a wider lens. Wide lenses are ideal for landscape photography because they give the camera a larger field of view than the human eye is capable of. This widened effect is excellent for capturing the vastness of a landscape scene.

The best Canon lens for landscape photography is the wide-angle Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 USM lens. This lens is part of Canon’s high-end USM product line, which is known for its excellent image quality. Whether shooting on a hike or capturing a cityscape, this lens perfectly preserves every micro-detail of a landscape scene. Paired with an ultra-high resolution sensor such as the one in the mirrorless Canon EOS R5 , you will be able to greatly crop in your images if needed as well as print your landscape photos in large format while maintaining perfectly crisp detail.

  • Wide angle focal length
  • Good low light performance
  • Variable zoom
  • Excellent image quality

Heavy (1.85 lbs)

Canon EF Equivalent: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM ($1,239.95 Renewed)

Telephoto Lenses for Landscape Photography: 

Some photographers, including famous landscape photographer Peter Lik, will elect to use telephoto lenses in the 200-800mm focal length to create a unique compression distortion on a landscape scene. Compression is where the background and foreground look much closer together than they actually are. This technique is responsible for photos you may have seen where the moon looks giant relative to a person, tree, or other object in the foreground. The moon actually hasn’t been edited to look giant, but instead the photo was taken from very far away from the foreground object, and so from that distance, the moon looks much larger relative to the object.

To illustrate, here is a photo I took of a Peter Lik print titled “Bella Luna”:

In my experience, most people will want to use a wide angle lens for a majority of their landscape photography endeavors. If you are trying to execute specific shots that require compression however, you may want to invest in a telephoto lens. Ultimately it’s up to you. Here are a few telephoto lenses organized by price:

$299 – Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM

$649 – Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM

$2,799 $2,299 – Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

$2,899 $2,399 – Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Best Weather Sealed Canon Lens for Travel Photography:

Canon rf 24-105mm f/4l is usm – $1,299.

The Canon RF 24-105 mm lens is weather-sealed and comes with a huge focal length range and a respectable f/4 minimum aperture. It also comes with a powerful image stabilization system that corrects for 5 stops of shake correction, making it much easier to shoot at slower shutter speeds. I based this my final pick for best weather sealed lens off of two assumptions: 

  • Bad weather that would warrant a weather sealing will also imply a darker scene, meaning the max aperture needs to be wide. Though f/4 is not the widest, the image stabilization makes up for that
  • This lens can’t be too expensive, as bad weather implies increased danger of camera drops . $1,299 is certainly not cheap, but it is a much more affordable price than the $2,199 of the Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8. 
  • Excellent weather sealing
  • Excellent autofocus speed and precision
  • 5 stops of image stabilization (no blur even at very slow shutter speeds)
  • Moderate price for value
  • Heavy (1.54 lbs)
  • Still may be out of the budget range
  • f/4 focal length will be limiting in extreme lowlight conditions

Canon EF Version:  Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens ($709)

Canon’s Best Travel Photography Lens for APS-C Crop Sensor Cameras:

Canon ef-s 24mm f/2.8 stm – $ 129.

This little lens, sometimes called the “pancake lens”, is a perfect option for APS-C crop sensor cameras. For this 24 mm lens, the focal length is about 38.4mm. This is because Canon’s crop sensor cameras have a 1.6x zoom when compared to a full frame cameras with the same lens focal length. This lens also has a fairly wide aperture for the price allowing for considerable adaptability between different lighting conditions. I recently suggested this lens to a friend who’s somewhat new to photography for a trip to Japan, and he said it’s all he used.

  • Highly portable
  • Very affordable Price
  • Good lowlight performance
  • Heavy vignette (border darkening) due to inexpensive build quality

What is the best focal length for travel photography?

From my experience, the best focal length for travel photography is definitely 35 mm. This length is great because it’s a bit wider than the “normal” focal length. The focal length on most full frame cameras is 50 mm. So a 35 mm focal length gives your photos a distinct look. It also not so wide that you have to walk really close to your subject every time.

In case you didn’t know, a “normal” lens is named such because it most closely emulates what the normal human eye can see. This can make shooting with these lenses a bit dull. 

Wider-angle (less than 50 mm) or more telephoto lenses (more than 50 mm) begin to create spatial distortion. This distortion effects what the resulting image communicates. When used deliberately, these distortions can be a powerful tool. 

I personally have found that wide angle lenses tend to have many more applications than telephoto lenses do. They also allow for you to shoot inside, which just simply isn’t possible with a longer prime lens. 

I like prime lenses because they force you to move instead of standing back and zooming in and out. Changing focal lengths is not the same as physically moving closer or further away from your subject, and each produces very different photos. So while it may feel awkward to get close to the action, it’s good practice for any photographer as the effects on the resulting image are tangible.

Canon RF Lenses versus Canon EF Lenses

It’s well known that Canon makes excellent lenses. Now, with many people switching to the newer mirrorless camera systems which use the RF lens mount, you may wonder if Canon RF lenses are better than Canon EF lenses. 

As far as performance and image quality, there is little difference between RF and EF lenses other than that the RF lenses tend to have better autofocus precision and speed. 

The real significant difference in Canon’s lens catalog is between USM and STM lenses, and you will see this reflected in the price. I’ve found that the RF STM lenses are a bit better than the EF STM lenses, but the USM lenses are all professional grade across the board.

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Best Travel Lens for Canon Camera: A 2023 Guide

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  • Best Travel Lens: Canon

When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Products or services may be offered by an affiliated entity. Learn more .

Are you an avid traveler with a passion for capturing breathtaking moments? If so, investing in the best travel lens for Canon offers can elevate your travel photography to new heights.

Discover the top Canon lenses for travel photography to suit different needs and budgets, learn about lens specifications, and understand the importance of image stabilization.

Let’s embark on this journey together to find the perfect lens for your next adventure!

Snapshot: Top 3 Canon Lenses for Your Next Journey

In travel photography, a dependable lens tailored to your individual needs and preferences is a must-have. Here’s a quick snapshot of the top 3 Canon lenses that excel in various aspects of travel photography, including the best Canon travel lens for each category, as well as some of the best Canon travel lenses available, and a mention of a popular canon travel lens:

Best Canon Lens Overall: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM : When discussing versatility and quality, this lens emerges as a top contender. It’s a great optic choice for both stills and video recording.

Best Budget Option: Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM

Best for Landscape Photography: Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM - The Best All-Rounder

canon-ef-24-105mm-f4-0-l-is-usm

Price: $ 699.95

Check Latest Price for EF 24-105mm

Specifications:

Focal Length: 24-105mm

Maximum Aperture: f/4.0

Lens Mount: Canon EF

Image Stabilization: Yes

Weight: 1.48 lbs (23.68 ounces)

Wide focal range

Excellent image quality

Image stabilization

Weather sealing

Pricey compared to other options

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM is a superb all-around lens, suitable for various photography styles, from landscapes to portraits. With its wide focal range, you can effortlessly capture both wide-angle and telephoto shots without constantly swapping lenses.

The image stabilization feature allows for up to three stops of handholdability, meaning you can confidently shoot in low-light situations without a tripod.

One downside is the relatively heavy weight of the lens, which might be a concern for those who prefer traveling light. However, its weather sealing and solid build quality make it a reliable companion for outdoor use.

While the price tag might be steep for some, the versatility and performance of the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM make it well worth the investment for those seeking a high-quality, all-purpose lens for their travel photography endeavors.

Image Quality: 4.5/5

Versatility: 4.5/5

Build Quality: 4/5

Value for Money: 3.5/5

Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM - The Best Budget Option

canon-50mm-f1-8-stm

Price: $299.00

Check Latest Price for 50mm f/1.8

Focal Length: 50mm

Maximum Aperture: f/1.8

Image Stabilization: No

Weight: 0.35 pounds (5.6 ounces)

Lightweight

Great low-light performance

Fixed focal length

Plastic construction

If you’re on a budget, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM is the perfect option for travel photography. This affordable prime lens offers remarkable image quality, center sharpness, and low-light performance due to its bright f/1.8 aperture. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around during your travels.

However, the fixed focal length means it’s not as versatile as a zoom lens, and the plastic construction may not be as durable as some of its pricier counterparts.

Despite these drawbacks, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM remains an excellent investment for budget-conscious travel photographers seeking a reliable and high-performing lens.

Image Quality: 4/5

Versatility: 3/5

Build Quality: 3/5

Value for Money: 5/5

Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM - Best for Landscape Photography

canon-10-18mm-f-4-5-5-6-is-stm

Price: $ 299.00

Check Latest Price for 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS

Focal Length: 10-18mm

Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-5.6

Lens Mount: Canon EF-S

Weight: 0.53 lbs (8.48 ounces)

Wide-angle range

Lightweight design

Slower aperture range

Lack of weather sealing

For those who love capturing breathtaking landscapes during their travels, the Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is an excellent choice.

This wide-angle lens offers a wide-angle range and image stabilization, making it perfect for taking stunning photos of vast landscapes and cityscapes. Its lightweight design ensures that it won’t weigh you down during your travels.

One downside is the slower aperture range, which may not perform as well in low-light situations as some other lenses. Additionally, the lack of weather sealing might be a concern for those who frequently shoot in harsh outdoor conditions.

Nonetheless, the Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is a fantastic lens for landscape photography enthusiasts seeking a wide-angle option that won’t break the bank.

Versatility: 3.5/5

Build Quality: 3.5/5

Value for Money: 4/5

Understanding Lens Specifications – A Guide to Picking the Right Canon Lens

Understanding various lens specifications is key to choosing a lens that meets your travel photography needs. We will explore key aspects such as aperture, focal length, and lens weight and size.

The Role of Aperture in Photography

In photography, aperture significantly impacts image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance. A lens with a fast aperture, typically less than or around f/2.8, allows more light to enter the camera during a single exposure, making it advantageous for travel photography and low-light situations.

Utilizing a lens with a brighter aperture enables more light to enter the lens, resulting in enhanced image quality and improved low-light performance. Lenses with wider apertures, such as the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM, are ideal for shooting in dimly lit environments, ensuring sharp and well-exposed images.

A clear comprehension of aperture’s role in photography is fundamental in selecting a lens that aligns with your needs and shooting conditions, guaranteeing consistently stunning photos.

Focal Length and Image Composition

Another significant aspect of camera lens specifications is the lens focal length, which dictates the field of view and the amount of a scene that can fit within the frame. A wide-angle lens, such as the Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM, offers a broader field of view, perfect for capturing landscapes, cityscapes, and large interior spaces with various focal lengths. Wide angle lenses provide versatility and creative options for photographers in different situations.

On the other hand, telephoto lenses provide a narrower field of view and are ideal for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports events. Prime lenses, like the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM, have a fixed focal length, whereas zoom lenses offer a variable focal length, allowing you to adjust the composition without physically moving closer or further away from the subject.

Understanding the focal length that aligns with your photography style and favorite subjects can guide you in picking the ideal lens for your travel photography requirements.

Considering Lens Weight and Size

Considering the lens’s size and weight is vital in choosing a travel lens, as larger lenses occupy more space in your camera bag and might be burdensome to carry over long periods. For example, while the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM boasts a versatile focal range, it is heavier than the lightweight Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM, which may be more suitable for those who prefer traveling light.

Factoring in lens weight and size can lead to a more enjoyable and comfortable travel photography experience, freeing you to concentrate on capturing beautiful moments without the burden of hefty equipment.

Decoding Lens Mount Types - EF vs EF-S

Differentiating between Canon EF and EF-S lens mounts and understanding their compatibility with your camera is fundamental when choosing a Canon lens. EF lenses can be used with both full-frame and crop sensor cameras. On the other hand, EF-S lenses are specifically designed for APS-C or crop sensor cameras..

Using a full-frame lens on a crop sensor camera may not fully utilize the lens’s optical capability and can be heavier and more expensive than EF-S lenses. On the other hand, EF-S lenses, like the Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM, are designed to cater to the needs of crop sensor cameras, providing excellent image quality and a lighter, more compact design.

Choosing a lens with a mount type suitable for your camera is vital to ensure compatibility and to fully leverage the potential of your photography equipment.

Understanding Image Stabilization in Lenses

Some lenses offer an image stabilization feature that counteracts camera shake from hand-held shooting, significantly reducing blur in your photos. This feature is particularly advantageous for travel photography, where handheld shooting is common, and carrying a tripod may not always be practical.

Lenses with image stabilization, like the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM and Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM, allow you to confidently shoot in low-light situations without worrying about camera shake affecting the sharpness of your images.

Grasping the advantages of image stabilization aids in making a well-informed decision when picking a travel lens, leading to steady and blur-free photos throughout your trip.

In conclusion, finding the perfect Canon travel lens depends on your photography style, budget, and preferences. By understanding lens specifications, such as aperture, focal length, lens weight and size, and mount types, you can make an informed decision and elevate your travel photography experience.

Whether you choose the versatile Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM , the budget-friendly Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM , or the landscape-focused Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM , having the right lens will undoubtedly enhance your travel photography adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lens is best for travel photography.

For the best results in travel photography, the Canon EF 24-105mm f4 and the Sony FE 35mm F1 offer a great combination of versatility and quality. Tamron's 11-20mm F2 and Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R are also excellent options for a variety of shooting scenarios.

What is the best Canon lens for travel vlogging?

For travel vlogging, the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM lens is a great choice, offering excellent image quality, along with a wide aperture and a versatile focal length. Additionally, the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UM and Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 DC HSM ART lens also provide great options for those looking to capture high-quality footage on their travels.

What are the three lenses for travel photography?

The three lenses essential for travel photography include an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, a workhorse lens and a telephoto lens.

What is the difference between Canon EF and EF-S lenses?

Canon EF lenses are compatible with both full-frame and crop sensor cameras, while EF-S lenses are designed specifically for APS-C or crop sensor cameras, making them incompatible with full-frame models.

How does image stabilization benefit travel photography?

Image stabilization ensures sharp, steady photos even in low lighting conditions, allowing for handheld shooting and making travel photography much easier and more successful.

Digital Camera HQ

Best Travel Lenses For Canon Cameras [2024 Review]

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

While on vacation or traveling with friends and family, everyone loves capturing the moments and the beautiful scenery.

Travel photography is not just one kind of photography; it is a mixture of all. You might want to capture some beautiful group portraits or the landscape of the area or the night lights. It really involves everything.

Your lens or kit should be able to handle all of that, but there are a lot of other aspects that go into choosing the right travel lens. To help you with this decision, we have reviewed our top picks for best Canon travel lenses.

Best Overall: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens

Runner-up: canon ef-s 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6, best for the money: sigma 18-35mm f1.8, best canon portrait and travel two lens kit: canon portrait and travel two lens kit, best travel lens for canon aps-c: canon ef-s 24mm f/2.8, best travel lens for canon 6d: canon ef 85mm f/1.8, best travel lens for canon dslr: canon ef-s 17-55mm f/2.8 is usm, comparison of the best travel lenses for canon cameras, do i need different lenses when traveling, focal length, is a 50mm lens good for travel, do you need a zoom lens for travel, should i get a zoom or prime lens, review of the best travel lenses for canon cameras.

To make choosing easier, here are in-depth reviews of some of the best travel lenses you can use for your Nikon cameras.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens

  • Good aperture for low light
  • Exceptional versatility
  • Dust sealing and fluorine coating
  • Images are sharp throughout the frame
  • High-speed CPU with optimized autofocus algorithms
  • Expensive (but well worth it)

What Recent Buyers Report

Users have had nothing but positive things to say about Canon EF 24-70mm . It delivers what it promises and more, particularly amazing low light photography. Its quality is also good and sturdy. People use it for anything they can imagine while traveling and always get great results.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This lens is from Canon’s famous L-series. It is the second version and hence is more refined. The USM motor and AF algorithms make focusing faster, smoother, and more accurate. This lens has a protective coating that makes it durable and easy to clean. The circular aperture ring and wide aperture create beautiful bokeh. The image quality is also sharp and well balanced throughout the frame.

Who Will Use This Most

This zoom lens has a good aperture for low light photography and videos. It is extremely versatile with its 24-70mm focal lengths, which are great for travel photography because you have to take pictures of all kinds of scenes. You can use it for just about anything. From portraits to landscapes in any lighting condition, it can produce professional quality images. 

Bottom Line

For Canon zoom, this gives one of the most versatile focal lengths without the weight getting too out of hand. Weight is always an important consideration in travel lenses. Moreover, the images it produces are sharp and stable. It is highly-priced, but its value is worth investing in if you are a professional photographer.

  • 24 70 millimetre focal length, 38.4 112 millimetre equivalent focal length on Canon APS C cameras
  • F2.8 constant maximum aperture; F22 minimum, ring type ultrasonic type AF motor with full time...
  • 82 millimetre filters, closest focusing distance: 0.38 meter/1.25 feet

Canon Cameras US 1276C002 All-Round Lens EF-S...

  • Focal range is extremely versatile
  • Super Spectra Coating for reduced flares
  • Comparatively lightweight for a zoom lens
  • Includes image stabilization for sharper pictures
  • Fast, smooth, and accurate autofocusing with Nano USM
  • Not ideal for low light photography

The new Nano USM technology for focusing is one of the best selling points for Canon EF-S 18-135mm . The autofocus is super smooth and accurate. The image quality is very sharp and has great color contrast. The design is sturdy and stable. The image stabilization option is also great. People love it for all kinds of photography.

This lens is very compact and lightweight for a zoom lens with this many focal lengths. It has a built-in image stabilizer that comes in handy in low light conditions and delivers overall sharper images. The chromatic aberrations, flaring, and ghosting are also minimized by optical coating. The USM motor is used in this version, which is an upgrade from the DC motor used previously.

This lens can be used for all kinds of photography, except perhaps indoor photography. The aperture is not wide enough for that. Moreover, it is relatively light and compact, which is perfect for traveling. Instead of carrying many extra lenses with you, you can take just this one for everything.

Canon lenses have a huge range of high-quality and versatile products to choose from. This is one of them. It gives variety and great performance throughout the focal length range. It is very sturdy and durable as well. And of course, it has the optical coating that any good Canon lens does for better image resolution.

  • Equipped with new NANO USM technology combining Ring USM and STM for smooth and near-silent video...
  • Improved driving speed of the focusing lens up to 4.3x* (Tele) and 2.5x* (Wide) for faster...
  • Compatible with new Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1, providing electrical zooming that helps deliver more...

Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens for Canon,...

  • Hyper Sonic Motor for fast autofocus
  • Lightweight and durable external body
  • Wide aperture for different lighting conditions
  • Spherical lens and low dispersion glass for reduced aberrations and curvature
  • With APS-C cameras, its focal length of 18-35mm becomes equivalent to 27-52mm
  • Zoom range is restricted

This is the perfect versatile lens for just about anything. The F1.8 aperture with the zoom lens is used to capture great night sky images. The results are very sharp and stable. It has some focusing issues; however, those are solved by using the Sigma USB dock.

Zoom lenses are generally not very fast. The Sigma 18-35mm gives you the versatility of different focal lengths and a fast aperture. The wide aperture does not cause any distortions, curvature, or chromatic aberrations. It is quite an achievement from Sigma. The image resolution can also compete with any fast prime lens.   

This lens is made for APS-C sensor cameras. You get an image that almost looks like a 50mm image with it. If you have that, then you will get the most out of this lens. It is perfect for landscapes and indoor photography due to its wide-angle. The fast aperture and good range on a crop sensor make it great for traveling.

