Best Walk Around Lens for Canon Cameras

Have you been thinking about getting a new addition for your lens set? Canon has been an undying favorite for all the novice and seasoned shutterbugs out there. Most beginners start with a basic lens kit.

But as they level up their game, they shift to the more professional ones. But did you know about a best-kept secret among photographers and videographers? Some visual artists choose the lesser-known walkaround lens.

Walkaround lenses are like standard zoom lenses, but even better. Why? Well, they can extend from 24mm to 135mm approximately. The best part of walkaround lenses is their flexibility.

Best Walk Around Canon Lens

Now, finding the best walk around Canon lens is a tedious task since there are so many different lenses for canon. Besides, if you are a rookie, you'll end up drowning in technical jargon. I am here to save you the stress and review some of the best canon lens recommendations, along with a detailed buying guide to address all your doubts.

LIST OF BEST ALL AROUND CANON LENSES

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BEST LENS FOR FULL-FRAME CAMERA

Best Walk Around Canon Lens

CANON EF 24-70MM F/2.8L II USM

  • Focal Length: 24-70mm. 
  • Aperture:  F2.8L. 
  • Closest Focus: 1.25 feet.
  • Lens Type: Standard Zoom. 
  • Mount: Canon EF.

BEST LENS FOR FULL-FRAME CAMERA

Best Walk Around Canon Lens

CANON EF 50MM F/1.8 STM

  • Focal Length: 50mm. 
  • Aperture:  F1.8. 
  • Closest Focus: 1.15 feet.
  • Lens Type: Standard Prime. 
  • Mount: Canon EF.

BEST LENS FOR APS-C CAMERA

Best Walk Around Canon Lens

CANON EF-S 17-55MM F/2.8 IS USM

  • Focal Length: 17-55mm. 
  • Aperture:  F/2.8. 
  • Closest Focus: 1.15 feet.
  • Lens Type: Wide Angle. 
  • Mount: Canon EF-S.
  • Optical Image Stabilization.

BEST LENS FOR APS-C CAMERA

BEST WALK AROUND LENSES FOR APS-C CAMERAS

CANON EF-S 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6 IS

  • Focal Length: 18-200mm. 
  • Aperture:  F/3.5-5.6. 
  • Closest Focus: 1.48 feet.
  • Lens Type: Standard Zoom. 
  • Mount: Canon EF-S.
  • Optical Image Stabilization.

BEST LENS FOR MILC

Best Walk Around Canon Lens

CANON RF 24-105MM F/4 L IS USM

  • Focal Length: 24-105mm. 
  • Aperture:  F/4L. 
  • Lens Type: Wide Angle, Telephoto. 
  • Mount: Canon RF.
  • Optical Image Stabilization.

BEST CANON WALK AROUND LENSES

CHOOSE YOUR CAMERA TYPE 

BEST WALK AROUND LENSES FOR CANON FULL-FRAME CAMERAS

1. CANON EF 24-70MM F/2.8L II USM - BEST EVERYDAY CANON LENS

Best Walk Around Canon Lens

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 24-70 millimetre focal length.
  • F2.8 constant maximum aperture.
  • Focusing distance: 0.38 meter/1.25 feet.
  • Inner focusing with USM.
  • Angle of view: 84° - 34°.

Features:

The Canon EF 24-70mm is the best all around canon lens when it comes to walkaround lenses. It has secured the top position because of its versatility and  fast f/2.8 aperture. It is lightweight and can be carried around while traveling, so this would be a great addition if you are a photojournalist or a traveler.

The best part? The lens is great for low-lighting conditions. Want to shoot rooftop portraits during the night? Canon EF 24-70mm lets you capture noise-less, picture-perfect moments every single time! Do you need more reasons why it is one of the most popular canon lens? Well, you get a magnificent auto-focus function that is not only quiet but also super quick.

Moreover, you don't have to change shooting modes from the display screen. Just use the manual-override function to change modes in a jiffy. Another reason why this model stands out is because of its superb bokeh. Getting a creamy and smooth bokeh effect has never been this easy!

