5 Best Lenses for Canon for Video

Best Lenses for Canon for Video

When it comes to videography, the lens you choose can make all the difference in the quality of your final product. For Canon cameras, there is a wide range of lenses available, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. However, if you’re looking for the best lenses for Canon for video, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to consider the type of video you’ll be shooting. Are you shooting documentaries, commercials, or music videos? Each type of video requires a different set of lenses. For example, if you’re shooting documentaries, you’ll need a lens that can capture wide shots and close-ups. If you’re shooting commercials, you’ll need a lens that can create a shallow depth of field. And if you’re shooting music videos, you’ll need a lens that can capture fast-moving subjects.

Another important factor to consider is the aperture of the lens. The aperture is the opening in the lens that allows light to enter the camera. A wider aperture (lower f-number) will let in more light, which is ideal for shooting in low-light conditions. However, a wider aperture will also create a shallower depth of field, which can be distracting in some situations. A narrower aperture (higher f-number) will let in less light, but it will create a deeper depth of field, which is ideal for shooting landscapes or group portraits. Finally, you’ll also want to consider the focal length of the lens. The focal length is the distance between the lens and the sensor in the camera. A shorter focal length (wide-angle lens) will give you a wider field of view, while a longer focal length (telephoto lens) will give you a narrower field of view. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for shooting landscapes or group portraits, while telephoto lenses are ideal for shooting wildlife or sports.

Now that you know what to look for in a lens for Canon for video, here are a few of the best options available: The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is a versatile lens that is ideal for shooting a wide range of video content. It has a wide zoom range that makes it suitable for shooting everything from wide shots to close-ups. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens is a great choice for shooting portraits or low-light conditions. It has a fast aperture that creates a shallow depth of field, which helps to isolate the subject from the background. The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens is a telephoto lens that is ideal for shooting wildlife or sports. It has a long focal length that allows you to get close to your subjects, and it has a fast aperture that helps to freeze motion.

Wide-Angle Lenses: Expanding Your Canvas

Wide-angle lenses are a must-have for videographers who want to capture expansive landscapes, sweeping crowd shots, and immersive interiors. By stretching the angle of view, these lenses allow you to fit more of the scene into your frame, creating a sense of depth and realism.

Canon offers a wide range of wide-angle lenses to suit different budgets and needs. Here are some of the most popular options:

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM

The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM is a professional-grade wide-angle lens that provides exceptional image quality and fast, accurate autofocus. Its constant f/2.8 aperture makes it ideal for shooting in low-light conditions. However, it comes at a premium cost.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

The EF 17-40mm f/4L USM offers a more affordable option than the 16-35mm lens, without sacrificing too much in terms of image quality. Its f/4 aperture is still fairly wide, allowing you to achieve a shallow depth of field when desired. This lens also features Image Stabilization (IS), which helps reduce camera shake for steadier footage.

Other Wide-Angle Lens Options

Here is a table summarizing some additional wide-angle lens options from Canon:

Lens	Focal Length	Aperture	Price Range
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM	10-18mm	f/4.5-5.6	Affordable
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM	14mm	f/2.8	Mid-range
Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM	11-24mm	f/4	High-end

Telephoto Lenses: Bringing Distant Subjects Closer

Telephoto lenses are designed to magnify distant objects, making them appear closer and larger than they are in reality. This makes them ideal for capturing details of faraway subjects, such as wildlife, sports, or celestial bodies.

Telephoto lenses are typically longer and heavier than wide-angle lenses, and they have a narrower field of view. This means that they are less suitable for capturing scenes with a lot of elements or for photographing in confined spaces.

Telephoto lenses come in a variety of focal lengths, from moderate to extremely long. The focal length of a lens determines how much it magnifies an image. A longer focal length results in a greater magnification.

Choosing the Right Telephoto Lens for Video

The best telephoto lens for video will depend on the specific application. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Focal Length

The focal length of a lens determines how much it magnifies an image. A longer focal length results in a greater magnification. However, longer lenses are also more difficult to stabilize, so it is important to choose a focal length that you can comfortably handle.

2. Maximum Aperture

The maximum aperture of a lens is the widest opening that it can create, which affects the amount of light that can reach the camera’s sensor. A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light to enter the camera, which can be helpful in low-light situations. However, wider apertures also result in a shallower depth of field, which can make it difficult to keep the subject in focus.

3. Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is a feature that helps to reduce camera shake, which can cause blurry images. This is especially important when using a telephoto lens, as they are more susceptible to camera shake.

