Lens Recommendation  >  Lens Test Results

Best lenses for your Canon EOS 700D: more than 120 lenses tested!

Introduction

Best prime and best zoom lenses mounted on 700D

Canon has divided its range of EOS models intro three distinct groups, ranging from the pro models, such as the EOS-1Dx and 5D Mk III, through to the those targeting ‘enthusiasts’, which includes the EOS7D and then the models aimed at ‘beginners’. While the EOS 700D sits at the top of this later group, there are four other models beneath it, and of those, three use an 18-Mpix sensor with similar performance characteristics. The EOS 60D and semi-pro EOS 7D also use a similar sensor. They’re not identical, the EOS 7D adopts a stronger, or more aggressive LPOF (Low Pass Optical Filter) limiting sharpness somewhat when compared to the EOS 700D.

DxOMark database overview

In total, we’ve looked at 130 different lens models with a (full frame equivalent) focal length ranging from 16mm to 960mm including primes and zoom lenses designed to cover both full frame (24x36mm) sensors and the physically smaller APS-C imaging chip. Some of the made for digital (APS-C) lenses tested include:

Although the APS-C cameras from Canon have their own range of lenses (designated EF-S), it wouldn’t be unusual to think that some of these users own or have access to Canon full-frame lenses and would be interested to know how their full-frame models perform on a ‘cropped’ camera.

One lens that is equally appealing to both full-frame and APS-C users is Canon’s latest 35mm. On the EOS 700D, the EF35mm f/2.0 IS USM is the equivalent of a 55mm f/2.0 and the built-in image stabilization is useful for not only stills but for hand-held video as well!

This is just one example of how certain focal lengths can be chosen for their versatility across both formats. The following is a list of lenses we’ve tested that are particularly suited to serving double duty on a full-frame body:

APS-C cameras are also chosen to complement full-frame telephoto lenses where the 1.6x multiplier of the smaller sensor makes these lenses even more attractive for sports and action photographers:

Primes – The best single focal length lens for your Canon EOS 700D / APS-C camera

Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Canon 969 24
Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM 850 23
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Canon 899 23
Canon EF 85mm F1.2L USM 1599 22
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 35mm f/1.4 ZE Canon 1843 22
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM 1869 21
Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM 440 21
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM 1420 21
Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherique IF Canon 285 20
Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC Canon 599 20
Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM A Canon 499 20
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM 10499 20
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM 6599 20
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM 1550 20
Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Canon 499 20
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM 385 20
Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T 50mm f/2 ZE Canon 1280 20
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM 800 19
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM 1070 19
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 25mm f/2 ZE Canon 1700 19
The new Sigma 85mm and the new Canon and Sigma 35mm lenses top the DxOMark ranking for prime lenses mounted on the Canon EOS 700D

 

If we refer back to the review of the Canon EOS 5D Mk III and the ten best performing primes, it’s interesting (but not really surprising) to note that apart from the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 that sits at the top still, the ranking isn’t the quite same for the APS-C Canon EOS 700D. 

Interestingly, the EF 35mm f/2.0 IS USM, EF 35mm f/1.4L, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4, the highly regarded EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM and the two Samyang lenses have all moved up the ranking.

Apart from the shuffling in the positions, the same models appear in the list. Most of Canon’s primes of moderate focal length such as Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM and EF 50mm f/1.4 USM do well, as do those with similar focal lengths from third-party makers. In fact, and only four points separates the 20 models. 

Zoom: the best zoom lenses for the APS-C Canon EOS 700D

 

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM 2299 20
Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD Canon 1699 19
Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD Canon 1299 19
Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM Canon 999 19
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM 2499 17
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Canon 669 16
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Canon 499 15
Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO Canon 770 15
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM Canon 899 14
Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC APO HSM Canon 469 14
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM 1210 14
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM 1300 14
Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 Di II XR VC LD Aspherical IF Canon 649 14
Tokina AT-X 11-16 PRO DX Canon 659 14
Tokina AT-X 16-28 F2.8 PRO FX Canon 849 14
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APO HSM Canon 880 14
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM II Canon 949 14
Tokina AT-X 12-24 AF PRO DX Canon 400 14
Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM Canon 649 14
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Canon 459 14
Unsurprisingly perhaps, the latest standard zooms perform best overall, followed by the moderate tele-zooms.