Design:

The design of the EF 24-70mm stands out in every possible way. Rigged with L-series build quality, it earned its rightful place as a part of the 'luxury' lineup by Canon. It has a robust build quality which makes it ideal for rough handling. The zoom ring is covered with a ridged rubber cover for better grip and comfortable handling.

The overall design is light and features a shock-resistant lens barrel. The coolest part is that there is an amazing benefit offered by the zoom lock lever. This secures the zoom position even at the wider ends and prevents damage to the lens during movement. Moreover, the lens has the added advantage of weather-resistant protection, which prevents moisture and dust from causing damage.

Performance:

The first thing you will notice about the images that you click is their color rendering. The colors appear lifelike and vibrant which is rare in this price range. Most walkaround cameras give an output that looks dull and washed out. However, with Canon EF 24-70mm, each image keeps the saturation and contrast intact.

This will save you a lot of time and energy spent on color correcting and editing. The sharpness is satisfactory too, with minimal softening even upon zooming. The distinction between background blur and foreground sharpness is noteworthy since the foreground remains crisp.

Are you a lover of floral photography? Bring the perfect crispness to your floral closeups with the best all around DSLR lens! Moreover, the focus is excellent since you get to have precision over the ultrasonic autofocus.

This ensures that you have complete control over where exactly you want the focus to be. Lastly, let's not forget that this model is equipped with three aspherical elements. What do they do? They remarkably reduce chromatic aberrations and distortions in images. This benefit is a gift to landscape photographers, especially if you are inclined towards capturing majestic sunsets and sunrises.

Pros

  • Has shock-resistant barrel.
  • Image stays sharp along the entire zoom range.
  • Dust and moisture protection feature.
  • Colors are vibrant.

Cons

  • Slightly expensive.
  • Distortion present.

2. CANON EF 50MM F/1.8 STM - BEST ALL AROUND CANON LENS

Best Walk Around Canon Lens

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 50 millimeter focal length.
  • Maximum aperture of f/1.8.
  • Lens construction: 6 elements in 5 groups.
  • Focusing distance of 1.15 feet.
  • Angle of view: 40º, 27º,46º.
  • Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography.

Features:

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is the upgrade everyone was waiting for, to replace its predecessor: the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II. The new upgrade brings a lot of changes in the design and quality while retaining its compact size.

You will find improvements in the coatings and a stepper-type motor (STM), providing you with faster and quieter autofocus.

The 50mm focal length is perfect for those who want to use it to capture the daily slice of life. And since this is a prime lens, you will be able to capture moments the way they appear in our eyes, with fewer optic distortions. Raw images without stylization are beautiful in their own way.

This will especially come in handy if you are a photojournalist or a blogger, who wants to capture life the way it occurs. And guess what? Despite Canon marketing the product as an entry-level lens, professionals should not shy away from using it. The versatility found in its application is what makes it one of the best canon walkaround lens in the market. You can use this Canon lens for family portrait photography, landscapes, lifestyle photography, and more!

Design:

As discussed, the upgraded model made a lot of changes in the design. First, you will notice the new metal lens mount instead of the old plastic part. The coating is much better now, thanks to the Super Spectra Coating (SSC). This is the best upgrade to its aesthetic appeal, compared to the usual plasticky appearance.

The new body is much more durable than its predecessor. The body is compact, weighing about 159 grams. It's not called "nifty-fifty" for nothing! Moreover, the current model accepts a bayonet-mount lens hood as opposed to a threaded adapter. It is equipped with a total of 6 elements in 5 groups and a spherical 7-bladed aperture. Additionally, you will also find a wider focus ring. This will allow you to get a smoother action, compared to its previous model.

Performance:

Prime lenses are the underdogs in a shutterbug's world. But this 'nifty fifty' has proved its worth in every possible manner. The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens has an optimal focal length of 50mm, with an endless number of uses. It is widely used in studio photography, fashion, weddings, documentaries, products and branding, sports, and much more.