This zoom lens is one of a kind. It’s probably the first from the fast zoom lens line. Its Hyper Sonic Motor enables accurate autofocus, which comes in handy at night photography . It is made of Thermal Composite Material that makes it lighter and stronger, which is perfect for traveling. It is also compatible with Sigma’s Optimization Pro software to upgrade lens firmware. 

  • F1.8 maximum aperture
  • F16 minimum
  • Ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing, 72mm filter size

Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit with 50mm...

  • Two-in-one offer at a low price
  • Aspherical lenses to reduce chromatic aberrations
  • Stepping motor (STM) for fast and accurate autofocus
  • 50mm lens has a fast aperture for low light conditions
  • Contains an extra-wide zoom lens and an all-purpose 50mm lens
  • Might not be the best pick for beginners 

The 50mm lens in the kit is used for low light and gives great results. The images are sharp and beautiful. The second lens is great for landscapes , and that too has good results. The deal on both of them are great, and anyone who is collecting an all-purpose kit loves this.   

Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens kit is a great deal for any photographer. You get the ultra-wide-angle lens with an impressive 10mm focal length to get those creative and dramatic shots. The other lens is the all-time favorite of everyone, which is the 50mm. It has a wide aperture for low light photography. Both of them are of good quality and produce sharp images. 

The Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit is a great deal for any travel photographer. The ultra-wide 10-18mm lens gives you those great outdoor travel photographs. This is for creative photographers, and you can switch to the 50mm lens for normal use or for portraits . These two will complete your travel kit. 

Pairing good lenses is a great marketing deal. You get two amazing lenses at a phenomenal price. Photographers that collect all different kinds of lenses will especially find this to be a great pick. Both models included in this kit are quality build and produce high-resolution images. 

Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit with 50mm...

  • EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact, lightweight fixed focal length lens ideal for everyday photos, and...
  • EF-S10-18mm F4.5-5.6 IS STM is an EF-S ultra-wide zoom lens with an impressive starting focal length...
  • A stepping motor (Gear-type STM) supports the Movie Servo AF function in providing smooth and quiet...

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens

  • Fairly wide aperture
  • Image quality is sharp
  • Very small, compact, and lightweight
  • STM for smooth and fast autofocus
  • Comparatively a very inexpensive lens
  • Not too versatile 

Canon EF-S 24mm is very small and budget-friendly. People use it for astrophotography and landscape with great results and sharp images. This small pancake lens is intended for all-day use. The color balance is also great. Overall, users are pretty satisfied with it. 

This is a pancake-style lens, which means that it is flat and light. It gives a sharp image across the frame, even at a wide aperture. Chromatic aberration and flare are at a minimum. It has a 7-bladed and wide aperture that creates good bokeh. The autofocus is also smooth and accurate with a manual focus override. 

This lens is great for landscape photography with a wide enough aperture to get decent low-light pictures. It is extremely small, lightweight, and inexpensive, so it can be a great addition to your travel kit. You can create a pointed star effect with this as well.

This lens is compatible only with APS-C mounts. It is a very cheap lens compared to other STM lenses. 24mm is a great focal length for landscapes and other photography that requires more of the scene to be in the frame. Moreover, it has a sharp resolution and minimum distortions.

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens

  • Wide angle lens for Canon APS C cameras (equivalent to 38 millimeter on a full frame camera)
  • Focal length & maximum aperture: 24 millimeter 1:2.8, maximum magnification of x0.27
  • Slimmest and lightest lens of the EF S series

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for...

  • Small, compact and lightweight
  • Relatively inexpensive lens
  • Great for all kinds of lighting conditions
  • Images are sharp at wide apertures as well
  • 8-bladed aperture ring creates beautiful bokeh
  • Vignetting problems at wide apertures

This Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 lens is used for portrait photography. The build quality is good and dependable, and the images produced are sharp. The autofocus is also fast and smooth. The cost is not too much for most people, and it is also light and compact.

This is a great long focal length lens that comes very cheap. The image resolution is superb even when wide open, which is a recurring problem in many fast lenses. The focusing is simple, fast, and accurate. Despite it being light, it is pretty sturdy and durable.   

The focal length of this lens makes it perfect for portrait photography. The wide aperture and rounded aperture rings also help create creamy and beautiful bokeh. The F1.8 aperture makes it useful for low light and indoor conditions as well. Since it is small and inexpensive, it will be a great addition to your travel kit.

This lens is for full-frame Canon 6D cameras. This is a great quality, lightweight lens. You can take amazing shoulder length portraits with this without distorting features. The color contrast is great. If you are looking for an excellent low priced lens, then this is the way to go.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for...

  • 85 millimetre standard lens with f 1.8 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras, Lens Type:Telephoto...
  • Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) brings subject quickly into focus, Focal length: 85 millimetre,...
  • Natural angle of view and perspective is ideal for portraits and natural images

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

  • Fast aperture for a zoom lens
  • 3-stop image stabilization technology
  • Produces high-resolution and sharp images
  • Ultra Sonic Motor for fast and smooth autofocus
  • Good focal length range for different types of photography
  • Some barrel distortions throughout the focal range

Canon EF-S 17-55mm is used for different kinds of photography because of its range. The images are sharp and beautiful. The image stabilization feature works well. Also, the price is budget-friendly. People also use it for low light photography with great results.

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is very sharp and fast. The image resolution throughout the focal length range is great. There is a minimum chromatic aberration due to Canon’s Super Spectra Coating. The focal range is also pretty decent. The autofocus is fast and accurate. The focus ring is smooth and easy to rotate.

This lens covers both of the most used focal lengths i.e., 35mm and 50mm. You can use it for different things, including landscapes, indoor photography, and others. The 50mm is considered to be the most versatile as it can be used for both portraits and landscapes. This can be great for traveling as you will have all you need in one lens. 

This is built for Canon EF-S mount cameras and is a fantastic general-purpose lens with a reasonable range of focal lengths. The build quality is solid and durable. You get sharp results throughout the frame and focal range. Canon’s optical coating and USM technologies are applied to this lens to make it top quality.

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

  • 17-55mm wide-angle zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture for Canon DSLR cameras
  • AD and aspherical elements deliver impressive image quality through entire zoom range, Closest...
  • Image Stabilizer lens groups shift to compensate for image shake even in dim lighting

Yes, you are going to need different lenses for traveling. As mentioned before, you don’t know what kind of frame you will end up wanting to capture. One focal length lens is not enough to handle everything. That is, of course, if you choose to buy a zoom lens that has it all. But these lenses can be much more expensive and large. The large size also makes them heavy and very distracting.

Canon lens for travelling

Travel photography is a highly rewarding pursuit, but if you’re serious about getting the best shots, it pays to carry the right equipment, including a lens that can handle a broad range of travel subjects: astrophotography, architecture, landscapes, people, food, and more.

That’s where this article comes in handy. Below, I use my experience as a professional travel photographer to rank the 10 best travel photography lenses on the market in 2024, including options for plenty of budgets, brands, and camera systems (including models for the latest and greatest mirrorless lineups).

So whether you’re new to travel photography and looking to purchase your first lens, or you’re a travel-photography veteran looking to invest in some pro-quality glass, this article will give you everything you need to get started.

Let’s dive right in!

1. Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

The Z 24-120mm f/4 S is our all-time favorite travel photography lens – and for a whole host of reasons, too. For one, it provides an impressive range of focal lengths, which is perfect for those seeking a single high-quality lens for all their travel needs. At 24mm, you can capture beautiful travel landscape shots; at 50mm, you can shoot portraits; and a 120mm, you can capture detailed photos of distant landscapes and architectural features.

The 24-120mm f/4 S is impressively sharp, so even if you’re hoping to create magazine-quality files or large prints, it’ll be up to the task. And while the lens only features an f/4 maximum aperture, this should be enough for all but the most demanding conditions, especially if you’re willing to carry a good travel tripod .

The elegant and attractive design, compact size, and solid build make it a great choice for amateur and pro-level travel photographers alike. It’s not the cheapest lens on the market, but the price is reasonable compared to f/2.8 alternatives, and you certainly get a lot for your money.

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

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

Regarded as one of the heavyweights of the photography manufacturing industry, Canon offers some of the best travel photography lenses on the market – including the impressive EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, an absolute travel classic that combines a versatile zoom range with built-in image stabilization.

This lens is great for all-around shooting; it covers a broad range of focal lengths, and you can capture everything from expansive cityscapes to architectural details, which makes the lens suitable for travel photographers of all stripes. No, it can’t quite go toe to toe with the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 in terms of versatility, but the price is significantly less, and the extra 15mm on the long end won’t make a huge difference for most shooters.

The 24-105mm f/4 boasts impressive sharpness, though the f/4 maximum aperture isn’t as fast as f/2.8 options (and therefore less than ideal for astrophotography and handheld photography in low light). But if you’re in need of a do-everything lens for serious travel shooting, the 24-105mm is a great pick.

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

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

If you are using Canon’s latest mirrorless cameras – such as the EOS R5, R6, or R7 – then the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is a great introductory lens, particularly if you travel frequently and wish to minimize gear weight.   This handy little unit is remarkably compact, and you can slip it in a bag, a backpack, or a purse without issue (though you’ll want to make sure you protect it from bumps and scrapes!).

The lens is also excellent for travel shooting thanks to its expansive focal-length range and outstanding versatility; with wide, standard, and telephoto focal lengths, you can capture pretty much any subject, including landscapes, cityscapes, detail shots, and street portraits.

The 24-240mm is also reasonably well priced, making it a decent choice for beginners (compared to other RF-mount lenses, anyway!). Unfortunately, the lens does include some disadvantages – the maximum aperture is relatively narrow for low-light shooting, the optics aren’t on the same level as Canon’s L-lens lineup, and no lens hood is supplied – but if you’re looking for a do-everything lens to get started with travel photography, it’s a solid choice.

4. Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR

best lens for travel photography

The Nikon Z 24-240mm f/4-6.3 is a solid mirrorless lens for travel photography; the zoom range makes it capable of handling nearly any situation, and the quiet autofocus is great for capturing people and even wildlife unobtrusively.

The lens boasts plenty of travel photography possibilities thanks to its impressive portability and great design. Optically, expect to capture clear, sharp, and vivid images at every focal length, though you may encounter some softening toward the image corners.

The weather sealing prevents dust and moisture from entering the lens, and even serious travel photographers will appreciate the wide-to-telephoto zoom range, ideal for pretty much any type of travel photography, including landscapes, architecture, flowers, portraits, and more. The variable maximum aperture isn’t great for folks who often work handheld in low light, but you can handle most difficult scenarios by carrying a tripod, so this shouldn’t pose too much of a problem.

5. Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

Sony offers an excellent lineup of APS-C mirrorless cameras, many of which are perfect for travel photography thanks to their compact size and impressive image quality. Of course, every travel camera needs a good lens, and the Sony 18-105mm f/4 is our first choice; it combines solid build quality, great optics, and a good price for an all-around impressive package.

While not a superzoom, the lens spans an impressive 5.8x zoom range from ultra-wide to short telephoto. It works especially well for street photography and even landscapes, where you can zoom in and out to frame shots accordingly, though it’s certainly a capable portrait and architecture lens, as well.

Autofocus is smooth and quiet, plus the lens also boasts Optical SteadyShot technology, which reduces camera shake and prevents blur when working handheld in low light. The f/4 maximum aperture isn’t ideal for shooting in the dark, but it’s not terrible, either, and even serious shooters will manage to make do. Finally, the lens is a Sony pro-quality lens, yet despite the excellent image and build quality, it’s surprisingly affordable, so it’s a good pick for serious photographers who are on a budget.

6. Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is an impressive all-around lens for travel photography; use it to photograph landscapes, architecture, people, and even (at 135mm) the occasional wildlife. Note that the lens is compatible with Sony’s E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras but will not give great results on Sony full-frame models.

One of the lens’s key features is the built-in OSS (Optical SteadyShot) technology, which is great for low-light handholding. And if you frequently capture detail shots, you’ll love the short minimum focusing distance. The 18-135mm is lightweight and compact, too, which makes it perfect for the amateur photographer in search of a first travel photography lens. You can easily store it in a backpack or bag, and thanks to its small size, you can leave it on your camera for days of shooting and you’ll hardly even notice.

It’s not the most optically impressive lens, and the variable maximum aperture is a bit of a letdown, but for casual travel photography, the 18-135mm is certainly worth a look.

7. Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 WR LM R OIS

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

If you’re a Fujifilm shooter, then look no further; the XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is one of the best travel lenses on the market, and it’s certainly an outstanding option for Fujifilm camera users. It’s great for capturing a wide range of travel subjects, from landscapes and cityscapes to wildlife and people, while the 5-stop image stabilization will keep you shooting crisp handheld shots in low light.

You can get in close to your subjects thanks to a short minimum focusing distance (always handy for detail shots). And solid weather resistance, not to mention impressive image quality, are both welcome features of this amazing lens. As with a number of other models on this list, the variable maximum aperture is somewhat limiting, and the lens is on the expensive side, but the great optics and useful focal length range make this handy lens our favorite Fuji pick.

8. Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 OIS

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

If you’re a Panasonic shooter, then this 12-60mm f/2.8-4 lens is one of the best travel lenses you can buy; it delivers a superb focal-length range on Four Thirds cameras , spanning from 24mm to 120mm. You’ll get plenty of travel photography opportunities, and you can expect to capture breathtaking wide landscapes, standard street shots, and even mid-telephoto portraits. Thanks to the telephoto reach on the long end, you can even zoom in to highlight specific features, or you can hunt for architectural abstracts and the like.

This lens is lightweight, compact, and delivers sharp image quality even at 60mm. And don’t forget about the built-in image stabilization, which lets you shoot in low light without a tripod, always helpful for travel shooters. Unfortunately, the maximum aperture does narrow as you zoom from 12mm to 60mm, but you can still work with a decently wide f/4 aperture, even at 60mm.

9. Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

The Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 is a great travel lens for Canon and Nikon APS-C users, and it boasts an impressive combination of features, from a lightweight, compact design to an expansive zoom range. The price is highly reasonable for beginner travel photographers, too, which makes it a great budget lens (especially compared to standard Canon and Nikon options).

Note that the Sigma 18-200mm is designed for APS-C DSLRs, so you can expect focal-length reach spanning from around 27mm to 300mm, which is absolutely outstanding for basically any type of subject, be it landscapes, portraits, street scenes, or wildlife. You’ll also like the included lens hood, which lets you block out sunlight in impressive conditions for improved optical performance.

And although the lens is missing weather sealing, the built-in image stabilization offers improved performance in low light and is ideal for nighttime street photography, interior scenes, and more.

10. Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III VC

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

If you need a versatile travel photography lens for Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras, then check out the Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3, which offers an impressive zoom range for landscapes, cityscapes, architectural details, people, and pretty much everything else.

The built-in image stabilization system will keep your photos sharp in low light, while the advanced design delivers extraordinary image quality (even if sharpness falls off toward the telephoto end of the zoom range). Often lengthy zooms like this one suffer optically, but we’re quite impressed overall by its capabilities, and it offers enough detail for printing and high-quality displays.

The lens body is lightweight and compact, so you won’t feel weighted down by gear as you shoot, and the price is highly affordable – in other words, it’s yet another outstanding option for travel photographers on a budget.

The best lens for travel photography: final words

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

Ultimately, the best lens for travel photography depends on your camera setup, your image requirements, and what you plan to shoot. At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice – and as long as the lens you choose is compatible with your camera system, covers the zoom range you require, is within your budget, and delivers the right image quality, you can’t go wrong.

So good luck choosing a travel lens!

Now over to you:

Which lens will you purchase? Which is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

Read more from our Cameras & Equipment category

Jeremy Flint

Jeremy Flint is an award-winning photographer and writer, specialising in travel, landscape and location photography and is known for documenting images of beautiful destinations, cultures and communities from around the world. Jeremy has won awards including the National Geographic Traveller Grand Prize and the Association of Photographers Discovery Award, besides being commended in Outdoor Photographer of the Year. He has also been a finalist in the Travel Photographer of the year and British Photography Awards several times. He has been commissioned by commercial and editorial clients worldwide including National Geographic Traveller, Country Life, Discover Britain, USA National Parks and Visit Britain and has travelled extensively to over 65 countries.

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14 Best Travel Lenses in 2024 (Prime and Zoom)

travel lens for canon

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Having the best travel lens is a surefire way to improve your travel photography. But what should you consider when looking for a lens for travel photography? You need to think about size and weight. You want a focal length that gives you good shot variety. And, of course, you want excellent image quality.

The Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 is our favorite travel lens. It’s lightweight and compact for a zoom lens. It has a vibration reduction system for sharper images and better low-light performance. And it’s one of Nikon’s most affordable zoom lenses. Keep reading to see the best travel lenses for Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus cameras.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR

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Canon RF 24-105mm F/4-7.1 IS STM

What Is the Best Travel Lens?

The best travel lens has to be versatile. That’s why we’ve chosen lenses that give you excellent shot variety. Zoom lenses give you more flexibility as a photographer. But we’ve also included fantastic prime lenses that you can use for a variety of different travel shots.

So, deciding whether you want a prime or zoom lens is best. We’ve split our list into two sections. The first section looks at the best zoom lenses. And the second section has all the best prime lenses for travel.

Size and weight are important elements in a travel lens. You don’t want a chunky lens that takes up too much space in your travel camera bag . That’s why we don’t have telephoto or super-telephoto lenses on this list. They are big, heavy, and expensive.

Navigate the article using the links below to find the best travel lens. You can skip to the FAQ section if you need more information on lenses for travel photography.

Photographers with the travel bug should also check out our travel photography eBook . It’s a comprehensive guide to travel photography.

Best Zoom Travel Lenses

Best prime travel lenses, faqs about the best travel lenses.

Zoom lenses are great for travel photography. They tend to be bigger, heavier, and more expensive than prime lenses. But they give you more versatility and flexibility. A good zoom lens can do the job of two or three prime lenses. That’s why you should consider a zoom when looking for the best travel lens.

  • Compact, versatile, and ideal for various shooting situations
  • 5.8x zoom and VR image stabilization
  • Vibration Reduction allows handheld shooting
  • Aspherical element, coating for improved integrity and color
  • Versatile zoom range of 24-105mm
  • Maximum magnification of 0.5x and minimum focusing distance of 131mm in center focus macro
  • Optical image stabilization with up to 5 stops of shake correction
  • Control ring for quick setting changes

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm F/4-6.3

  • Compact, lightweight, and affordable
  • Aspherical and ED elements for sharp and clear image quality
  • Custom control ring for improved usability
  • Silent aperture and no focus breathing enhance video quality

Product

  • Ultra-thin and ultra-portable electric zoom lens
  • Close focusing down to 200mm
  • 3x zoom range covers landscapes to portraits
  • Remote control and optional auto closing lens cap

Sony E 18-105mm F/4 G OSS PZ SELP18105G

  • Two ED glass elements and three aspherical elements for high resolution and contrast
  • 6x zoom range with a constant f/4 aperture
  • Circular aperture blades for enhanced bokeh effect
  • ED and Super ED glass reduces chromatic aberration and AA elements improve image accuracy

Product

  • 24-70mm zoom range, ideal for various types of photography
  • 2 aspherical elements and UD glass element for superior optics
  • USM AF actuator for fast and accurate autofocus
  • Sealed and gasketed against dust and moisture with 1-year warranty

Product

  • 14 elements in 10 groups
  • F2.8-4.0 OIS lens (27-84mm equivalent)
  • 7-blade rounded diaphragm opening
  • 600mm to infinity focus range

Product

1. Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6

The AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 is a versatile zoom lens from Nikon. It has a wide focal length range. It has an optical stabilization system built in. And it’s compact and lightweight. That’s why it’s the best travel lens if you want a zoom lens.

