Best Lenses For Canon 5D Mark III [2024 Review]

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Ever thought about capturing photographic masterpieces?

Have you ever wondered how these breath-taking sensations were captured in the first place? It is the lenses.

The way you pick and utilize them makes a difference between a standard photo and an eye-catching masterpiece. This guide will help you identify some of the best lenses for Canon 5D Mark III.

Review of the Best Lenses For Canon 5D Mark III

Selecting a good-quality lens can be a challenging task. There are thousands of similar products that offer various features. It depends on you and your personal preferences, whether a product will serve you best or not. To help you with this, we have listed some high-quality lenses for Canon 5D Mark III.

Brand
Canon EF
Canon EF
Sigma
Product
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard and Medium...
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L is USM Lens for Canon...
Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon, Black,...
Aperture
50mm
70-200mm
35mm
Focal Length
f/1.4
f/4
f/1.4
Brand
Canon EF
Product
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard and Medium...
Aperture
50mm
Focal Length
f/1.4
Brand
Canon EF
Product
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L is USM Lens for Canon...
Aperture
70-200mm
Focal Length
f/4
Brand
Sigma
Product
Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon, Black,...
Aperture
35mm
Focal Length
f/1.4

Best Overall: Canon EF 50mm f/1.4

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard and Medium...

PROS

  • Ultrasonic motor for smooth and silent auto-focus
  • 7 elements in 6 groups for outstanding image quality
  • f/1.4 maximum aperture is ideal for low-light photography
  • Features a focal length of 50mm for different shooting conditions
  • Uses high-refraction lens elements Gaussian optics to remove astigmatism

CONS

  • The focus ring is very flimsy
  • It doesn’t offer weather-sealing
  • Not a great choice for very close macro photography

What Recent Buyers Report

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 is one masterpiece of a lens. A large number of buyers recommended this lens due to its superb image quality and overall design. Many users believe that it offers astounding images even under low light and allows you to capture sharp images. It’s a must-have lens, as reported by users.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What strikes us about this unit is its outstanding photographic results. It delivers some of the sharpest images with great detail and precision. It uses two high-refraction lens elements and Gaussian optics to remove astigmatism. Moreover, it features an f/1.4 maximum aperture, which allows us to capture high-quality images even in low light.

Who Will Use This Most

This is truly a great choice for both casual and professional photography. In addition, if you want to shoot in low-light conditions, its f/1.4 maximum aperture is just perfect. Also, its ultrasonic auto-focus motor allows you to snap photos with high precision and silent operation.

Bottom Line

All in all, this is one of the best lenses out there on the market. If you’re a fan of professional photography or wish to use it for casual photographs, you can’t get any better. It’s also great for shooting in broad daylight or under dim lighting. However, it doesn’t have weather sealing, so be careful while using it.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard and Medium...
  • Standard focal length 50 millimeter lens is effective in a multitude of shooting situations and...
  • Elements, Groups: 7 by 6, Diaphragm: Blades 8, Filter Thread: Font 58 millimeter. Minimum focusing...
  • An f 1.4 maximum aperture provides clear imaging in low light situations and shallow depth of field

Runner-up: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L is USM Lens for Canon...

PROS

  • A maximum aperture of f/1.4
  • Features 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens
  • Lightweight design with quick and silent Ultrasonic motor
  • Offers image stabilization with water and dust-proof body
  • Delivers phenomenal images with its Fluorite UD lens elements

CONS

  • It doesn’t offer a tripod ring
  • White color might be off-putting for some users
  • The image stabilization motor makes an annoying noise

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the users seem to be completely satisfied with the purchase. They regard it as one of the best lenses that offers everything you can desire from a premium lens. Buyers were truly amazed by the picture quality and smooth operation it provided. In short, it’s a high-end lens that is capable of shooting some stunning photographs.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What we like about this Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 model is the versatility that it delivers. It has a variable focal length of 70-200mm for close to telephoto zoom image quality. In addition to that, it features a lightweight design with a water and dust-proof body to keep it safe. Moreover, the fluorite UD lens elements ensure razor-sharp images with ideal contrast to catch everyone’s attention.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for a lens that delivers a multitude of functionalities, buy this model. You can capture marvelous images at short and long zoom distances without a blurry result. Its f/1.4 aperture takes care of low light while its lightweight design makes it a great choice for handheld photography.