It might not be the best lens for close-up portraits, since a wide-angle lens on a full-frame body is excessively stretched out. However, it can still come in handy when clicking full-body or partial-body portraits. The 50mm focal length is also great for clicking panorama pictures. Don’t you see how these features make it one of the most essential canon lenses?

As for the aperture, let's say that this ultra-wide aperture lives up to the expectations. The wide f/1.8 aperture allows more light into the sensor, enhancing the shutter speeds in low-lighting conditions. It also reduces the depth of field, giving you a stronger background blur.

However, it is not as strong when compared to the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM LENS. Regardless, it is great for those who want to capture the daily hustle and bustle of life.

Additionally, there is a piece of good news for the videographers. The near-silent STM results in steady and continuous focus, allowing you to capture high-quality movies. The lens also performs well while reducing chromatic aberrations. Lateral chromatic aberrations are almost negligible in full-frame corner crops.

Pros

  • Affordable.
  • Compact.
  • Great silent focus during video recording.
  • Extremely crisp output at f/1.8.

Cons

  • Hood is not included.
  • Flaring is present.

3. CANON EF 24-105MM F/4L IS II USM LENS

BEST WALK AROUND LENSES FOR FULL-FRAME CAMERAS

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 105mm focal length.
  • f/4L maximum aperture.
  • Circular Aperture (10 blades).
  • Lens Construction: 17 elements in 12 groups.
  • Angle of View:84°00' - 23° 20'.
  • Image Stabilizer.

Features:

The L-series have always delivered top-notch performance. The CANON EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is one of the best canon all in one lens. Compared to its previous model, the second version has an upgraded optical technology. It features a ring-type USM system which enables smooth and silent performance. The rounded 10-bladed mechanism provides a boost to all your bokeh pictures.

You will also be pleased to know that despite having such a wide focal range, the lens weighs just 585g. This makes it a good lens to use if you are in a profession which requires you to carry your camera with you. Moreover, compared to kit zoom lenses, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM has a focus distance scale. This alone makes it one of the best canon walkaround lens for full-frame cameras.

Design:

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM has the signature black polycarbonate body with a red ring in the front, resembling the hallmark of the L-series lineup. Both the front and rare elements have a fluorine coating which keeps the lens free from grease and dust.

This is a great benefit for people who have a habit of touching their lenses! One of the best parts of the design is that it comes with a lock switch on the barrel which prevents the lens from extending while in transit. The lens has the ability to focus up to 17.7 inches which makes it one of the most versatile canon lens.

Performance:

The lens functions smoothly, thanks to its top-notch mechanisms. The lens is fit for all kinds of photography, ranging from capturing day-to-day indoor life to clicking pictures of majestic mountains. The shorter end of the lens is useful for environmental type-portraits, while the longer end is suitable for headshot portraits. You can use this lens to meet an array of needs.

If you are a photojournalist, this lens will be useful in both commercial and studio photography. Are you an avid traveler? Bring the lens along and document your entire journey while sightseeing. Starting from wide cityscapes to interior architecture, there is nothing that this best overall canon lens cannot capture!

The image stabilization technology does wonders while reducing motion blur. This makes it ideal for low-light photography, especially if you like taking pictures of moving subjects. For example, if you are taking pictures of a brook or a waterfall, the IS technology makes it one of the sharpest lens in the market.

Pros

  • Robust build.
  • Negligible vignetting.
  • Great for macro photography.
  • Excellent zoom range.

Cons

  • Minimal distortion is noticeable.
  • Some fuzziness present in telephoto zoom.

4. CANON EF 16-35MM F/4L IS USM LENS

BEST WALK AROUND LENSES FOR FULL-FRAME CAMERAS

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 16-35mm focal length.
  • f/4L maximum aperture.
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm.
  • Image stabilization available.
  • Lens Type: Wide Angle.

Features:

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is one of the best all around lens for canon from the ultrawide category. The best part? It is the only Canon ultrawide lens to have image stabilization. It is compact and great for traveling.