The 18-105mm focal range gives you plenty of shot versatility. The minimum length of 18mm gives you beautiful wide-angle shots. It’s perfect for landscapes and cityscapes. And it lets you take pictures in tight interior spaces.

The 105mm end gives you excellent magnification. You can get closer to your subjects without moving. And it gives you a tighter framing. That’s good for intimate portraits and detailed close-ups.

The max aperture is limited to f/5.6 when using the 105mm range. That’s not ideal. But the lens compensates for the slow aperture with Nikon’s vibration reduction system. This optical stabilizer counteracts camera shake . And this lets you shoot with a slower shutter speed while avoiding motion blur .

The optical quality is great throughout the zoom range. Zoom lenses often suffer from distortion. But the glass’s Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) reduces all types of distortion. That prevents lens flare, which is helpful if traveling in a sunny country.

If you’re traveling with a Nikon DSLR , the Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 is the perfect travel lens. It’s lightweight and compact for a zoom lens. It’s versatile and delivers on image quality. And it has excellent low-light performance.

2. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM

If you’re traveling with an R Series Canon camera , the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is the zoom lens for you. The wide focal length range gives you lots of shot options. And the stabilization system gives you even more flexibility as a travel photographer.

The lens is compact for a zoom lens with such a large range. But despite being compact, there is no compromise on quality. The build quality is excellent. And the optical performance is outstanding from 24 to 105mm.

The max aperture of f/4 isn’t great. But the built-in optical image stabilization does give you more exposure freedom. It reduces camera shake. So you can shoot with slower shutter speeds. That means you get better low-light performance. And you get sharper images more consistently.

The wide zoom range allows for many types of photography. You can shoot everything from real-estate interiors to close-cut portraits. That’s why the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is the best travel lens for Canon mirrorless cameras .

3. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3

The Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is the perfect lens for traveling with a Nikon mirrorless camera. Nikon’s range of Z-mount lenses is growing all the time. And we’ve selected this all-round option as the best Z lens for travel.

You get good versatility with a 24-50mm focal length range. The 24mm end gives you a lovely wide angle with a fast aperture. The 50mm end does lose a stop of aperture. But it still gives you a good focal length for street photography and environmental portraits.

Despite its compact size, the barrel is packed with top-quality glass. It holds three aspherical elements, which reduce chromatic aberration. And it has two Extra-low Dispersion elements for sharper, glare-free images. 

It’s also a great option for travel vlogs and videography. The wide 24mm focal length is perfect for vlogs where you’re talking to the camera. And the lens suffers from very little focus breathing . That means you won’t have to recompose your shot every time you refocus.

The aperture is also near-silent. That means there’s no unwanted clicking sound that audio equipment can pick up. 

The lens’s 13.7-inch (35 cm) minimum focus distance enhances its versatility. It allows for detailed close-ups, a bonus when shooting travel photography. 

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is versatile and affordable. The optical quality is fantastic. And it barely takes up any space in your camera travel backpack.

4. Olympus ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6

The ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is the best zoom lens for Olympus camera users. Travel photographers will love the slim pancake lens design. And despite the small size, it still gives you a 3x zoom range. It’s an affordable lens Olympus shooters can take anywhere.

The 14-42mm range is equivalent to 28-84mm on a full-frame camera . This gives you excellent shooting angles for travel photography. It doesn’t give you the highest level of magnification. But you get a wide variety of shots. And the image quality is excellent throughout the zoom range.

The glass has the Zuiko Extra-low Reflective Optical coating. This eliminates lens flare when you have an in-frame light source. This is handy in direct sunlight and indoors with strong lights.

The Olympus ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is one of the most compact zoom lenses you can get for a Micro Four Thirds camera . It’s the perfect fit for your travel bag. And it delivers on quality and versatility.

5. Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G

The E 18-105mm f/4 G is the perfect travel buddy for your Sony camera. It’s compatible with all Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras . That includes the popular Sony a6600 . It’s a high-quality lens that’s ideal for travel photography.

The 18-105mm range lets you shoot different types of photography without changing lenses. The 18mm end gives you incredibly wide angles. You can shoot tight streets or architectural interiors. It’s also great for epic landscapes.

The other end gives you magnification for distant subjects. And it gives you a tighter composition for intimate portraits. It also lets you capture detailed close-ups. It’s also great if you’re a travel food photographer or blogger.

This Sony lens has the Optical Steady Shot system. It’s an optical image stabilizer that gives you sharper images. It also allows for better low-light photography by reducing camera shake. But you also get a constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range. That makes it one of the best low-light lenses on the list.

The lens also has internal focusing elements. This means the lens doesn’t change size as you zoom in and out. The dimensions remain the same.

The Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G is one of the most expensive lenses on our list. But it’s a beautiful piece of equipment. You won’t need any other lenses when traveling with this one. And it gives you unrivaled performance in low light.

6. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L is a professional quality lens. It has a professional price tag. But it’s a high-quality lens with outstanding features. You can shoot many types of photos with this lens. And it’s perfect for a photographer traveling with a Canon camera .

The 24-70mm focal length isn’t the widest zoom range. But it still gives you plenty to play with. The 24mm end lets you shoot wide shots in tight spaces. And the 70mm end is good for close-ups and portraits.

The max aperture is one of the top selling points for this lens. It gives you a fast aperture of f/2.8 throughout the focal length range. That means you get complete control of your exposure settings. And you can work in low-light conditions. That helps you shoot concerts, night markets, and sunsets.

This Canon lens uses its superior USM autofocus motor. It’s smooth, fast, and barely makes any noise. You also have a focus ring. And the full-time focus system lets you override the AF at any time. Turn the ring, and you get manual focusing.

The glass quality is exceptional. Canon uses a combination of fluorite elements and ultra-low dispersion glass. And the results are crystal-clear, distortion-free images. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L will deliver outstanding travel photography results.

7. Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4R

The XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4R is the best travel zoom lens from Fujifilm . It has a decent zoom range for different types of shots. It has excellent glass quality. And it is compatible with all Fujifilm X Series cameras.

The 18-55mm range lets you shoot wide-angle and standard-angle shots. You can take pictures of the glorious architecture you find in exotic locations. You can capture fantastic interior shots. And you can snap close-ups, portraits, and environmental portraits.

The f/2.8 max aperture gives you good exposure control. But this is limited to f/4 when you’re at the max zoom length. Also, the rounded aperture diaphragm helps you achieve a lovely background bokeh .

The optical quality is excellent. You get corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the zoom range. And the lens has excellent build quality. If you have a Fujifilm camera , the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4R belongs in your travel bag.

This section looks at the best prime lenses for travel photography. Prime lenses give sharp images without distortion. And they are usually smaller and lighter than zoom lenses. That’s why many travel photographers use prime lenses.

The table below shows a quick rundown of the best prime lenses for travel photographers . Then, we look at each travel lens in more detail afterward.

Canon EF-S 24mm F/2.8 STM

  • Ultra-compact pancake lens design
  • 38mm-equivalent focal length for a wide shot variety
  • Compatible with Canon APS-C DSLR cameras
  • 7-blade circular aperture diaphragm for soft backgrounds

Product

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Fast f/1.8 aperture for low light and bokeh photography
  • The SWM gives you quiet AF operation
  • Approximates the human eye view

Product

  • Compact, lightweight design for easy portability
  • Fixed 50mm focal length for creative composition
  • F/1.8 aperture for low-light photography and bokeh
  • STM motor for smooth, quiet AF and direct setting changes

Product

  • High-speed normal lens with great performance in any light
  • Autofocus system compatible with select Nikon DSLRs
  • Lightweight and compact design ideal for travel photography
  • Maximum angle of view (FX-format) is 46° and stops down to f/22

Product

  • Bright f/1.8 maximum aperture for stunning bokeh effects
  • Compact and lightweight design for ease of travel
  • Aspherical element for improved image quality
  • Double-gauss configuration suppresses distortion and curvature

Product

  • Glass-Molded Aspheric Lens minimizes spherical aberration
  • Creates beautiful bokeh and excellent in-focus reproduction
  • Standard focal length with angle of view similar to the human eye
  • Bright maximum aperture is perfect for snapshots

Product

  • Ultra-wide-angle, fast f/2.0 aperture
  • Great for low-light shooting, street shots, and landscapes
  • Premium metallic construction and snap focus ring
  • 1024mm equivalent field of view and 200mm min focusing distance

Product

1. Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 is the best travel lens for Canon users. Its pancake design makes it ultra-compact and lightweight. You won’t have a problem finding space in your camera backpack. It can even fit in your pocket. But we don’t recommend carrying it like that.

The lens is compatible with Canon APS-C DSLR cameras. And the 24mm focal length is equivalent to 38mm on a full-frame camera. That gives you a nice shooting angle for travel photography.

The viewing angle is similar to that of a human eye. That lets you compose shots before you’ve even got the camera to your face. It gives you a wider angle than a 50mm lens . And that helps when shooting down narrow streets in Europe or Asia. That also makes it a great lens for landscape photography .

The f/2.8 max aperture is fast enough for most situations. It lets in plenty of light. So you can get lovely travel shots during the day. It also allows for a shallow depth of field when shooting close-ups. The circular seven-blade aperture also increases the bokeh effect.

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 is the perfect lens for travel photographers. You can use it for a wide range of travel shots. It couldn’t be much more compact. And any travel photographer can afford it.

2. Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8

The AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 is the best travel lens for Nikon users. It’s a small and lightweight Nikon prime lens . It has precision optics for sharp and clear image quality. And it’s one of the most affordable Nikon lenses right now.

It’s compatible with Nikon APS-C DSLR cameras. And the 35mm focal length is perfect for travel photography. You can take street shots in the world’s most beautiful cities. You can capture stunning landscapes. And it’s great for environmental portraits.

This travel lens uses Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to power the autofocus. It’s fast and responsive. And it gives you near-silent focusing. That means you won’t disturb the world around you as you travel with your camera.

The f/1.8 max aperture is excellent for travel photography. It gives you excellent flexibility with your exposure controls. It helps you shoot in low-light situations. And you can achieve a lovely bokeh background. The circular aperture diaphragm also helps this.

Whether you have a Nikon D3500 or D500 , the Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 is the perfect travel companion. It’s lightweight, compact, and affordable. It also produces excellent images time after time.

3. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 is a superb lens for travel photographers. It has a sleek design with a sharp 50mm focal length. And it’s compatible with Canon mirrorless cameras. It’s the perfect nifty-fifty for anyone traveling with a Canon mirrorless camera.

The 50mm focal length is a popular choice to pair with a street photography camera . It lets you snap candid shots as you roam new and exciting locations.

You can also shoot stunning landscapes when exploring the country. And it’s a good option for portraits and environmental portraits. The versatility means you can travel with fewer lenses in your travel bag.

The f/1.8 max aperture increases the versatility even more. It lets you shoot in low-light situations. And it gives you excellent depth-of-field options. You can achieve a soft bokeh effect in portraits and close-ups.

The optical quality of the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 is fantastic. It gives you edge-to-edge sharpness. And the glass has a special coating that reduces flare and ghosting. It’s lightweight and compact. And it’s an absolute bargain for a mirrorless camera lens.

4. Nikon AF FX 50mm f/1.8

The Nikon AF FX 50mm f/1.8 is the best travel lens if you have a Nikon full-frame camera. It’s ideal if you’re traveling light. It’s a compact and lightweight nifty-fifty lens. And it gives you plenty of shot variety for exciting travel photography.

It’s compatible with Nikon full-frame DSLRs. But you can also use it with APS-C DSLRs. But the crop factor does give you an effective focal length of 75mm. That gives you more magnification and a tighter field of view. That’s good for tighter portraits and close-ups.

With an f/1.8 aperture, you can shoot in low-light situations. You can capture images at dawn and dusk. And you can shoot the interiors of famous buildings. The lens also has a manual aperture ring that you can use when shooting in Live View. That’s like shooting with classic 35mm film cameras .

Nikon lens quality is well-trusted in the photography community. And the Nikon AF FX 50mm f/1.8 is the perfect example of why. The glass elements give you pristine image quality. And you will experience very little distortion. It’s also an absolute bargain. Nikon users need this lens before their next voyage.

5. Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is ideal for traveling with a Sony camera . It’s lightweight and compact. The 50mm focal length gives you plenty of shot options for your travel photography. And it’s an affordable Sony lens with fantastic optical quality.

This lens is compatible with all Sony mirrorless cameras. The FE mount means it fits naturally with Sony full-frame cameras. But it’s also compatible with Sony crop sensor cameras. The crop factor transforms it into a 75mm lens. While that isn’t ideal for street photography, it is a good product, food, and portrait lens .

The f/1.8 aperture gives you excellent exposure control. You can shoot outdoors and indoors. And you have complete control over depth of field. The seven-blade circular aperture diaphragm also helps achieve a smooth background bokeh effect.

The lens has a double-gauss configuration. This suppresses field curvature and distortion . That means you can expect clear and sharp images in all conditions. The autofocus is driven by Sony’s DC motor. It’s responsive and quiet in operation.

The FE 50mm f/1.8 is a must-have for Sony users. And that’s especially true if you suffer from wanderlust. You’ll have no trouble fitting it in your travel bag. And it won’t add much to your travel costs, leaving you more money to indulge in the local culture.

6. Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4

The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 is the best travel lens for Fujifilm users. It’s a compact and lightweight prime lens for Fujifilm mirrorless cameras. Precision glass engineering results in sharp and clear image quality. And it’s a versatile lens that gives you plenty of travel photography options.

The 35mm focal length gives you a nice wide angle. It helps you get wider shots, ideal for capturing natural and urban landscapes. It’s perfect for street travel photography. And it can capture more detailed shots like environmental portraits.

The fast f/1.4 max aperture is a big bonus for travel photographers. It gives you more shooting options in low-light conditions. And you can achieve a smooth and rich background bokeh. The seven-blade rounded aperture also helps this. You can bring a new level of artistry to your travel photography.

This Fujifilm XF lens is one of the pricier options on the list. But the eight-element construction is superb. And the fast max aperture gives you unrivaled exposure control. Undoubtedly, the XF 35mm f/1.4 is the best Fujifilm lens for travel photographers.

7. Olympus ED 12mm f/2.0

The Olympus ED 12mm f/2.0 is the perfect travel lens for Olympus photographers. It’s compatible with all the best Olympus cameras. It has incredible optical quality. And it’s ultra-compact and lightweight.

At first glance, the 12mm focal length might seem too wide for travel photography. But there is a considerable crop factor when you use a Micro Four Thirds camera. That means the 12mm focal length is equivalent to 25mm on a full-frame camera .

The 25mm-equivalent focal length gives you a lovely viewing angle for stunning landscapes, colorful cityscapes, and street shots. It’s also ideal for architecture and interior photography.

The f/2 max aperture isn’t as fast as other lenses on our list. But it still gives you good control over your exposure settings. The lens has a solid, all-metal construction. And it has a snap-focus ring. This lets you override the AF for manual focusing.

The Olympus ED 12mm f/2.0 is so small it fits in your pocket. We don’t recommend traveling with lenses in your pocket. But this lens won’t be inconvenient when packing your bag. It’s the best travel lens for Olympus cameras. See our full list of the best Olympus lenses for Olympus photographers.

We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about travel lenses. This section gives you more information. You can make a confident purchase when you find the best travel lens for your photography.

Prime vs Zoom: Which Is the Best Travel Lens?

Prime and zoom lenses can be used for travel photography . They both have pros and cons, so it’s about deciding which is Best for you.

Prime Lenses

The benefits are their compact size, light weight, and superior image quality. Prime lenses have fewer glass elements than zooms. That means they tend to be smaller and weigh less. That makes them easy to carry in your bag.

Prime lenses also have better image quality. You experience less distortion and chromatic aberration . And they suffer less from lens flare when shooting in direct light.

Zoom Lenses

The main positive is the extra versatility. They have a changeable focal length. This lets you zoom in and out. You can shoot distant subjects. And you can get a tighter composition without having to move.

The main problem is the extra weight and size. They use more glass elements, making them bigger and heavier than primes. But the added versatility means one zoom can do the job of several prime lenses. That means your camera backpack might weigh less overall.

What Is the Best Focal Length for a Travel Lens?

For a prime lens, 35mm or 50mm are both excellent choices for travel. These are popular focal lengths for street photographers. And travel photography is similar to street shooting in many ways.

A 50mm lens gives you a tighter viewing angle. That makes it a better option for close-ups and portraits. The 35mm focal length gives you a wider angle. It is great for narrow streets and restricted interiors. It’s also great for landscapes, cityscapes, and environmental portraits.

When it comes to zoom lenses , you want a zoom range from wide to standard. Or you might prefer a standard-to-telephoto range. Something like 18-105mm is perfect. This gives you a wide shot selection. You can shoot anything from architecture to portraits with the same lens.

You don’t need a super-telephoto zoom lens. These are big and heavy, which makes traveling difficult. And you don’t need the super-telephoto reach. You’ll have incredible magnification. But you won’t be able to capture nearby subjects.

How Much Should I Spend on a Travel Lens?

Traveling with photography equipment can be nerve-wracking. Camera gear is fragile. And there’s always a chance things could get lost or stolen. That means travelers don’t always want to take their most expensive equipment. Many photographers like to travel with more budget-friendly lenses.

Professional travel photographers use expensive gear. But they make sure everything is insured. They also have more expensive traveling equipment, like camera hard cases . 

We’ve taken this into account when compiling our list. Many of the travel lenses we’ve included are affordable for all photographers. Of course, you still don’t want to get robbed. But you’ll be able to sleep easier if it’s a low-cost option.

But don’t worry—there are no duds on this list. Every travel lens on our list is a fantastic option for adventurous photographers.

Conclusion: The Best Travel Lens

The best travel lens should fit your bag, give you a variety of shots, and deliver outstanding images. We believe all the lenses on this list deliver on those promises. And most of them have affordable price tags. We’ve also included a wide range of camera brands to choose from. 

The Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 tops our list as the best travel lens. It’s a compact zoom lens with a wide zoom range. The optical quality is excellent throughout. And it has built-in vibration reduction that gives you more exposure control. It’s the perfect lens for traveling with a Nikon APS-C DSLR camera.

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The Best Canon Lenses for traveling in 2024

travel lens for canon

Travel photography is a genre that requires a versatile set of tools to capture the beauty and essence of different destinations. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, selecting the right lens for your camera can make or break your photography experience. As one of the most popular camera brands in the world, Canon offers a wide range of lenses to meet the needs of photographers in different niches. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the best Canon lenses for traveling in 2024.

When it comes to travel photography, weight and size are significant factors to consider. Too heavy or bulky lenses can weigh you down and make it harder to move around with your camera gear. A good travel lens should be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and pack into your backpack. A good travel lens should also have a versatile focal range, allowing you to capture different types of scenes, from wide landscapes to close-up portraits.

Another critical factor to consider when selecting a travel lens is image quality. You want a lens that can produce sharp, vibrant, and high-resolution images, even in low-light conditions. A lens with a wide maximum aperture can help you achieve this, allowing more light to reach the camera sensor and creating a shallow depth of field effect for more creative control. Additionally, image stabilization is crucial for reducing camera shake and producing sharp images, especially when shooting handheld or in low-light conditions.

sharegrid 2ZqbEdYd6ew unsplash - The Best Canon Lenses for traveling in 2024

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Canon lenses for travel photography in 2024, considering their focal range, weight and size, image quality, and other features that make them ideal for capturing beautiful images on the go. Whether you’re planning a trip to a bustling city or a remote wilderness, we’ll help you find the perfect Canon lens to take your travel photography to the next level.

