For the longest time, Canon has been very well-known not only for its high-quality cameras, but also for its equally excellent lenses.
It provides its users with a large range of lenses for any and every purpose.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best Canon lenses for shooting videos.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Canon Lenses For Video
Comparison of the Best Canon Lenses For Video
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What Size Lens is Best For Video?
Not all lenses are ideally designed for the purpose of shooting videos. Users may find that only specific ones provide the ideal results they are looking for. These results are likely to be obtained by lenses with a focal length between 20mm and 100mm.
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
If you are using a 50mm lens, it provides a field of vision closer to that of a human eye, making it more lifelike. Most manufacturers design 24-70mm lenses closer to the 50mm mark, as well as to provide a wider focus range, allowing for ideal videography.
How to Choose a Canon Lens For Video
The qualities of a great photo shoot lens may not perform equally well for shooting videos. While picking a unit for videography, one may have to consider an entirely different set of features. Some of those features are listed below:
Image Stabilization
For any lens intended to for videography, sufficient image stabilization must be present. If not, the video shoot will be highly shaky. Using a tripod may rectify this problem, but not entirely, which is why a lens with image stabilization is necessary.
Auto Focus
Manual focus may be a good feature for taking images, where the focus and the scene aren’t changing. But while shooting a video, that isn’t the case. For the constantly shifting focus and background, autofocus is important.
High-Quality Lens Element
This is one feature that is the same for both photos, as well as videos. Other features may be important, but if the lens element used is not of good quality, the results obtained just won't be up to the mark. The quality of the lens is important in determining the sharpness and colors of the image or video.
Quick Take - Best Canon Lenses For Video
Before we dive into our review, here are the best Canon lenses for video:
Review of the Best Canon Lenses For Video
Now, let’s get to the part we have been waiting for, finally picking the perfect Canon lens for video shooting. In order to save you the time and effort of going through a number of items, listed below are some of the best units to invest in. All you need to do is consider which one suits you best and make your final pick.
Best Overall:
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This unit is one which works so ideally that it gets absolutely no negative feedback from its users. Almost everyone that has invested in it and tried it for themselves has found it to be absolutely worth its price. This Canon EF-S 18-135mm provides everything that it promises and much more, which is why users find it the ideal lens for videos.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are a number of reasons why this unit would be anyone’s favorite, but what we like about it most is its performance. It not only provides great results in broad daylight where there is plenty of light, but functions equally well in low-light situations, leaving users with no problems at all.
Who Will Use This Most
This zoom lens, with its outstanding image stabilization and autofocus, is great for just about any situation where an STM lens can be used. But specifically speaking, this unit, with all its features, makes an ideal lens for beginners since it is easy, as well as convenient, to use.
Bottom Line
Everyone that has invested in this unit and tried it for themselves has found it to be worth more than they paid. This product is great and lives up to all of its hype from recent users.
Runner-up:
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is III USM Lens
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This unit is one that has managed to impress almost all its users with not only its quality design, but also its outstanding functioning. Users have found it satisfactory and are greatly impressed by the number of additional features it comes with. They also love the efficiency with which these features perform.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you ask us to pick one feature of all that this unit offers, we would pick its ability to minimize ghosting and flaring. This is an error that users usually have to deal with manually, but with the Air Sphere and Super Spectra Coatings, the lens takes care of the issue itself.
Who Will Use This Most
One of the greatest features of this unit is its high-level durability, which a number of units lack these days. Since it is dust and water-resistant, it can easily survive in harsh conditions. This makes it highly appropriate for all those that wish to use it outdoors for various purposes.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the best lens out there for shooting videos, but feel like our top product won’t suit you, then this one will be the perfect alternative for you. It may be the runner-up, but only by a very small margin and comes with features that are just as good as our number one option.
Best for the Money:
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
For the price at which this lens comes, almost all its users claim they couldn’t find anything better. It not only ensures that videographers save money, but also provides them with the ideal functioning they need for an ideal video shooting lens, which is why it has turned into their quick favorite.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are a number of features we like about this unit, but the one that tops all the others is the convenience and ease it provides for all its users. Given its easy and intuitive use, professionals and beginners both find it ideal.
Who Will Use This Most
Given the ideal features this unit comes with, along with its impressive functionality and convenient use, we regard this to be absolutely perfect for all who have recently started taking an interest in videography. It is a cheap lens that works perfectly, allowing beginners to learn easily.
Bottom Line
This lens that comes at a more affordable price compared to the rest and serves as the perfect example that one does not need to have all sorts of professional equipment in order to check their own videography skills. For all those users who want to enjoy shooting high-quality video without spending on expensive fancy equipment, this is the perfect option.
Best Canon DSLR Lens for Video:
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This lens is one that has been highly used and complimented by users. It not only excels in terms of its design and build, but also impresses users with the outstanding price point at which it is available. Almost every user that has invested in it has been highly satisfied.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit, with its design and build, is a unique one in itself, but what really makes it stand apart from the rest is its sub-wavelength coating. This unique and efficient feature works to reduce and minimize ghosting and flaring of the video, allowing optimal results for users.
Who Will Use This Most
Owning a DSLR, users may often find looking for an ideal lens for videos a painstaking task. This Canon lens, with all its impressive features, serves to be the perfect unit for all such users. It not only provides outstanding compatibility with a DSLR but also quality that is second to none.
Bottom Line
Whether because of its high compatibility with Canon DSLR cameras or because of your love for videography, if you own a Canon DSLR, there is no other that would better suit your camera. It is a unit designed to impress at all costs and provides its users with nothing less than the best.