Usually, ultrawide lenses compromise on the image quality but this nifty beauty does not disappoint. The lens succeeds in giving you corner to corner sharp output along with rich colors.

It is compatible with all Canon EOS cameras which makes this lens flexible and user-friendly. Wide-angle lenses are not that great for full-body portraits. However, a properly executed composition will render stellar results. So, if you are someone who loves a little challenge this lens will be great for you.

Design:

The build quality of the lens has a stark resemblance with the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II. The design itself is great, with a sturdy yet comfortable build. The zoom ring has an optimal size. It has an average weight, ideal for on-the-go photo shoots. The lens has protection against moisture and dust, making it ideal for outdoor photography. Why not take advantage of the best all around canon lens and take some great shots in the rain? The focus rings have the usual rubberized grips with a red ring accent around the front of the lens. Although the zoom ring is slightly stiffer than most lenses so you would probably need to use two fingers to rotate it.

Performance:

The focal length of this wide-angle lens is great for capturing the bigger picture. With such lenses, you can capture a lot of elements in a tight frame. This makes it ideal for clicking widespread landscapes with multiple elements.

For example, a lake below a mountain range with a flower field in the foreground. However, taking portraits with a wide-angle lens can be challenging. The wide focal range will cause distortions in the proportions of your human subjects.

But if you are bent on taking portraits, you can still make use of this lens if you put your human subject against a scenic landscape. Moreover, you can also click great family portraits. This makes it one of the essential canon lenses for those working as backstage photographers in concerts. No wonder it’s still one of the most popular Canon lenses to date.

Additionally, this lens is useful for underwater photography because the close range will keep the image clarity intact. I can go on for hours about the usefulness of this wide-angle lens! However, in a nutshell, this is a great lens for amateurs and professionals alike.

Pros

  • Great for panorama and outdoor photography.
  • Durable.
  • Ergonomic design.
  • Crisp image quality.

Cons

  • Image distortion while taking portraits.
  • Complicated setup.

BEST WALK AROUND LENSES FOR CANON APS-C CAMERAS

5. CANON EF-S 17-55MM F/2.8 IS USM - MOST VERSATILE CANON LENS

Best Walk Around Canon Lens

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 17-55mm wide-angle zoom lens.
  • f/2.8 maximum aperture.
  • Closest focusing distance : 1.15 feet.
  • Image Stabilizer.
  • Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor.

Features:

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is one of the most popular Canon lens for APS-C cameras. You get a fixed f/2.8 aperture, a brilliant three-stop image stabilization, and an extensive focal length. The images rendered by the lens live up to expectations, offering crisp outputs. The wide focal range makes it very flexible and versatile. Its uses range from wide scenic landscapes to close headshot portraits.

The build quality is great too, considering the price point. Thanks to its 7-blade aperture, you can get a luscious background blur. This is a great feature if you are into taking close-ups of flowers, animals, food, and other subjects.

This IS version of the lens makes Canon EF-S 17-55mm one of the best when it comes to ease of use. The Ring USM (ultrasonic motor) function enables a quick yet completely silent focus. This is definitely one of the must-have lenses for canon.

Design:

Designwise, the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens might be a plain Jane when compared to the standards of Canon's L-grade models. However, if you take the build quality into account, the lens is remarkable. Constructed out of high-grade polycarbonate plastic, it is quite robust.

The metal mount and sturdy control rings add further to the lens's durability. You will find rubber ridges with engraved indicators, making them easier to hold and twist. Furthermore, there is a distance scale engraved into the outer barrel.

There is a slider to the left that can be used to switch easily between autofocus and manual focus. At the end of the lens, there is a sturdy chrome mounting plate. However, you will not find a lens hood, which is surprising considering the hefty price tag.

Performance:

The lens performs well in terms of image quality. The images produced are sharp and distinct, with minimal blurring. In fact, the lens is consistent in its sharpness in the corners, at almost all focal points. There is lower barrel distortion and that allows for a better brightness-contrast balance.