Bottom Line

This model comes with a 1-year warranty. Furthermore, it offers optical image stabilization for reduced shake high zoom levels. Landscapes, portraits, or sports, this lens can capture some of the best images you can ever imagine. If you are looking for a premium-grade lens, this is one that fits that category.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L is USM Lens for Canon...
  • 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon digital SLR cameras
  • Fluorite UD lens elements produce excellent optical performance in resolution and contrast, Closest...
  • Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) for quick and quiet autofocusing; lightweight construction

Best for the Money: Sigma 35mm F1.4

Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon, Black,...

PROS

  • Lens hood and carrying case also available
  • Focal length is 35mm with great image quality
  • Offers a fast operation with a large f/1.4 aperture
  • Comes with a Hypersonic motor and inner focusing system
  • USB dock compatibility for lens firmware updates and adjustments

CONS

  • The lens is not zoomable
  • There is no image stabilization
  • Several users reported defected components over time

What Recent Buyers Report

As per customers, Sigma 35mm F1.4 is another superb lens available on the consumer market. Sigma 35mm F1.4 is truly a sensational lens, as most people say. Buyers believe that it is capable of shooting some high-quality images without any hassle. The images are insanely sharp, with great detail that appeals to everyone.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit promises superior performance and quick operation with its large f/1.4 aperture. It comes with a Hypersonic motor and an inner focusing system for fast auto-focus and blur-free images. Most importantly, it is available with multiple accessories like a lens hood and carrying case to facilitate mobility. It supports USB dock compatibility with a 35mm focal length for some outstanding photographs.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for a lens that delivers sharp images paired with ideal textures, buy this one. It offers SLD and FLD glass elements that reduce aberrations and provide you with stunning results. You can capture some great portrait photographs without worrying about a blurry result.

Bottom Line

Overall, this model speaks for itself. It promises absolutely stunning photographs and delivers them to perfection. You can’t ask for more with this one. It is capable of shooting outstanding images in broad daylight as well as dim lighting. Plus, it’s great for portraiture and close-up images to keep you satisfied.

Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon, Black,...
  • High speed with large aperture
  • HSM (Hypersonic motor) and inner focusing system
  • Accessories include: Lens Hood (LH730-03), carrying case

Best Wide-Angle Lens for Canon 5D Mark III: Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom...

PROS

  • Weather-resistant design with a 1-year warranty
  • Ideal for wedding, events and nature photography
  • 17-40mm ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for great photography
  • Ring-type ultrasonic motor ensures quick and silent functionality 
  • Amazing optics with its 3 aspherical and super UD glass elements

CONS

  • It is relatively heavier than other lenses
  • Some distortion can be noticed at 17mm
  • Requires a lot of space due to 77mm front diameter

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers think that Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L is a great addition to your photographic arsenal if you love to shoot. A high percentage of positive reviews suggest that it is a high-quality model that offers brilliant photos. If you’re fond of razor-sharp images with superb contrast and brightness ratio, then this is the way to go.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Most of the users believe that this is a premium lens available at a highly reasonable price. It’s true! But what attracts us more is the image quality. It features 3 aspherical and super UD glass elements that minimize aberrations while delivering phenomenal images. The ring-type ultrasonic motor, on the other hand, keeps it silent while delivering fast and accurate images.

Who Will Use This Most

We find that this is a great choice for weddings, family events, landscape, and nature photography. The ultra-wide-angle zoom lens promises stunning landscape and nature photographs while it is also capable of clicking some eye-catching indoor images. You can experience minimal distortion and blur while using this amazing innovation.