Best Canon Lens for Music Video:
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This lens is one that has been highly used and complimented by users. It not only excels in terms of its design and build, but also impresses users with the fine focus and quality that it provides. Almost every user that invested in it and tried it for professional purposes or otherwise has not been disappointed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There’s a lot about this unit that deserves great appreciation, but what tops that list of features are the accessories it comes with. Users can choose between a travel kit, a memory card, a filter and lens cleaner kit, a protective pouch, or a protection filter. Such a wide range ensures there's something for every type of user.
Who Will Use This Most
The features provided by this unit are not only highly efficient but also extremely unique. Such unique features are intended for special purposes and the features given are ideal for use while shooting a music video. Any user looking for a Canon lens for such use would find this unit ideal.
Bottom Line
Finding a specific lens for professional use can be a painstaking task. But if you are looking for a Canon lens for making music videos, with special effects, then your search ends right here. There is no other lens that provides better functionality for the given purpose.
Best Canon Wide-Angle Lens for Video:
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
On the one hand, users find the functioning of this Canon lens to be a little tricky. But on the other hand, they also claimed it worked better than most lenses they tried before. It not only came with an incredible list of features, making it their first choice, but also proved to be worth a lot more than its price tag, making it their favorite.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We think this unit deserves a place on this list for a number of reasons, the top one being the stepping motor it is equipped with. The stepping motor operates the Drive System Lead Screw and the Rack system and does so without producing a significant amount of noise.
Who Will Use This Most
Wide-angle lenses are readily available in the market, but when it comes to finding one for shooting videos, the options may not be as plentiful. This unit is one of the few that works ideally for wide-angle videos, providing users with high-quality results and satisfactory performance.
Bottom Line
Some accessories catch our eye right from the first glance and this is one of those. Its outstanding build, complemented by its flawless functionality, makes it a must-have for anyone that owns a Canon camera and wishes to improve their videography with a wide-angle lens.
Best Canon Zoom Lens for Video:
Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
If you were to go by the words of recent buyers, you would be instantly convinced to buy this model for videography purposes. Its functionality and results are so outstanding that users can’t help but sing its praises and recommend it to other users looking for the perfect video lens.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Just like every other product on this list, we love everything about this unit, but what really stood out was the efficiency with which the focus motor works in it. But what is even better is it provides that efficiency with no noise at all, making it ideal for use.
Who Will Use This Most
This zoom lens by Canon is every cinematographer's dream. It comes with a list of features that are specifically added to aid video shooting purposes. It provides a great focus and aperture for the users, making it the best choice for anyone looking for a zoom lens.
Bottom Line
Zoom lenses have been, and always will be, the best option for videography. This unit, in particular, will be sure to provide you with all the features of an ideal videography experience. Given that, if you can find a little extra money to spare for a zoom lens, this unit just might be the one for you.
Best Canon 7D Lens for Video:
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
For those who have recently invested in this unit, this serves to be the ideal 7D lens that performs considerably better than standard units. Users have claimed to have experienced great results while using it for photography, making it their ultimate favorite.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit comes with a long list of features that make it worthy of being on this list, but one that really stands out to us, is its large circular aperture. Such an aperture produces a great shallow depth of field that allows a great result while shooting videos, along with an outstanding experience.
Who Will Use This Most
7D lenses by Canon are designed with the highest precision and technology. Those features ought to make this unit an expensive one, which may not be ideal for a beginner. Plus, its complexity and advanced features make it ideal for professional use.
Bottom Line
7D lenses are all the hype in the market. These units may be a little expensive, but they provide users with a good worth for their money with the quality and features it provides. This unit is one designed to provide nothing less than the best.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Videography Lens
While going through this article, you might have wondered to yourself, why invest in a lens for video, specifically when the same function can be achieved from your previous lens, as well? In order to clarify this, though, here are a few advantages you will get out of investing in a good-quality lens for videography.
Better Quality
The quality that a dedicated video lens will provide will not be the same as that provided by a photo shooting lens. It is not only of better quality, but also covers a wider focal length range.
Consistency
With a good-quality video lens, you will find consistency in the image quality over not just a part of the video, but throughout it.
Aperture and Focus
The aperture for these units will be larger for better quality and provides users with a faster autofocus feature that works quietly, too.
Ergonomics
A camera should always provide you with ideal ergonomics, in order to ensure your convenience through the video shooting process.
Consistent Filter Size Thread
With a dedicated lens for videos, users will be able to experience better consistency of the filter thread size, which is highly convenient.
Conclusion
Shooting videos can be an outstanding experience and one that is significantly different from taking pictures. In order to get the best of it, it is important to pick the right lens for yourself and your intended use. A keen consideration of all the important factors will allow you to do so without much hassle.
People Also Ask
Using these lenses requires complete working knowledge in order to make the best of them. To ensure that you don't miss out on anything, we have answered a few questions users generally ask regarding lenses when it comes to shooting videos.
Is a 50mm Lens Good For Video?
Yes, a 50mm lens makes a very decent lens for shooting videos. Not only do these provide a flattened perspective, but they also let you achieve a shallow depth of field effect. The combination of these two makes for ideal video shooting.
Are Prime Lenses Better For Video?
If you want to pick the ideal lens for video, cinematographers usually prefer a zoom lens. But what usually dissuades users from buying a zoom lens for video is its high price point. A prime lens, on the other hand, works significantly well for videos, while it doesn’t cost much either.
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