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Best Lens for Canon 7D Mark II [2024 Review]

In: 
Published: 13/03/2023

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The Canon 7D Mark II is a semi-pro DSLR with an APS-C sensor and fast autofocus. However, its inbuilt flash misses the mark with narrow and uneven coverage, forcing you to compensate with a less than average positive exposure. To make the most out of this great camera, you’ll the best lens for Canon 7D Mark II so you can take high-quality real estate photos.

My Top Lens for Canon 7D Mark II Reviews 

With a broad selection of camera lenses, my tests show that the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 is the best lens for Canon 7D Mark II. This is because of its long focal length, accurate zooming, and wide-open aperture that complement the light-gathering abilities of the camera sensor.

I also included various lens options in different categories, price ranges, and shooting styles.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is the best lens for the Canon 7D Mark II as it combines fast autofocus and precise zooming for a fantastic bokeh quality.

The long-range focal length allows you to maintain a shooting position and recompose without moving physically. With the rotation-type zoom ring, you get a more precise composition and balance when holding the lens.

The Canon 7D Mark II can detect flickers from artificial light, enabling you to release the shutter when the light hits the peak. While this reduces the burst rate, you can guarantee the maximum light you capture during varying exposures.

The Canon 100-400mm lens tends to have a softer effect in the center when shooting wide open, although it gets exceptionally sharp when going down one stop. 

With the lens quality, you can support the Mark II and create even more vibrant and crisp details, mainly when shooting at f/4.5. In addition, it aids the sensor in ensuring sharpness throughout the entire image frame. 

The optical elements help provide impressive contrast and resolution with minimized chromatic aberration across the entire zoom range. Thus, even with a blurry background, it won't look like your images have unnecessary streaks of light.

Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM

Another contender for the best lens for the Canon 7D Mark II is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM. With its outstanding image quality and constant aperture, you can take eye-catching landscapes, interiors, and portraits.

One of the great things about the Canon 7D Mark II is its phase-detection AF system, which ensures accurate focusing, whether for an optical viewfinder or live-view shooting. When paired with the lens, you won't have to worry about a falling out of the center or corner sharpness.

What makes this wide-angle zoom lens outshine the Canon 100-400mm is its fast maximum aperture of f/2.8. This constant aperture also ensures you get sufficient light for soft backgrounds and out-of-focus areas. This is also helpful when you're shooting in dimly lit spaces or inclement weather.

However, the shorter zoom range makes this lens less versatile than its 100-400mm counterpart. Still, this focal range helps you think of interesting compositions and perspectives.

Since the 16-35mm focal range highlights the closest in-focus subjects in a scene, you can emphasize the details of the foreground. Considering Mark II's modest resolution, you can also retain this kind of quality when shooting fast continuous frame rates at high ISO values.

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6

If you're looking for a walk-around lens for a crop sensor camera like the Canon 7D Mark II, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 is a reasonable price lens for your growing collection.

The Mark II has a fast actuation time, which means shutter speeds above 1/200 at 10fps can capture crisp details. However, even with the camera sensor's ability to capture light, the image quality still depends on how well your lens can gather light.

When you use this lens, it's just a matter of figuring out the correct distancing between the catching focus and your subject. Besides, the lens helps Mark II's focus system to track subjects and adjust exposure.

What's more, the lens has an optical image stabilizer that corrects possible camera shake. With that said, the lens is also suitable for low-light and handheld shooting.

Despite being in the reasonable price range, it provides a high-magnification focal range of 75-300mm. The lens can bring attention to interesting details by filling the frame at 300mm. However, you may see some color fringes at the farthest edges at 300mm.

Nevertheless, it has a more significant aperture range than the Canon EF 16-35mm. This is still efficient in maintaining a steady exposure, particularly when shooting videos.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L

If you tend to switch with multiple prime lenses due to the limited focal range, it would be better to use a standard zoom lens like the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L for the Canon 7D Mark II.

The Mark II's sensor has a high ISO sensitivity range, enabling you to expand the settings and capture more light. When you attach the 24-70mm lens, the constant aperture of f/2.8L brings more light to ensure sharpness and details.

While the 24-70mm lens has a shorter focal range than the Canon 75-300mm, it outperforms the latter by having a wider aperture. Likewise, it produces a lovely bokeh when shooting wide open, although straight subjects may appear to have a sharper curve in the images.

You may notice that the Mark II's color reproduction tends to give off bluish hues, particularly when recovering highlights. Fortunately, the lens comes with optimized lens coatings that suppress flares to maintain superb color balance.

Furthermore, the Canon 24-70mm lens brags high-speed autofocus with minimal softening on the corners due to the large aperture. Additionally, the lens features a manual focusing override, which lets you grab the focusing ring and lock focus.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM

Being a crop-sensor camera, the Canon 7D Mark II tries to avoid the corner parts of lenses as these portions are prone to softness and vignetting. The good thing is that the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L balances magnification ratio and light-catching abilities to produce excellent image quality.