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Canon lens mounts

A lens mount is what connects a camera body and a lens together. It’s like a puzzle piece that needs to match the shape and size of the spot it’s meant for. Different camera makers have their own unique lens mounts, and Canon is one of them.

Over the years, Canon has used several different types of lens mounts, and each mount works with a specific set of lenses. For example, the FD mount was Canon’s first popular lens mount, introduced in 1971, but the EF mount eventually replaced it in 1987. The EF mount is still in use today and is compatible with popular cameras like the Canon 5D Mark IV .

Canon’s newest lens mount is the RF mount, which was introduced in 2018. It’s used on Canon’s mirrorless cameras, which have a shorter flange distance than DSLRs. The RF mount allows for faster autofocus and improved image quality. For example, the Canon R3 and the Canon R6 are cameras that use this RF mount.

Canon lens mounts have changed over time to keep up with technological advancements and camera designs. The EF mount has been around for over 30 years and is still widely used, but the RF mount is the future of Canon’s lens system, especially for mirrorless cameras like the Canon R3.

EOS R Adapters

EOS R adapters are designed to allow Canon EF and EF-S mount lenses to be used on Canon’s newer EOS R and RP mirrorless cameras, which have the RF lens mount. The adapters essentially bridge the RF mount on the camera and the EF or EF-S mount on the lens.

There are a few different types of EOS R adapters, each with specific features and capabilities. One of the most popular adapters is the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R , which allows EF and EF-S lenses to be used on EOS R and RP cameras. This adapter supports full autofocus, image stabilization, and electronic aperture control, so it’s a great option for photographers who want to use their existing EF or EF-S lenses on an EOS R camera.

Another type of adapter is the Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R , which adds a control ring to the adapter that can be customized to control various camera functions, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, or exposure compensation. This adapter also supports full autofocus, image stabilization, and electronic aperture control.

There are also adapters available from third-party manufacturers, such as the Sigma MC-21 adapter or the Metabones EF to RF adapter . These adapters may offer different features and capabilities, so it’s important to do some research to find the best adapter for your specific needs.

Lens filters

Lens filters are accessories attached to the front of a camera lens to modify how light enters the lens and affects the image captured by the camera. They come in various shapes, sizes, and types and can serve various purposes depending on the photographer’s needs.

Lens filters come in different types, such as:

  • UV Filter : A UV filter blocks ultraviolet light from entering the lens, which can help reduce haze and improve clarity in outdoor photos. It can also serve as a protective layer for the lens, shielding it from scratches and damage.
  • Polarizing Filter : A polarizing filter reduces reflections and glares from shiny surfaces, such as water or glass, and can also enhance color saturation and contrast in landscape photos.
  • Neutral Density (ND) Filter : An ND filter reduces the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for a longer exposure and slower shutter speeds. This can be useful in bright daylight conditions to achieve a desired level of blur in motion photography or when shooting video to maintain a cinematic look.

It’s important to pick the right filter size for your lens to ensure that it fits securely and doesn’t interfere with image quality. The size of a filter is determined by its diameter, measured in millimeters. The diameter of the filter should match the diameter of the lens’ front element, which is usually printed on the lens itself or can be found in the lens manual.

Top 3 Best Canon Lenses for Landscape Photography

As a landscape photographer, having the right equipment is crucial to capturing stunning images, with the right lens being one of the most important tools in a photographer’s arsenal. When it comes to Canon lenses for traveling, there are various options available, each with its unique features and benefits. 

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top three best Canon lenses for landscape photography. These lenses offer exceptional image quality, versatility, and durability, making them the perfect choice for any travel photographer looking to capture breathtaking landscapes.

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

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is an exceptional lens for landscape photography. Its wide-angle capabilities allow photographers to capture breathtaking landscapes with ease. The lens is designed to produce images with great clarity, sharpness, and detail, making it an ideal choice for those who want to capture the beauty of the great outdoors.

This lens has built-in image stabilization, which is particularly helpful when working in low-light conditions or when using a slower shutter speed. It also features Canon’s advanced autofocus technology, which ensures that your shots are always sharp and clear. Moreover, the lens is lightweight and compact, making it a great choice for travel photography.

  • Price: $1299,-
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Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a top-of-the-line standard zoom lens that should be at the top of your list for all-around travel lenses. Its impressive focal length range and fast aperture make it an ideal choice for capturing a wide range of photography, from landscapes and portraits to street scenes and architecture.

This lens features advanced optics and coatings that deliver sharp and vivid images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. Its fast f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for shooting in low-light conditions and produces beautifully blurred backgrounds. The lens is also built with durability in mind, with weather-sealed construction to protect against dust and moisture, making it a reliable travel companion. If you’re looking for a versatile lens that can handle almost any travel photography situation, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM should definitely be on your list of Canon lenses for traveling.

  • Price: $1380,-

Canon EF 24 70mm lens - The Best Canon Lenses for traveling in 2024

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

For landscape photographers who want to capture the beauty of distant landscapes, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM telephoto zoom lens is an excellent choice. This lens has a maximum aperture of f/4 and features image stabilization, allowing for crisp and clear shots, even in low light conditions. The lens’s telephoto capabilities compress the distance between foreground and background elements, creating stunning compositions that highlight the landscape’s natural beauty. With a minimum focusing distance of 1.2m, this lens is also suitable for capturing wildlife and other details within the landscape.

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is also an excellent option for photographers looking for Canon lenses for traveling. Despite being a telephoto zoom lens, it is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take on the go. The lens’s versatility allows photographers to capture a wide range of shots, making it a great investment for any landscape photographer.

  • Price: $1499,-

Top 3 Best Canon Lenses for City Trips

When exploring a new city, having the right camera gear can elevate your experience and help you capture stunning images. As a travel photographer, choosing the right lens for your city trip is crucial for capturing the beauty and character of your destination. Canon lenses for traveling are designed to be lightweight and versatile, making them the perfect choice for city trips. 

This article has compiled a list of the top three best Canon lenses for city trips. Each lens offers unique features and benefits that will help you capture everything from sweeping cityscapes to intimate street scenes with confidence and ease.

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

Capturing the beauty of cityscapes and architecture can be daunting for any photographer. However, with the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM wide-angle lens, it has never been easier. This lens is perfect for taking in the expansive views of a bustling city, and its image stabilization technology ensures that photos come out sharp and clear. With a maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6, this lens is suitable for capturing indoor and outdoor shots. The lens also has a minimum focusing distance of 0.22m, allowing photographers to capture unique perspectives and details within the cityscape.

The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is also an excellent option for photographers looking for Canon lenses for traveling. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and take on the go.

  • Price: $299,-

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

The Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is an excellent lens for city trips and street photography. This lightweight and compact prime lens has a wide maximum aperture of f/2, allowing for stunning low-light shots that capture the city’s unique atmosphere. 

The lens features image stabilization technology, ensuring that photos come out sharp and clear, even in low light conditions. The lens’s focal length is also perfect for street photography, allowing photographers to capture the everyday moments that define a city’s character. With its excellent image quality, the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is a must-have for any photographer looking at Canon lenses for traveling.

  • Price: $548,-

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

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is an incredibly versatile lens that is perfect for city trips. This standard zoom lens has a focal length range that allows photographers to capture everything from sweeping cityscapes to detailed portraits, making it an ideal lens for any photographer looking to document their travels. The lens is equipped with image stabilization technology, which helps to minimize blur and camera shake, allowing photographers to capture sharp, high-quality images.

The Best Canon Lenses for traveling in 2023 - Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is also a great option for Canon lenses for traveling. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, while its sturdy construction ensures it can withstand travel rigors. The lens is compatible with full-frame and crop-sensor DSLR cameras, making it a versatile choice for photographers of all skill levels. With its wide range of focal lengths and image stabilization capabilities, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a must-have lens for any photographer looking to capture the beauty and energy of the city.

  • Price: $695,-

Top 3 Best All-around Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

As a travel photographer, capturing the beauty and excitement of your destination requires a versatile and reliable lens. Canon lenses for traveling are specifically designed to meet the demands of travel photography, with features such as lightweight construction and durable build quality. This article has compiled a list of the top three best Canon lenses for all-around travel photography. These lenses offer exceptional image quality, versatility, and durability, making them the perfect choice for any travel photographer. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes, vibrant cityscapes, or intimate portraits, these lenses will help you tell your story with confidence and creativity.

The Best Canon Lenses for traveling in 2023 - Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is one of the most versatile Canon lenses for traveling. With a focal length range of 24-105mm, this lens is ideal for capturing various subjects and scenes, from sweeping landscapes to detailed portraits. The lens features image stabilization technology, which helps to minimize camera shake and blur, allowing photographers to capture sharp and detailed images even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the lens has a maximum aperture of f/4, providing a good balance between depth of field and light-gathering capabilities.

This lens features advanced optics and coatings that deliver sharp and vivid images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. Its fast f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for shooting in low-light conditions and produces beautifully blurred backgrounds. The lens is also durable, with a weather-sealed construction to protect against dust and moisture, making it a reliable travel companion. If you’re looking for a versatile lens that can handle almost any travel photography situation, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM should definitely be on your list of Canon lenses for traveling.

  • Price: $ 1,380

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is an excellent choice for travel photographers who want to capture distant subjects such as stunning landscapes or unique city views. With a focal length range of 70-200mm, this telephoto zoom lens is perfect for photographing subjects from a distance and compressing perspective, making for creative and interesting travel shots.

The lens features Canon’s advanced Image Stabilization technology, compensating for camera shake and allowing for sharp images even when shooting handheld. The lens also has a weather-sealed construction, making it perfect for outdoor travel photography in a range of weather conditions. The lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack in your travel bag without adding too much extra weight.

Top 3 Best Budget Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

Capturing stunning travel photos doesn’t necessarily require breaking the bank. As a travel photographer, finding budget-friendly lenses that can still deliver exceptional image quality is important. Canon lenses for traveling offer a range of affordable options that don’t compromise performance. 

This article has compiled a list of the top three best Canon budget lenses for travel photography. These lenses offer a great combination of quality and affordability, making them the perfect choice for any budget-conscious travel photographer. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes, vibrant cityscapes, or intimate portraits, these lenses will help you tell your story without breaking the bank.

The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is a great budget-friendly option for travelers looking to capture sweeping landscapes and stunning architecture without breaking the bank. As a wide-angle lens, it fits more into the frame and creates dramatic perspectives.

This lens features image stabilization and a quiet STM autofocus system, making it easy to get sharp shots while moving. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around during long travel days. Whether you’re shooting from a low angle or trying to capture the grandeur of a towering monument, the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is a versatile lens that won’t weigh you down. It’s a great addition to any photographer’s collection of Canon lenses for traveling.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is an excellent lens for budget-conscious travelers looking for a versatile and affordable option for low-light photography and portraits. With its wide aperture and STM motor, this lens allows you to capture stunning images in low-light conditions while also delivering smooth and quiet autofocus.

The compact and lightweight design of the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM makes it an ideal travel companion. It won’t add unnecessary weight to your camera bag, and its durable build quality ensures it can withstand the rigors of travel. This lens is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Canon DSLRs, and it’s an excellent choice for beginners looking to upgrade from their kit lens. With its affordable price point and impressive image quality, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a must-have for any budget-conscious traveler looking to up their photography game.

  • Price: $90,-

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that’s great for travel photography on a budget. Whether you’re capturing wildlife, sports events, or distant landscapes, this lens can help you get the shots you want without breaking the bank.

With its long reach and compact design, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III is an excellent option for photographers who want to keep their gear light and easy to carry while traveling. Its autofocus system is quick and accurate, and the lens is compatible with all Canon EOS cameras. Additionally, the lens features a Super Spectra coating that helps to reduce flare and ghosting, ensuring that your photos are sharp and clear.

  • Price: $199,-

Our favorite Canon lenses for travel photography listed.

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Hey there! I'm Elliot Clennam, a passionate photographer based in Brussels, Belgium. My love for capturing the essence of my surroundings has led me on countless adventures, from exciting road trips to bustling city escapes.

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Best Travel Lenses for Canon DSLR Cameras

  • Lenses , Photo Gears

The best travel lenses for Canon cameras

Whether you are an experienced photographer or a novice, choosing the right lens setup for travel is always a challenge. Should you bring single all-round lens, two lenses or perhaps even more?

If you are an owner of a Canon DSLR camera (APS-C or full-frame), this article will help you pick the best lenses for travel photography .

We separated lenses designed for full-frame cameras from the APS-C ones, however, full-frame lenses are still compatible with APS-C cameras.

Table of Contents

P.S. If you don’t have a time to go through the whole article, below you will find quick overview of our favorite lenses for Canon DSLR cameras:

All-Round Lenses

For aps-c cameras (ef-s mount), canon ef-s 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is usm.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

Image source: Canon

It’s one of the most popular Canon all-round lenses for APS-C cameras because of its almost ideal focal length range. When you convert 18-135 mm into 35 mm equivalent you will get 28.8 mm to 216 mm which makes it a great travel lens to use it all the time. 

The lens is relatively compact and lightweight and it is 3.78 in (96 mm) in length and 1.13 lb (515 g) in weight, with a filter size of 67mm. It’s made of plastic but with a metal mount on the rear. Unfortunately, the lens is not weather sealed so you should be careful if you use it while it’s rainy or in areas with a lot of dust. It’s not a macro lens, but it can work very well in close up because the minimum focusing distance is 15.3 in (39 cm).

We especially like the nano USM autofocus system (it’s a combination of USM and STM) because it’s pretty fast for photos and almost silent which you will like when you make videos using the camera microphone. You can focus manually even if the camera is using autofocus mode. 

If you are a video creator you should invest in a power zoom adapter (PZ-E1) which enables you to control zoom using fingers. The zoom ring is comfortable and soft and you can override autofocus and control it manually even if you don’t switch to manual AF (the switch button is on the lens).

Optical image stabilization works very well for stills and it’s capable of compensating up to 4 f-stops . In video mode image stabilization also works – well because of the dynamic IS technology. If you like to take low light shots this lens will work solidly at the wide end because its maximum aperture at 18 mm is f/3.5, but at other lengths, it becomes slower because the maximum aperture becomes narrow (at 135 mm it’s f/5.6).

Overall the image quality is very good and the bokeh is OK for most non-pro travel photographers. The lens has an iris diaphragm with 7 rounded blades and if you want to isolate subjects with a blurred background you will have a very good blurring effect between 90 and 135mm. 

If you take into consideration that all-round lenses won’t be brilliant in sharpening in all focal lengths you will be pleasantly surprised because at 18 mm the sharpness is very good , especially in central parts of the image. The corners are softer but you can avoid it if you close the aperture and keep it between f/8 and f/11 to get sharp images.

You will notice that the barrel distortion is a bit higher in the wide end but most Canon cameras have built-in correctors for lens distortion so you can avoid it easily if you take JPEGs, but if you shoot in RAW you stick to 25 mm as the widest to avoid distortion. Vignetting can be visible in wide apertures but you can close the aperture to eliminate it. 

Chromatic aberration is most visible in the wide end (18 mm) and max. zoom (135 mm) but you can correct it easily in post-processing if it is too visible. In the end, we are very satisfied with how this lens controls flare effects which is a challenge for many all-round lenses with this focal length range.

However, if you consider getting a lens with extremely useful zoom range which can save a lot of your luggage when you want traveling, all disadvantages are minor because this lens will work very well in a lot of situations with few compromises.

Gallery of sample images on Photography Blog Handheld video sample at max. zoom

Pros for travel photography:

  • Very good zoom range for any traveler who wants to carry a camera with a single lens attached;
  • Good sharpness especially in the center of the image;
  • Fast and quiet autofocus;
  • Solid low-light performance at the wide end;
  • Very good image stabilization in both photo and video modes.

Cons for travel photography:

  • A bit softer in corners when the aperture is open;
  • Not so good for low light in longer lengths because the maximum aperture becomes narrow;
  • Power zoom is available only with an external adapter;
  • Not weather sealed.

travel lens for canon

  • 35mm equivalent to 29-216mm focal length range
  • Dedicated image stabilization
  • Lens construction of 16 elements in 12 groups
  • Compatible with 67mm filters

Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC PZD

Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD

Image source: Tamron

If you want to have more than 135 mm in your all-round lens, you should consider this Tamron’s lens with an extreme focal length of 16-300 mm, which is an 8.8x zoom range. Of course, there are trade-offs you need to be aware of when you have this huge range with a single lens, but should you worry about them? We’d say, in many cases, you don’t need to worry. When you convert zoom range into 35mm standard it’s 25.6 mm on wide end till 480 mm when it’s extended to maximum. 

This is a relatively compact and lightweight lens, the length is 3.94 in (100 mm), the weight is 1.19 lb (540 g), and the filter size is 67 mm. The lens is made of very good plastic and it’s weather sealed . You will like that lens hood and lens caps are included, so you won’t need to buy them separately.

This lens uses Tamron’s PZD (piezo drive) autofocus technology which is fast but slightly louder than Canon’s USM autofocus systems. Also, you can adjust manual focus without the need to switch to manual focus mode. Furthermore, there is a very useful minimum focus distance to take macros – 15.3 in (39 cm).

Image stabilization (Tamron calls it vibration compensation) works very well. For stills, you can compensate 3-4 f-stops . In low light, this lens will work well in the wide end because the maximum aperture is f/3.5. But if you want to use longer zoom, the maximum aperture will quickly drop to f/6.3, so you need to rely on high ISOs or use longer exposures and tripods.

In general, image quality is good but you need to fit some trade-offs. The lens has 7 blades of the circular diaphragm and it makes a very good bokeh effect at longer focal lengths when the subject is close enough. So, with a bit of practice, you can take very good portraits or photos of isolated objects with a blurring background.

Images are sharper in wider focal lengths if you keep aperture somewhere around f/6.3 and f/8. Sharpness drops especially in corners when you use wide apertures, and it’s visible especially between 200 and 300 mm. However, if you keep the aperture somewhere around f/10 and f/12 you can get an acceptably sharp image. We’d say that the most trade-offs you need to accept are distortion. 

At 16 mm barrel distortion is pretty high and if you have straight lines in the frame you can edit it in post-processing. However, if you want to avoid it, you should stick a wide end somewhere around 20 mm. On the other hand in telephoto lengths pincushion distortion is visible. Vignetting is visible at 16 mm when the aperture is max. open (f/3.5), but if you close the aperture vignetting will disappear. 

Chromatic aberrations are another trade-off you need to accept. They are visible, but fortunately, they can be easily corrected in post-processing where needed. Luckily, the lens is very good in terms of flare effects which is barely noticeable.

In the end, for a lens with this zoom range, which can replace (with some compromises) 2 or 3 additional lenses, make your backpack quite lighter, enable you to shoot landscape photo, and then zoom in to a bird, without need to change the lens, all these trade-offs are acceptable.