The quick autofocus takes only 0.2 seconds to fix onto the subject, which is impressive. The most intriguing characteristic of this Canon walk around lens is its use in macro photography.

Even though it is not a macro lens, it can still be used to take pretty great closeups. The bokeh rendered is pleasant and consistent, giving you beautifully creamy results.

I will give all the credit to the Supra Spectra coating for controlling vignetting and chromatic aberrations. For a lens that does not come with a hood, this is phenomenal. All in all, the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a great option for those who want to upgrade their lens kit.

Pros

  • Good for macro photography.
  • Good brightness-contrast balance.
  • Great bokeh effect.
  • Spectra coating reduced chromatic aberrations.
  • Fast lens

Cons

  • Average design.
  • Slightly pricey.

6. CANON EF-S 15-85MM F/3.5-5.6 IS USM UD - BEST ALL AROUND DSLR LENS

Best Walk Around Canon Lens

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 15-85mm focal length.
  • f/3.5-f/.5.6 Aperture range.
  • Dedicated image stabilization.
  • Lens construction of 17 elements in 12 groups.
  • Closest Focusing Distance: 1.15 ft./0.35m.

Features:


The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM UD is an excellent walkaround lens for APS-C cameras. It provides an impressive focal length, suitable for everyday use. It comes with image stabilization, a remarkable autofocus function, and a lightweight body. Even though there are better lenses with longer focal lengths, only a few can go as wide as 15mm. Moreover, having longer focal lengths comes with one major drawback: poor image quality.


The Canon EF-S 15-85mm solves the issue by providing an optimal focal length along with an excellent image output, all thanks to its UD glass element. This feature makes it one of the best everyday Canon lens. However, despite it being an entry-level product, you can still opt for this lens as a professional. It is a bang for the buck and besides, it won't hurt to welcome a new member to your lens family, would it?

Design:


The lens comes with a superb optical design meant for the flexibility of daily use. It comes with a durable plastic body with an ergonomic ridged rubber barrel. The inner barrel is sturdy and solid so you won't have to worry about it wobbling. The finish is also scratch-resistant which is great if you are prone to rough handling.


The zoom ring is more or less wide, enabling a smooth movement. Moreover, the ring protrudes against the lens barrel, making it easier to locate while making configurations. The weight of the lens is pretty light, making it a great option for those who often carry their cameras around.

Performance:


The Canon 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 fares well as a zoom lens. The ultra-low dispersion feature helps control an array of distortions, color fringing, and other chromatic aberrations. Additionally, the Super Spectra coating also helps in reducing ghosting and color fidelity. This not only reduces aberrations but also improves image contrast.


The image stabilizer reduces shaking by an impressive 4-stops, making it perfect for handheld shooting in low-light. This is also great for those who don't want to bring their tripods to the shooting location. The ultrasonic motor gives you lightning-fast autofocus along with quiet performance. This is an excellent feature for taking pictures of moving subjects.

Alongside this, you will also get a manual focus override feature. This is brilliant for smooth switching. The image output is brilliant, with great corner-to-corner sharpness. There is negligible vignetting which is great since this will save your time spent in editing.

Pros

  • Lightweight.
  • Good build.
  • Excellent 4-stop stabiliser.
  • Good focal range.

Cons

  • Major vignetting at 15mm.
  • Ghosting is present.

7. CANON EF-S 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6 IS - CANON LONG RANGE LENS

BEST WALK AROUND LENSES FOR APS-C CAMERAS

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 18-200mm focal length.
  • f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture.
  • Micromotor-type AF motor.
  • 72mm filters.
  • Closest Focusing Distance : 1.48 ft./0.45m.

Features:


The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens stands out for its remarkable focal range. It is compatible with EF-S mount for APS-C DSLRs only.


It comes with a sleek design and a compact body. However, you might be wary about the image quality since typically, any FL range over 5x causes at least some optical distortions. But you are in for a pleasant surprise because this underrated lens performs better than you expect! The lens is light enough to be your companion while you travel.