In our testing of zoom lenses, it came as little surprise to see the new Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II USM take the top spot. It’s pretty much considered as the benchmark professional grade standard-zoom. No real surprises there, or that the new VC Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 would follow closely either. However, both the new Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 and the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM come in ahead of Canon’s prestigious pro-level $2,499 EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM by two-points in our DxOMark scores. That particular model was only recently upgraded and features 23 elements in total (with one fluorite and no less than five UD glass elements).

Canon EOS 700D vs 7D: same sensor but slight difference on the AA filter.

 

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM 14 11
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Canon 14 12
Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM 9 7
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II 7 6

The EOS 700D and EOS 7D essentially share the same sensor, though there are slight differences between them resulting in improved Sharpness scores, though this is somewhat lens dependant. The EOS 700D has a lower strength OLPF that will, for the most part, allow the sensor to capture more detail but may lead to some aliasing with the sharpest lenses. 

Please look out for Part 2 – Best wide angle and telephoto and super zoom, and Part 3 – Best kit lens, standard zoom and standard prime of this series, where we’ll look at the results for the EOS 700D and lens combinations in more detail.

For this review we’ve amassed the data on a number of ‘standard’ lenses made for both APS-C (with a smaller imaging circle) and full frame models that serve double duty on both formats. The lenses that make up this group are arguably the most versatile of their type, and are likely to be your first choice when buying a new camera. They also offer some of the highest imaging performance of any of the groups – the more extreme the focal length, the more difficult it is to correct the anomalies (or aberrations) that are inevitable in lens design.

Standard focal length on a Canon EOS 700D

1- Specification and type of use

For the EOS 700D we’ve measured and evaluated 35 different standard and moderate telephoto lenses from 40mm through to 135mm full-frame (24x36mm) format. A 35mm full-frame lens on a Canon APS-C format body, for example, has a similar angle of view to a 56mm.

We’ve not yet had a copy to review of the new Art series Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM, an intriguing model for its high-speed constant aperture and promise of high IQ. There are bound to be other lenses, new and old, that are in the scope of this overview but please leave comments below, and we’ll try add the popular models to our database.

For clarity, we’ve organized the 35 lenses that we have seen into their respective groups:

  • Normal primes between 40mm and 50mm (8 models)
  • Primes of focal length from 70mm to 135mm (16 lenses)
  • Standard Zoom (11 lenses)

2- Best lens kit for EOS 700D?

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM 250 13
Canon EF-S 18-135mmm F3.5-5.6 IS STM 549 12

If bought as a kit, the main two lenses supplied with the EOS 700D are the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM (28-90mm equivalent) and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM (equivalent to 28-215mm on a full-frame camera). 

Both these STM and IS equipped lenses are close in optical performance, the shorter focal range 18-55mm performing just ahead overall of the 18-135mm. The former has less distortion and is the sharper of the two over the focal range even though both score an averaged 9P-Mpix for Sharpness. Overall, the lenses are well specified for their targeted audience but there are better performers available.

3- Standard or normal lenses: get the best “every day” prime

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM 850 23
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Canon 899 23
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 35mm f/1.4 ZE Canon 1843 22
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM 1420 21
Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC Canon 599 20
Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM A Canon 499 20
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 25mm f/2 ZE Canon 1700 19
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 35mm f/2 ZE Canon 1030 19
Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM 699 18
Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM Canon 440 17
Sigma 28mm F1.8 EX DG ASP Macro Canon 449 17
Tokina AT-X M35 PRO DX AF 35mm f/2.8 Macro Canon 599 17
Canon EF 35mm f/2 400 17
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 28mm f/2 ZE Canon 1280 17
Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM 470 16

With DxOMark scores of 23 points, the top slot is occupied by two lenses:

Narrowly missing the coveted no 1 spot is the manual focus Carl Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZE, and in third place sits Canon’s own high-speed L-series offering the EF 35mm f/1.4L USM.