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  • Extreme zoom range (can replace 2-3 lenses with some compromises);
  • In wide end, it’s wider than most KIT lenses (24 mm);
  • Very good image stabilization in both photo and video modes;
  • Capable of producing sharp images at the wide end;
  • Weather sealed build;
  • Lens hood and lens caps are included.
  • Lens distortions are visible, especially at the wide end;
  • Chromatic aberration is strong in longer focal lengths;
  • Hard to get sharp images after 200 mm.

travel lens for canon

  • Minimum focus distance: 15.3 in (0.39 m)
  • Lens hood included, piezo drive autofocusing
  • Multiple layers of coating to produce clear, sharp images
  • Vibration compensation for crisp shots

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

It’s another Canon all-around lens. Unlike the first one we overview above, this lens ends on 200 mm. When you convert it’s 18-200 mm into 35 mm format you get a very useful range from 28.8 mm in the wide end till 300 mm in max. zoom. It means that this lens can replace at least 2 or 3 lenses in your luggage (of course, with some compromises). The lens is 4 in (102 mm) in length and 1.32 lb (600 g). The filter size is 72 mm. The minimum focus distance is 17.71” (45 cm) which makes this lens usable for close-ups as well. The lens is built mainly with plastic and it’s not weather sealed.

You need to take into consideration that this lens is a bit older. Hence the lens is not the latest technology. So, there is no STM or USM focus engine, instead, there is micro motor autofocus. Focus is relatively fast but the mechanism is louder so we recommend you to use either an external microphone for videos or different lenses. Image stabilization is very good and it offers 4 f-stops resistance. For video creators, there are automated panning detection. The lens is not particularly good at night because the maximum aperture is too narrow in almost all focal lengths instead of the wide end. You can use f/3.5.

The overall image quality is good, or even very good. Bokeh is very good, so if you shoot isolated subjects in 200 mm or 300 mm you will get a lot of blurring. The main disadvantage of this lens is its sharpness. We can’t say it’s a soft lens in any situation – if you use it try to learn how to make sharp images. However, we were very satisfied with the sharpness at 18 mm.

We need to say that barrel distortion is huge at wide angles. Vignetting is controlled solidly, but chromatic aberrations are pretty high especially at the wide end. On the other hand, we are pleasantly surprised how lens flare is controlled and avoided in the result.

Gallery of sample images on Onfotolife Gallery of sample images on Pixel Peeper Gallery of sample images on 500px Handheld sample video Another sample video in which you can hear how loud the lens is

  • Relatively compact;
  • Well-controlled lens flare & vignetting.
  • Soft images if you shoot at a wide end;
  • Loud autofocus;
  • Trade-offs in terms of image quality because of size.

travel lens for canon

  • 18-200mm focal length, closest focusing distance: 1.48 ft/0.45 m (maximum close-up magnification 0.24x)
  • 28.8-320mm equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras, 72mm filters
  • Maximum aperture: f/3.5-5.6, minimum aperture: f/22-38

For Full-Frame & APS-C Cameras (EF Mount)

Canon ef 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is usm.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

If you have a full-frame Canon camera, this lens will be a great choice for your main travel lens because it covers a very useful focal range from 28 mm to 135 mm. For APS-C cameras it may not be a good choice because on a wide end you get 45 mm which is not so wide, so if you have an APS-C camera we recommend you choosing lenses that start at 16 or 18 mm. We need to mention that the minimum focus distance is 19.69 in (50 cm) so it’s not a macro lens, and the filter size is 72 mm. 

This lens is relatively compact , 3.8 in (97 mm) in length, with the weight of 1.19 lb (540 g) and it’s built with very good materials, but it’s not weather sealed so you need to be careful and avoid rain and dust.

The lens is equipped with USM autofocus which means that it’s fast and quiet. Image stabilization is not the newest generation and you can count on 2 f-stops of compensation in most cases (newer IS systems are capable of 4 f-stops) and there is no panning nor tripod detection. The low light performance of the lens is solid at a wide end because of the wider max. aperture (f/3.5) but it drops when you use longer focal lengths (at 135 mm max. aperture size is f/5.6).

Overall image quality is very good, especially if you take into consideration standard issues on lenses with long focal lengths and make some effort to overcome them. If you like to take photos of isolated subjects or portraits you will probably be satisfied with bokeh when you are at 135 mm, with aperture to the max., and your subject is close. But you need to know that it’s not the lens that’s brilliant in background blurring especially when you don’t open the aperture or when the subject is not close or you use mid-range focal lengths.

This lens produces most sharp images somewhere between 50 and 80 mm and when you open aperture between f/8 and f/10. In the wide end (28-35 mm) the image is a bit softer in corners but the center is sharp enough. Barrel distortion is visible at 28 mm as well as vignetting, while pincushion distortion is visible in telephoto lengths. You can reduce vignetting if you close the aperture of course. 

Chromatic aberration is visible in both wide end and telephoto. Lens flare control is average and it’s a bit better in telephoto lengths, but we recommend you to invest in a lens hood in order to reduce flare when you have a direct light in front of you. In the end, we want to mention if you want to use this lens on an APS-C camera all of these things will be better because it uses the central part of the lens.

Gallery of sample images on Onfotolife Gallery of sample images on Pixel Peeper Gallery of sample images on 500px Sample video

  • Very good zoom range for everyday use on travel;
  • Relatively compact size;
  • Fast and quiet autofocus.
  • Image stabilization is older and less efficient than on newer lenses;
  • No weather sealed.

travel lens for canon

  • The image stabilizer uses a pair of precise gyro-sensors and a microprocessor to significantly reduce possible image blurring
  • Advanced ultasonic motor (USM) performs high-speed, silent and precise automatic focusing (manual focus is also provided)
  • Advanced optics and aspherical lens element help preserve sharpness and color clarity from edge to edge

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

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

If you have a full-frame camera and want to have a perfect all-round lens, this one will probably fit your needs because it’s one of the most versatile Canon lenses with great image stabilization, very fast focus, and useful zoom range.

24-105mm seems to be a good choice for many travel photographers. Of course, if you use it on APS-C body-wide end will not be as wide (on APS-C focal length is 38.4-168mm) but we have mainly full-frame camera’s users in mind for these lenses. 

At 24 mm you will get a very good focal length for landscapes and cityscapes, while at 105 mm you will get some telephoto capabilities. Of course, you won’t be able to shoot birds/animals or other objects from long distances like you would with a 200 mm lens, but if you want to shoot some “zoom in” details, portraits with a blurring background, or close-ups to emulate macro lenses, it will work for it.

The lens is mid-size in length – 4.65 in (11.8 cm) and a bit on the heavier side with its 1.75 lb (795 g) but it’s a trade-off for excellent optical performance you will get with this lens. Also, we want to mention that the minimum focus distance is 17.72 in (45 cm), and the filter size is 77 mm. Considering that this lens is L series Canon it’s built with premium materials and the overall look & feel of the lens is very professional. Furthermore, the lens is weather sealed (which isn’t the case with cheaper Canon lenses). Also, this lens comes with a great hood, so you do not need to buy one.

This lens is equipped with a USM autofocus system which means that you will get fast & accurate autofocus that’s also very quiet which means that video creators will also love this lens. Like on most other USM lenses you can override autofocus manually without the need to switch the selector to manual focus mode. The image stabilization system works very well and enables you to get 4 f-stops of compensation.

Image quality is excellent. If we need to outline any disadvantage it would be the maximum aperture of f/4 which is constant (that’s great) but f/4 is simply not enough for low light and you will need to set higher ISO values. This is also not a huge disadvantage if you put this lens on a full-frame camera because on most full-frame cameras you will get almost noise-free even with as high ISO as 6400, and significant noise will appear usually after ISO 12800. 

The reason for this is clear – if this lens had f/2.8 constant on the whole range, it would appear much bigger and heavier. So, the trade-off is clear and it’s not a huge disadvantage if you use this lens on a full-frame camera for which it’s intended.

For other aspects of photography, this lens is very good or even excellent. That’s to say, the bokeh when you shoot at 105 mm is nice because of the diaphragm with 10 rounded blades, so this lens can be used for portraits and close-up photos as well and you will get a nice background blur. 

The lens is pretty sharp throughout the whole range. At 24 mm you will get a sharp central part of the image as well as corners even with a fully open aperture, but the best sharpness you will get between f/8 and f/11. At 105 mm you can notice a slight drop in sharpness but it’s not something you should consider as a disadvantage.

Barrel distortion is visible at 24 mm and if you want to avoid it you should shoot at 35 mm. On the other hand, slight pincushion distortion appears at 100-105 mm. We also noticed a bit of vignetting which can be visible through the all range, but it’s more noticeable when you open aperture and shoot at 24-30 mm or 100-105 mm, than in other parts of the zoom range with closer aperture. 

The good things are that chromatic aberrations are less visible than on other all-round lenses and that the lens is almost flare-free, but it’s understandable if you take into consideration that this Canon L series lens is in a higher class than standard EF-S lenses.

Gallery of sample images on Photography Blog Gallery of sample images on 500px Sample video

  • Excellent image quality in all focal lengths;
  • Fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus;
  • Very good image stabilization for both photo & video;
  • Constant max. aperture through the whole range (f/4);
  • Lens hood is included.
  • Pretty heavy if compared with other all-round lenses;
  • A bit slower aperture;
  • Vignetting is visible not only at the ends of focal length.

travel lens for canon

  • All-new optical design with significant improvements in peripheral brightness
  • High-performance standard zoom lens with constant f/4L aperture and a broad angle of view covering from wide angle to mid-telephoto
  • Air sphere coating (ASC) helps to significantly reduce flare and ghosting
  • Circular aperture (10 blades) helps deliver beautiful, soft background

Wide Zoom Lenses

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 ex dc os hsm.

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

Image source: Sigma

Sigma 17-50 is one of the most popular mid-range zoom lenses. Its focal length is 17-50 mm, and you will get 27.2-80 mm effective (35 mm equivalent). The lens is 3.62 in (9.2 cm) in length and 1.25 lb (565 g) in weight with a filter diameter of 77 mm. Need to say that the lens is built of plastic and it’s not weather sealed. The minimum focus distance is 11.02 in (28 cm).

Sigma’s lens uses an HSM autofocus system which should be a pandan of Canon’s USM, but the focus motor is a bit louder on Sigma, and also Sigma’s autofocus doesn’t support manual overriding (that says you need to switch to manual focus to be able to adjust the focus manually, which is different from Canon lenses which enable you to adjust the focus manually even in autofocus mode). 

Optical image stabilization works very well and enables you to get 4 f-stops of compensation and it’s on the same level as on most Canon EF lenses. If you like taking low light handheld photos this lens will satisfy you because it’s fast enough with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the whole range.

In general, this lens has great optical performance. Bokeh is very good due to 7 rounded blades and f/2.8 aperture so if you want to get a blurred background at 50 mm you can do so easily. Also, the lens is pretty sharp in almost the whole frame. Some softness is noticeable on corners especially at 17 mm with f/2.8 aperture. If you close the aperture to f/8 you will get sharpener corners, but if you close it more than to f/16 sharpness will become lower.

Barrel distortion is visible at 17 mm, however at 50 mm you will notice pincushion distortion. But they are easily corrected and are much lower than on all-round lenses with a much bigger zoom range. Vignetting is also barely noticeable at f.2.8 and you can remove it if you close the aperture. Chromatic aberrations are very well-controlled. Lens flare can be visible if you take photos with light in front of you, but you can easily prevent it with the lens hood.

  • Fast aperture in the whole range;
  • Excellent for low light & indoor photography;
  • Very fast and quiet autofocus system;
  • Very good image stabilization;
  • Sharp image in all focal lengths at even with max. open aperture;
  • Very good background blur, useful for portraits.
  • In some cases, autofocus is not as reliable as on Canon native lenses;
  • The plastic construction makes it feel cheap in hand;
  • No manual override of focus in autofocus mode;

travel lens for canon

  • FLD glass elements along with two glass mold elements and one hybrid aspherical lens provide excellent correction of aberrations and allow for incredibly sharp images with great contrast

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

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

This lens tries to reach the same photographers as previously mentioned Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM and we can say that these lenses are very similar (the most obvious differences are better build quality, 5 mm more in telephoto, 80 g more in weight, and slightly worse image stabilization). The focal length range of this lens is 17-55 mm (27.2-88 equivalent to 35 mm) and you can count on f/2.8 maximum aperture through the whole range . 

This lens is 4.35 in (11.1 cm) in length and 1.42 lb (645 g) in weight. The filter size is 77 mm as on other similar lenses. The case is built of plastic with a metal mount but feels much better and rugged than Sigma 17-50. However, like Sigma, Canon isn’t weather sealed as well. The minimum focus distance is 13.8 in (35 cm).

Autofocus is relying on the USM system, so it’s fast and quiet. Image stabilization is OK but it’s a bit older implementation so you can rely only on 3 f-stops of compensation (most other Canon lenses support 4 f-stops). For video creators, we should stress that this lens doesn’t support panning mode. However, this lens is fast enough and you will be able to use f/2.8 aperture whenever you want to take photos indoors or in low light.

In general, this lens is excellent regarding a lot of stuff. Bokeh is very good due to 7 rounded blades and f/2.8 aperture when you use it at 50-55 mm, so you can take great portraits at almost ideal focal length for this purpose. Sharpness is the same as on Tamron’s lens, so you can count on very good sharpness throughout the whole range. Even when you keep the aperture fully open (at f/2.8) the image is very sharp (a bit less than on f/4.0 or 5.6 but still it’s a very good result). If you keep the aperture between f/5.6 and f/8 you will get the sharpness images.

Barrel and pincushion distortions are visible, but not too much. If you want to get geometrically straight photos you should aim for 20-30 mm. Vignetting is visible only on the wide end when you keep the aperture fully open, in other focal lengths, and with a more closed aperture. Chromatic aberration and lens flare are well-controlled. You can see chromatic aberrations only at the wide end.

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  • Very sharp in whole focal lengths and at all apertures;
  • Focus is fast, quiet, and accurate;
  • Very good background blur, useful for portraits;
  • Good materials, almost premium feeling in hand.
  • Pretty heavy;
  • Image stabilization is not the latest implementation;

travel lens for canon

  • 17-55mm wide-angle zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture
  • AD and aspherical elements deliver impressive image quality through entire zoom range
  • Image stabilizer lens groups shift to compensate for image shake even in dim lighting
  • Large circular aperture produces shallow depth of field; ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM)
  • Measures 3.3 inches in diameter and 4.4 inches long, weighs 22.8 ounces

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

If you bought a Canon camera with a KIT lens the great chances are that the KIT is 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. With this lens, you get 28.8-88 mm equivalent to 35 mm. 

The best advantage of this lens is its compact size and the fact that it’s lightweight . With a length of 2.96 in (75 mm) and a weight of 0.45 lb (205 g), this lens is among the lighter and most compact zoom lenses on the market. The filter diameter is 58 mm. The lens and its mount are made of plastic so it is pretty vulnerable to accidental drops. Also, the lens is not weather sealed. The minimum focus distance is 9.84″ (25 cm).

This lens doesn’t have a USM autofocus system, instead, there is an STM system that is also silent and fast (but not as fast as USM). Optical image stabilization works in the same way as on most other EF-S lenses and provides you 4 f-stops of compensation. Low light performance is ok on the wide end but not excellent because the maximum aperture size is f/3.5. On longer focal lengths it’s a lot worse and the maximum aperture size quickly drops to f/5.6.

In general, this lens produces solid optical performance. It’s not a brilliant lens, it will provide you with a solid performance especially if you take into consideration the compact size and that you may get it with your camera. At least, it’s a good backup travel lens for most people.

Bokeh is relatively good due to 7 rounded blades but solid background blur will appear if you take shots of close subjects with background on distance. However, considering that the lens is not fast, you should do this when there is enough light. You will be pleasantly surprised with very good sharpness even at 18 mm . However, for the best sharpness, you should adjust the aperture somewhere between f/8 and f/10. 

Barrel distortion exists at 18 mm but starts disappearing at around 30-35 mm. On the other hand, pincushion distortion exists on the long end. Vignetting exists at the widest aperture, but it’s not a huge problem if you close the aperture to a narrow value. Chromatic aberration exists on some level on almost the whole range. On the other hand, lens flare is very well-controlled.

Gallery of sample images on Photography Blog Gallery of sample images on Onfotolife Gallery of sample images on Pixel Peeper Gallery of sample images on 500px Sample video

  • Very compact and lightweight zoom lens (almost as prime lenses);
  • Solid optical performance;
  • Quiet and fast autofocus;
  • Good image stabilization.
  • Plastic build and mount, so it’s very vulnerable to drops;
  • There is nothing in which this lens excels;
  • Not so good for low light especially in longer lengths.

travel lens for canon

  • The standard zoom lens is designed with Canons optical image stabilizer technology while retaining the compactness and lightness of previous models.
  • It consists of 11 elements in 9 groups and uses an aspherical lens element to correct aberration for excellent image qual

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

  • f/2.8 constant maximum aperture, f/22 minimum, ring type ultrasonic type AF motor with full time manual focusing
  • 82 mm filters, closest focusing distance: 0.38 m/1.25 ft

Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF)

Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF)

If Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is too expensive or too heavy for you, this Tamron lens is a great alternative. The focal length is 28-75 mm on full-frame cameras (44.8-120 mm on APS-C cameras) which makes it very useful for everyday use on travel. 

This lens is 3.62 in (9.2 cm) length and 1.12 lb (510 g) weight. The minimum focus distance is 12.99 in (33 cm). Unfortunately, this lens is not weather sealed and doesn’t feel as premium as Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, but Tamron’s lens is cheaper so it’s expected.

Autofocus is fast, but if you use Canon USM lenses you will notice that it’s a bit slower and this can make a difference in action photography, but in everyday use, we’d say you won’t notice a difference. However, the autofocus motor is quiet almost like Canon’s. The biggest difference when you compare it to Canon is that there is no option to manually override autofocus except to switch the mode from auto to manual focus. This lens also doesn’t have image stabilization.

In general, this lens is excellent in terms of optical performance. Considering that the maximum aperture is f/2.8 on the whole range, this lens is fast enough to make great low light and indoor photos. Bokeh is great due to the 7 rounded blade diaphragm so you can make a blurred background easily when you use the lens at 70-75 mm with close subjects. 

The sharpness of images is another strong point of this lens. To be honest, there is a difference if you compare it with Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM when the aperture is open at f/2.8 especially in corners. However, if you close the aperture to f/4 Tamron is sharp, it performs pretty much like Canon, especially in the center. At 75 mm the sharpness drops rapidly in corners, but the center is still sharp enough.

Barrel and pincushion distortion exist on the wide end and long end and they are average and easily corrected in post-processing. Vignetting exists in corners when the aperture is wide open, especially in wide and long ends. If you use this lens on an APS-C camera, vignetting won’t be visible in any focal length even if you keep the aperture at f/2.8. On the other hand, chromatic aberrations and lens flare are controlled very well (but regarding lens flare, it stills better to have a lens hood attached).

  • Relatively compact and lightweight (for its class);
  • Fast enough, good in low light, max. aperture f/2.8 in the whole range;
  • Excellent optical performance.
  • Not weather sealed body;
  • The image is soft in corners, especially at the long end.

travel lens for canon

  • 28-75mm autofocus zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture
  • Designed to meet performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras
  • Smaller and lighter than most fast zoom lenses

Telephoto Lenses

Canon ef-s 55-250mm f/4-5.6 is stm.

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

It’s another lens that often exists in the KIT package alongside the previously mentioned EF-S 18-55mm. This lens is equipped with a very good focal length range that starts at 55 mm and provides lengths up to 250 mm. When you convert it to 35 mm standard it’s 88-400 mm range. 