With a 1:1 magnification ratio, you get to photograph subjects in their actual sizes. However, it can still produce a shallow depth of field with mesmerizing bokeh despite this kind of magnification.

The lens allows you to shoot wide open and can still maintain corner sharpness. When using f/4, you may notice a bit of vignetting, although you can hide it in a foreground or background blur. 

The Canon 7D Mark II tends to produce more image noise. However, the density of the pixels helps increase the sharpness because of the large number of pixels per square inch.

Unlike the Canon 24-70mm zoom lens, this top-notch macro lens brags a hybrid image stabilization. In effect, you can maximize its life-size, close-up shooting abilities without blurring out the subject.

While the Mark II has an accurate autofocus system, it isn't as fast as those in mirrorless cameras. However, this macro lens can compensate for that using its fast autofocus. Besides, the manual focus is preferable as it provides precise control under live view.

Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di

Tamron has a reputation for producing quality lenses that are compatible with various camera brands. Among them is the Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8, which has excellent focus acquisition, lens stabilization, and sturdy build quality.

It can be challenging to work in low-light conditions. While the Canon 7D Mark II has commendable ISO performance, images may get noise and color loss at ISO 400 and above.

With this lens, you can quickly find focus in low light to maintain razor-sharp focus with controlled background noise. Its smooth and precise autofocus enables you to track subjects without losing image quality.

Aside from that, its zoom range lets you take photos of your subjects even if they are far away from you. This comes in handy when you can only shoot from a distance. At the wider end, subjects show a realistic perspective and can even discern background subjects.

Like the Canon 100mm macro lens, the Tamron 70-200mm lens has consistent edge sharpness when using f/2.8. However, you may notice some softness on the corners when nearing the 200mm end.

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM

If you're looking for high-speed lenses to partner with Canon 7D Mark II's fast frame rate, the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM captures pin-sharp details with reduced image distortion.

What makes this Sigma lens unique is that it synchronizes with the Mark II's shutter speed automatically so that you won't get random shadows or color-shited images when shooting through flickering light.

Despite having a bigger maximum aperture than the Tamron 70-200mm, this lens lets light flood in for a shallower depth of field. As a result, you can manipulate spaces and angle the lens that would make a scene look more lavish.

While the Canon 7D Mark II comes with an improved light sensitivity design, it still isn't ideal for bumping the ISO to the highest levels. This is why it's preferable to optimize the maximum aperture of the lens instead.

Being a wide-angle lens, the Sigma 10-20mm does well in capturing the whole scene in focus. On the downside, it isn't completely free of chromatic aberration. Although its optics minimize field curvature, ensuring your lines appear as they seem in real life.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

Gradually veering into zoom yet not necessarily a wide-angle lens, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 can be your go-to prime lens if you prefer a compact setup with the Canon 7D Mark II. 

Since this prime lens has fewer glass elements than the Sigma 10-20mm and Tamron 70-200mm, it doesn't diminish the amount of light hitting the sensor. In this way, it can compensate for the slow recharge rate of Mark II's built-in flash.

Consequently, this enhanced light transmission results in a brighter viewfinder. Fewer optical elements also help the lens calibrate faster for control distortion and vignetting.

Aside from that, its maximum aperture of f/1.4 lets you maximize the available light, saving you time in adjusting the camera and external flash settings. The Canon 50mm f/1.4 is also ideal if you need to shoot using fast shutter speeds.

If you are still learning the various lenses, using this nifty-fifty would challenge your perspective. The lack of zoom practices your eye for composition and angles. This is why primes lenses are standard for portrait, street, and travel photographers.

Samyang SY14M-C 14mm f/2.8

The Canon 7D Mark II is popular among landscape, real estate, and astrophotographers because of its low-light shooting abilities. When coupled with the Canon 7D Mark II, the Samyang SY14M-C 14mm f/2.8 provides a more dramatic perspective even when the available light isn't favorable.

While the Mark II can easily track subjects across the frame, it tends to struggle when locating moving subjects against a broad background. When shooting at an ultra-wide perspective of 14mm, it's a good thing that the focusing of the Samyang lens can make up for the camera's shortcomings.

As opposed to the optical control of the Canon 50mm, the immense 14mm field of view often comes with ghosting and flaring. However, the spherical elements of this Samyang lens help improve clarity for contrast and color rendering.

As a bonus, the lens uses a weather-sealed, all-metal housing, making it a suitable camera accessory when shooting in inclement weather conditions. If you're into nature photography, the combination of the focal length and durable construction is perfect for bringing the lens to adventurous trails.

