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7 Best Canon 80D Lenses [2024 Review]

In: 
Published: 10/03/2023

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On top of its weather-resistant body, the Canon 80D has an accurate and fast 45-point cross-type autofocus that allows it to produce fantastic images. Equipping it with the best lens for Canon 80D will significantly improve your photography regardless of the shooting circumstances.

Best Lens for Canon 80d Review

When it comes to shooting, you want to equip yourself with a high-quality camera with wide-angle zoom lenses. While there are also the best lenses specifically for Canon 80D Photography, below is a list of my top pick of lenses for Canon 80D to enhance its performance.

Sigma 35mm f/1.4

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 comes with a Hyper Sonic Auto-focusing motor, which is quiet and works well without scaring the camera-conscious subjects. It features internal floating elements for focusing, ensuring the barrel length does not change. 

It also comes with a full-time manual focusing override even during auto-focusing mode, giving you a complete focusing control. The lens build quality includes Thermally Stable Composite materials to reduce the effects even during extreme temperature use. 

On top, it features the F Low dispersion elements and LD glass elements to enhance the optical quality for better performance with the Canon 80D.

It has the best aperture in my list, with a maximum wide aperture of f1.4. This aperture can handle low-light and chromatic aberrations well, making it a fantastic walk-around lens with excellent focal length coverage. 

Although it's heavier than Canon EF-S 24mm by around 1.2 pounds, it weighs 1.47 pounds only, it is light enough to allow you to move around and shoot for an extended period without exhausting or hurting your wrists.

Although it is smaller than the Sigma 18-35mm, it comes with dimensions of 3.7 x 3.03 x 3.03 inches, which is not ideal for moving around with it while shooting comfortably.

The Sigma 35mm f1.4 lens is also not zoomable, which is one of its downsides. It is compatible with a full frame, which allows it to have a moderately wide-angle and less noticeable vignetting.

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8

The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 accumulates 28 points on the DxOMark rates with an adequate sharpness of approximately 16 megapixels. The standard zoom makes it excellent in everyday shooting on low light, urban landscape, street, and architecture.

Although the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is compatible with the Canon 80D, being an APS-C camera, the lens is affected by the 1.6x crop factor. Typically, the 1.6x crop factor makes the focal length equal to 28.8mm-56mm.

Furthermore, you can achieve highly sharp images even when shooting wide open at f/1.8, with no chromatic aberrations. When shooting wide open, stopping down the lens eliminates the vignetting.

Unlike the Sigma 35mm f1.4 with a generally quiet auto-focusing function, the Hyper Sonic AF motor in Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 produces some noise when auto-focusing, and therefore not the best for shooting camera-conscious subjects. However, its auto-focusing feature has better shooting results.

One of the most significant downsides of Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is lens diffraction, which sets in immediately when you stop down the lens, affecting image sharpness. However, this diffraction isn't noticeable on smaller apertures and is, therefore, fantastic to shoot landscapes at 28.8mm.

The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is typically the heaviest and largest lenses for Canon 80D in my list. It has dimensions of 4.76 x 3.07 x 3.07 inches, and weighing 1.79 pounds. This weight can hurt your wrists if you use it for extended periods.

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 comes under the category of pancake lens due to its small thickness. Although affordable, it's impressive, with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. This aperture is excellent for low-light shooting and particularly necessary when trying a shallow depth field. 

It allows you to use a faster shutter speed, preventing image blur. Also, the wide aperture eliminates the need to use high ISO, which, in turn, reduces the image noise. 

Unlike the complication in Sigma 35mm with 13 internal elements, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 is uncomplicated with only six interior parts, including a spherical element arrangement in 5 groups. 

The lens comes with an STM-powered auto-focusing function. Like the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 has a manual focusing override to control the focusing experience completely. 

The technology is compatible with the movie-servo mechanism of the Canon 80D, resulting in smooth auto-focusing, while the manual override works on One-Shot AF mode. 