For a telephoto lens, its dimensions are pretty small – the length 4.37 in (11.1 cm), the weight 0.83 lb (375 g). The filter size is 58 mm. Build and mount are the same as on EF-S 18-55mm – plastic in full which means that they are pretty vulnerable to drops, so you should be careful with them especially if you shoot outside. Also, it is not weather sealed. The minimum focus distance is 33.46 in (85 cm).

The autofocus system relies on a STM motor so it’s quiet and fast (not as fast as USM). Autofocus can be overridden any time without the need to switch the selector to manual focus. Image stabilization is very good and it’s capable of making 3.5 f-stops of compensation. The low light performance of this lens is not so good because the lens is not fast (maximum aperture size varies from f/4.0 at 50 mm to f/5.6 at 250 mm).

In general, the quality of images produced with this lens is very good. Bokeh is good considering the 7 blades rounded aperture and long focal length especially if you take photos of close subjects with a distant background at 200-250 mm (with enough light, of course). To be honest, you won’t get anything close to prime lenses specialized for portraits, but it will be useful for most purposes, even better than you might expect from a KIT lens. 

Sharpness is not something this lens is famous for, so you should expect softer images if you open the aperture at the max. size. We recommend closing the aperture to f/8-f/11 if you want to get sharp images. Need to say also that between 200 and 250 mm you should get more softness.

Barrel and pincushion distortions exist – you will notice barrel distortion the most between 55 and 75 mm. On the other hand precious distortion appears after 100 mm. Vignetting is well controlled, but chromatic aberration is visible. Lens flare control is very good, but in any case, we recommend you buy a hood.

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  • Compact & lightweight;
  • Extremely useful focal length range;
  • Good bokeh.
  • Plastic build and mount, so it’s very vulnerable to any drop;
  • Not so good performance in low light.

travel lens for canon

  • High magnification, compact and lightweight EF-S telephoto zoom lens with image stabilization for up to 3.5 equivalent stops of shake correction
  • One UD lens element reduces chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range, for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast
  • New six-group zoom system provides a compact design while achieving a maximum magnification of 0.29x at the telephoto end
  • Minimum focusing distance: 2.79 feet, 0.85 meter (full zoom range)

For Full-Frame & APS-C Cameras (EF Mount)

Canon ef 70-200mm f/4l is ii usm.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

This is our recommendation for travel photographers who want to take great zoom photos and photos with fantastic background blur, but don’t want to walk around with too heavy and bulky lenses. On a full-frame camera, its focal length is 70-200 mm, but if you use it on an APS-C camera you will get 112-320 mm, so telephoto capabilities are very good. 

The lens is 39.37 in (17.6 cm) length and 1.72 lb (780 g) weight. It used filters with a diameter of 72 mm and a minimum focus distance of 39.37 in (100 cm). Building materials are excellent , the lens is made of magnesium alloy and is weather sealed.

Autofocus is fast and extremely accurate. The image stabilization system is rated to 5 f-stops of compensation by CIPA and there are 3 IS modes. The maximum aperture is f/4 in the whole range so it’s pretty capable of low-light telephotos (most cheaper telephoto lenses have a much narrower maximum aperture size from f/5.6 to f/6.3 in equivalent focal lengths).

In general optical quality is superb. Bokeh is one of the best , so you will be able to isolate the subject from the background near to perfect. The reason for it is not just focal length but also Canon’s 9 rounded diaphragm blades. The sharpness is also excellent, so you will get sharp images through the whole frame and at all focal lengths even if you open the aperture to f/4. 

Barrel distortion exists at 70 mm on the same level as pincushion distortion exists at 200 mm. But to be honest, those are minimal distortions and shouldn’t be considered disadvantages because there are no zoom lenses that don’t have them (it’s physics). Vignetting is well-controlled throughout the whole range and you can barely notice it at 70 mm. On other focal lengths, vignetting does not exist. Chromatic aberration and lens flare are also well-controlled.

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  • Not so bulky for a premium telephoto lens;
  • Fast and accurate autofocus;
  • Fantastic image stabilization with 3 modes;
  • Almost without distortions;
  • For some users, it will be too big to walk around with it.

travel lens for canon

  • Optical image stabilization at up to 5 stops of shake correction
  • One fluorite element and two UD elements for high image quality
  • Highly resistant to dust and water, and improved durability even in harsh conditions
  • Three image stabilization modes for outstanding results
  • Minimum focusing distance shortened from 3.9 ft. to Approx. 3.3 ft. (1.2 m to 1 m)

Prime Lenses

Canon ef 50mm f/1.8 stm.

Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM

It’s one of the most popular Canon’s prime lenses because of its size and performance. The focal length is 50 mm on full-frame or 80 mm on APS-C cameras. It’s a very compact and lightweight lens – 1.54 in (3.9 cm) length and 0.35 lb (159 g) in weight. The filter diameter is 49 mm and the minimum focus distance is 13.78 in (35 cm). Materials are OK, but the lens is not weather sealed.

Autofocus is an STM and it’s fast and quiet. There is no image stabilization integrated, but the lens is extremely capable to make great low light photos because of its maximum aperture of f/1.8 (if you have a camera with in-body stabilization even better).

The optical performance of this lens is excellent. If you take photos with an aperture of f/1.8 you will get fantastic bokeh and a diaphragm with 7 rounded blades will ensure that the background is a blur. Sharpness is also very good if you take photos at f/2.8 or f/4. To be honest, if you use f/1.8 the image won’t be as sharp as on f/2.8 or f/4, but it’s not a disadvantage because you will use f/1.8 when you want to get great background blur. If you want a sharp image even on corners you should stick the aperture between f/5.6 and f/11.

Barrel distortion is almost not noticeable, especially if you use an APS-C camera. Vignetting is well-controlled and can be visible when the aperture is wide open (f/1.8) on full-frame cameras, but will easily disappear if you close the aperture a bit. On the APS-C camera vignetting is barely noticeable even at f/1.8. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled as well as lens flare.

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  • Very compact and lightweight;
  • Excellent optical performance;
  • Superb background blurring;
  • Very fast and excel in low light;
  • Very sharp even in corners.
  • Not weather sealed;
  • Plastic build and mount, so it’s very vulnerable to any drop.

travel lens for canon

  • 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8
  • Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 40º, 27º,46º
  • Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 ft. (0.35 m) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x
  • Stepping motor (STM) delivers near silent, continuous move servo AF for movies and smooth AF for stills
  • 80 mm effective focal length on APS C cameras, 50 mm on full frame cameras

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

If you use a full-frame camera and 50 mm seems to be too short, you should think about Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM. As the name said, the focal length of this camera is 85 mm on full-frame cameras and the field of view is similar to when you attach a 50 mm lens on an APS-C camera. If you attach this lens to an APS-C camera you will get 136 mm. 

The lens is compact with 2.81 in (7.2 cm) length, but it’s a bit heavier than Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM with 0.94 lb (425 g) in weight. The filter diameter is 58 mm and the minimum focus distance is 33.46 in (85 cm). This lens is made of plastic materials, but with a metal mount, so the quality is good. Unfortunately, this lens is not weather sealed.

Autofocus uses a USM system so it’s fast and accurate. This lens doesn’t have image stabilization. But considering it’s very fast with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and you will get excellent low light photos .

In general, this lens has excellent optical performance. Bokeh is great due to the diaphragm with 8 blades, so if you shoot portraits, this lens is ideal for you because you will get a nice blurred background. 

Also, another strong point of this lens is sharpness which is very good even in corners. A slight drop in sharpness can be noticeable when you open the aperture at f/1.8, but it’s not so important because you will open the aperture when you want to get a nice background blur. There is no barrel distortion, and vignetting is visible when you fully open the aperture. Also, chromatic aberration and lens flare are very well-controlled.

  • Very sharp even in corners;
  • Fantastic optical performance and distortion control.

travel lens for canon

  • Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) brings subject quickly into focus, focal length: 85 mm, closest focusing distance: 2.8 feet
  • Natural angle of view and perspective is ideal for portraits and natural images
  • Designed to produce beautiful background blur
  • Measures 3 inches in diameter and 2.8 inches long

Ultra-Wide Zoom Lenses

Canon ef-s 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is stm.

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

This is one of the best choices for travel photographers who have an APS-C camera because it’s pretty compact and lightweight and enables you to get a very good diagonal field of view of 107°30′ at 10 mm. The focal length range is 10-18 mm which is 16-28.8 mm on the APS-C camera. 

As we mentioned, it’s a compact and lightweight lens. The length is 2.83 in (7.2 cm) and it’s 0.53 lb (240 g) in weight and this ensures that you can carry it in almost any additional pocket in your bag. The filter diameter is 67 mm, and the minimum focus distance is 8.66 in (22 cm). The lens is made of solid plastic, but it’s not weather sealed.

Autofocus is using an STM system that is absolutely quiet and you will like it if you are a video creator because this lens is great for vlogging. As with most other Canon lenses you can adjust the focus manually even if you are in autofocus mode without the danger of messing up the autofocus motor. The lens is equipped with a very good image stabilization capable of compensating up to 4 f-stops . In low light, this lens is not brilliant because the maximum aperture size is not wide enough in the wide end (f/4.5), but in the long end is even worse (f/5.6).

In general, this lens is capable of producing great photos because of its optical performance. Of course, you won’t mind bokeh when you buy an ultrawide lens, so we will skip it completely. On the other hand, this lens will produce very sharp images in all focal lengths. The good thing is that great sharpness persists even when the aperture is fully open. However, if you want to get sharp corners you should stick to an f/8-f/11 aperture. 

Barrel distortion is visible considering the angles but if you shot at 18 mm distortion is gone. Vignetting exists but it’s pretty well-controlled. On the other hand, chromatic aberration is more visible through the whole range. Lens flare exists in mid ranges especially if you close the aperture. If you shoot at 10 mm you won’t probably notice any flare. However, a lens hood is recommended to avoid flare as much as possible.

  • Compact and lightweight;
  • Fast & quiet autofocus;
  • Very good image stabilization (subjectively it seems to work better because of ultra-wide-angle);
  • The sharp image through the whole range.
  • Not so fast for low-light photos;

travel lens for canon

  • EF-S ultra wide zoom lens. Drive system lead screw and rack system driven by stepping motor
  • Closest focusing distance: 0.72 ft. (0.22 m)
  • Stepping motor for noise free video shooting
  • Optical image stabilizer

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

It’s an older but still very good ultra-wide lens. The focal length range is 10-22 mm which is 16-35.2 mm on the APS-C camera. The field of view at the wide end is 107°30′. This lens is also compact and relatively lightweight . The length is 3.54 in (9 cm), and the weight is 0.85 lb (385 g). The focus diameter is 77 mm, and the minimum focus distance is 9.45 in (24 cm). The lens is built with plastic, but with a metal mount and it isn’t weather sealed.

Autofocus is relying on USM and it’s really fast, plus you can adjust the focus manually anytime even if you don’t switch it to manual focus mode. However, if you are a video creator, you should know that autofocus in Canon EF-S 10-18mm is quieter, especially if you don’t use an external microphone. And also this lens doesn’t have image stabilization. Low light performance is not excellent, but if you shoot at 10 mm it’s acceptable because the maximum aperture is f/3.5.

We will skip the bokeh for this lens as well, and move to sharpness. This lens is capable of providing very sharp images . There is some softness in the corners, but you can avoid it if you close the aperture somewhere between f/8 and f/11. 

Barrel distortion exists at 10 mm and disappears up at 18 mm, but at 22 mm you will see a bit of pincushion distortion. Vignetting exists when you keep an open aperture, but if you close it a bit, it will disappear. Chromatic aberration also exists on some level. On the other hand, lens flare is pretty well controlled, but if you have a lens hood, we recommend you attach it on bright sunny days or direct light.

  • Very compact;
  • Fast autofocus;

travel lens for canon

  • 10-22mm wide-angle zoom lens with f/3.5-4.5 maximum aperture for EOS digital SLR cameras
  • Superior AF performance and speed, with full-time manual focus with the turn of a ring
  • Close focusing to 9.5 inches. Fills the frame with subjects as small as 3.6 x 5.4 inches
  • Circular aperture design produces natural highlights

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

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

If you have a full-frame Canon camera, previous 2 lenses won’t fit it, but this lens is capable of enabling ultra-wide-angle to your camera. The focal length is 16-35 mm on full-frame cameras and provides you a diagonal field of view of 108° 10′. If you mount it on an APS-C camera it’s not an ultra-wide lens and will have 26-56 mm of focal range. 

This lens is 4.44 in (11.3 cm) length and 1.36 lb (615 g) in weight. Filter diameter is 77 mm and the minimum focus distance is 11 in (28 cm). If you like to shoot outdoor photos in different weather conditions it’s worth saying this lens is weather sealed .

It uses a well-known USM autofocus system with the ability to override focus manually when it’s set in autofocus mode. Also, this lens is equipped with image stabilization capable of compensating 4 f-stops . Low light conditions are not something this lens likes the most, but it will provide you with solid performance because in a whole range maximum aperture is f/4.

Considering this lens is L series Canon, you probably expect excellent optical performance – and you will get it. The lens is sharp throughout the whole frame, within all focal lengths even if the aperture is fully open. 

You can not avoid barrel distortion in an ultra-wide lens, so this lens suffers from it as well on some (low to medium) level at the wide end. At 22 mm, you will get geometrically straight photos, and after this length, you will start noticing a bit of pincushion distortion. Vignetting is very well-controlled, so we can not say that you won’t notice it at 16 mm with a fully open aperture, but if you close it a bit, vignetting will mostly disappear. Chromatic aberration is also very well-controlled, and the same is with lens flare.

  • The sharp image through the whole range;
  • Excellent optical performance with minimal distortions, very well-controlled vignetting and chromatic aberration.
  • Not a lightweight lens;
  • Low light performance is solid, but not excellent.

travel lens for canon

  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number
  • Full-time manual focus permits critical focusing precision, even in AF mode. Help provide excellent color balance
  • Rounded 9-blade diaphragm

If you were in doubt about an ideal travel-friendly lens setup for your Canon DSLR camera, we are pretty sure that now things are clear.

The first thing is setting out the priorities. So, if you prioritize having a lightweight set you should choose a single lens that is a jack of all trades but not excel in anything particular except to make your travel camera set compact and lightweight while at the same time cover long-range and virtually replace 2 or 3 lenses.

If you want the balance between the size of your set and the quality, you should think about packing 2 lenses. With this setup, you might cover pretty much the same range but also get fantastic quality in wide to mid-range in the first lens and combine it with a second lens for telephoto, great portraits, and background blurring options.

In the end, if you are looking for a travel lens setup without any compromises, you will probably pack more than 2 lenses in your bag. In this case, it all depends on your personal choice.

What’s your choice for the best travel lenses? Do you travel with a single lens, 2 lenses, or even more? Is there anything else we haven’t covered? Let us know!

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6 Best Travel Lenses for Canon EOS M50 [2024]

  • Post author: Emma Lucy
  • Post published: August 26, 2022

Whether you’re a vlogger, travel blogger, or just love to document your adventures with your family and friends, having a good travel lens is essential. When it comes to choosing the best travel lens for your Canon M50, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, consider what type of photography you’ll be doing while on your trip.

If you plan on doing a lot of landscape photography, for example, you’ll want a lens with a wide focal length that will allow you to capture the scene in all its glory.

On the other hand, if you’re more interested in portraits, and candid shots of your friends and family, a prime lens might be a better option. Finally, how many lenses do you want to carry with you during your travels?

Here are our best Canon EOS M50 lenses for travel:

  • Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens
  • Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens
  • Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
  • Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4
  • Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 Image Stabilization STM Lens
  • Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 STM Lens

1. Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

The Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens is one of our favorite lenses because it’s a great all-around travel lens.

It provides a wide zoom range, with a maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end and f/6.3 at the telephoto end—a nice balance between being bright enough to allow for decent low light performance, while also allowing you to capture subjects from afar.

If I can only bring one lens with me on a trip, this is the lens I’ve going to bring. I really like its flexibility, which allows me to capture everything under the sun. From sceneries to wildlife, this lens can do it all.

Image Quality

This lens is tack-sharp on both ends. I was actually surprised that even at 150mm, the sharpness is still there. At 18mm, of course, there will be some sort of barrel distortion but it can be fixed in Photoshop or other editing software.

The Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 lens has a decent micro-contrast that can make your subjects pop. The colors are your usual “Canon colors”, which are vibrant and pleasing at the same time.

Also, the images it produces are on the warmer side of the spectrum.

Another great thing I like about this lens is its lack of CA. When I’m shooting against a bright sky, I didn’t notice any chromatic aberration at all, which is something I’m really happy about. Less time in post, more time for shooting!

Oh, and there’s one more thing that surprised me. The lens magnification factor is about 0.31x at 150mm, it’s really useful for taking some close-up shots of small animals, insects, or flowers.

Build Quality & Design

The lens is pretty durable even if it’s mostly made from plastic.

The thing I hate though is, that it has a plastic mount. Given its price, I think it would be better if they used a metal mount instead of plastic.

It’s not weather-sealed as well, but I occasionally used it under light rain, and it’s still working fine.

The lens looks really good, especially the graphite version. It looks modern like my Canon RF lenses.

Using the zoom ring is really smooth and it has a nice resistance when you turn it. It will not become loose even if you use it for a long time. The front element is just about right and it takes 55mm filters.

And thankfully, this lens has an IS! It is useful for shooting videos and when using the telephoto end (150mm) of the lens because it lessens the camera shake.

It seems the autofocus is fast enough and accurate in most situations. The focus instantly locked on when I use it during daylight. However, it tends to hunt when used in poorly lit environments.

But I have to say that this is a common problem with most zoom lenses in this price range.

Overall, the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens is a flexible and convenient lens for travel. It can cover a lot of ground and is ideal for shooting videos. The lens is easy to use and has a nice build quality. I would recommend this lens if you are looking for a travel lens that can cover all your needs.

  • Flexible zoom range
  • Image stabilization
  • Plastic mount
  • Soft corners when shooting wide open

2. Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens

If you want a lens that is small, compact, and great for low light shooting, the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 is a perfect choice. This is an excellent beginner’s lens and is a great choice if you are looking for an affordable lens for your travels.

I like its tiny size and weight, and pairing it with my Canon EOS M50 keeps my camera bag extremely light. I find its STM autofocus really fast even in low light conditions.

The autofocus is also quiet and can be useful for shooting videos.

This lens is also a great complement to the Canon EF-M 18-150mm as it has a wide aperture which is great for portraits and shooting in low light.

It’s small and it’s really sharp! The sharpness from center to corner is surprisingly good even at f/2. It also gets even sharper when stopped down.

This lens is much sharper than the Canon EF-M 18-150mm and it’s actually on par with the Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 when it comes to overall sharpness.

CA and distortion are well-controlled and I don’t have any issues with them.

The Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens has a 7-blade circular aperture which offers a round and nice soft bokeh.

I love using it when shooting portraits and its contrast and saturation are more than enough to make my subject pop from the background.

Lightweight & Compact

It’s a ‘pancake’ lens, which I really like. It’s very small and lightweight, but the build quality is solid. It feels good in my hands and it doesn’t feel cheap at all.

The lens only weighs 105 grams which makes it ideal for travel, especially if you’re going to a place where bringing a large bag is not an option.

I took this lens and my Canon M50 with me on my recent trip to Seoul and it was a perfect companion. They are a great part of my backpacking lifestyle.

It has no IS and weather sealing, however, these issues didn’t bother me at all given its amazing performance and price range.

The Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM is a must-have lens for any Canon EOS M50 user. It’s affordable, light, compact, and offers outstanding image quality. It’s the perfect travel companion lens!

