What is the Best Canon EF Lens for Video?
- Best Canon EF Lens for Video: Prime Lens
- Best Canon EF Lens for Video: Standard Zoom Lens
- Best Canon EF Lens for Video: Telephoto Lens
- Final Thoughts on the Best Canon EF Lenses for Video
- Lens Type: Prime Lens
- Camera System: Full-Frame & APS-C DSLRs
- Lens Mount: Canon EF Lens Mount
- Focal Length: 50 mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 45 cm
- Filter Size: 72 mm
- Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
- Maximum Magnification: 0.15x
- Size/Weight: 66 x 86 mm / 580 grams
- Optical Image Stabilization: No
- Lens Type: Standard Zoom Lens
- Camera System: Full-Frame & APS-C DSLRs
- Lens Mount: Canon EF Lens Mount
- Focal Length: 24-70 mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 38 cm
- Filter Size: 82 mm
- Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
- Maximum Magnification: 0.21x
- Size/Weight: 88.5 x 113 mm / 805 grams
- Optical Image Stabilization: No
- Lens Type: Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Camera System: Full-Frame & APS-C DSLRs
- Lens Mount: Canon EF Lens Mount
- Focal Length: 70-200 mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/32
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 120 cm
- Filter Size: 77 mm
- Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
- Maximum Magnification: 0.21x
- Size/Weight: 89 x 199 mm / 1440 grams
- Optical Image Stabilization: Yes
- Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L III USM
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.4 L IS USM
- Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L II USM
- Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM SPORT - EF Fit
- Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM
- What is the Best Canon DSLR Camera for 2023?
- Which Canon Video Camera is Best for Your Needs and Budget?
Photo by niuniu via iStock
If you are a videographer or hybrid photographer who owns a Canon DSLR and wants to find the best Canon EF lens for video, you’ve come to the right place. In this Canon EF lens guide, we look at three unique types of lenses (prime, standard zoom, and telephoto) and share the best lens for video for each.
So, regardless of what type of video content you like to shoot, you will find your dream lens below. Additionally, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, buying a used Canon EF lens has never been cheaper and easier than it is today.
MPB is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling used photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. All their cameras and lenses are methodically hand-inspected by highly-trained product specialists and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.
We have bought, sold, and traded in tons of photography equipment using MPB’s online platform, and after every transaction, we have walked away with giant smiles on our faces. That’s why we couldn’t be happier to recommend them to you. OK, now it’s time to dive in and discover which best Canon EF lens for video best matches you and your needs!
Table of Contents
Best Canon EF Lens for Video: Prime Lens
For videographers who want a silky smooth prime lens, the best Canon EF lens for video is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM. It’s a compact, portable, nifty 50 lens with fantastic image quality and a super bright maximum aperture of f/1.2.
The high max aperture is ideal for low-light situations like shooting indoors in a studio or at sunrise/sunset. Furthermore, it gives you complete control over the depth of focus of your content and produces gorgeous bokeh effects, which is perfect when recording people or close-up video footage.
Other excellent video features of this 50mm prime lens include a USM motor that provides fast and silent autofocus, compatibility with APS-C DSLRs (80mm equivalent), and a weather-sealed body to protect against water and dust.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this best EF lens for video:
Check out the video above by Soersha Dyas to compare the 4K video shot on the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II.
Best Canon EF Lens for Video: Standard Zoom Lens
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM is a do-it-all zoom lens known for its unmatched versatility. At 24mm, it’s wide enough to film dramatic landscapes and opening shots, and when fully zoomed in at 70mm, you can capture close-ups and portraits with tons of detail.
Its signature specs include a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, three aspherical lens elements, one super ultra-low dispersion element, a USM motor, an all-weather coating, and compatibility with APS-C DSLRs (38.4-122mm equivalent).
If you are new to the world of video, this is, without a doubt, the best Canon EF lens for video. On top of that, it’s a great choice for traveling, vloggers, and YouTubers.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this best EF zoom lens for video:
Check out the video above by Video Maker Twist to compare and contrast the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM with its predecessor, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM.
Learn More:
Best Canon EF Lens for Video: Telephoto Lens
Regarding telephoto lenses, the best Canon lens for video is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS III USM. This zoom lens has an unlimited reach and is a go-to option for nature, sports, and wildlife videographers. Moreover, it’s one of the only telephoto lenses with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture.
Another one of its strengths is the optical image stabilization technology. The stabilization enhances low-light performance and reduces unwanted camera shake. Limiting camera shake is crucial for shooting smooth handheld video. If you are an on-the-go videographer, filmmaker, or vlogger, this is an essential lens in your kit.
More impressive video features are its five ultra-low dispersion elements, one fluorite element, a focus limiter switch, weather-resistant design, and compatibility with APS-C DSLRs (112-320mm equivalent).
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this best EF telephoto lens for video:
Check out the video above by Young Filmmaker to learn why the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS III USM is the best Canon EF lens for video.
Final Thoughts on the Best Canon EF Lenses for Video
Photo by Eloi_Omella via iStock
While those are three of the best Canon EF lenses for video available today, they are far from the only ones to consider. To browse some more of our favorites, check out the list below. You can get great deals on all these best Canon EF lenses and more at MPB!
