How to Choose the Best Canon Wide Angle Lens | What to Consider?

Canon wide-angle lenses could offer a splendid view to your photos and help to tell a better story. But how to choose the right wide angle lens for your Canon systems? Check out this buying guide to figure out how to choose one and the 15 best Canon wide-angle lenses.

How to Choose the Right Wide Angle Lens?

1. Budget

The lens cost is an important factor to consider when making your decision. Wide angle lenses can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Setting a budget before you start shopping is important so you can narrow down your choices.

2. Type of Photography

If you're primarily interested in landscape photography, you'll want to look for a lens with a focal length of 10-24mm. This will allow you to capture a wide field of view without distortion.

If you're interested in astrophotography or night photography, you'll need a lens with a large aperture to capture as much light as possible. A lens with an aperture of f/2.8 or higher will be ideal.

3. Build Quality

As a photographer, your camera will regularly be exposed to the elements, so you'll want to ensure your lens can withstand the same abuse. Lenses made with durable materials like magnesium alloy or carbon fiber can withstand more wear and tear.

Photo by James Bold on Unsplash

Lenses with a higher price tag tend to be made with higher quality materials and have better construction. Just be sure to read reviews to see what other photographers have to say about the build quality of the lens.

4. Image Stabilization

If you plan on holding your camera for long exposures or shooting in low light conditions, you may want to consider a lens with image stabilization. This feature will help reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.

5. Is the Lens Zoom or Prime?

A zoom lens is a lens that can be adjusted to change the focal length, while a prime lens has a fixed focal length. If you're interested in landscape photography, a prime lens is a good option because it will allow you to capture a wider field of view.

If you're interested in astrophotography or night photography, a zoom lens will be a better option because you'll be able to change the focal length to capture a closer view of the stars or the moon.

6. Focal Length

The focal length is the distance from the lens to the image sensor. A shorter focal length will allow you to capture a wider field of view, while a longer focal length will allow you to capture a closer view of the subject. The focal length is measured in millimeters (mm).

7. Size and Weight

If you plan on traveling with your camera, its size and weight are important factors to consider. A lighter and smaller lens will be easier to carry, while a larger and heavier lens will be more challenging.

15 Best Canon Wide Angle Lens

1. Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 STM Lens

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Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/4 5.6
• Focal Length: 11-22 mm
• Filter Size: 55 mm (diameter)
• Angle of view: 102 degrees
• Lens Construction: Elements-12, Groups-9
• Focus type: Auto Focus and Full-time manual.
• Dimension (Diameter x Length): 2.4 x 2.3 inches
• Weight: Appx 220 g
• Stabilizer: Yes

Pros

• Nonplastic build makes it more durable.
• It has a three-stop image stabilizer that helps reduce shaky images
• It has a compact and retractable design
• It has three stabilizers to prevent shaky images

Cons

• Small amounts of chromatic aberration can be observed in corners of high-contrast images.
• Lacks weather seals

2. Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD

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Specifications

• Maximum aperture: 4.5 mm
• Minimum aperture: 29 mm
• Focal Length: 10-24 mm
• Filter Size: 77 mm
• Lens Construction: Elements-16, Groups-11
• Focus type: Auto focus or Full-time manual focus
• Dimension: 84 x 85 mm
• Weight: 0.97 lbs
• Stabilizers: Yes

Pros

• Compact body for easy transport
• Very reliable autofocus system
• Its body is moisture resistant making it a good option for outdoor weather
• Lens has a fluorine coating to keep water away from it

Cons

• It is not full frame compatible
• It is more expensive than previous versions.

3. Tokina atx-i 11-20mm f/2.8

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Specifications

• Maximum aperture: 2.8 mm
• Focal Length: 11-20mm
• Filter Size: 82 mm
• Lens Construction: Elements-14, Group-12
• Focus type: Autofocus
• Dimension: 3.62 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
• Weight: 1.22 lbs

Pros

• Its bold design ensures better handling.
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Sharp photos perfect for landscape photography

Cons

• It doesn't offer the best zoom range
• Lacks stabilizers

4. EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM

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Specifications

• Maximum aperture: F4.0
• Focal Length: 15 mm
• Filter: 3 pre-cut gel filters
• Maximum format size: 35mm (Full-frame)
• Angle of view: 180 degrees
• Lens Construction: Elements-14, Groups-11
• Focus type: Autofocus, Manual Focus
• Dimension: 3.1 x 3.7 inches
• Weight: 540g

Pros

• It is the widest fisheye lens on the market
• Has UD glass to minimize chromatic aberration
• It has a fluorine coating to keep off dust and fingerprints on the lens

Cons

• The cap easily falls off.

5. Rokinon 14mm F2.8

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Specifications

• Aperture range: F2.8-22
• Focal Length: 14
• Diaphragm blades: 7
• Angle of view: 113.9 degrees
• Lens Construction: Elements-14, Groups-10
• Focus type: Autofocus, Manual focus
• Dimension: 3.8 x 3.6 x 3.6 inches
• Weight: 450g

Pros

• Quick and accurate autofocus control.
• It is affordable
• It comes with a Lens cap, lens hood, and a warranty
• Its fast aperture lets you shoot without additional lighting.
• The three aspherical elements on this lens provide cleaner, clearer image quality.

