The third and last segment of our four-part article on picking the best lenses for your Canon EOS 5D Mk III focuses on super-zooms and fixed-focal-length telephotos that go up to 300 millimeters in focal length. We evaluated 26 distinct models using the 22.3 megapixels Canon EOS 5D Mark III as our test subject.
These models covered a range of price points, from so-called “kit” lenses to high-end telephotos. Continue reading to find out which of those function at their finest and which of those you should steer clear of if you are considering making a purchase of any kind.
Best Zoom Lenses For Canon EOS 5D Mark III
1. EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens from Canon
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens
- 24 70 millimetre focal length, 38.4 112 millimetre equivalent focal length on Canon APS C cameras
- F2.8 constant maximum aperture; F22 minimum, ring type ultrasonic type AF motor with full time manual focusing
- 24 70 millimetre focal length, 38.4 112 millimetre equivalent focal length on Canon APS C cameras
- F2.8 constant maximum aperture; F22 minimum, ring type ultrasonic type AF motor with full time manual focusing
- 82 millimetre filters, closest focusing distance: 0.38 meter/1.25 feet
- Image Stabilization : No. Focus adjustment: Inner focusing with USM. Diagonal angle of view: 84° - 34°. Weight 1.7 pound
- Purchase this product between May 1, 2016 and July 30, 2016 and get 13 months of free damage protection from Canon. The product must be registered within 30 days of the purchase date to be eligible
- Ring USM, high-speed CPU, and image ptimized AF algorithms for fast auto focusing.
- Optimized lens coatings for exceptional color balance and minimal ghosting, florine coating on front and rear lens surfaces to reduce smears and fingerprints.
- New optical design utilizes 1 Super UD lens element and 2 UD lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration in the outer area at wide- angle; as well as eliminates color blurring around the edges of the subject, for images with high resolution and contrast.
- Combines 2 types of aspherical lenses to reduce spherical aberration, and achieve high image quality across the entire screen area and throughout the full zoom range.
- Zoom lock lever locks the zoom position at the wide end for safe transporting
Perfect lens! The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a versatile lens that offers a zoom range that spans focal lengths from landscapes to portraits. Additionally, this lens is incredibly sharp, and its autofocus is quick, silent, and precise. It is an almost faultless lens that has optics that are extremely close to matching those of a collection of high-quality primes.
Because of its weather-sealed design and rapid and precise focusing, it is quite hard to identify any truly significant flaws in the product. At DPReview, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM received an overall score of 87% and was given the Gold Award. It is recommended for professional photographers as well as serious amateur photographers who are searching for the best optics that can be found in an “everyday” normal zoom lens.
2. Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art
Sigma 24-35mm F2.0 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon
- Covering a common prime lens lineup, the 24-35mm F2 DG HSM was designed for prime performance with the versatility of a zoom lens.
- A large diameter aspherical lens, a complicated element to manufacture, allows for a stunning level of brightness
- Covering a common prime lens lineup, the 24-35mm F2 DG HSM was designed for prime performance with the versatility of a zoom lens.
- A large diameter aspherical lens, a complicated element to manufacture, allows for a stunning level of brightness
- The Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art is the worlds first full frame F2 zoom lens
Another one of your fantastic Lenses! The Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens was introduced in June of 2015, and it is the world’s first full-frame F2 zoom lens. It also incorporates the most recent technology from Sigma, such as optimized autofocus (AF) algorithm for smooth, fast, and accurate focusing, as well as manual focus (MF) override functionality.
Because of the revolutionary aperture and the adaptable wide-angle 24-35mm focal length, photographers are now able to simply replace three standard lenses with only one piece of equipment. These lenses are 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm. It performs exceptionally well when used for portraiture, deep-focus landscape photography, and close-range shots.
3. Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD
Tamron SP 24-70mm Di VC USD Canon Mount AFA007C-700 (Model A007E)
- 24-70mm focal length, Minimum focus distance - 0.38m/14.96 inch
- 36-105mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras, 38.4-112mm equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras
- F2.8 constant maximum aperture; F22 minimum, Ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing
- 24-70mm focal length, Minimum focus distance - 0.38m/14.96 inch
- 36-105mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras, 38.4-112mm equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras
- F2.8 constant maximum aperture; F22 minimum, Ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing
- Image stabilization, VC (Vibration Compensation), 82mm filters
- Available in Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Nikon F (DX), Sony Alpha mounts
Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD Optical Zoom Lens The professionals at DPReview gave the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD a Gold Award and an overall score of 85% for their evaluation of the lens. It has optical image stabilization and is the first fast standard zoom lens designed for full-frame cameras.
It is an intriguing alternative to the far more costly products from Canon, Nikon, and Sony due to its combination of outstanding optics, powerful autofocus and image stabilization technologies, and drip-proof construction.
Best Wide Angle Zoom Lenses For Canon EOS 5D Mark III
4. EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens from Canon
Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens
- L-series ultra-wide zoom lens with an impressive 11mm starting focal length
- New optical design and the use of one Super UD element and one UD lens element
- Subwavelength Coating (SWC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC)
- L-series ultra-wide zoom lens with an impressive 11mm starting focal length
- New optical design and the use of one Super UD element and one UD lens element
- Subwavelength Coating (SWC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC)
- Inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms
- Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode
The pinnacle of excellence in photography for wide-angle shots! A lens that ranks among the very best ever made. This lens is perfect for landscapes, interior pictures, and capturing unusual views of things both close up and far away due to its large wide-angle range of 11-24 millimeters (mm).
The newly developed optical design of this product incorporates Super UD and UD lenses, both of which mitigate chromatic aberration. Users are able to take use of the “widest angle of view” that has been attained for a rectilinear full-frame DSLR zoom lens up until this point. And the prize for “Best Professional DSLR Lens” went to the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lens at the 2015 TIPA awards.
5. Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
Tamron SP AFA012C700 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Wide-Angle Lens for Canon...
- Vibration Compensation for sharper images
- USD Ultrasonic Silent Motor for quick and quiet focusing.Minimum Focus Distance-11" (.28 m)
- 9 blade round aperture for ideal bokeh effects
- Works with full frame DSLR cameras
- Vibration Compensation for sharper images
- USD Ultrasonic Silent Motor for quick and quiet focusing.Minimum Focus Distance-11" (.28 m)
- 9 blade round aperture for ideal bokeh effects
- Works with full frame DSLR cameras
- Fast 2.8 maximum Aperture
The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD is a particularly appealing alternative to comparable wide-angle zoom lenses produced by Canon and Nikon. It is also significantly cheaper. Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 gives superb picture quality, and its price is far lower than that of Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM. This is despite the fact that it has fantastic characteristics such as stabilization, a wide aperture, and an ultra-wide focal length range.
6. EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens from Canon
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L ll USM Zoom Lens for Canon EF Cameras
- 16 35mm ultra wide angle zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture
- 3 high precision aspherical lens elements produce superior image quality, Closest focusing distance: 0.92 feet
- Circular aperture produces natural background blur at wider apertures, Ring type USM for fast and quiet autofocusing; internal focusing
- 16 35mm ultra wide angle zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture
- 3 high precision aspherical lens elements produce superior image quality, Closest focusing distance: 0.92 feet
- Circular aperture produces natural background blur at wider apertures, Ring type USM for fast and quiet autofocusing; internal focusing
- Measures 3.5 inches in diameter and 4.4 inches long; 1 year warranty
The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM from Canon’s L-series is a high-performance lens that is also resistant to water and has an extremely wide field of view. It has been purposely developed for enhanced image quality from edge to edge, which will enable it to satisfy the stringent criteria of professional photographers as well as high-end amateur photographers.
It has a remarkable performance even in dim light and is very quick to focus in the majority of situations. Canon has softened the aperture ring for more attractive bokeh, added three high-precision aspherical elements to increase image quality from edge to edge, revised its autofocus motor and AF algorithms for faster and quieter focus, and improved its autofocus algorithms.