For the value choice, look no further than the new Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM A. Unlike the slightly better performing Samyang it has autofocus (with a built-in ultrasonic type motor), and good imaging performance (except for the wider aperture f/1.4) for $500.

02-canon-700d-lens-recommendations

Best value for money for a APS-C lens has to be the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM

4- Short telephotos: select the best lens for portrait

Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Canon 969 24
Canon EF 85mm F1.2L USM 1599 22
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM 1869 21
Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherique IF Canon 285 20
Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Canon 499 20
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM 385 20
Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T 50mm f/2 ZE Canon 1280 20
Carl Zeiss Planar T 85mm f/1.4 ZE Canon 1280 19
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II 99 18
Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Canon 499 18
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM 1574 18
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM 379 18
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM 390 18
Carl Zeiss Planar T 50mm f/1.4 ZE Canon 725 17
Tamron SP AF 60mm F/2 Di II LD [IF] MACRO Canon 499 13

Canon is well represented in the top 10 best (equivalent) short telephoto lenses, but the independent manufacturer, Sigma, occupies the top slot. In fact, achieving 24 points the full-frame Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM has the highest DxOMark Score of all 130 lenses tested.

In second place with a DxOMark score of 22 Canon’s original EF 85mm f/1.2L USM, followed very closely by the current mark II version with 21 points.

Newcomer Samyang lies in fourth place but at $285 for a high-speed (large aperture) 85mm, it’s easy to forgive the lack of AF, stopped down metering and zero lens-oriented EXIF data. One point to note is that these 85mm lenses have an equivalent angle of view to that of 135-140mm lenses, which are fine for outdoor portraits but not so good when moving indoors. That’s the time to switch to 50mm – on the EOS 700D they’re the equivalent to 80mm. 

03-canon-700d-lens-recommendations

Choose from the Samyang 85mm f/1.4, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 and Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 if value is a concern

5- Standard Zoom

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM 2299 20
Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD Canon 1299 19
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Canon 669 16
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Canon 499 15
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM Canon 899 14
Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 Di II XR VC LD Aspherical IF Canon 649 14
Tokina AT-X 16-28 F2.8 PRO FX Canon 849 14
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Canon 459 14
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro Canon 419 14
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM 1046 14
Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM 1269 14
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM 1399 14
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Canon 460 13
Tamron SP AF 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] Canon 499 13
Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM 1500 13
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM 1221 13
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS 149 13
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM 250 13
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM 1674 13
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II 178 12

Inevitably, some blurring of the categories occurs with Standard zooms made for full-frame and APS-C and is the reason for the wide range of lenses available. It doesn’t come as any surprise to see Canon’s highly regarded EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens sitting at the top nor is it a shock to see the new Tamron occupying the runner-up position.

However, after the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM, which is a solid performer for $499, it’s largely anyone’s game. Most of what follows are lenses covering the APS-C format but the Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX and Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lenses are in fact full-frame ultra-wide angle models, and would be good choices if you’re already own (or are also considering) a full-frame body.

04-canon-700d-lens-recommendations

Value choice includes the FF Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD, and APS-C Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM

Please look out for Part 3, the final installment of this series – Best wide angle and telephoto and super zoom, for the Canon EOS 700D.

In the latest of our lens reviews based on Canon’s EOS 700D and its 18-mpix APS-C sensor we’ve assessed a wide range of both APS-C and full frame models from Canon and third-party lens makers Some of the more extreme lenses in this group are quite specialist and can be relatively pricey, however if you’re beginner there’s still a wide choice of models available, especially in the ‘super-zoom category’.

