Best Pick

Canon EF 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM

85.6 Macro Score
28mm f/3.5 Canon EF-M IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout 1.2x magnification, the highest in its class, allows for extreme close-ups that most macro lenses can't achieve. The built-in Macro Lite LED ring light is a unique feature that provides illumination for shadow-free shots at its 93mm minimum focus distance. This lens is best for Canon EOS M system users who need a portable, specialized tool for extreme close-up photography of small subjects like insects or jewelry.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Tamron Di II AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR LD Aspherical Macro Zoom

74.9 Macro Score
18-200mm f/18 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an 18-200mm zoom range paired with a macro capability, offering extensive versatility in a relatively lightweight 397g package. The inclusion of image stabilization is a key secondary strength for handheld shooting across its focal lengths. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers who need a single, all-in-one lens for travel and close-up detail shots.

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Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM

74.7 Macro Score
18-35mm f/1.8 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/1.8 aperture across the 18-35mm zoom range provides exceptional low-light performance and background blur for a zoom lens. The robust Art-series build quality and sharp optics make it a reliable tool for demanding shoots. This lens is best for Canon DSLR photographers and videographers who need a versatile, fast prime-like zoom for portraits, events, or cinematic work.

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Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM lens
Price CA$1,042

Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8

73.2 Macro Score
14mm f/2.8 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a 14mm prime lens. The autofocus system is a key upgrade, offering convenience over the brand's traditional manual-focus offerings. This lens is best for landscape and astrophotography shooters who need a fast, ultra-wide angle on a budget.

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Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens
Price CA$753

Laowa Probe 24mm f/14

72.1 Macro Score
24mm f/14 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its exceptionally long, narrow barrel and 2:1 maximum magnification allow for unique macro perspectives that are impossible with standard lenses. The fixed f/14 aperture provides immense depth of field, keeping intricate subjects sharp from the probe tip to infinity. This specialized lens is best for macro photographers and videographers who need to explore tight spaces, like inside machinery or natural crevices, for detailed close-up shots.

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Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8

71.7 Macro Score
14mm f/2.8 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 14mm f/2.8 design offers an immense field of view and a bright aperture, ideal for low-light scenes. The optical formula, featuring one ED and two aspherical elements, controls distortion well for an ultra-wide, and its all-metal housing provides durable build quality. This lens is best for landscape and astrophotography shooters needing a sharp, wide-angle prime on a budget.

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Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 lens
Price CA$738

AstrHori 28mm F13 Probe

71.3 Macro Score
28mm f/13 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout 2x magnification and slender, waterproof probe design allow for shooting in extremely narrow or submerged spaces down to 20cm. The built-in ten-level adjustable ring light provides crucial illumination for close-up work, while its modular construction aids in transport. This lens is best for specialized macro photographers needing to capture intricate details in challenging environments like water droplets or inside small mechanical assemblies.

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Tamron SP SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD

69.8 Macro Score
35mm f/1.4 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture enables excellent low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field. The lens is particularly strong for portrait photography, as reflected in its high score for that category. This prime lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a classic focal length with professional-grade background separation.

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Sigma 210101 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM

68.9 Macro Score
18-35mm f/1.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a constant f/1.8 aperture across its 18-35mm zoom range, offering exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field control. The internal focusing and zooming mechanism enhances usability by maintaining the lens length during operation. This lens is best for Canon APS-C DSLR shooters prioritizing fast, versatile zoom performance for events, portraits, and low-light video work.

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Rokinon Tilt-Shift 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC

67.4 Macro Score
24mm f/3.5 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the +/- 8.5º tilt-shift mechanism, which allows for perspective control and selective focus effects on a full-frame sensor. The lens is a specialized, manual-focus tool built around its unique optical movement rather than general versatility. It is best for architectural photographers needing to correct converging lines or product photographers creating miniature "tilt-shift" scenes.

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Rokinon Tilt-Shift 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC lens
Price CA$753

Rokinon SP SP 35mm f/1.2

66.8 Macro Score
35mm f/1.2 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture enables exceptional low-light performance and extremely shallow depth of field, supported by advanced optics including aspherical and ED elements. The robust, all-metal build quality and 86mm filter thread contribute to a substantial, professional-grade feel. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a unique, character-rich 35mm perspective with a very fast aperture for creative control.

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Rokinon SP SP 35mm f/1.2 lens
Price CA$1,287

Laowa Zero-D 12mm f/2.8

65.7 Macro Score
12mm f/2.8 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

This lens offers an ultra-wide 12mm focal length with a fast f/2.8 aperture, featuring specialized optics like three extra-low dispersion and two aspherical elements to minimize distortion. Its robust build and full-frame coverage provide excellent image quality for architectural and landscape photography. It is best suited for real estate photographers needing wide, rectilinear shots and astrophotographers capturing night skies.

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Lensbaby EF Velvet 28mm f/2.5

65.1 Macro Score
28mm f/2.5 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

This 28mm f/2.5 prime lens stands out for its unique ability to produce a soft, glowing effect at wide apertures, combined with a 1:2 magnification ratio for close-up work. Its 12-blade diaphragm contributes to smooth bokeh, enhancing its creative potential beyond standard optics. This lens is best for photographers specializing in dreamy, ethereal portraiture or artistic macro shots where a distinctive, soft-focus look is desired.

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Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF

64.2 Macro Score
16mm f/3.5 Canon EF-M
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its ultra-wide 8-16mm zoom range, which provides a full-frame equivalent of 12.8-25.6mm for APS-C Canon EF-M cameras. The lens is entirely manual, offering precise control over focus and aperture for photographers who prefer a hands-on approach. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers on the EF-M system who need an expansive field of view and don't require autofocus.

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