We Love These! The Top 5 Lenses For the Canon 70D
The Canon 70D is a very popular DSLR camera and for good reason. Based on an APS-C sensor, the 70D is capable of capturing images at 20.2 megapixels and shooting at 7 frames per second as a result of its DIGIC 5+ processor. Consumers of all skill levels appreciate the accurate autofocus system with 19 autofocus points, as well as the 3’0” rear touch screen LCD display. The 70D is capable of capturing excellent still and video images in a variety of light conditions due to its native ISO range of 100 – 12,800. As with all cameras, bodies are important but in today’s camera world, technology is moving quickly and often bodies become obsolete quickly. As a result most photographers tend to focus on great lenses, which can last a lifetime if take care of properly! I know how picky we can get about our lenses, that’s why I really focused on the top Canon 70D lenses.
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Some Things to Consider First
When looking at lenses, it is important to keep in mind the differences between full frame cameras such as the 6D and cropped sensor cameras such as the 70D is the sensor size. Full frame cameras use a larger sensor, while cropped sensor cameras use a smaller, but still very capable sensor, which helps keep the costs down on APS-C cameras. As a result of the size of the sensor, APS-C cameras have a crop factor of 1.6x, which means that any lens used on APS-C camera is going to be 1.6x longer than the same lens used on a full frame camera. An example of this would that the image captured using a normal 50mm lens on a 70D would be the same as the identical image shot on a 6D using an 80mm lens.
One of the unique features of the 70D, as well as other APS-C cameras, is it has the ability to use either standard Canon EF lenses, which can be used both full frame cameras, as well as cameras such as the 70D, or the EF-S lens, which can only be used on cameras such as the 70D. With over a 100 possible EF and EF-S lens combinations for the 70D, the consumer is overwhelmed with so many possible excellent choices, so lets take a look at the top 5!
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM
The first lens is a wide-angle prime EF-S lens, which will only work on APS-C cameras such as the 70D. The lens has a focal length of 24mm, which is the equivalent of a 38mm lens on a full frame camera. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, the lens works well in a variety of lighting conditions, including low light situations without the need crank up the ISO settings on the camera. It is light weighing a mere 4.4 ounces and is very thin at 0.9” thick. Since the focal length is very close to a traditional 35mm lens on a full frame camera, this is an ideal wide-angle prime lens. The EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM provides very good results and is quite a value with a suggested retail cost of $149.99. Below are some key specifications for the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens.
| Specification | Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM |
| Focal Length | 24mm |
| Maximum Aperture | 1:2.8 |
| Lens Construction | 6 Elements In 5 Groups |
| Diagonal Angle of View | 59°10’ |
| Focus Adjustment | Full Lens Extension |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 0.52 Feet |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Maximum Diameter & Length | 2.7 x 0.9 Inches |
| Weight | 4.4 Ounces |
| 35mm Equivalent On 70D | 38mm |
| What Makes It Special? | Great Optics, Light Weight |
| Price | $149.99 (For the latest prices and discounts.) |
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 64mm on the 70D. While slightly longer than a normal 50mm lens, it is a very useful lens to have and many will use this as their primary walk around prime lens. The optics on the lens is excellent and at 4.6 ounces, it is light enough to carry around all day. The lens is also fast enough to be very useful in a wide variety of lighting situations. As with the other lens recommended for the 70D, this lens is very affordable at a suggested retail price of $179.99. Additional technical information can be found in the table below.