DxOMark selection: 

1.1 Best high ratio zooms (Super Zooms) for the Canon EOS 700D 

Lenses offering a wide zoom range typically more than 5x (and frequently x10 and higher) the minimum focal length are often referred to as ‘super-zooms’. For the beginner, the versatility of a lens like an 18-250mm (28-400mm equivalent in 35mm terms) is hard to beat and there are models for all budgets, including professional-level optics aimed at seasoned travel pros using full-frame (35mm format) cameras. Canon’s EF28-300mm f3.5-5.6L IS USM is one such model, but there are plenty of accessibly priced and more appropriate options for the EOS 700D and similar APS-C sensor size DSLRs .

Canon EF-S 18-135mmm F3.5-5.6 IS STM 549 12
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS 349 11
Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM 2570 11
Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Canon 850 10
Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM Canon 399 10
Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Canon 649 10
Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Canon 250 9
Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] Macro Canon 1334 9
Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Canon 529 9
Canon EF-S 18-200mm_f/3.5-5.6 IS 595 9
Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS Canon 370 9
Tamron AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical [IF] Macro Canon 600 8
Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Canon 270 8

 

In fact, the best performing super-zoom for the EOS 700D is one designed specifically for the APS-C format sensor.

Although the image quality is close between the top performing models, with a DxOMark score of 12 points the new stabilized and stepper motor equipped EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM (28-215mm equivalent) takes the number one position. With just one point less, the similarly stabilized EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS comes a very close second, albeit tied to the optically more ambitious full-frame (and very pricey), pro-grade EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM.

All three offer a high zoom ratio, stabilization and a relatively ‘bright’ maximum aperture at the wider end and make a good choice. Bear in mind the full-frame model is the equivalent to a 45-480mm on the EOS 700D and a lot larger and heavier than the other two.

Perhaps the best overall value choice though is the Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM. Not only does it feature a ultrasonic type motor and stabilization it has a higher-zoom ratio than the two top performing models and is priced at a not unreasonable $399.

1.2 Best Short-telephoto Zooms (70-200mm) for the Canon EOS 700D

Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD Canon 1699 19
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM 2499 17
Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO Canon 770 15
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM 1210 14
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM 1300 14
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APO HSM Canon 880 14
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM II Canon 949 14
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM 1695 12

 

On an APS-C camera, such as the EOS 700D, the 70-200mm (112-320mm equivalent) models offer mostly higher image quality than the super zooms and as full-frame lenses can serve double duty on the EOS 5D and EOS 6D models (though their ranking does alter slightly on 35mm FF bodies). Tamron does well here, taking the top position with their new stabilized $1699 70-200mm f/2.8 and the value choice with the older $770 model. Another option is the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 APO EX DC OS HSM (see below). That model is stabilized and has an ultrasonic AF motor like the new Tamron and falls between the two on price at $999.

1.3 Best telephoto primes for the Canon EOS 700D

Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM 440 21
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM 10499 20
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM 6599 20
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM 1070 19
Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T 100mm f/2 ZE Canon 1840 19
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM 800 18
Canon EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM 11999 17
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM 6000 17
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Canon 640 17
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM 969 17
Canon EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM 9499 16
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Canon 969 16
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM 536 16
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro Canon 1099 15
Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus 870 14
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM 1500 14
Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM 1269 11
Tamron SP AF180mm F/3.5 Di LD (IF) MACRO 1:1 Canon 690 10

 

All of the telephoto lenses are full-frame models but they’re still suitable for APS-C format cameras like the EOS 700D and in most situations, the smaller sensor (with its 1.6x crop factor) is a benefit. The highest scoring lens on the EOS 700D is the EF 100mm f/2 USM, however, as a lens intended for portraits (and equivalent to a 160mm on a APS-C format body) this is one model where the smaller sensor size may be a disadvantage. For longer focal lengths, Canon’s telephoto lenses are all very high performing optics.