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 is the most compact and lightweight lens on my list, with dimensions of 0.91 x 2.68 x 2.68 inches and weighing 0.28 pounds, making it the most appropriate for moving around with and shooting for extended periods without exhausting you. 

The downside is that it lacks image stabilization. Although the focal length is perfect and the angle of view excellent for most everyday photography pursuits, the lens is affected by the 1.6x crop factor when using it with a Canon 80D camera. It would not be as effective for real estate photography.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 is a high-quality lens that features a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, making it ideal for use in difficult lighting conditions. As a member of the advanced Canon L-series, this lens features weather resistance sealing, making it suitable for use in adverse weather conditions. 

Unlike the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5, the back and front elements feature a protective fluorine coating that resists smudges and fingerprints, enhancing the ease of cleaning. 

It employs a rounded nine-blade aperture diaphragm that produces an appealing bokeh quality while applying selective focus techniques and shallow depth of field. With three aspherical elements, this lens impressively minimizes spherical distortions and aberrations, improving the color accuracy and sharpness of the image. 

Additionally, it employs two ultra-low dispersion glass elements and one ultra-low dispersion element that significantly reduces chromatic aberrations and color fringing for exceptional image quality and clarity throughout the zoom range. 

With a full-time manual focus override, this lens allows you to fine-tune your focus when shooting, giving you better control over the focusing performance. 

Like the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8, it features a super spectra coating on its elements, reducing surface reflections and ghosting even when working in brightly-lit conditions. 

Its zoom lock mechanism helps keep the zoom position at the wide end, ensuring safety during transport. However, it lacks image stabilization functionality, which increases the chances of image blurring.

Canon EF-S 10 -18mm f/4.5-5.6

The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is a wide-angle zoom lens designed explicitly for APS-c cameras and provides an equivalent focal length range of 16-28.8mm when paired with a Canon EF-S mount DSLR. 

Unlike the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8, this lens has a four-stop image stabilization mechanism that helps reduce the camera shake effect when shooting handheld. The image stabilization technology also helps reduce image blur when using high ISO settings. 

With an STM stepping AF motor, this lens allows you to achieve a fast, near-silent, and accurate autofocus performance. Although the bokeh quality is less impressive than that of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4, the seven-blade aperture diaphragm promotes a good bokeh quality and shallow depth of field control when shooting maximum wide aperture. 

The full-time manual focus override allows you to fine-tune your focus when capturing, giving you better focusing control when shooting in low-light conditions. It employs one aspherical element and one ultra-low dispersion glass element that help suppress color fringing, chromatic aberrations, and distortions for improved clarity and color neutrality. 

Although this lens performs well in exterior real estate and landscape photography, a portrait shot with this lens's f/4.5-5.6 aperture is less appealing than Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8. 

With a super spectra coating, this lens reduces flare and ghosting for better results even when shooting in strongly-lit conditions. However, the minimal number of spherical elements may not effectively reduce aberrations and distortions like the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 is an excellent lens with a wide aperture that performs exceptionally well throughout the zoom range, making it ideal for use in low-lighting conditions. 

Since the aperture remains constant throughout the focal length range, this lens gives you better control over the depth of field when applying selective focus techniques. 

Like the Canon EF-S 10 -18mm f/4.5-5.6, it employs a super spectra coating that helps you achieve true color balance, increasing contrast for vivid and high-definition images. The autofocus function uses the ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), ensuring a fast, silent, and precise focusing experience. 

It comes equipped with an optical image stabilization function that helps reduce the camera shake effect by around three shutter speed stops with no increase in image blur. With an internal focusing design, this lens allows you to focus without adjusting the length of your lens when capturing camera-sensitive subjects. 

When it comes to the optical design, the lens features three aspherical elements that significantly minimize the distortions that are common in wide-angle lenses. Also, it employs two Ultra-low dispersion glass elements that suppress chromatic aberrations and color fringing for enhanced clarity and color fidelity. 