4. Compatibility

Make sure that the telephoto lens you choose is compatible with your camera. Not all lenses are created equal, and some are only compatible with certain cameras. It is important to check the lens specifications to ensure that it will work with your camera before you make a purchase.

EF-Mount Lenses: Legacy Support and Vast Options

Canon’s EF lenses are widely renowned for their versatility, performance, and extensive compatibility with a vast array of Canon cameras, including both DSLRs and mirrorless models with an EF adapter. This lens system has a rich history spanning decades, providing photographers and videographers alike with an unparalleled range of options to match their creative vision.

EF-S Lenses: Affordable Entry-Level Options

EF-S lenses are specifically designed for Canon’s APS-C format cameras, offering a cost-effective solution for enthusiasts and beginners. While not as wide-ranging as the EF lenses, the EF-S lineup still provides an array of choices, including ultra-wide-angle, telephotos, and specialty lenses.

RF Lenses: The Future of Canon Optics

Introduced alongside Canon’s mirrorless EOS R system, RF lenses represent the cutting-edge of optical technology. Designed specifically for full-frame sensors, these lenses deliver exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and compact form factors. The RF lens lineup continues to expand rapidly, providing an ever-growing selection of options for both stills and video.

Versatility and Compatibility

Canon’s EF lenses offer incredible versatility, as they can be used on a wide range of camera models, from older DSLRs to the latest mirrorless systems. This makes them a wise investment for photographers who upgrade their equipment over time. Additionally, Canon’s lens adapters allow for seamless integration of EF lenses on mirrorless cameras, further extending their compatibility.

Vast Assortment for Every Need

Canon’s EF lens lineup boasts an astonishing variety of options tailored to different focal lengths, apertures, and specializations. Whether you’re looking for a wide-angle lens for landscapes, a telephoto lens for wildlife, or a macro lens for close-up photography, you’re sure to find the perfect fit within the EF lens ecosystem.

Exceptional Optics and Image Quality

Canon EF lenses are renowned for their superb optical performance, delivering sharp and vibrant images with excellent contrast and color accuracy. Canon’s advanced lens coatings ensure minimal distortion, flare, and ghosting, resulting in pristine image quality that exceeds expectations.

Additional Features for Video

In addition to their exceptional image quality, many EF lenses offer features specifically tailored for videographers. These features include:

Feature	Benefits
Stepping Motor (STM)	Smooth, quiet autofocus for seamless focus transitions in videos
Nano USM	Ultra-fast, precise autofocus with virtually no noise
Dynamic IS	Improved stabilization performance for handheld video recording
Manual Focus Ring	Precise manual focus control for critical shots

Selecting Lenses for Different Video Genres

Narrative Films and Documentaries

For capturing story-driven content, opt for lenses with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) to achieve a shallow depth of field. This creates a cinematic look by isolating subjects from the background.

Corporate Videos and Interviews

For professional presentations and interviews, consider lenses with a moderate aperture (f/3.5-f/5.6) for a balanced depth of field. This ensures both the subject and background remain in focus.

Event Videography

When covering live events, choose lenses with a wide field of view (such as 16-35mm) to capture the entire scene. Consider lenses with image stabilization to minimize camera shake when shooting handheld.

Nature and Wildlife Videography

For wildlife and nature documentaries, use lenses with a long focal length (such as 70-200mm) to zoom in on distant subjects. Telephoto lenses also provide a compressed perspective, resulting in a more dramatic look.

Product Videography

For showcasing products in detail, choose lenses with a macro capability (such as 50mm or 60mm macro lenses) to capture intricate details and textures.

Travel Videography

If you’re traveling light, consider all-in-one lenses (such as 18-200mm) that offer a wide range of focal lengths. This eliminates the need to carry multiple lenses.

Sports Videography

For capturing fast-paced sports, opt for lenses with a fast autofocus system and a high frame rate capability. This ensures you can keep up with the action and capture sharp, blur-free shots.

News and Journalism

For journalistic purposes, choose lenses with a moderate focal length (such as 24-70mm) that balance portability and versatility. These lenses allow you to capture both wide-angle shots and tighter shots of specific subjects.

Genre	Focal Length	Aperture	Features
Narrative Films	24-70mm, 50mm	f/2.8	Wide aperture for shallow depth of field
Corporate Videos	24-70mm, 35mm	f/3.5-f/5.6	Moderate aperture for balanced depth of field

Accessories and Enhancements for Optimal Video Optics

External Monitors

External monitors allow you to view your footage in real-time on a larger, more detailed display. This is especially useful when working with a small camera or in situations where it’s difficult to see the camera’s built-in screen clearly.