The image stabilization feature lets you ditch your tripod at home. It is indeed the best Canon all in one lens for all your travel needs.

Design:


The lens comes with a trustworthy optical design comprising 16 elements in 12 groups. You will also get two spherical elements and two UD glass elements for reducing chromatic distortions. The downside is that it has a micro motor AF lens so the performance is not completely silent. But then again, it is not loud enough to attract attention.


The zoom ring is large while the focus ring is relatively smaller. However, the lens is not parfocal, which is slightly disappointing. This will force you to keep re-focusing the focal length. On the bright side, the focus accuracy is impressive. You get a 6-blade aperture which is mediocre but good enough for an optimal blur.

Performance:


Despite having few drawbacks here and there, the lens succeeds in delivering sharp pictures. When shot in open, the sharpness is distinct and remarkable, with minimal fuzz in the images. Even at 200mm, the sharpness remains excellent in the middle and around the edges.


Chromatic aberrations remain controlled with minimal vignetting and ghosting. However, distortion is an issue, as is the case for all superzoom lenses. Then again, since the distortion is uniform around the casing, it can easily be corrected in editing software.


Who should buy this lens? That depends on what you want to shoot. Super-zoom lenses are excellent for capturing colossal compositions. You can not only use this canon walk around lens to capture a large space but also close up on individual elements when required.


With super-zoom lenses, you won't miss a shot while shooting a band performance on a stage. All in all, the Canon EF-S 18-200m IS is a nice little addition to the kit.

Pros

  • Minimal ghosting.
  • Compact construction even with wide focal range.
  • Efficient image stabilization.
  • Impressive zoom range.

Cons

  • Distortion present.
  • Chromatic aberration is not well controlled.

8. CANON EF-S 18-55MM F/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR - BUDGET FRIENDLY CANON LENS

BEST WALK AROUND LENSES FOR APS-C CAMERAS

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 18-55mm focal length.
  • f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture.
  • Lens Construction - 16 elements in 12 groups.
  • Diagonal Angle of View - 74 20' - 7 50'.
  • Closest Focusing Distance - 1.48 ft./0.45m.

Features:

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II might not be extraordinary in any sense. In fact, it is very average. But if you consider the price tag of $199, it is one of the best inexpensive canon lenses for APS-C cameras. It is value for money, coming with a wide range of features.

It is very light and has a modest focal length, ideal for general use. It might not be great for award-worthy pictures, but it is good enough for capturing daily moments in life. If you are someone who does not dabble in photography but wants something to document their lives, then this lens is for you.

Design:

The lens has full plastic construction which makes it light and compact. Some of you may get scared by the plastic construction but if you travel a lot, this is your best bet. It is a great option if you camp a lot and want to bring your camera along. It has a small filter size and the hood is compatible with a bayonet mount.

The zoom ring is quite large, surrounding most of the barrel. This makes it easier to locate and use. Moreover, the rubberized grips increase comfort while handling. The compact size also makes it ideal for kids to use.

Performance:

Keep in mind that you get what you purchase. The image quality is not remarkable but it is decent enough for clicking pictures at a birthday party or pictures of flowers in your garden.

The impressive part of the lens is the minimal vignetting. While chromatic aberrations are present, they are strongly noticeable. However, once at 55mm, flaring might get stronger. I used this lens in my canon 70D and the images produced had a decent amount of sharpness while growing fuzzier around the corners.

As discussed, it is great for kids because it is lightweight and cheap. So if you have a kid who wants to be a photographer, this is all you need. And even if your kid damages the lens, it won't hurt much.

Amateur adults can also fully reap the benefits of this lens by using it for practice. Finally, it can be an excellent gift idea for anyone who loves photography. The Canon EF-S 18-55mm is surely one of the best everyday Canon lens.

Pros

  • Small and compact.
  • Very reasonably priced.
  • Sharp images.
  • Easy to handle.

Cons

  • Strong flaring at 55mm.
  • Hood is not included.

