Canon has launched some truly exceptional lenses over the years. From tilt-shift technology to primes to zooms, Canon has excelled at creating optics that stand the test of time. The image quality is sharp and pleasing, while the colors are rich and inviting. Since its mirrorless range was launched, Canon has been revamping its optics to suit its new system. Today, we look at the best zoom lenses launched five years ago, which are still worthy of your time.
Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8 L IS USM
This focal length is perfect for landscape, street, and astrophotographers who want the best quality with no compromise. It offers five stops of image stabilization, weather sealing, great build quality, fast focus, really sharp image quality, and amazing color repetition. If you are shooting manually, then you will also enjoy the silky smooth manual focus ring. While there is slight vignetting at 15mm, it is nothing that can’t be fixed in post-production. What matters is you get a lens that is able to give you a different perspective on your journey, and this one does just that.
Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM
This one is a more cost-effective alternative launched by Canon in 2020. The Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM offers sharp images with great colors, is very lightweight and small, offers good build quality, and has an overall great performance when it comes to focusing. The lens also can focus well in low-lit areas, with its programmable control ring providing a better touch. The lens offers great image stabilization, too, and comes with a fun macro feature.
Canon RF 28-70mm f2 L USM
Another marvel from Canon, the RF 28-70mm f2 L USM, is an all-rounder lens that is perfect for your kit. It is large and heavy, but it certainly provides the best image quality seen on a lens. The lens is very sharp, and the color rendition is great; one of the fastest full-frame zoom lenses by Canon has weather sealing and is built really well. With the firmware update, you will begin to like the lens even more. If you can get past the size, you will certainly have a reliable lens in various situations.
Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM
There is a lot to like about this one. The RF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM has 5-stop shake reduction, high speed, smooth autofocus, weather sealing, and is compact and lightweight. Some of the things that really work well for the lens include its size, smooth and beautiful bokeh, close focusing distance, sharp images, fast autofocus with tracking ability, and ability to withstand challenging environments. It is quite perfect for portraits, street, events, weddings, and even sports photography.
Canon 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
A perfect lens for wildlife and bird photography, the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM is light, weighing just 3 lbs. It is fast when it comes to focusing, offers amazing image stabilization, produces sharp images with great color rendition, and, of course, has the best bokeh. It has a three-foot minimum focusing distance, and one can use teleconverters to increase its range. Furthermore, compared to competitors, the lens is also pretty compact, which means it won’t affect your luggage as much.