| Specification | Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM |
| Focal Length | 40mm |
| Maximum Aperture | 1:2.8 |
| Lens Construction | 6 Elements In 4 Groups |
| Diagonal Angle of View | 57°30’ |
| Focus Adjustment | STM With Full Lens Extension System |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 0.98 Feet |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Maximum Diameter & Length | 2.7 x 0.9 Inches |
| Weight | 4.6 Ounces |
| 35mm Equivalent On 70D | 64mm |
| What Makes It Special? | Great optics; Useful focal length |
| Price | $179.99 (For the latest discounts and prices.) |
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8STM lens is a great lens for a wide variety of situations. The lens has an aperture of f/1.8, which means that it excels in low light conditions, often eliminating the need for flash or really high ISO settings. One of the most appealing features of the lens is the excellent bokeh or “blurred” background in the images. Small and light, it is a must have lens and on a 70D, makes a great portrait lens. Amazingly, the lens has a suggested retail price of a mere $125.99! Despite its excellent affordability, it is not unusual to see this on high-end full frame cameras such as the Canon 5D Mark III! Below are some key specifications for the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens.
| Specification | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | 1:1.8 |
| Lens Construction | 6 Elements In 5 Groups |
| Diagonal Angle of View | 46° |
| Focus Adjustment | AF With Full-Time Manual |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 1.15 Feet |
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Maximum Diameter & Length | 2.7” x 1.6” |
| Weight | 5.7 Ounces |
| 35mm Equivalent On 70D | 80mm |
| What Makes It Special? | Great Optics, Low Price Appealing Bokeh |
| Price | $125.99 (For the latest discounts and prices.) |
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
The Canon EF-S 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 is a very popular Canon lens and is often included as a kit lens in many of Canon’s upper end APS-C sensor cameras. One of the best things about this lens is the focal length of the lens. With a 35mm equivalent of 28.8mm – 216mm, this lens offers both wide angle, as well as zoom capabilities in a singe lens. Many photographers use this as their “walk around” lens because of its overall capabilities. The lens is solid optically and it has built in image stabilization, which really makes a difference in eliminating camera shake at the long end of the camera’s focal length. Somewhat heavy at 18.02 ounces, this lens retails for $599.00. Other key specifications are listed in the table below.
| Specification | Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM |
| Focal Length | 18-135mm |
| Maximum Aperture | 1: 3.5-5.6 |
| Lens Construction | 16 Elements In 12 Groups |
| Diagonal Angle of View | 74°20’ – 11°30’ |
| Focus Adjustment | AF With Full – Time Manual |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 1.28 Feet |
| Filter Size | 67mm |
| Maximum Diameter & Length | 3.1” x 3.8” |
| Weight | 18.02 Ounces |
| 35mm Equivalent On 70D | 28.8mm – 216mm |
| What Makes It Special? | Useful Range |
| Price | $599.99 (For the latest discounts and prices.) |
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f 4-5.6 IS II is a great long lens that is perfect for sports and wildlife photography, where it is not possible to get as close to the action as one would want. With a 35mm equivalent focal length of 88mm-450mm the photographer can really reach out there to capture the action. This lens is best suited for outdoor use where plenty of light is available as the lens’ main limitation is the maximum aperture range of f/4-5.6. It does have built in image stabilization to eliminate camera shake. At $299.99 it is a very affordable option for photographers needing a long lens! The table below has additional technical specifications on this lens.
| Specification | Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II |
| Focal Length | 55-250mm |
| Maximum Aperture | 1: 4-5.6 |
| Lens Construction | 15 Elements In 12 Groups |
| Diagonal Angle of View | 27°50’ – 6°15’ |
| Focus Adjustment | Rear Focus System |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 2.79 Feet |
| Filter Size | 58mm |
| Maximum Diameter & Length | 2.8” x 4.4” |
| Weight | 13.2 Ounces |
| 35mm Equivalent On 70D | 88mm – 400mm |
| What Makes It Special? | Long Range |
| Price | $299.99 (For the latest discounts and prices.) |
The Canon 70D is a great body that will provides years of service. While camera bodies are important, it is critical that they be coupled with excellent lens to reach there full potential as a complete camera system. As good as today’s camera bodies are, they do show flaws in cheap and inferior lenses, so always keep lenses in mind when buying into a camera system and buy the best lenses on the market. You will not regret it in the long run!
