10 Best Canon Zoom Lenses 2025 in the United States

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens is a professional-grade zoom lens that covers a versatile focal length range from 24mm wide angle to 105mm telephoto. Its standout feature is the constant f/2.8 aperture, which stays wide open throughout the zoom range, allowing bright, sharp images and good background blur in a variety of lighting conditions. This makes it especially useful for portraits, weddings, and video work where consistent exposure and shallow depth of field are important.

The lens includes Canon’s Image Stabilization to help reduce blur from camera shake, which is valuable when shooting handheld or in low light. Autofocus is quick and silent thanks to Dual Nano USM motors, so it works well for both stills and recording video without distracting noise. Built as part of Canon’s L-series, it offers robust weather sealing and durable construction, designed to handle tough shooting environments.

One trade-off is its weight—around 5 pounds—which is heavier than many standard zoom lenses, so it might feel bulky for long handheld sessions or travel. This lens is a strong choice for photographers and videographers who want a reliable, fast zoom with great build quality and image stabilization, especially for event or portrait shooting, but it may be less ideal for casual users who prefer a lighter setup.

The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM lens stands out in the Canon zoom lens lineup with its unusually fast f/2 aperture across the entire zoom range, which is great for shooting in low light and creating images with a blurred background effect. Its focal length of 28-70mm covers a versatile range suitable for portraits, landscapes, and everyday photography. Autofocus is smooth and quiet thanks to Canon’s USM technology, making it easy to capture sharp images quickly. The lens is built solidly with professional-grade materials, but it’s also fairly heavy at about 3.6 pounds, which might make it less comfortable for long shoots or travel. While the lens doesn’t mention built-in image stabilization, its large aperture helps compensate in many situations.

The size and weight reflect a premium build but could be a drawback if you prefer lightweight gear. This lens is an excellent choice for photographers who want a high-quality zoom with excellent low-light performance and remarkable image sharpness, especially in portrait and creative work. However, if you prioritize compactness or require built-in stabilization, there may be better options available.

The Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens is a strong choice for photographers needing a versatile telephoto zoom, especially for wildlife and sports. Its 100-500mm range offers excellent reach to capture distant subjects clearly. The variable aperture of f/4.5-7.1 means it performs well in good light but may struggle in lower light conditions compared to lenses with wider apertures. One of its standout features is the image stabilization, which provides up to 5 stops of shake correction—this helps keep photos sharp even when shooting handheld at long distances or in less ideal light.

The autofocus system is both fast and quiet thanks to Dual Nano USM motors, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects and video recording without distracting noise. Build quality is solid, with Canon’s professional L-series weather sealing that protects the lens against dust and moisture, so you can confidently use it outdoors in various weather conditions. On the downside, the lens weighs about 5 pounds and is fairly large, which could be tiring to carry for long periods without support. Its variable maximum aperture also limits consistent exposure settings when zooming.

Though it is a bit heavy and not the brightest lens, it balances reach, sharpness, and durability well for serious outdoor photography. The included 64GB memory card is a nice bonus for storing high-resolution images and videos. If you want a reliable, long-range zoom lens with good stabilization and fast focusing, this Canon lens fits the bill nicely.