9. CANON EF-S 18-135MM F/3.5-5.6 IS LENS

BEST WALK AROUND LENSES FOR APS-C CAMERAS

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 18-135mm focal length.
  • f3.5 f.5.6 maximum aperture.
  • Image stabilization available.
  • Lens construction of 16 elements in 12 groups.
  • Compatible with 67mm filters.

Features:

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens features a diverse focal range, compact design, and smooth AF function. Considering its modest price tag, it has image stabilization functionality. It is relatively robust and easy to handle. However, the unique feature of the lens is its use of an ultrasonic motor. This enables fast focusing while maintaining silence.

The focal length range combined with an ergonomic design makes it an excellent travel lens. You can leave behind extra lenses at home and use the multifunctionality of the Canon EF-S 18-135mm while traveling. The aperture of this lens makes it great for shooting indoors and therefore gives it the position of the best all around lens.

Design:

The optical design comes with 16 elements in 12 groups. There is a UD aspheric lens for correcting chromatic aberrations. The 6-blade diaphragm is ideal for clicking attractive bokeh.

Despite the low price range, the lens has a high-grade look and feel. It comes with a stainless steel mounting plate which ensures that it remains secure on the body. The focusing is wide with an intricately ridged coating around the barrel.

This aids insecure handling of the lens. You will find two sliding switches: one for AF/MF and another for the stabilizer. The zoom rings move smoothly without any wobble.

Performance:

The lens performs quite well. It can be used for taking excellent full-body portraits. This is great news for those who want to create happy family memories and for those who want to make a career out of studio photography.

The image stabilization feature and the silent USM make it great for wildlife photography. Usually, when you use image stabilization in other models, the image will often bounce off in the viewfinder. With the EF-S 18-135mm, the image remains stable even when the camera is moving around. This is an important feature for videographers.

The image output is moderately sharp but does not perform well compared to Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. The corners become softer from 50mm onwards.

On the upside, vignetting is well-controlled. Other than these, the lens can be used for clicking pictures of insects and other small subjects, thanks to its wide-open aperture.

Pros

  • Zoom lock available.
  • Built-in autofocus.
  • Impressive zoom ratio.
  • Efficient image stabilization.

Cons

  • Does not have weather protection.
  • Hood not available.

BEST WALK AROUND LENS FOR CANON MIRRORLESS CAMERA

10. CANON RF 24-105MM F/4 L IS USM - CANON ALL IN ONE LENS

Best Walk Around Canon Lens

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 24-105mm focal length.
  • f/4L maximum aperture.
  • First L-Series Lens with Nano USM.
  • Lens construction (elements/groups) - 18/14.
  • Optical image stabilization.

Features:

What makes the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens special? Well, it is the first Canon's RF-mount lens in the market! You might have been disappointed with the low image quality of kit lenses Canon and the underwhelming imaging sensors of full-frame cameras.

Canon serves something fresh on the menu with its RF mount! It is one of the best walk around Canon lens for mirrorless cameras, utilizing up-to-date technology that might someday replace EF mounts.

This best all around lens comes with highly accurate autofocus, brilliant image output, and a versatile focal range. The modest size and price tag add another gold star to this lens. It is designed as an on-the-go lens, perfect for shooting anything and everything. The application of this best all around dslr lens is unexhaustive.

You can use it for landscape photography, for both interior and exterior photography, panorama, and much more. The image stabilization feature is excellent for optimal composition. Moreover, for videographers, it is ideal for reducing motion blur and shaking. With this, you can dramatically reduce motion sickness in viewers.

Design:

The lens comes in 18 elements in 14 groups along with an ultra-low dispersion element. This largely reduces chromatic aberrations. On the other hand, the three aspherical elements succeed in reducing spherical aberrations.

Most of the lenses on this list have Super Spectra coating, but the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM also comes with Air Sphere technology.

The unique feature of this lens is its Nano USM motor. This enables you to have a 0.45 minimum focusing distance along with a butter-smooth focusing.

Additionally, the lens is both dust and moisture-resistant, making it an ideal product to travel with. This feature makes it one of the best overall canon lens.