Follow Focus Systems

Follow focus systems provide precise control over lens focus, allowing you to achieve smooth and accurate focus pulls. They are essential for achieving professional-looking footage.

Matte Boxes

Matte boxes prevent stray light from entering the lens, which can cause lens flare and reduce image quality. They also provide a way to mount filters and other accessories.

Rod Systems

Rod systems provide a standardized mounting platform for accessories such as matte boxes, follow focuses, and microphones. They simplify setup and ensure that all accessories are securely and conveniently mounted.

Lens Adapters

Lens adapters allow you to use lenses designed for different camera systems with your Canon camera. This gives you access to a wider range of lenses and focal lengths.

Variable ND Filters

Variable ND filters allow you to adjust the amount of light entering the lens without changing the shutter speed or aperture. This is useful for maintaining a consistent exposure in changing light conditions.

Wireless Remote Controls

Wireless remote controls allow you to control the camera from a distance, which is useful when shooting in remote locations or when you need to capture footage without disturbing the subject.

Microphone Mounts

Microphone mounts allow you to attach microphones to your camera or accessories. This ensures that the microphone is positioned correctly for optimal audio recording.

UV Filters

UV filters help protect the front element of your lens from ultraviolet light, which can cause image degradation and haze. They also serve as a general-purpose protection filter.

Table: Essential Accessories and Enhancements for Canon Video

Accessory	Benefits
External Monitor	Larger, more detailed display for real-time footage viewing
Follow Focus System	Precise control over lens focus
Matte Box	Prevents lens flare and mounts accessories
Rod System	Standardized mounting platform for accessories
Lens Adapter	Enables use of lenses from other systems
Variable ND Filter	Adjusts light without changing shutter speed or aperture
Wireless Remote Control	Controls camera from a distance
Microphone Mount	Optimal microphone positioning for audio capture
UV Filter	Protects lens from UV light and serves as general protection

Future-Proofing Your Lens Investments

When investing in lenses, it’s wise to consider their future-proof potential. Here are some factors to anticipate when making your choices:

1. Full-Frame Compatibility

Choose lenses designed for full-frame cameras, even if you own an APS-C model. As you upgrade, your lenses will remain compatible.

2. Low-Light Performance

Look for lenses with wide apertures (f/2.8 or lower) for superior low-light performance. This enables you to capture sharper images in challenging conditions.

3. Image Stabilization (IS)

IS helps mitigate camera shake, ensuring steadier footage. Consider lenses with built-in IS for smooth, handheld recordings.

4. Autofocus (AF) Speed and Accuracy

Fast and accurate AF is crucial for capturing moving subjects. Opt for lenses with reliable AF systems to avoid missed shots.

5. Optical Quality

Invest in lenses with sharp optics and minimal distortion. This ensures your footage retains its clarity and authenticity.

6. Weather Sealing

Protect your lenses from the elements by choosing models with weather sealing. This feature allows you to shoot confidently in inclement conditions.

7. Versatile Focal Length

Consider lenses with variable focal lengths (zoom lenses) for greater flexibility. This eliminates the need to carry multiple prime lenses.

8. Standardized Filter Size

Use lenses with a standardized filter size (e.g., 77mm) to simplify filter usage across different lenses.

9. Availability of Compatible Accessories

Ensure your lenses are compatible with necessary accessories, such as filters, hoods, and extenders.

10. Canon’s Lens Roadmap

Canon’s Lens Roadmap
RF Lenses: Designed for mirrorless cameras, these lenses offer exceptional image quality and advanced features.
EF Cinema Lenses: Purpose-built for filmmaking, these lenses provide accurate and consistent performance in professional environments.
EF Lenses: Classic Canon lenses known for their reliability and versatility, compatible with both EF and RF cameras.

Canon’s Best Lenses for Video

When choosing a lens for video, there are several factors to consider, including the type of shots you plan to capture, the camera you’re using, and your budget. Canon offers a wide range of lenses that are suitable for video production, from wide-angle lenses for capturing sweeping landscapes to telephoto lenses for close-ups and distant subjects.

Some of the best Canon lenses for video include:

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: This versatile lens is a popular choice for videographers due to its wide range of focal lengths and fast aperture. It’s ideal for capturing everything from wide shots to medium close-ups.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM: This telephoto lens is perfect for capturing close-ups and distant subjects. Its fast aperture and image stabilization make it ideal for shooting in low-light conditions.
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM: This wide-angle lens is great for capturing sweeping landscapes and establishing shots. Its fast aperture makes it suitable for shooting in low-light conditions.