Best standard zoom lenses for Canon EF: Top Picks

Our catalogue lists 63 standard zoom lenses for Canon EF. 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.Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

   24-105mm · f/24.0 · Canon EF

   A lighter, non-L alternative to the 24-105mm f/4L with a stepping motor, stabilization and full-frame coverage. Aimed at video-friendly kit use.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
2. 

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

   24-70mm · f/2.8 · Canon EF

   The second generation of Canon's pro standard zoom, with a constant f/2.8 aperture and weather sealing for demanding full-frame work.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 USM
3. 

   3.Canon EF 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 USM

   24-85mm · f/3.5 · Canon EF

   A mid-1990s standard zoom with USM, light enough for everyday use. It covers a handy 24mm wide end on full frame.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art
4. 

   4.Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art

   24-70mm · f/2.8 · Canon EF

   Sigma's stabilized 24-70mm f/2.8 Art zoom for full-frame DSLRs, with an HSM focus motor, an 82mm filter thread and a close focus limit of 0.37 m. The built-in Optical Stabilizer sets it apart from many rivals in this ...

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art
5. 

   5.Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art

   24-105mm · f/4.0 · Canon EF

   A stabilized f/4 standard zoom from the Art line covering 24-105mm. It weighs about 885 g and uses an 82mm filter thread.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM
6. 

   6.Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM

   24-70mm · f/24.0 · Canon EF

   A lighter alternative to the f/2.8 standard zoom with stabilization and a macro mode at the long end. Weather-sealed L-series build.

   Specs Compare with EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
7. 

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

   24-105mm · f/24.0 · Canon EF

   A constant-f/4 standard zoom with image stabilization. Canon sold it as a kit lens with several full-frame bodies, and it remains a common general-purpose choice.

   Specs Compare with EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
8. 

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

   24-70mm · f/24.0 · Canon EF

   The 2002 original 24-70mm f/2.8L, a bulky standard zoom whose front barrel extends as you zoom. It was replaced by the Mark II in 2012.

   Specs Compare with EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM
9. 

   9.Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM

   28-105mm · f/28.0 · Canon EF

   A common general-purpose zoom from around 2000 and a frequent kit lens for film and early digital EOS cameras. It is compact with a 58mm filter thread.

   Specs Compare with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
10. 

    10.Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

    28-135mm · f/28.0 · Canon EF

    A mid-range zoom with stabilization and USM focusing. It was a mainstream Canon kit lens for many EOS bodies.

    Specs Compare with EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM
11. 

    11.Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM

    28-70mm · f/28.0 · Canon EF

    Canon's 1993 pro standard zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture. The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L replaced it in 2002.

    Specs Compare with 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
12. 

    12.Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

    17-50mm · f/2.8 · Canon EF

    A constant f/2.8 standard zoom for APS-C DSLRs with Optical Stabilizer and a hypersonic motor. It weighs about 565 g.

    Specs