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM

Whether you're offering real estate video services or you simply have a passion for vlogging, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 can make the Canon 7D Mark II your official videography camera, even if it isn't a movie-oriented camera.

When taking videos, one of the hurdles you might encounter is the flickering of LED or fluorescent lights that you won't see right away. However, this subtle movement is most likely evident in the recorded file.

The good news is that this pancake lens can handle even the brightest aperture of 2.8 without the need to go ultra-wide like the Samyang 14mm. Even if the focal length has an equivalent 38mm perspective on the Mark II's sensor, the output is still proportionate and pleasing.

Moreover, when shooting at faster shutter speeds, you risk changing the exposure when lights suddenly become dim. Thanks to aspherical elements, the lens remains unaffected by flaring and ghosting, even when the camera sensor faces unpredictable light patterns.

Being incredibly light and compact, the Canon 24mm doesn't hamper mobility, especially when you need to mount the Mark II on a gimbal or monopod.

With the addition of fast autofocus, you can practice making smooth transitions when panning or gliding. Additionally, the manual focusing override lets you control the focus ring even as the autofocusing motor operates.

Features to Consider in the Best Lens for Canon 7D Mark II

The Canon 7D Mark II is a crop factor camera that can allow you to capture photos in a wide range of applications. However, you can only exploit its full capability by equipping it with an equivalent lens.

The following features highlight different lens specifications, which can help you choose lenses that best suit you. The following table further elaborates on the key features for easier digestion.

Comparing Lenses for Canon 7D Mark II

LensesApertureDiaphragm BladesMagnification Ratio
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 f/4.5-5.681:5
Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 f/2.891:4.5
Canon 75-300mm f/4-5.6 f/4-5.691:4
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 f/2.891:4.76
Canon 100mm f/2.8 f/2.891:1
Tamron 70-200mm F/2.8 f/2.891:3.1
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 f/3.571:6.6
Canon 50mm f/1.4 f/1.481:6.7
Samyang 14mm f/2.8 f/2.871:15.1
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM f/2.871:3.7

Zooming Capability

A zoom lens has a variable angle of view which can be broadened or narrowed, and you can use it to capture subjects from a wide array of distances. However, the zoom capabilities vary across lenses. 

The bigger the difference between the longest and shortest focal length in a zoom lens, the bigger the zooming capability. Considering that the Canon 7D Mark II is a crop factor camera, it has a cropping effect of 1.5x, which means you can multiply the focal length of your lenses by 1.5.

If you want to enjoy the versatility of a zoom lens, you can go for a zoom lens with the longest focal length, such as Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6. Usually, this focal length will change to an equivalent of 400 x 1.5, which is 600mm, making it ideal for various photography applications such as wildlife, real estate, and sports.

Autofocus System

Typically, focusing on a moving subject can be challenging, especially if you are a beginner, as you can easily miss some moments as you try to track the subject. Manual focus can also be exhausting, even for professional photographers, especially if they are focusing and zooming at the same time. 

Luckily, most advanced lenses come with autofocus systems that use artificial intelligence to automatically control the optics of a lens to bring a subject into a sharper focus. This system recognizes and tracks moving subjects, allowing you to capture sharper images even when capturing in burst mode.

For instance, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 comes equipped with an autofocus system, allowing you to maintain the sharpness of the main subject even when the subject is moving. 

Weather Sealing

If you are capturing exterior pictures of real estate in snowy or desert environments, there are higher chances of your camera lens failing due to dust and moisture. 

Luckily, you can avoid these worries by investing in a weather-sealed lens such as Samyang 14mm f/2.8. Keep in mind that there are other reasons that can make your lens fail, such as construction defects or physical damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Important Features of a Camera Lens?

There are several necessary features, although among the essential aspects of a camera lens is the focal length because it measures the distance between the camera sensor and your subject. Another vital factor is to check the maximum aperture. Finally, make sure that the design is durable.

What Lenses Should I Use for Real Estate Photography?

While the type of lens depends on your shooting style, it's crucial to always bring a wide-angle lens as its broad field of view can capture whole scenes. You can also use prime or zoom lenses to vary the perspectives. Meanwhile, a tilt-shift lens is helpful when shooting challenging angles.

What Are the Advantages of Using the Canon 7D Mark II?

Being a crop-sensor camera, the Canon 7D Mark II is much lighter and affordable than full-frame cameras. Despite that, it has a superb autofocus system, a fast frame rate for continuous shooting, and excellent light sensitivity. These aspects are ideal if you're a landscape, nighttime, wildlife, or real estate photographer.

Close up of three camera lenses

Conclusion

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a high-end camera with high resolution, decent color rendition, and accurate video autofocus. With the best lens for Canon 7D Mark II,  you can take stills and video clips whether you are a beginner or an experienced real estate photographer.

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