Selects: Top 10 EF Lenses for Canon Full-frame DSLR Cameras

Canon full-frame DSLRs are some of the most respected and widely used cameras in photography. While mirrorless technology now offers many advantages, full-frame DSLR cameras offer great value for money, outstanding image quality and super-long battery life. These cameras were once mostly used by professional photographers, but they're now available at much lower prices and more accessible. But picking a camera is the easy part: It's much harder to choose between lenses, with so many options out there.

Ian Howorth reveals his ten best EF-mount lenses for Canon full-frame DSLRs, including Canon prime and zoom lenses. There are a couple of EF-compatible Sigma lenses in there, too.

1. Canon EF 11-24mm f/4 L USM

You might think the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4 L USM is a strange choice. But I opted for this one, instead of the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L II USM, which sits in the middle of the 11-24 range and with faster speed. The truth is, I find I make more use of the extended range—than I do the aperture—for this kind of lens. Don’t get me wrong, you can create wonderful photographs using the wider aperture. But if I had this lens, it would be used mostly for daytime landscapes. If I shot at night, it would be for long exposures on a tripod.

The 11-24mm f/4 L lens is a true wonder in optical design, and has less distortion than the 14mm f/2.8 L. It's really sharp, and wider than you'll ever need. The lens' useable range of up to 24mm makes it extremely useful and my top pick for hyper-wide rectilinear lenses.

2. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L III USM

You might argue that the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L III USM is too close to the 11-24mm. However, these lenses are very different and likely to be used in completely different scenarios. The focal difference between the lenses is huge at the extreme wide ends: 11mm to 16mm might not seem like a lot, but it does make more of a difference than the 50-55mm. It's also a great option for sports photography.

For example, sports photographer Elsa Garrison used the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L III USM at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

For many years, the 16-35 f/2.8 has been the preserve of pros, and this Mark III version takes its already stellar performance to the next level. There's less vignetting on the wides, optimised optics for high-res sensors and better flare control. Most professional DSLR photographers—from sports photographers to wedding photographers to photojournalists—will have an ultra-wide lens in their camera bags, and this lens is likely to be one of them.

Alternatively, instead of the Mark III, you could go with the 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM, which is still a more-than-capable lens. For example, horror photographer Kelly Jean uses the Mark II widely in her work.

3. Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

While its bigger sibling, the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L II USM, will give you L-series construction and a wider aperture, you could argue that f/1.4 in a 24mm is for light gathering more than for depth of field control. So, although you lose two stops with the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM, you gain at least two stops in running a lower shutter speed thanks to the help of the in-built image stabilisation (IS).

Although this lens suffers a little more from chromatic aberration than its L-series stablemate, it gains ground in overall sharpness. I find 24mm lenses always have vignetting at wider apertures, but it's all easily corrected in Lightroom.

4. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART

I remember everyone looking at Sigma with disbelief when this lens was released a few years ago. Even after Sigma had proven its manufacturing abilities, with the release of the incredible 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM EF-S  for APS-C DSLRs.

The image above is a great example of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART in action. Pet photographer Lea Heldt mounted the lens to the mirrorless Canon EOS R5 via an adaptor.

The 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM EF, for full-frame DSLRs, was a revelation in optical design. Neutral renditions and contrast and pleasing bokeh—as far as 35mm goes. It was the sharpness of this lens, even at f/1.4, that really took everyone by surprise. Throw in the price—a good few hundred cheaper than the Canon equivalent—and Sigma had a recipe for success. This lens now graces cameras from pros and amateurs alike. This is one of the sharpest 35mm lenses you can get for a Canon DSLR.

5. Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART

Who can argue with ‘cheaper’ and ‘the best’? Photography is subjective, and some might prefer the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM for its softer renditions and shallow f/1.2 depth of field. But I prefer the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM EF, as a very neutral lens, in terms of how it renders images. It’s not too contrasty, its bokeh is pleasing and it's very sharp indeed.

Photographer Chloe Hashemi, from the European Broadcasting Union content team, used the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART at Eurovision 2022.

The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART gives photographers a good foundation, from which they can create a look. While sharpness isn’t everything, when a lens is this sharp, it’s worth mentioning. And the autofocus is pretty good, too.

6. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Why include two lenses at the 50mm focal length? Well, I chose the Sigma above from an optical perspective. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM earns its place for solid focusing performance, optical quality and light-gathering abilities. Plus, it has a low price.

Wildlife and landscape photographer Oliver Kerner used the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM for this lovely photo of a chaffinch.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM may not be as robust as pro-level lenses, but it’s rare that you’ll ever need a lens that’s built like a tank. And, even if you did, you’d be lamenting its weight before anything else. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is well worth considering if you’re on a budget, or if you want a lightweight standard lens that you can mount to your camera and carry around all day.

7. Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II

Why the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM and not the Sigma f/1.4? Well, the answer is simple: for me, if I was to own an 85mm lens, I’m likely to only use it for portraits. Having used many different lenses for portraiture, the 85mm f/1.2 renders people like no other lens I’ve ever used.

It’s the one lens that is not just about sharpness or even the bokeh—which is beautiful, by the way—but the way it renders skin. It softens, glows and makes people look amazing. Many people say this is a lens you buy only to shoot at f/1.2, and I’d have to agree. No other lens will do it quite like the f/1.2. It can hunt a little, especially fully open in low light, but that is a small price to pay for a lens that can potentially turn your portraits into something magical.

8. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS Macro

Whenever I’ve used it, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro lens has never failed to impress me. It is fantastic, both for photography and for video, due to its beautifully sharp and contrasty images.

Its 100mm length and wide f/2.8 aperture lend themselves well to portraits and medium telephoto duties. And, as you can see above, photographer Jillian Lenser uses this lens for product photography.

Let's not forget, however, that this is a true macro lens: It can reproduce images at a 1:1 ratio. Add image stabilisation (IS) and L-series construction, and you have a lens that's worth adding to your camera bag.

9. Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM

The Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM has a fantastic and useable zoom range, a wide f/2.8 maximum aperture and robust L-series construction. It has image stabilisation, up to four stops, and incredible image quality and rendition. Many people argue that the cheaper f/4 version — the 70-200mm f/4 L IS II USM — is sharper and the better buy. However, that extra stop the f/2.8 gives you is worth its weight in gold.

As you'll discover in our interview with Richard Pelham, sports photographers absolutely love the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM for its versatility.

Pairing the EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM with another body, mounted with a 24-70mm or a 35mm, might be all you need to cover most eventualities. Even nature photography.

Photographer Alex Armitage, who shares advice on becoming a travel photographer, also uses the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM.

10. Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM ART

The lens on this list I've used the least is the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM EF . However, based purely on the images it produced when I did use it, it really got me excited about its possibilities. In my opinion, the images looked tack-sharp. But, this lens is not just about sharpness, but the amazing reach it has at 135mm, combined with the wide aperture of f/1.8.

Pet photographer Lea Heldt, who we mentioned earlier in the article, also uses the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM ART. From the time I spent with it, I can tell this lens is a solid investment and a worthy addition to many Canon DSLR photographers' camera bags.

Our top ten EF lenses for Canon full-frame DSLRs are:

• Canon EF 11-24mm f/4 L USM

• Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L III USM

• Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

• Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART

• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART

• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

• Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II

• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS Macro

• Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM

• Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM ART

Read more camera gear guides, including our top EF-S lenses for Canon APS-C DSLRs and best FX lenses for full-frame Nikon DSLRs, on the MPB content hub.