This lens is perfect for both professional photographers and photography lovers who enjoy shooting weddings, landscapes, animals, and architectural subjects.
7. EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens from Canon
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens - 9518B002 , Black
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number
- Full-time manual focus permits critical focusing precision, even in AF mode. Help provide excellent color balance
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covers Approx. 100% Area with 1,053 AF Areas
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number
- Full-time manual focus permits critical focusing precision, even in AF mode. Help provide excellent color balance
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covers Approx. 100% Area with 1,053 AF Areas
The version with an aperture of f/4 is also an excellent ultra-wide angle lens since it combines outstanding performance with a small design and an Optical Image Stabilizer that can compensate for up to four stops of movement. In landscape photography and other types of wide-angle photography, it is crisp all the way to the corners. And the version with the f/4 aperture includes an image stabilization mechanism that performs quite well.
8. EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens from Canon
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens for SLR...
- 17 40 millimeter ultra wide angle zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon SLR Cameras. Diagonal angle of view 104° 57° 30'
- 3 aspherical lens elements and super UD glass element create superior optics in all conditions, Closest focusing distance: 0.9 feet
- 17 40 millimeter ultra wide angle zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon SLR Cameras. Diagonal angle of view 104° 57° 30'
- 3 aspherical lens elements and super UD glass element create superior optics in all conditions, Closest focusing distance: 0.9 feet
- Powerful ring type ultrasonic monitor (USM) produces fast and silent autofocusing, Focuses as close as 11 inches, supports screw in 77 millimeter filters or up to 3 gel filters. Rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques
- Suitable for Wedding/Nature Photography, Weather resistant construction, Water and Dust Resistant, measures 3.3 inches in diameter, 1 year warranty
- Purchase this product between May 1, 2016 and July 30, 2016 and get 13 months of free damage protection from Canon. The product must be registered within 30 days of the purchase date to be eligible
When looking for a wide-angle lens on a budget, the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM lens is the most cost-effective choice available to you. The lens is crisp, has a fine focus, and can cover a range of focal lengths, making it ideal for landscape photography and other wide-angle photography. Additionally, the lens has a reasonable shooting quality when there is little available light.
In addition to this, it is quite a bit less expensive and much more lightweight than the Canon 16-35mm. The fact that the Canon 17-40mm has a maximum aperture of f/4 and does not have image stabilization are the two major drawbacks of this lens.
Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses For Canon EOS 5D Mark III
9. EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens from Canon
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens, Lens Only
- Compact, high performance L-series super-telephoto zoom makes it ideal for sports and wildlife photography
- Rotation-type zoom ring allows for more precise composition and excellent balance when handholding
- Compact, high performance L-series super-telephoto zoom makes it ideal for sports and wildlife photography
- Rotation-type zoom ring allows for more precise composition and excellent balance when handholding
- Improved zoom torque adjustment ring allows easy setting of zoom tension, Focal Length & Maximum Aperture:100-400mm 1:4.5-5.6, Closest Focusing Distance-3.2 ft. / 0.98m
- New Air Sphere Coating (ASC) helps to significantly reduce backlit flaring and ghosting, Highly resistant to dust and water, and amazing durability enabling shooting even in harsh conditions
Five stars! The EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II USM lens offers an exceptional blend of cutting-edge performance, small build, and superior resolving power, making it an excellent choice for photographing sports and animals.
Throughout the entirety of the zoom range, the lens’s incorporation of one fluorite and one super UD element contributes to the provision of remarkable contrast and resolution, as well as a reduction in chromatic aberration. Immediately purchase it if you have the means to do so.
10. EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens from Canon
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM UD Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon...