Unlike the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6, it comes equipped with a lens hood that offers external protection against scratches, rain, or dust. However, with a weight of 1.42 pounds, it’s 1.14 heavier than the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8, making it unsuitable for shooting handheld for an extended time.

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5

The Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 is an ultra-wide-angle lens featuring a revamped optical construction. This lens has three aspherical elements that reduce chromatic aberrations and distortions, enhancing image clarity and sharpness. 

It also employs one super Ultra-low dispersion glass element to eliminate color fringing and chromatic aberrations. Like the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6, this lens features a ring-type autofocus motor ensuring a smooth, quick and near-silent autofocusing performance. 

Additionally, the autofocus comes with a full-time manual focus override that allows you to fine-tune your focus for enhanced image sharpness. However, unlike the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8, its maximum wide aperture of f/3.5-4.5 does not perform well in poor lighting conditions. 

Also, the bokeh quality produced by the six-blade aperture diaphragm when using the selective focus technique can’t match that of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8. The super spectra coating on its elements helps minimize surface reflections, flare, and ghosting even when shooting with open windows. 

The internal focusing design allows you to focus without changing the lens length, making it suitable for capturing camera-sensitive subjects. However, this lens lacks weather-resistant sealing, making it unsuitable for use in trying conditions such as moist and dusty environments.

Features to Consider for the Best Lens for Canon 80D

Although the Canon 80D is an excellent camera for shooting, the different lenses will lead to varying shooting performances and results. Besides brands, all lenses compatible with Canon 80D have variable attributes that affect the images depending on the shooting circumstances.

Comparing Canon 80D Lenses

LensesImage StabilizationDiaphragm BladesPhoto Filter Thread Size
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 No967mm
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 No972mm
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 No752mm
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Yes766mm
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 Yes977mm
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 Yes677mm

Aperture

A larger aperture allows more light to enter the lens. If you want to shoot in low light, consider using a lens with a large aperture, such as the Sigma 18-35mm, which has an aperture of f1.8. You don't have to increase the ISO to produce sharp images with such a lens.

Besides, the aperture helps create a shallower depth field that allows you to differentiate the subject from the background. For instance, the aperture of the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 emphasizes the essential details of your subject by focusing on it.

Focal Length

The focal length determines the lens's versatility and ability to shoot interior and outdoor photos without distortion. If you don’t want to distort your subject's features or make them appear abnormal, consider using a lens with a considerable focal length, such as Sigma 35mm f/1.4.

Focusing

Having an auto-focus function on your lens is vital when shooting subjects that constantly adjust positions is vital. For a better focusing experience, consider a lens that offers smooth auto-focus options with manual overrides, such as the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8.

Close up of four Canon camera lenses

Also, some lenses produce some noise when using the auto-focus option. If you are shooting camera-conscious subjects, consider a lens with a quiet auto-focus function, such as Sigma 35mm f/1.4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Canon 80D Good in Low Light?

Generally, the Canon 80D offers excellent performance in low Light, especially when you mount it with a lens that has a large aperture, such as the Sigma 35mm f/1.4. However, the performance in low Light might not match that of full-frame cameras.

Is the Canon 80D Suitable for Video?

The Canon 80D is an all-around excellent camera suitable for video and with a good combination of advanced features, image quality, and build quality. It uses Canon's Dual-Pixel autofocus in video shooting, making it unbeatable.

Which Lens Should I Get for the Canon 80D?

Regardless of the shooting circumstances, any of the lenses above should serve you well. However, using the above attributes, you can narrow it to a specific lens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, equipping your Canon 80D with the right accessories, like the best flash and shooting lenses, will make all the difference in your shooting experience. Aside from learning what lens to use for real estate photography for exterior shots, hopefully, these reviews will help you make informed decisions on the best lens for your Canon 80D.

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