Best standard zoom lenses: Top Picks

Our catalogue lists 485 standard zoom lenses. General-purpose zooms that start at 35mm or wider and reach somewhere between 50mm and 135mm.

How these were picked. Lenses are ranked using only data in our catalogue: those with editorial notes first, then those with a photo and a buying link, newer release years where known, and faster maximum apertures as a tie-breaker. This is a data-based shortlist, not a hands-on test ranking.

1. 

   1.Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S II

   24-70mm · f/2.8 · Nikon Z

   A 2025 second-generation Z standard zoom with an internal zoom design, so the barrel does not extend. It uses 77mm filters and is built for hybrid stills and video work.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR
2. 

   2.Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR

   16-50mm · f/2.8 · Nikon Z

   Nikon's DX zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture and VR, announced as Nikon's first f/2.8 zoom for the DX Z lineup, introduced in 2025. It weighs about 330g and focuses as close as 0.15m at 16mm.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
3. 

   3.Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM

   28-70mm · f/2.8 · Canon RF

   A compact f/2.8 standard zoom for Canon RF full-frame cameras with stabilization and stepping-motor autofocus.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z
4. 

   4.Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z

   24-105mm · f/2.8 · Canon RF

   Canon's standard zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture, image stabilization and an internal zoom design, introduced in 2023. It is aimed at hybrid shooters who work in both stills and video.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
5. 

   5.Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

   20-70mm · f/4.0 · Sony E

   A wide-to-standard full-frame zoom for Sony E-mount with constant f/4. It starts at 20mm, wider than the common 24mm standard zoom.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
6. 

   6.Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM

   24-50mm · f/4.5 · Canon RF

   The RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is a compact kit zoom for Canon RF full-frame cameras with stabilization and stepping-motor autofocus.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
7. 

   7.Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S

   24-120mm · f/4.0 · Nikon Z

   A versatile standard zoom for Nikon Z full-frame cameras with a constant f/4 aperture and a longer range than the 24-70mm f/4.

   Specs Buy on Amazon
8. 

   8.Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM

   24-105mm · f/4.0 · Canon RF

   A compact standard zoom for Canon RF full-frame cameras with stabilization and a stepping motor. Variable aperture.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with RF 28-70mm F2.0 L USM
9. 

   9.Canon RF 28-70mm F2.0 L USM

   28-70mm · f/2.0 · Canon RF

   A large-aperture standard zoom for Canon RF full-frame cameras with a constant f/2 aperture. No image stabilization; large and heavy.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM
10. 

    10.Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM

    24-105mm · f/4.0 · Canon RF

    A constant-f/4 standard zoom for Canon RF with stabilization and L-series build. It is a common kit lens with RF bodies.

    Specs Buy on Amazon
11. 

    11.Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4 S

    24-70mm · f/4.0 · Nikon Z

    A compact standard zoom for Nikon Z full-frame cameras that retracts for transport. A common kit lens with Z bodies.

    Specs Buy on Amazon
12. 

    12.Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS

    24-105mm · f/4.0 · Sony E

    A full-frame standard zoom for Sony E-mount covering 24-105mm at constant f/4. It has Optical SteadyShot and a dust and moisture resistant design.

    Specs Buy on Amazon