- Impressive focal range.Diagonal Angle of View 34° - 8° 15'
- Travel friendly size, packs small and stays small with a manual lock switch on side of barrel. Note: lens can only be locked at 70mm range as it is for travel only. Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 70-300mm 1:4-5.6
- Impressive focal range.Diagonal Angle of View 34° - 8° 15'
- Travel friendly size, packs small and stays small with a manual lock switch on side of barrel. Note: lens can only be locked at 70mm range as it is for travel only. Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 70-300mm 1:4-5.6
- Focus Adjustment Type - lens extension via inner focusing focus cam, plus floating mechanism.Closest Focusing Distance: 1.2m/ 3.9ft
- Note that when the inner lens is fully extended (300mm) it's approximately 8.25" in overall length. The 5.6" measurement is at the 70mm range when lens is closed/locked.
- Suitable for Nature/ landscape/ sports/ travel photography
Excellent! The new Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS USM telephoto zoom lens offers a much-requested zoom range to the acclaimed Canon L series of lenses. This lens was designed to provide photographs of the highest possible quality while still allowing for lightning-fast operation.
Consider purchasing the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens if you take pictures in low light conditions on a regular basis. It works well for photographing travel, landscapes, sports, and other outdoor activities.
11. EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens from Canon
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR...
- 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon digital SLR cameras
- Fluorite UD lens elements produce excellent optical performance in resolution and contrast, Closest focusing distance : 3.94 feet, Focal length: 70-200mm
- 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon digital SLR cameras
- Fluorite UD lens elements produce excellent optical performance in resolution and contrast, Closest focusing distance : 3.94 feet, Focal length: 70-200mm
- Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) for quick and quiet autofocusing; lightweight construction
- Image Stabilizer provides up to 4 stops of shake correction; water- and dust-proof construction
- Measures 3 inches in diameter and 6.8 inches long; Weight : 1.675 pounds (lens only) ; 1-year warranty
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens is a Versatile Option for Photographers Because of Its Compact and Lightweight Design Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens is a Versatile Option for Photographers Because of Its Compact and Lightweight Design The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens Delivers the Legendary Sharpness and Clarity of the Canon ‘ If you require the additional capability to work in low light, you should go with the f/2.8 version. Aside from that, the f/4 L IS is almost half the price and weighs half as much.
12. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports
Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM Lens for Canon
- Maximum Aperture Range: f/3.5-6.3
- One SLD and Four FLD Elements
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Hyper Sonic Motor AF System
- Optical Stabilization
- Maximum Aperture Range: f/3.5-6.3
- One SLD and Four FLD Elements
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Hyper Sonic Motor AF System
- Optical Stabilization
The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 DG HSM OS Sports lens is the new standard for telephoto zoom lenses since it was designed and manufactured specifically for the most challenging sorts of photography. The new Sigma 150-600mm Sport provides images that are very crisp across the entirety of the zoom range because of the inclusion of two FLD glass elements, which have performance that is equivalent to fluorite, and three SLD glass elements.
Chromatic aberration is eliminated at the telephoto end of the focal length range as a result of the optimized design of the glass elements, and a high degree of durability is ensured by the construction that protects against dust and splashes.
13. Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens 1.4 Extension
Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
- High performance L-series super-telephoto zoom with built-in 1.4x extender (280-560mm, f/5.6) makes it ideal for sports and wildlife photography
- One fluorite and four UD lens elements provide excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range, delivering high-quality images with high resolution and contrast
- High performance L-series super-telephoto zoom with built-in 1.4x extender (280-560mm, f/5.6) makes it ideal for sports and wildlife photography
- One fluorite and four UD lens elements provide excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range, delivering high-quality images with high resolution and contrast
- Inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms for fast and accurate autofocusing
- Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to four shutter speed stops of correction.
- Three image stabilization modes (standard, panning, and during exposure only) provide excellent results for a wide range of shooting situations
The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is a high-performance super-telephoto zoom lens that features an optically matched built-in 1.4x extender for maximum versatility. This lens was designed to satisfy the demanding needs of photographers who specialize in sports and wildlife photography.
The zoom range may be instantly expanded to 280-560mm (f/5.6) with the simple flick of a switch. This functionality is not only incredibly beneficial in applications where it is not feasible to change lenses fast, but it also protects sensitive equipment, such as the image sensor of a digital SLR camera, in settings with high humidity and dust.