Bottom Line

You are looking for the best lens, aren’t you? Well, this one doesn’t need an introduction. Featuring a weather-resistant construction, it comes with a 1-year warranty. Now, you can protect your investment without worrying about a defected product. If performance and image quality is all you need, then this model won’t disappoint you.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom...
  • 17 40 millimeter ultra wide angle zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon SLR Cameras....
  • 3 aspherical lens elements and super UD glass element create superior optics in all conditions,...
  • Powerful ring type ultrasonic monitor (USM) produces fast and silent autofocusing, Focuses as close...

Best Portrait Lens for Canon 5D Mark III: Canon EF 85mm f/1.8

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

PROS

  • Comes with a user manual for troubleshooting 
  • Perfect for portraiture and natural photography
  • 85mm focal length with f/1.8 maximum aperture
  • Offers superb background blur and bokeh effects
  • Fast auto-focus with the ring-type Ultrasonic motor

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

An outstanding lens for portraits and nature photography is what they say. Most of the users were overwhelmed by the superior performance and quality of images it can capture. You can shoot great portraits and close-up photos. Plus, it’s also capable of snapping some breath-taking landscape and nature photos. It’s highly recommended by most users.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We find this Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 unit to be appealing in every regard. It offers an 85mm focal length with a large f/1.8 aperture. A fast auto-focus ring-type Ultrasonic motor enables quick and precise focusing of the subject. Most importantly, it is a great choice for portraits and close-up photography. Also, you can expect exceptional background blur and bokeh effects as well.

Who Will Use This Most

Like to click portraits and close-up photographs? Well, this is the perfect choice for you. It has an ideal focal length for close-up photography. Nature, landscape, or portraiture, it is capable of shooting some sharp and high-quality images with great detail. You can experience minimum distortion and reduced aberrations while using this lens.

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, it is an ideal lens if you wish to capture portraits and other close-up images. It is capable of capturing outstanding images at close distances with great bokeh and background blur. For this reason, it is one of the top contenders for the best close-up lenses. What are you waiting for then?

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

Best Landscape Lens for Canon 5D Mark III: Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Distagon T ZE Series

Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZE Series Lens for...

PROS

  • It has an enhanced resolving power
  • Comes with a Carl Zeiss T* lens coating
  • High-speed functionality for quick snaps
  • Promises minimal distortion at any focal length
  • Features manual focusing by using a precise mechanism

CONS

  • It has no auto-focus capability
  • There is no weather sealing available

What Recent Buyers Report

A high number of positive reviews suggest that this Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 offers exceptional results. Recent buyers shared their captured images, which seem to be truly mesmerizing. Moreover, nearly all of the users are completely satisfied with the flawless operation of this sensational lens.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The high-speed operability and improved resolving power of this unit make for a great lens. It promises minimal distortion at any focal length. Moreover, it features a unique manual focusing precise mechanism for accurate focus. Also, it comes with a Carl Zeiss T* lens coating for phenomenal results.

Who Will Use This Most

According to us, this is a smart option for most users. Whether you are a professional photographer or a casual snapper, it is a great addition to your collection. It offers a wonderful color rendering mechanism and perfect textures that display some amazing and natural-looking images.

Bottom Line

Here’s another great lens that is capable of delivering mesmerizing images. If you seek the best lens available, this is your best bet. Capable of capturing amazing shots with high resolving power and high-speed functionality, it is a great contender in the lens regime.

Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZE Series Lens for...
  • Offers high speed, extraordinary resolving power and next to zero distortion
  • Precise mechanism enables exact manual focusing
  • Carl Zeiss T* lens coating

Best Lens for Canon 5D Mark III Video: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

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

PROS

  • Features a focal length of 24-70mm 
  • 13 months of free damage protection available
  • A maximum aperture of f/2.8 for low-light shooting
  • Ultrasonic auto-focus motor with manual auto-focusing as well
  • Comes with 82mm filters and closest focusing distance is 1.25 feet

CONS

  • The customer support services are not very reliable 
  • Must be registered to avail the damage protection facility

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the users report flawless functionality and mind-blowing images that this lens can capture. The majority of the users believe that it offers you the ultimate user experience. It has all the essential features and mechanisms that enable it to be one of the best lenses around.