Performance:

Aside from the fact that the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM comes with futuristic technology, the lens delivers smooth performance in every aspect. The focal range length is easy to adjust, making it a versatile option for shutterbugs.

The 24-105mm range makes it the best all around camera lens. The 24mm allows for captivating landscape compositions. It eloquently captures the foreground against the crisp background, bringing the picture to life.

The 105mm range, on the other hand, allows you to capture distant subjects. As for portraits, this focal range is ideal for taking both group pictures and solo candids. This lens is also great for those who like documenting their travels.

The max aperture of f/4 allows you to get a consistent blur, great for taking closeups. The images produced by this lens have a considerable amount of sharpness throughout the focal range.

Chromatic aberrations are moderate at 24mm and stronger at 105mm. However, this can be corrected in any editing software. The bokeh created by the lens is distinct and sharp, giving it a dreamy appearance.

In a nutshell, it is an extremely versatile option, making it one of the best general purpose Canon lenses.

Pros

  • Strong build.
  • Excellent weather protection.
  • Crisp image quality.
  • Distinct bokeh.

Cons

  • Costly.
  • Chromatic aberrations is strong at 105mm.

BUYING GUIDE TO PURCHASE ALL AROUND CANON LENS

While buying the best general purpose Canon lens might not seem like a big deal, it is important to keep certain factors in mind while purchasing the right lens for you, especially if you are a beginner.


After all, you are spending your hard-earned money and I am sure that you would want to make it worthwhile. Read the following factors carefully and keep them in mind while making your purchase.

  • Mode of Use

The best all around camera lens is the one that satisfies your needs and goals. Determine what type of photography you are going to indulge in. That will in turn determine the lens you will buy. Each model offers different features so you need to know which ones will reap the most benefit for you. For example, if you prefer using your camera outdoors, make sure to look out for weather protection or if you use your camera indoors, look out for a smaller aperture.

  • Weather Protection

Stay alert and keep an eye out for the "WR" tag. If you are a traveler, this factor will probably be on your top priority list. As a traveler, you will be exposed to an array of extreme climate conditions. The lens that you will buy should have basic weather-resistant protection. This includes protection against moisture, dust, and cold. You don't want your newly purchased lens to get damaged during one of your adventurous expeditions, do you?

  • Aperture

This indicates to what extent your camera is allowing light to enter the lens. You will find an aperture labeled as 'f' along with a number, also known as the f-stop. Usually, smaller apertures allow the lens to open wider and let in more light. Therefore, smaller apertures are usually preferred since they are great for low-lighting scenarios. Moreover, smaller apertures give greater depth of field which is useful for getting a dynamic shot.

  • Image Stabilization

Image stabilization reduces haziness and blue in pictures. This is extremely useful when you are clicking pictures or recording videos in low light. Nowadays, you will find this feature in almost all entry-level lenses. Regardless, make sure to double-check that this feature is included. You will find this feature labeled as 'IS' in Canon lenses.

CONCLUSION

You don't need to be a professional to own a camera because after all, the main purpose of cameras is to create and store memories. But if you want to click quality memories, you need a good quality lens for everyday use. Furthermore, the lens will also depend on the kind of camera sensor you have.


Hence, this list of  best walk around Canon lens recommendations provides you with some great choices for general Canon lenses for full-frame, APS-C, and mirrorless cameras.

FAQ'S

  • Are camera lenses universal?

No, camera lenses are not universal. Each lens serves different purposes, so you cannot generalize the application of one lens.

  • Which is better: Prime or Zoom lens?

The answer to this question depends on you and your usage. However, prime lenses have an added advantage over zoom lenses. They are lighter, deliver sharper images, and have better apertures.

Stefan
 

Hey, this is Stefan. I love filmmaking gadgets because I have been working as a cinematographer for more than ten years. So I have good experience working with almost all filmmaking gadgets. I can help people who are looking forward to buying these gadgets with my review articles. From my articles, you can find amazing products in the market.

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