  • Tiny small and weight
  • Excellent image quality
  • Silent and fast AF
  • Not weather-sealed

3. Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary

Next, we have the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 Contemporary, which is an excellent lens for landscapes, astrophotography, and night photography.

The wider focal length allows you to capture sceneries, tall buildings, and nightscapes during your travels.

It’s also a great choice for street photography, as it allows you to capture more of the background in your photos. This lens has a wide angle of view that makes it easy to compose scenes and provides excellent edge-to-edge sharpness.

This lens is actually one of the best Sigma lenses for your Canon EOS M50 .

Great for capturing sceneries

I really like this lens. This is my go-to lens when shooting landscapes and nightscapes. It’s a great lens to capture the vibe of the city and the beauty of nature.

This Sigma lens has a full frame equivalent of 24mm, which is an ideal focal for travel.

It can capture a lot of action in the scene and is an ideal focal length that can give more context to your images.

Composing with this lens is also easier since it allows you to experiment with different angles to get the shot that you want.

Sharpness & Image Quality

I find the lens to be very sharp and the colors are vibrant. Like the Canon lenses, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary tends to produce warm and soft colors.

The microcontrast is there, but it is not as pronounced as it is with the Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4. I was able to get some good sharpness when shooting wide open.

Don’t limit using this lens to just shooting landscapes. This lens can also be quite good for portraits, especially for environmental portraits.

Given its wider focal length, the bokeh it produces is not as creamy as it is with a telephoto lens. However, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 bokeh is quite soft and natural. I also like the way it renders skin tones.

The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is a great addition to your travel kit. It’s wide and fast, which is suitable for most situations. I also recommend this lens to anyone who loves astrophotography and nightscapes.

  • Fast and wide
  • Colors are good
  • Fast autofocus performance
  • Heavier and longer than most prime lenses

4. Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM Lens

It’s a fantastic standard lens for your Canon M50 camera, and it’s a great option for travel photography. The 32mm focal length is ideal for outdoors, street photography, and portraits.

However, as much as I love the Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 for almost everything, I find it to be limiting when shooting indoors and in tight spaces.

That’s why I usually bring another lens which is a wide-angle when I’m traveling. But if you have enough space to compose your shots, the Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM lens is hard to beat. It is one of the best low light lenses .

All I can say is WOW! The Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 has stunning image quality. The lens is sharp even when shooting wide open. The bokeh is creamy and not distracting at all. This is actually my favorite 50mm portrait lens for EF-M mount cameras.

I can easily defocus the background to make my subject pop. The contrast, colors, and saturation are all on point, which adds more “3d pop” to my images.

Barrel distortion and chromatic aberration are very well controlled as well, which is a huge bonus!

It is like shooting an L lens but with an EF-M mount. I can see its similarities with my Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II lens.

I highly recommend this lens to anyone who is looking for a high-quality prime lens that can be used for both portraits and everyday shooting.

Its autofocus is accurate and fast enough for everyday shooting. But I noticed that it gets slower when I’m shooting indoors and in low light. It’s not a big deal for me, but I can see how it would be a problem for some people.

But overall I’m happy with its performance.

If you’re looking for a standard prime lens with a fast aperture, then no doubt, get the Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM lens. Its performance is like an L lens but without a heavy price tag.

It’s small, lightweight, and excellent for any photographers who want to travel light or who just want a good prime lens that won’t break their bank account.

  • Outstanding image quality
  • Great build quality
  • Has a slower AF compared to other EF-M prime lenses

5. Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

This budget telephoto zoom lens is the best choice if you are traveling and want to have more reach with your Canon m50. The 55-200mm focal length is perfect for capturing landscapes or wildlife at a distance.

This lens is a perfect complement to the 18-150mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens, which is a great walkaround lens for everyday use.

Increased Reach

The 55-200mm focal length offers a greater reach than your standard kit zoom, allowing you to capture more distant subjects like mountains or wildlife in their natural habitat.

Moreover, the Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens also has image stabilization technology built-in to help reduce camera shake when shooting at a long focal length.

Pair it with the Canon EOS M50 and you’re going to have a combo that can capture birds in flight with ease. This lens is also an ideal choice if you want to spend the day at the zoo.

Great Performance For Its Price

Believe it or not, this budget lens has a great performance. The sharpness and image quality are consistent throughout the focal range, which is something we don’t always see in budget lenses.

The colors are vivid, which is something that I really like when taking photos of animals and landscapes. As it really brings out the details and their natural beauty.

The autofocus system is reasonably fast and accurate, which allows me to take photos of birds in flight and other wild animals without too much trouble.

Also, the Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to bring along on your travels.

And like all STM lenses, it has a near-silent focusing system that makes it the perfect companion for shooting video.

Do you want to take photos of animals, and birds, or planning to go to the zoo? Bring the Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens along with you and you’ll be able to capture the beautiful moments of these animals without disturbing them.

It’s affordable and has great image quality making it the perfect choice for photographers on a budget.

  • Great image quality
  • Has image stabilization
  • Compact design
  • Images get softer when shooting at 200mm
  • Has a plastic mount

6. Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 STM Lens

The second zoom lens on this list is the Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 STM lens.

This is an ultra-wide to mid range lens that has an equivalent focal length of 16-33mm when paired with a crop sensor camera such as the EOS M series. It features a maximum aperture of f/4 to f/5.6 which isn’t as fast as other lenses on this list but still good enough for most situations.

Its zoom range is useful for almost everything, from landscapes to street photography and even indoor shots. It is also made from durable plastic and has a metal mount unlike the Canon EF-M 18-150mm. Although, the Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 STM Lens is a hair slower in the wide end.

The sharpness is very consistent across the zoom range, especially in the center. There’s a bit of corner softness when shooting at 11mm, which is something I expect for an ultra-wide focal length.

At this focal length, the distortion is very noticeable, so use it with caution.

I also noticed some chromatic aberration in extreme corners when shooting high-contrast scenes. But it is usually an easy fix in Lightroom or Photoshop.

The color and contrast are very good, but not the best. You can’t really compare its overall image quality to an EF-M prime lens. Nevertheless, Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 STM’s performance is more than enough for casual users.

Mid zoom and the 22mm end are very sharp from center to corner and have very little distortion. Another thing that I like about it is the IS.

The image stabilization is extremely useful when shooting handheld, especially at the long end. I can get a sharp image at 1/30 of a second without any problems.

The IS also helps in low-light situations when using longer exposure times.

Its autofocus seems fast and pretty responsive. However, like other slow lenses, it tends to hunt when used in low light.

I love the convenience of using a zoom lens when I’m traveling. The Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 STM Lens is a great choice for an ultra-wide zoom lens. It’s the only EF-M mount lens that has this focal length. So if this particular focal length is important to you, get this lens.

  • Ultra-wide focal length
  • Decent image quality
  • Not the most durable Canon EF-M lens
  • Slow autofocus in low light

There you have it, our list of the best travel lenses for Canon M50. We hope that we could help you decide which lens to bring to your next travel destination.

Emma Lucy is the Founder & CEO of Emma Lucy Photography. She has over a decade of experience shooting weddings and other intimate events. She also tests the latest digital camera bodies, lenses, analog cameras, and other gear from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands. She is From London and currently lives in the United States of America, where she spends most of her time as a self-employed professional photographer and writer.

The best lenses for the Canon EOS R6 and EOS R6 Mark II in 2024

We think the best lenses for the EOS R6 and R6 Mark II are those that reflect their strengths – speed, low light, sports and events

The Quick List

  • Best everyday lens
  • Best telephoto zoom
  • Best 50mm lens
  • Best ultra-wide zoom
  • Best super-telephoto
  • Best macro lens
  • Best for portraits
  • Best for the streets
  • Best for architecture
  • Best ultra-wide prime
  • Best for video
  • How to choose
  • How we test

Canon EOS R6

The Quick List ↩ 1. Best everyday lens 2. Best telephoto zoom 3. Best 50mm lens 4. Best ultra-wide zoom 5. Best super-telephoto 6. Best macro lens 7. Best for portraits 8. Best for the streets 9. Best for architecture 10.   Best ultra-wide prime 11. Best for video How to choose How we test

Choosing the best lenses for the Canon EOS R6 or the more recent Canon EOS R6 Mark II means weighing up the abilities of these two mirrorless cameras, and the kind of photographers and videographers they appeal to. Resolution nuts will bypass it completely in favor of the EOS R5 , but the R6 cameras do have advantages of their own.

For a start, the resolutions are modest by today’s standards, especially amongst full-frame mirrorless cameras , but still perfectly adequate for sports and wildlife, wedding, social and event photography. The Canon EOS R6 has a resolution of 20MP, while the R6 Mark II has a 24MP sensor. You can see all the differences between the two in our R6 vs R6 Mark II guide .

The lower pixel count means improve burst speeds and buffer capacity for sports and wildlife, improved image quality at higher ISOs in indoor venues, night-time events, and other challenging situations – and let’s not forget that it’s a lot cheaper than the R5!

So here we’ve picked a selection of lenses that suit this camera and the things it’s good at doing. We do have a bigger list of the best Canon RF lenses , but this is more selective, and aimed at this particular model.

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has over 20 years’ experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). He has a wealth of knowledge about cameras of all makes, but Canon is one of his preferred systems for everyday shooting, which means he’s always keen to try out new Canon lenses.

Canon RF 24-70mm product shot

A 24-70mm zoom is a must-have for many photographers, and this option is sharp and snappy, with first-rate image quality. Read more below…

Canon RF 70-200mm product shot

The R6 is great for fast-moving subjects like sports and wildlife, and this zoom is the perfect partner for getting closer to the action. Read more below…

Canon RF 50mm product shot

It’s big for a 50mm prime, and it packs some heft too – but once you see the quality of its images, all will be forgiven. Read more below…

Canon RF 15-35mm product shot

Tailor-made for landscapes and interiors, this ultra-wide zoom is a good choice for sport photography as well, thanks to speedy autofocus. Read more below…

Canon RF 100-500mm product shot

We love this zoom for sports and wildlife, where you need to shoot from a distance: it’s one of the best Canon zooms we’ve tried. Read more below…

Canon RF 100mm Macro product shot

This is one of the best macro lenses we’ve used on any camera, with better than full-size magnification and gorgeous detail. Read more below…

View the full list ⤵

Canon RF 85mm product shot

This is one of the best portrait lenses money can buy, with fantastic subject separation – but you’ll need some muscle to use it. Read more below…

Canon RF 35mm Macro product shot

We love this prime lens in grab-and-go situations like street photography or events – and it’s got a macro option too. Read more below…

Canon RF 10-20mm product shot

This ultra-wide zoom is just the job for high buildings and epic interiors, especially if shooting space is tight. Read more below…

Laowa 15mm product shot

This prime is ideal for astrophotography, thanks to its wide field of view and a maximum aperture that copes with low light. Read more below…

Canon RF 24-105mm Z product shot

This isn’t just a stills lens that’s handy for video: it’s a pro-grade hybrid, both stills and cine, with a constant f/2.8 aperture. Read more below…

Best lenses for the Canon R6 & R6 Mark II in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Best everyday lens for the R6

Canon RF 24-70mm

1. Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The 24-70mm f/2.8 has become the standard 'pro' lens for every full-frame camera system, offering a constant maximum aperture and first-rate image quality. We'll admit it's not quite perfect with somewhat average edge sharpness, though this might be a lot less obvious on the 20MP EOS R6. 

Otherwise, it’s snappy, it’s sharp, it’s stabilized and it even suppresses focus breathing, so this makes it an especially capable lens for videographers too. It also has image stabilization, and while this is perhaps less important with the R6, which has IBIS, every little helps, as they say.

The alternatives to this lens are the monster-sized Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM , but that lacks stabilization and only goes to a 28mm wide-angle view rather than 24mm. Or there's the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM , but that's quite big too, and one f-stop slower.

Read more: Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM review  

  • Back to the top ⤴

Best telephoto zoom for the R6

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

2. Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

A 70-200mm f/2.8 is the third 'trinity' lens at the heart of most pro camera systems, especially a camera like the EOS R6, which is perfect for sports, wildlife, and event photography. And while Canon’s RF lenses are often criticized for feeling big and heavy on mirrorless bodies, this one remains reasonably slim and svelte. Compared with the latest EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens for Canon's D-SLRs, it’s significantly smaller and only about two thirds of the weight – mostly because this RF edition has an extending inner barrel rather than a fixed physical length. 

Autofocus is amazingly rapid, based on dual Nano USM actuators, and three switchable modes are on offer for static and panning shots, plus a third option that applies stabilization only during exposures. This makes it easier to track erratically moving objects in the viewfinder, or via the camera’s rear screen.

Read more: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM review

Best 50mm lens for the R6

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 USM

3. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

This lens is big, and this lens is heavy, but man is the quality worth it. This is one of the sharpest prime lenses money can buy, but you better have a lot of money as this lens is also eye-wateringly expensive. 

The EF version of this Canon 50mm L series was the go-to prime lens for an entire generation of professional photographers due to its incredible optical rendering. The RF version has become a little more clinical, with incredible sharpness and clarity, but still keeps that beautiful background blur and subject isolation with its huge f/1.2 aperture. The 50mm focal length is also perfect for a range of subjects, as a versatile creative tool, this lens is almost unrivaled by any other Canon lens.

Read more: Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM review

Best ultra-wide zoom for the R6

Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM

4. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM

The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 is perfect for landscape, architectural and travel photography – as well as close-up sporting action, thanks to its super-fast Nano USM autofocus system. You can really exaggerate the perspective between background and foreground areas when shooting at the wide end of the zoom range, although it's worth noting corner sharpness does drop off a bit. 

An ultra-wide zoom might not be an essential buy for all Canon EOS R6 owners, but this is the third and final part of the 'trinity' lenses that practically every pro will have on their list. The constant f/2.8 maximum with a 5-stop image stabilizer enables great handheld performance under low lighting conditions. Unlike with some ultra-wide-angle lenses, another bonus is that the hood is removable, so filters can be easily fitted via the 82mm attachment ring .

Read more: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM review

Best super-telephoto lens for the R6

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

5. Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

The Canon EOS R6 is perfectly equipped for sports and wildlife, with sophisticated AI subject recognition and a super-fast burst rate. But very often your subjects are some way off, and you need a more powerful telephoto. The Canon RF 100-500mm is a superb addition to the rapidly expanding range of RF-mount lenses for Canon's EOS R-series cameras.

It combines Canon's legendary L-series build quality with premium optical performance that's up there with the very best Canon zoom lenses we've tested. Its autofocus is also optimized to match the AF and in-body stabilization of the EOS R6, and while this is a big lens with a comparative mode f/4.5-7.1 aperture range, it does offer an impressive 5x zoom range for quickly adapting to different subject distances out in the field.

Read more: Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM review

Best macro lens for the R6

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens on Canon EOS R5

6. Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 Macro IS USM

This is truly a unique macro lens, no matter what camera system you’re considering. It takes its heritage from the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, but builds on it enormously for the RF range. Up to eight stops of hybrid image stabilization steady the frame, while a bright f/2.8 aperture lets light soak into the image sensor.

It has better magnification with a reproduction ratio of 1.4:1 (1:1 is required for genuine macro performance) which means more detail in macro subject capture. And there’s even a spherical aberration control ring on the lens to control a soft focus effect, adding flattering bokeh to images. It also doubles as a standard lens as it can focus to infinity.

Read more: Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 Macro IS USM review  

Best portrait photography lens for the R6

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

7. Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Switching away from sports and wildlife for the moment and back to commercial and events photography, the EOS R6's other great strength, there's this – perhaps the best portrait lens in the world. It's the pièce de résistance of the Canon RF lenses and possibly one of the finest portrait lenses we've ever used. It's fiercely sharp, even when shooting at f/1.2, and when shooting wide open, it delivers sublime subject separation and a beautifully blurred background. 

However, it's a beast of a lens weighing almost 1.2kg with dimensions of 103.2x117.3mm. As it's so heavy it's especially well suited to the Canon EOS R6 as it has in-body stabilization which will help to steady the setup while you're shooting. It's also probably not the best lens to invest in if you plan on taking it traveling or hiking as it's bound to weigh you down. 

Chances are if you're a pro you could justify the cost of this lens but if not, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 will still deliver beautiful images only at a fraction of the weight and price and has a handy 'macro' capability too. 

Read more: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM review

Best street photography lens for the R6

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM

8. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM

The 35mm focal length has long been associated with street photography, but we reckon this great little prime lens would be equally useful for wedding, social or event photography, as a quick grab-and-go lens, maybe on a second body. The semi-wide 35mm focal length is versatile, the f/1.8 maximum aperture will give you decent shutter speeds in low light and good background blur, and while the macro facility only offers 0.5x magnification rather than true 1x macro, it still gets you close enough for frame-filling shots of the rings, wedding invites, cake decorations and all the other atmospheric details of social events. 

It’s wonderfully compact and lightweight, as well as only costing about a fifth of the price of Canon’s bulky f/1.2 lenses. Indeed, the relatively small and inexpensive build enabled by the more modest aperture rating makes you wonder why Canon hasn’t made more f/1.8 RF primes yet. 

Read more: Canon 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM review

Best architectural photography lens for the R6

Canon RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM lens

9. Canon RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM

Until now the widest RF-mount lens you could buy was the RF 15-35mm f/4L IS USM, but now Canon has really upped the ante with this 10-20mm offering. It provides much-improved potential for landscape and architectural shots, especially for interiors when you’re cramped for space. 

The optical image stabilizer is a nice bonus when capturing night-time cityscapes without a tripod, while the really short minimum focus distance is ideal for giving a fresh perspective to close-ups. Our only gripes are, like many ultra-wide-angle lenses, the hood isn’t removable, which is a potential issue if you want to use filters.

Read more: Canon RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM hands-on review

Best ultra-wide prime for the R6

Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D

10. Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D

Listed as the fastest wide-angle prime RF lens you can buy right now, this manual-focus prime is an excellent addition to any kit bag for the Canon EOS R5 owner. Relatively lightweight considering the wide field of view and perfect for astro or other low light situations thanks to the bright f/2 aperture. It’s equally adept at shooting in the day, providing next to no image distortion.

There’s no autofocus in this 15mm though, so it might be best for subjects such as landscape and architectural photography where autofocusing on moving subjects isn’t important. 

Read more: Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D review  

Best videography lens for the R6

Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 IS USM Z lens on a Canon EOS R5 camera being used by a male photographer

11. Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z

This is a 24-105mm lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture: a dream lens of so many photographers for so long. But this lens comes with a bit of a twist; instead of being a photography lens that is also good for video, Canon has decided to make a true hybrid lens that walks the line between cine lens and stills lens.

The new addition of the 'Z' ( Nikon 's trademark lawyers must be watching closely!) in the lens name stands for ‘zoom’, or rather ‘power zoom’, but not to be confused with other PZ or PTZ cameras, Canon seems to have just stuck with the single Z. But in reality, the lens doesn’t have actually power zoom built into it, instead requiring an additional Power Zoom Adapter for any assisted zooming functions.

This lens is considerably bigger than the RF 24-70mm f/2.8, but image quality is sublime, with sharp results throughout the zoom range in our testing. The lens unfortunately is prohibitively expensive for most who aren’t dedicated professionals in both stills and video, but if you intend to use your R6 or R6 II in this role, then the outlay could well be worth it.

Read more: Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z review

How to choose the best lens for the Canon EOS R6

Do all canon lenses fit the eos r6.