Why it Stands Out to Us

For us, this is a great all-around performer. It offers you multiple features and several tweaking options to adjust accordingly. It features a 24-70mm focal length and a wide f/2.8 maximum aperture. It’s ultrasonic motor promises fast and discrete auto-focusing with full manual control as well. Furthermore, it comes with 82mm filters with the closest focusing distance of 1.25 feet.

Who Will Use This Most

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L, without a doubt, a professional photography lens. It delivers the most amazing and brilliant images when it comes to quality and performance. The images are crisp while the color rendering is absolutely stunning and natural-looking. Also, it is great for close-up and portraiture, weddings, family events, and most natural photographs.

Bottom Line

If you are looking to take your photography to the next level, then consider buying this model. It has all the qualities of a premium-grade lens. Despite being seriously expensive, it delivers what you pay for. If you can afford this beast, don’t hesitate to buy it!

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

Comparison of the Best Lenses For Canon 5D Mark III

How Do I Choose a Lens For a Canon 5D Mark III?

The type of lens you need depends upon your personal preferences and the reason for purchasing such a lens. If you are looking for a high-performance and high-quality lens for your Canon 5D Mark III, here are some of the features to look for.

Focal Length

The focal length is probably the most important feature to consider while purchasing any lens. Some lenses offer various focal lengths that determine the functionality. A higher focal length might help you with increased zoom while a shorter focal length is ideal for close-up photography. Now, it depends upon you, whether you are looking to capture portraiture of mind-blowing landscapes.

black cameras on a brown table

Source

Aperture

The second most important feature to consider while choosing a lens is its aperture. The aperture determines the amount of light that reaches inside the lens. An f/1.4 would allow relatively more light to pass than a lens featuring an f/5.6. Therefore, if you are looking to shoot in broad daylight, an f/4 or f/5.6 would work just fine. However, if you seek low-light photography, an f/1.4 would be the right choice.

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is a very critical aspect to consider while buying a lens. The optical image stabilization allows reduced shake and blur while performing handheld photography. Usually, at higher zoom levels, you might experience a camera shake. This is where image stabilization comes in handy for minimizing shake.

Benefits of Investing in a Quality Canon 5D Mark III Lens

Investing in a quality lens will always pay you in the long run. Purchasing a high-quality lens might demand a higher price, however, don’t be scared of the price tag. There are also various lenses available at a much lower price, although they are not capable of delivering some high-quality results.

Therefore, it is advised to invest in a lens that offers you great value for your money. But what are the benefits of buying an expensive and high-quality lens? In case you are wondering, here are some of the benefits of investing in a decent one.

Image Quality

Most good-quality lenses feature high-resolution image quality and photographs. They have various technologies that allow them to capture images with great sharpness and detail. As a result, your captured images are much finer and crispier than low-quality or cheap lenses. They are expensive for a reason. Look on the bright side, you get superb images without blur or shake under any circumstances.

Longevity

A decent lens offers you durability and long-lasting operation with its various features. It offers you a lightweight design if you are into handheld photography. Moreover, it might come with durable metal construction and weather sealing to keep it safe from dust and water. Consequently, there is a greater chance that your lens will operate effectively for longer periods of time.

Personal Satisfaction

A great lens will almost always yield great results. As a result, you will feel much more satisfied and relieved with the outstanding image quality. You don’t have to face blur or shaky images and complain about low picture quality. 

Conclusion

Everyone is attracted to eye-catching photographs, whether it is portraiture, nature, or landscape photography. If you wish to capture such breath-taking and stunning photographs, then it’s time to invest in a quality lens. We assure you that you won’t be disappointed with the results that these superb lenses have to offer.