It’s not a simple case to pick telephoto lenses on value. However, Canon’s 300mm f/4L IS USM has stabilization, fast AF using an ultrasonic motor, and good imaging performance when compared with zooms of comparable focal length.

Note: the Canon EF 400mm f5.6L is not measured yet, it’s known as a good performer for the price 

1.4 Best Telephoto Zooms for the Canon EOS 700D

Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM Canon 999 19
Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC APO HSM Canon 469 14
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM 1599 13
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Canon 209 12
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM 195 12
Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD Canon 449 11
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS 250 11
Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM 230 11
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II 299 11
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Canon 359 10
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Canon 999 10
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM 1330 10
Tamron AF 70-300 F/4-5.6 LD Macro Canon 125 9
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM 420 8

 

With a DxOMark score of 19 points, the best performing telephoto zoom on the EOS 700D is the designed for APS-C format Sigma 50-150mm mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM. It’s still pricey at  $999 but good value compared with similarly specified full-frame 70-200mm models. After that particular model though, image quality drops significantly, though the Canon EF 70-300mm f/3.5-4.5L IS USM and Sigma equivalent are still strong performers optically. If longer focal lengths are required, though lacking versatility, fixed focal length primes may be the better option.

1.5 Best Wide Angle Primes (full frame models) for the Canon EOS 700D

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM 1550 20
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM 800 19
Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2.8/15 ZE Canon 2950 16
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 356 16
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 21mm f/2.8 ZE Canon 1730 15
Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Aspherical Canon 379 14
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM 2249 13
Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM 514 13
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 18mm f/3.5 ZE Canon 1395 12

 

One of the shortcomings of the smaller sensor is that are few purpose-designed wide-angle prime lenses available. In fact, Canon doesn’t make any, and third-party lens makers have yet to take up the challenge, each preferring to offer full-frame models or zooms instead (see below). Although the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is the best performing lens in this category, the firm’s newer stabilized EF 24 f/2.8 IS USM (equivalent to a 38mm) is likely a better match for the EOS 700D (unless price is not an issue).

1.6 Best Wide Angle Zooms for the Canon EOS 700D

Tokina AT-X 11-16 PRO DX Canon 659 14
Tokina AT-X 12-24 AF PRO DX Canon 400 14
Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM Canon 649 14
Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM Canon 699 11
Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Canon 499 11
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM 845 11
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM II Canon 1400 9
Sigma 12-24mm f4.5-5.6 EX DG Canon 840 8

 

As you might expect, there is a good choice of zooms covering shorter focal lengths for APS-C format DSLRs, however if brand loyalty is an issue choosing the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM over others may not be a wise decision as it can be bettered optically by cheaper third-party models.

Tied at first place with a DxOMark Score of 14 points is the Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX, a mid-price AF 11-16mm f/2.8 (18-26mm equivalent) model (note we’ve not yet tested the newer Mk II version). Tokina also take our value choice with the AT-X 124 PRO DX. Although a ‘slower’ AF 12-24mm f/4 (19-38mm equivalent) model, it is priced at $400, saving a not insignificant $269 on the firm’s more attractive ‘faster’ and ever-so slightly ‘wider’ model.

Choosing an APS-C camera over a full-frame model leads to some difficult choices for lenses – there are far fewer models designed specifically for the smaller format, especially wide-angle primes. Be that as it may, there are still plenty of capable wide-angle and standard zooms available. If versatility is paramount, the ‘super-zoom’ can’t be beaten. With some of the newer, less-extreme models we’ve shown that the optical performance can be nearly as good without having to pay a hefty premium. At focal lengths over 135mm, the choices favour the APS-C format where the smaller sensor with the 1.6x crop factor allows more affordable shorter focal length full frame models to be chosen without losing the benefit of the lens’ relative maximum aperture.

Do you have a favorite lens for a Canon EOS 700D? If so, please tell us in the comments below.

DXOMARK encourages its readers to share comments on the articles. To read or post comments, Disqus cookies are required. Change your Cookies Preferences and read more about our Comment Policy.