The R6 uses the Canon RF mount, which means it works with all RF and RF-S lenses. RF lenses are designed for use with full-frame Canon camera such as the R6, and there are lots to choose from. RF-S lenses are made with APS-C Canon cameras such as the R10 in mind: on the R6, they produce a cropped image compared with an RF lens at the same focal length.

The R6 can also use Canon's older EF and EF-S lenses for DLSRs, but you have to buy a Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapter to fit the lenses.

The R6 can’t use EF-M lenses, which are made for the Canon EOS M series of cameras. No adaptor has been released for EF-M lenses. 

How do I know which lens to get for my R6?

The reason there are so many types of lens in the first place is that different scenes demand different lens designs, particularly when it comes to focal length and aperture rating.

Usually, you will decide what you want to photograph, then get a lens with the focal length that suits the situation. For example, to shoot landscapes you will need a wide-angle lens, while for sports and wildlife you will need a telephoto.

You can watch this video that explains focal length : it helps you work out what kind of lenses you need for different genres of photography. 

How we test lenses

The lens experts in our testing lab run a range of tests under controlled conditions, using the Imatest Master testing suite. Photos of test charts are taken across the range of apertures and zooms (where available), then analyzed for sharpness, distortion and chromatic aberrations.

We use Imatest SFR (spatial frequency response) charts and analysis software to plot lens resolution at the centre of the image frame, corners and mid-point distances, across the range of aperture settings and, with zoom lenses, at four different focal lengths.

There's more to it than just the technical side, though! Beyond the lab, our reviewers test lenses in real-world environments – and sometimes on professional shoots! We work with lenses both indoors and outdoors, in studio conditions and in natural light, with as many different subjects as is possible (or appropriate – there's no point testing a landscape lens' ability to shoot a portrait!). 

We take into account everything from handling and ease of use to speed of autofocus and the overall quality of the images produced. 

Find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World

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James Artaius

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine ,  PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine ,  N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine ,  Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show . He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.

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travel lens for canon

click here to view the press release

12/05/2023: New firmware updates are available.

EOS R3 - Version 1.6.0

EOS R6 Mark II - Version 1.3.0

EOS R6 - Version 1.8.3

EOS R7 - Version 1.4.0

EOS R8 - Version 1.2.0

EOS R10 - Version 1.4.0

Selphy QX10 - Version 1.1.0.0

09/26/2023: New firmware updates are available.

CN-E45-135mm T 2.4 L F - Version 1.4.0

EOS 1DX Mark III - Version 1.8.0

EOS R5 - Version 1.9.0

WFT-R10A - Version 1.3.0

07/31/2023: New firmware updates are available.

CR-N700 - Version 1.2.0

CR-N500 - Version 1.3.0

CR-N300 - Version 1.3.0

CR-X300 - Version 1.1.0

05/18/2023: New firmware updates are available.

EOS Rebel T100 - Version 1.1.0

EOS Rebel T7 - Version 1.2.0

EOS 5D Mark IV - Version 1.4.0

PowerShot Elph 360HS - Version 1.1.0.0

PowerShot SX420 IS - Version 1.1.0.0

PowerShot 620 HS - Version 1.1.0.0

PowerShot SX720 HS - Version 1.1.0.0

PowerShot G1X Mark III - Version 1.1.0.0

PowerShot G7X Mark II - Version 1.2.0.0

PowerShot G9X Mark II - Version 1.1.0.0

03/30/2023: New firmware updates are available.

Speedlite EL-1 - Version 1.0.2

03/30/2023: Product Advisory for EF50 F1.2 L USM

  • Does a macro extender affect depth of field? in Camera Accessories 03-14-2024
  • EOS M50 Mark II & EF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS II USM Won't Focus in EF & RF Lenses 03-14-2024
  • ARE YOU KIDDING? - Lens availability in EF & RF Lenses 03-13-2024
  • Is the R7 as a second camera the right choice for an amateur like me? in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras 03-13-2024
  • Which Lens Should I Buy Next for My R50? in EF & RF Lenses 03-13-2024

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best travel lens for canon eos r6

The Best Travel Lens for Canon EOS R6

Canon EOS R6 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera with 4K Video, Full-Frame CMOS Senor, DIGIC X Image...

  • High Image Quality featuring a New 20 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor.
  • DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-102400; Expandable to 204800.
  • High-speed continuous shooting of up to 12 fps with Mechanical Shutter and up to 20 fps electronic (silent) shutter.

What is the best travel lens for Canon EOS R6?

So you’re planning on travelling and wondering which lens is best for travel photography with your Canon EOS R6?

These days, most travelers use their smartphones to take pictures and post them on Facebook or Instagram. Don’t get me wrong, you can make impressive pictures with recent smartphones and they are very useful to document little details of your trip, but they are limited to one perspective.

So you’ll probably need a lense with a focal range that will allow you to get shots that are impossible to get with your cell phone (zoom or wide angle).

What makes a good travel lens?

Well, this is extremely subjective and depends on the type of photo you will make when you will be on the road. It also depends on how often you’re going to use it. Any lens can be good for travel, but having to commute by train, bus, plane, and moving around all the time makes it hard to carry a huge bag dedicated to your favourite lenses. There are always the risks to pay extra fees for them, to break them during the trip or to get your bag stolen.

Hence, most photographers like to travel light, with the lightest and most versatile setup possible. Getting the most out of one or two lenses is probably the way to go, with a range .

You may not know for sure what kind of shot you are about to make during your trip. If you plan on taking portraits, wildlife, street scenes but also landscapes, a zoom lens will be perfect since they offers the advantage of allowing close-ups and scenery shots, to some extent. For a more versatile use, this kind of lens will be the perfect fit.

Travels are full of surprises, and you may want to grab your Canon EOS R6 and shoot as quickly as possible. For this situation, the best lens will be a bright wide angle lens since they are usually a good choice for street photography. They allow for close-ups and large scenes, and are generally pretty small and convenient to carry. If you are planning a city trip, this kind of lens should be attached in permanence to the body of your Canon EOS R6.

Every photographer has its own favourite setup for snapping on the go. But if you are not sure on what travel lens to choose for your Canon EOS R6, this small selection is suitable for most photographic opportunities while traveling.

Note: the product links in this article lead to Amazon.com

Canon RF 24-105mm f4L IS USM (All around travel lens)

Canon rf 35mm f/1.8 macro is stm (cheap, compact & light travel lens), canon rf 15-35mm f2.8 l is usm (wide angle).

  • Useful accessories

Here’s the Top 3 travel lenses you should consider for your Canon EOS R6:

Canon RP which lens

This versatile zoom is offered as an entry kit into the EOS R market. Perfect for shooting all kinds of scenes such as streets, portraits or landscapes, with a minimum focusing distance of 45 cm, its 5-speed stabilizer and USM engine, it is a balanced, robust and waterproof tool. Responsive and space-saving, it avoids frequent optical changes and its constant maximum aperture at f/4 makes it bright. In manual mode, the distances are displayed in the viewfinder. Once again, the great novelty is the increased reactivity and sharpness of the image resulting from the 54 mm frame and its 12-pin connectors.

All the objectives of the range are designed in this way and represent tools for the future. A new control ring at the end of the lens allows the assignment of functions such as aperture, exposure compensation, shutter speed, etc. In video, fluidity is also ensured. Note that a zoom lock button is available for transporting the camera. Another alternative is the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM : it’s 50 grams heavier but has a much larger focal range (but no resistance to moisture and dust).

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens, Black - 2963C002

  • Compact, high-quality Lens with broad zoom range for the EOS R system
  • Bright, constant f/4.0 zoom Lens
  • First L-Series Lens with Nano USM

best lenses for Canon EOS RP

Very compact, this 35 mm lens weighs only 305 g and has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and a minimum aperture of f/22. It allows a focus at 17 cm and offers a reproduction ratio close to 1:2. We obtain a nice bokeh and its optical stabilization system compensates up to 5 EV. An STM engine provides smooth transitions that are highly appreciated in video applications. It is also equipped with a ring to be set which is close to the one used for focusing. There can be confusion between the two despite their different finishes.

As with the other lenses in the range, the distance scale is displayed on the viewfinder. However, it has a vignetting with a large diaphragm aperture. The cheapest in the RF range, it has no waterproofing treatment. Its lenses are not in the L range but have undergone a Super Spectra treatment on the surface.

It’s a lens that allows you to take sharp pictures and its versatility is appreciated while on a trip. Very useful for street photos, portraits or close-ups, its small size makes it a very popular tool for travel photography. It’s delivered with a sun visor.

Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens, Black

  • Compact macro Lens with 0.5x Magnification Ratio
  • Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.56 ft. ; 0.17M
  • Control Ring for direct setting changes

travel lens for canon

It’s an ultra-wide angle lens that will allow you to take impressive photos of landscapes and architecture. Its f2.8 aperture is also perfect for astrophotography, and its minimum focusing distance of 28 cm is useful for close-ups and portraits. As for the rest of the RF range, the manufacturing of the lens is impeccable and its grip pleasant. The autofocus is perfectly silent and fast. The sharpness of the RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM is less than that of the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 but it remains decent.

For its negative points, it is sold a bit expensive, and it is heavy and bulky but it is the only option in RF wide angle lens.

In short, if you’re looking for a wide angle lens to accompany you on your travels, this 15-35mm is a good option.

Canon Rf 15-35mm F2.8 L is USM

  • High image quality and bright f/2.8 wide-angle zoom RF L lens
  • Optical image stabilization of up to 5 Stops* of shake correction
  • High speed, smooth and quiet auto focus with Nano USM

☛ MORE TRAVEL LENSES

  • The Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM offers a fantastic image quality and should be considered if you have the money for it and don’t mind the weight.
  • For other travel lenses options, check this out: The best lenses for Canon EOS R5

Useful accessories for travel photography

Travels can be hectic, so you want to make sure that your lenses are safe and sound all along the trip. A good quality carry bag is mandatory to protect them from the weather and bumps. A UV filter will also help protect your lens by adding a layer of glass that can be scratched or dripping with water with no harm to the lens. Finally, a polarizing filter is always useful to get a glare-free result in any shooting scenario you might face.

Here is a small selection of useful accessories to complement your lenses and your Canon EOS R6:

Amazon Basics Large DSLR Gadget Bag, Black with Orange Interior, Solid

If you want to go on a trip soon and are wondering what is the best travel lens for the Canon EOS R6 , think in advance about the types of photos you plan to take mainly: landscapes, portraits, night shots… Think about the focal lengths you need for that.

You can also go on Google, type in the name of the country or the tourist sites you want to visit and you will see which focal lengths are mainly used. This will give you an idea of what equipment you will need to bring but remember that taking a single lens with you might be too limiting. The flexibility of an all-around lens is very useful but generally they offer a lower image quality than a fixed focal length.

Another thing, if you plan to do a lot of walking or hiking, take into account the total weight with the camera body and the lens. If the whole thing is too heavy or bulky and lacks discretion, you won’t want to bother with it and would rather just take your smartphone with you. You may also not want to risk damaging an extremely expensive lens.

And finally, perhaps the most decisive point about choosing the perfect travel lens for your Canon EOS R6 will be if you need to get a portfolio of professional quality travel photos or videos (it may be your business or it may become your business who knows?).

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IMAGES

  1. Canon Portrait & Travel 2 Lens Kit with 50mm f/1.8 0570C010

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  2. Tested: Three of the Best Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

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  3. Top Canon Full-Frame Lenses for Travel Photography in 2019

    travel lens for canon

  4. Best Lenses for the Canon M50

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  5. Best Travel Lenses for Canon EOS R50

    travel lens for canon

  6. 9 BEST Canon Travel Lenses In 2023

    travel lens for canon

COMMENTS

  1. 16 Best Canon Travel Lenses (2024 MASSIVE Review)

    All Around Best Travel Lens for Canon Full Frame - Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM. Best Full Frame Budget Travel Lens for Canon - Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di LD. Best Full Frame Professional Travel Lens for Canon - Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. Best Full Frame Prime Travel Lens for Canon - Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM.

  2. 10 Best Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

    While the Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM may not boast the widest aperture or the longest zoom, its stabilization, versatility, and portability make it a practical choice for travelers. It's also an affordable travel lens you can take anywhere. 4. Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM. Best Ultra-Wide Prime Lens.

  3. 10 Best Canon Lenses for Travel Photography in 2024 (Top Picks)

    The best Canon lens for travel photography can depend on your specific needs and shooting style. However, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L USM Lens is a versatile option that offers excellent color balance and full-time manual focus. For those interested in portraits or low light photography, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens could be ideal. ...

  4. Best lenses for travel photography in 2024

    Overall, however, each of the improvements is quite subtle rather than making a hugely noticeable difference. Read the full Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM review. (Image credit: Tamron) 2. Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD. Best travel lens for APS-C Canon DSLRs.

  5. 9 BEST Canon Travel Lenses

    CANON RF 24-240MM f/4-6.3 IS USM - FROM $899. The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is another of the best Canon travel photography lenses. The 24mm wide-angle will offer up a more dramatic perspective from closer to the subject, while the 240mm telephoto will zoom in on your subject from afar. This lens has been designed for use with APS-C ...

  6. Best Canon Travel Lenses To Buy In 2024 (W/ Examples)

    5. Affordable Canon Telephoto Lens: Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens. Finally, a telephoto lens is also essential for professional travel photography. First, by stepping back and zooming in, a telephoto lens will compress the background, making it appear much grander and more dramatic.

  7. Best Canon Lens for Travel Photography

    Top Photography Travel Bags; Best Canon Prime Lens for Travel Photography. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the perfect prime lens for travel photography to pair with a traditional zoom lens. This nifty fifty is compact and lightweight (6 ounces) and will take up almost no additional space in your camera bag.

  8. What is the Best Travel Lens for Canon?

    The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 lens is an all-in-one lens, and one of the best Canon lenses for travel. For starters, this compact lens features a flexible zoom range of 24 to 105mm, which means photographers can go from wide-angle streetscape shots to zoomed in portraits or wildlife subjects—all within seconds, and without the need for a lens ...

  9. THE 7 BEST Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

    Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM - $404.49. View on adorama. View on Amazon. The Canon EF-S 18-135mm is hands down the best travel lens under $500. The focal length variability is borderline shocking- with the ultra-wide angle 18 mm length to the telephoto being at 135 mm.

  10. Best Travel Lens Canon: A 2023 Guide

    Here's a quick snapshot of the top 3 Canon lenses that excel in various aspects of travel photography, including the best Canon travel lens for each category, as well as some of the best Canon travel lenses available, and a mention of a popular canon travel lens: Best Canon Lens Overall: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM: When discussing ...

  11. Best Travel Lenses For Canon Cameras [2024 Review]

    Review of the Best Travel Lenses For Canon Cameras. Best Overall: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens. Runner-up: Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6. Best for the Money: Sigma 18-35mm F1.8. Best Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit: Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit.

  12. 10 Best Lenses for Travel Photography (in 2024)

    4. Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR. The Nikon Z 24-240mm f/4-6.3 is a solid mirrorless lens for travel photography; the zoom range makes it capable of handling nearly any situation, and the quiet autofocus is great for capturing people and even wildlife unobtrusively. The lens boasts plenty of travel photography possibilities thanks to its ...

  13. 14 Best Travel Lenses in 2024 (Prime and Zoom)

    The wide zoom range allows for many types of photography. You can shoot everything from real-estate interiors to close-cut portraits. That's why the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is the best travel lens for Canon mirrorless cameras. 3. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3. Buy from Amazon.com.

  14. The Best Canon Lenses for traveling in 2024

    The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a top-of-the-line standard zoom lens that should be at the top of your list for all-around travel lenses. Its impressive focal length range and fast aperture make it an ideal choice for capturing a wide range of photography, from landscapes and portraits to street scenes and architecture.

  15. Best Travel Lenses for Canon DSLR Cameras

    It's one of the most popular Canon all-round lenses for APS-C cameras because of its almost ideal focal length range. When you convert 18-135 mm into 35 mm equivalent you will get 28.8 mm to 216 mm which makes it a great travel lens to use it all the time.

  16. The Best Travel Lens for Canon EOS R5

    Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM (Cheap, Compact & Light Travel Lens) Weight: 305 g. Filter size: 52 mm. Very compact, this 35 mm lens weighs only 305 g and has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and a minimum aperture of f/22. It allows a focus at 17 cm and offers a reproduction ratio close to 1:2.

  17. 6 Best Travel Lenses for Canon EOS M50 [2024]

    The Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens is one of our favorite lenses because it's a great all-around travel lens. It provides a wide zoom range, with a maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end and f/6.3 at the telephoto end—a nice balance between being bright enough to allow for decent low light performance, while also allowing you to capture subjects from afar.

  18. Best lenses for the Canon EOS R6 in 2024

    A 70-200mm f/2.8 is the third 'trinity' lens at the heart of most pro camera systems, especially a camera like the EOS R6, which is perfect for sports, wildlife, and event photography. And while Canon's RF lenses are often criticized for feeling big and heavy on mirrorless bodies, this one remains reasonably slim and svelte.

  19. Amazon.com : Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens : Electronics

    Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras - Fixed (Renewed) ... Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit with 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm Lenses (Renewed) dummy. Canon EF 500mm f/4L is II USM Lens. Try again! Details . Added to Cart. Add to Cart . Try again! Details .

  20. Re: Low budget RF lenses

    These 3 lenses are budget friendly and respectable performers. I have the RF 100-400. I purchased it to replace the EF 70-300 USM II as a lightweight travel zoom. Its a nice lens with modest reach. It will pair nicely with an R62. The other 2 also have their merits. The 35mm is popular for video and street photography.

  21. Recommendation for travel zoom lens for my Canon 600D?

    Looking for a Zoom lens for my canon 600D (APS-C), but I do not know where to start. Owner of 35, 50 and 18-55mm. Looking for larger focal length. Preferred Canon EF Second preferred Canon EF-S Third preferred a compatible Tamron Occasionally shooting wild life (rarely). No movie, just photo.

  22. Kiyevsky Railway Terminal to Elektrostal

    Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from Kiyevsky Railway Terminal to Elektrostal right here. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators ...

  23. Visit Elektrostal: 2024 Travel Guide for Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast

    Travel Guide. Check-in. Check-out. Guests. Search. Explore map. Visit Elektrostal. Things to do. Check Elektrostal hotel availability. Check prices in Elektrostal for tonight, Feb 1 - Feb 2. Tonight. Feb 1 - Feb 2. Check prices in Elektrostal for tomorrow night, Feb 2 - Feb 3. Tomorrow night.

  24. The Best Travel Lens for Canon EOS R6

    Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM (Cheap, Compact & Light Travel Lens) Weight: 305 g. Filter size: 52 mm. Very compact, this 35 mm lens weighs only 305 g and has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and a minimum aperture of f/22. It allows a focus at 17 cm and offers a reproduction ratio close to 1:2.

  25. Moscow to Elektrostal

    Central PPK operates a train from Ploschad Tryokh Vokzalov to Fryazevo 4 times a day. Tickets cost RUB 120 - RUB 170 and the journey takes 44 min. Train operators. Central PPK. Other operators. BlaBlaCar. Taxi from Moscow Central Bus Station to Elektrostal.

  26. How to get to Elektrostal from 5 nearby airports

    Travel from. To. See all options. Search accommodation with Expedia. Duration: 50 min: Distance: 42 mi: Average price: $15: Nearby airports: 5 found: Closest airports to Elektrostal. The nearest airport to Elektrostal is Zhukovsky (ZIA). However, there are better options for getting to Elektrostal. You can take a train from Moscow Domodedovo ...