Best Lenses under £400 for video production

Best Pick

Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Macro

77.2 Video/Cinema Score
35mm f/1.8 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout 0.5x macro magnification and 5-stop optical image stabilization make it a versatile prime lens for a 35mm focal length. The inclusion of a control ring and compact 306g design adds direct manual control and excellent portability. This lens is best for photographers who need a lightweight, stabilized option for close-up product or nature photography, not for dedicated portrait work.

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Canon EF 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is STM

76.8 Video/Cinema Score
18-55mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its STM motor provides smooth and quiet continuous autofocus for video, while its Optical Image Stabilizer offers up to four stops of shake correction. This compact and lightweight lens is a versatile standard zoom for Canon's APS-C cameras, featuring a useful 0.25m minimum focusing distance across its entire zoom range. It's best for travel photographers and videographers who need a stabilized, all-purpose kit lens for run-and-gun shooting.

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Best Lenses under £800 for video production

Best Pick

Canon RF 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM

94.6 Video/Cinema Score
18-150mm f/3.5 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the versatile 29-240mm full-frame equivalent zoom range, paired with optical elements like a UD element to control aberrations. Weighing just 309g, it's a lightweight and compact travel option with smooth STM autofocus well-suited for video. This lens is best for travel photographers and macro shooters needing a single, portable lens for varied subjects.

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Canon EF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

77.2 Video/Cinema Score
18-135mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

This lens offers a versatile 18-135mm zoom range, equivalent to 28.8-216mm on APS-C cameras, making it a practical all-in-one option for travel and general photography. Its inclusion of a UD and an aspherical element helps control aberrations for improved image quality across its focal range. It is best for Canon APS-C camera owners seeking a single, lightweight walk-around lens for everyday shooting and travel.

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Canon L EF 16-35mm IS USM

75.4 Video/Cinema Score
16-35mm f/4 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4 aperture and built-in Optical Image Stabilizer provide reliable performance for handheld shooting in varied lighting. The lens features a robust L-series build with a fluorine coating for durability and easier cleaning. This lens is best for landscape photographers and videographers who need a sharp, stabilized wide-angle zoom for environmental shots and cinematic b-roll.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for video production

Best Pick

Canon EF 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Standard

81.2 Video/Cinema Score
17-55mm f/2.8 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in optical image stabilization provide excellent low-light performance and sharpness for its EF-S mount. The inclusion of UD and aspherical lens elements ensures high optical quality, rivaling many full-frame zooms. This lens is best for Canon APS-C shooters needing a versatile, bright standard zoom for event photography or run-and-gun video work.

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Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

55.8 Video/Cinema Score
24-240mm f/4 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 24-240mm focal range provides exceptional versatility for travel and landscapes, eliminating the need for frequent lens swaps. The Nano USM autofocus system ensures smooth, quiet, and fast performance, which is ideal for both photos and video. This lens is best for EOS R-series photographers who want a single, all-in-one travel lens for everyday shooting without carrying multiple optics.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for video production

Best Pick

Canon EF EF 70-200mm IS III USM

85.2 Video/Cinema Score
70-200mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.8 maximum aperture and advanced optics, including one fluorite and five UD elements, deliver exceptional sharpness and color fidelity. The lens is also built with a robust, professional-grade construction and features effective image stabilization for handheld shooting. This lens is best for professional event photographers and videographers who require reliable performance in controlled environments.

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Canon RF VCM

82.3 Video/Cinema Score
35mm f/1.4 Canon RF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and VCM autofocus system provide exceptionally fast, quiet operation ideal for video capture. The lens also features a dedicated iris ring for manual control and an Air Sphere Coating to reduce flare. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and videographers who need a fast, versatile prime with professional-grade control and minimal focus breathing.

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Canon L IS USM

79.6 Video/Cinema Score
35mm f/2.8 Canon RF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 15-35mm focal range make it a versatile, bright wide-angle zoom for RF-mount cameras. The lens is further enhanced by Nano USM technology for fast, quiet autofocus and up to 5 stops of optical image stabilization. This lens is best for travel and landscape photographers who need a reliable, high-quality wide-angle zoom in a variety of lighting conditions.

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Premium Lenses for video production

Best Pick

Canon L IS USM Z

80.3 Video/Cinema Score
70-200mm f/2.8 Canon RF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and internal zooming design provide robust performance for professional event and sports photographers who require consistent exposure and a sealed lens barrel. The inclusion of an iris ring offers direct manual control over aperture, a feature prized by cinematographers and hybrid shooters. This lens is best suited for working photographers needing a fast, durable telephoto zoom for weddings, sports, or documentary work in varied conditions.

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