Cons

• Occasional firmware updates may be a bother.
• Suffers from heavy vignetting

6. Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L

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Specifications

• Aperture range: 22-F/2.8
• Focal Length: 14 mm
• Filter: Gel filter
• Angle of view: 114 degrees (Full frame cameras)
• Lens Construction: Elements-14, Groups-11
• Dimension: 3.7 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches
• Weight: 1.42 lbs

Pros

• It is dust and moisture-proof
• It creates just a little barrel distortion
• Great for shooting in tight spaces

Cons

• The lens isn't zoomable.

7. Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di

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Specifications

• Maximum aperture: F/2.8
• Focal Length: 0.28
• Filter: No
• Focus type: Autofocus, Manual focus
• Dimension: 85 x 145mm
• Weight: 1110 grams
• Stabilizer: Yes

Pros

• The anti-reflective coating reduces glare
• It is full frame compatible
• Enhanced durability

Cons

• Some users find it heavy.

8. Sigma 20mm F1.4 Art DG HSM

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Specifications

• Aperture: 16-f/16
• Focal Length: 20 mm
• Filter Size: 0mm
• Lens Construction: Elements-15, Groups-11
• Focus type: Auto Focus
• Dimension: 3.6 x 3.6 x 5.1 inches
• Weight: 2.10 lbs

Pros

• Produces very sharp images even when fully open
• Excellent value for the price
• Superior and durable construction

Cons

• It may require initial calibration
• You can't use threaded filters with this lens

9. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

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Specifications

• Aperture range: 22-f/4mm
• Focal Length: 16-35mm
• Filter Size: 77mm
• Angle of view: 108 degrees
• Lens Construction: Elements-16, Groups-12
• Focus type: Auto Focus
• Dimension: 83 x 113mm
• Weight: 615 grams
• Stabilizer: Yes

Pros

• It is full frame compatible
• It is dust and water resistant

Cons

• Some people consider it a bit physically too large
• Barrel distortion

10. Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM

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Specifications

• Minimum aperture: F22
• Focal Length: 11-24
• 9 Round diaphragm blades
• Angle of view: 122 degrees
• Lens Construction: Elements-16, Groups-11
• Focus type: Auto Focus
• Dimension: 4.7 x 3.3 x 3.3 inches
• Weight: 1.50 lbs

Pros

• Its light weight makes transportation easier
• It is dust and splashproof
• Its image quality is outstanding from center to edges

Cons

• Lacks stabilizers

11. Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens

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Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/4
• Focal Length: 11-24 mm
• Angle of view: 126 degrees
• Lens Construction: Elements-16, Groups-11
• Permanent Lens hood
• Focus type: Auto Focus, Manual Focus
• Dimension: 5.2 x 4.2 x 4.2 inches
• Weight: 2.6 pounds

Pros

• Quiet ultrasonic motor suitable for bird photography
• Lens hood reduces light flares
• Fluorine coating reduces fingerprints

Cons

• It is expensive

12. Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM

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Specifications

• Aperture range: 22-f/1.4
• Focal Length: 24 mm
• Filter Size: 77mm
• Angle of view: 84 degrees
• Diaphragm: 8 blades
• Focus type: Autofocus, Manual focus
• Dimension: 3.74 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches
• Weight: 1.43lbs

Pros

• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Well built exterior
• Full weather sealing

Cons

• Not a lens for all-purpose photography
• It's a pricey lens

13. Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM

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Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Focal Length: 2.8 mm
• Dimension: 3.5 x 3.5 x 5 inches
• Weight: 1.85 lbs
• Stabilizers: Yes

Pros

• The minimum focal distance is under 1 foot
• It has internal image stabilizers for clearer photos
• Fast, smooth, and quiet autofocus

Cons

• Pricey compared to other lenses.

14. Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D

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Specifications

• Maximum aperture: 2.8 mm
• Focal Length: 12
• Angle of view: 122 degrees
• Lens Construction: Elements-16, Groups-10
• Focus type: Fully manual
• Dimension: 2.36 x 1.77 x 3.54 inches
• Weight: 1.34 lbs

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Minimizes chromatic aberration
• Appx zero distortion

Cons

• It lacks autofocus

15. Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM

Image Credit: amazon.com

Specifications

• Maximum aperture: f/3.5
• Focal Length: 10-20mm
• Filter Size: 82 mm
• Angle of view: 102.4 degrees
• Focus type: Autofocus, Manual focus
• Dimension: 87 x 88mm
• Weight: 1.15 lbs

Pros

• More affordable than other alternatives
• Superior image quality
• Its petal-type hood blocks out extraneous light.

Cons

• Lacks stabilizers
• Not full frame compatible

Conclusion

Canon wide angle lenses are an excellent option for anyone looking to capture landscapes, architecture, or large groups of people. By understanding the different types of wide angle lenses available and what factors to consider when making your purchase, you can be sure to find the best lens for your needs. Have you decided on the perfect wide angle lens for your Canon systems yet?

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