Making the appropriate acquisition is not as simple a task as it may initially appear to be.
On the other hand, in this comprehensive tutorial, I will assist you in selecting the most appropriate lens for your Canon 5D Mark III.
The Highest-Rated Standard Prime Lenses Compatible with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Owners of the Canon 5D Mark III have access to a camera that is the successor to a number of previously popular flagship models. The latest edition of Canon’s product continues the company’s tradition of delivering a user-friendly environment that also has respectable technological capabilities.
It has a full-frame CMOS sensor with 22 megapixels, continuous shooting at six frames per second, a 61-point focusing system, and the ability to capture video in 1080p at 30 frames per second. In addition, the conventional range for ISO is between 50 and 25600, while the enlarged range is between 50 and 102,800.
If you own a Canon 5D Mark III, you are definitely curious about how to improve its performance to the next level and wonder what the next step is. Fortunately, in order to determine which lenses are the most effective for the Canon 5D Mark III, I carried out a series of exhaustive tests.
Prime lenses of the highest quality available for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III
1. Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon
- 50mm focal length
- 75mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras, 80mm equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras
- F1.4 maximum aperture; F16 minimum
- Ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing
- 50mm focal length
- 75mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras, 80mm equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras
- F1.4 maximum aperture; F16 minimum
- Ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing
- 77mm filters.Angle of View (35mm):46.8°
- Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16.
- Hyper Sonic AF Motor.
- Three Special Low Dispersion Elements.
- Floating System & Large Diameter Design
- Compatible with Sigma USB Dock.
The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is a professional-grade lens designed for use with full-frame DSLRs. It is an excellent choice for a wide variety of videography and photography applications, such as portraiture, landscape photography, studio work, and still life photography.
The combination of a Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element, a Super Multi-Layer coating, and a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) makes the 50mm 1.4 a high-performance lens for contemporary DSLR sensors. The HSM guarantees that the auto-focusing process is smooth, accurate, and completely silent. If I were in your position, I would purchase this item.
2. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras...
- Weather-resistant standard lens
- Focal Length & Maximum Aperture-50mm F/1.2, Closest Focusing Distance - 1.48 ft. / 0.45m
- AF with full-time manual focus, 72mm filter size
- Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Lens not zoomable
- Weather-resistant standard lens
- Focal Length & Maximum Aperture-50mm F/1.2, Closest Focusing Distance - 1.48 ft. / 0.45m
- AF with full-time manual focus, 72mm filter size
- Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Lens not zoomable
- 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.
Excellent! It is razor-sharp throughout and performs exceptionally well even in low-light environments. Because it has the quickest autofocus of any lens in its class, the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens is considered an important piece of equipment for many professional photographers and experienced amateur photographers. The lens has a lens coating and construction type that are tuned to prevent the ghosting and flare that commonly happens when lenses are used with digital cameras. Because of these optimizations, the lens is suited for any shooting condition. This lens emanates a high level of professional quality in every facet, from its large filter diameter of 72 millimeters to its construction which is sealed against dust and moisture.
3. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard and Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon...
- Standard focal length 50 millimeter lens is effective in a multitude of shooting situations and ideal for day-to-day shooting
- Elements, Groups: 7 by 6, Diaphragm: Blades 8, Filter Thread: Font 58 millimeter. Minimum focusing distance: 17.8 inch
- Standard focal length 50 millimeter lens is effective in a multitude of shooting situations and ideal for day-to-day shooting
- Elements, Groups: 7 by 6, Diaphragm: Blades 8, Filter Thread: Font 58 millimeter. Minimum focusing distance: 17.8 inch
- An f 1.4 maximum aperture provides clear imaging in low light situations and shallow depth of field
- Ultrasonic autofocus motor (USM) operation is fast, smooth and virtually silent
- 2 high-refraction lens elements and new Gaussian optics eliminate astigmatism and suppress astigmatic difference
- This large aperture standard prime lens has superior peripheral brightness even at the maximum aperture
- Lens construction: 8 elements in 6 groups, Filter size: 77 millimeter
- Optimized for Digital – super multi-layer coating minimizes flare and ghosting – a common problem of digital cameras
- The optimum optical design and molded glass aspherical lens elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations, including coma aberration, resulting in superior optical performance
- The Hypersonic Motor (HSM) ensures silent, high speed auto-focusing as well as full time manual focusing capability
The f/1.2L version is the one that most professional photographers go for, however, the Canon 50mm f/1.4 is an exceptional lens that offers a tremendous amount of value for the money. The professionals at DPReview have given the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM a Gold Award and given it an overall score of 87%. In a package that is compact, lightweight, and reasonably affordable, it has much greater optical performance than any other zoom, with the exception of the most comprehensive zooms. The standard lens combines excellent quality with the convenience of mobility.
4. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
- 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8
- Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography; Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 40º, 27º,46º
- Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meter) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x
- 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8
- Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography; Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 40º, 27º,46º
- Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meter) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x
- Stepping motor (STM) delivers near silent, continuous move Servo AF for movies and smooth AF for stills
- 80 millimetre effective focal length on APS C cameras, 50 millimetre on full frame cameras. Lens construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
Fantastic lens! With its small size, lightweight, and constant focal length, this lens is suitable for taking daily shots, and its big f/1.8 aperture makes it ideal for shooting in low light and achieving artistic background blur. Superior picture quality, a space-saving design, and prices that won’t break the bank!
The Finest Prime Telephoto Lenses Available for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III
5. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR...
- 100 millimeter focal length and 1:2.8 maximum aperture. The EF1.4X II; EF2X II extenders cannot be used with this lens. There are no compatible close-up lenses
- Lens construction consists of 15 elements in 12 groups
- 100 millimeter focal length and 1:2.8 maximum aperture. The EF1.4X II; EF2X II extenders cannot be used with this lens. There are no compatible close-up lenses
- Lens construction consists of 15 elements in 12 groups
- 23.4-Degree diagonal angle of view
- Inner focusing system with USM and full-time manual focus option. Closest focusing distance 0.99 feet; 0.3 meter (maximum close-up magnification: 1x)
- 67 millimetre filter size. Filter Size: 58 millimetre. Lens hood: ET-73
- Compatible with 67 millimeter filters
- Canon's first mid-telephoto macro "L" series lens to include Canon's sophisticated Image Stabilization
- Near-silent Ultrasonic focusing
- Enjoy life-size close-up capabilities without an adapter
The professionals at DPReview have given the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens an incredible overall score of 92%, as well as their Gold Award: “There is little doubt that this is one of the very finest lenses we’ve seen. Optically brilliant, with fast and positive autofocus, and one of the most effective image stabilization systems now available, this lens is without a doubt one of the very finest lenses we’ve seen.”
6. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Fixed Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
- 100mm macro USM lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
- Focal length: 100mm, Closest focusing distance : 1 foot (film plane to subject)
- Secondary diaphragm blocks stray light at f/2.8 for increased contrast, Ultra-sonic monitor provides outstanding autofocusing speed at all distances
- 100mm macro USM lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
- Focal length: 100mm, Closest focusing distance : 1 foot (film plane to subject)
- Secondary diaphragm blocks stray light at f/2.8 for increased contrast, Ultra-sonic monitor provides outstanding autofocusing speed at all distances
- 3-group floating system for exceptional close-up performance; full-time manual focus
- Measures 3.1 inches in diameter and 4.7 inches long; weighs 21.1 ounces; 1-year warranty
- Optional tripod collar
- Lens not zoomable
In addition to being an excellent lens for capturing details and other tiny subject material, it may also be used as a prime telephoto lens that produces exceptionally crisp images for portraiture and other uses. It combines a wide range of capabilities, including excellent image quality and comfortable handling.
7. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras - Fixed,...
- Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM),
- 135mm focal length, Closest focusing distance: 3 feet
- Ultra-low Dispersion glass with Fluorite elements; inner focusing ring
- EF mount; telephoto lens; Lens construction (elements/groups) : 10/8
- Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM),
- 135mm focal length, Closest focusing distance: 3 feet
- Ultra-low Dispersion glass with Fluorite elements; inner focusing ring
- EF mount; telephoto lens; Lens construction (elements/groups) : 10/8
- f/2 maximum aperture
- Lens not zoomable
The 135mm lens has the quickest autofocus speed of any lens in its class. Ideal for photographs with a blurred backdrop and for use in indoor sports. Two parts of UD glass work together to adjust the secondary spectrum, resulting in exceptional sharpness and color. Compatible with the 1.4x II and 2x II Extenders from Canon.
8. Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM
Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
- Package Dimensions : 43.18 H x 30.988 L x 35.052 W (centimeters)
- Made in Japan
- Package Weight : 1.0 pounds
- Package Dimensions : 43.18 H x 30.988 L x 35.052 W (centimeters)
- Made in Japan
- Package Weight : 1.0 pounds
A big aperture of f/2 is achieved with the Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM lens, which is designed for those who are interested in portraiture and indoor sports photography and want a brighter lens.
9. Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM II Super Telephoto Lens for Canon...
- Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM II Super Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
- Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM II Super Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens is an excellent option for photographers interested in nature, wildlife, and sports photography since it is the lightest lens available in its class and is more than 28% lighter than its predecessor. Check out this article as well: Best Canon Lenses for Photographing Wildlife.
10. Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM
Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens
- Compact, lightweight super telephoto lens that is ideal for sports and wildlife photography
- Newly-developed gapless dual-layer diffractive optical elements deliver improved image quality with reduced flare
- Compact, lightweight super telephoto lens that is ideal for sports and wildlife photography
- Newly-developed gapless dual-layer diffractive optical elements deliver improved image quality with reduced flare
- Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to four shutter speed stops of correction
- Power Focus mode enables smooth focus shifts essential for filmmaking
- Minimum focusing distance of 10.8 Ft./3.3 m.
A super-telephoto lens that is both compact and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for photographing animals and sporting events. The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens offers professionals great high-speed performance with reduced glare and outstanding picture clarity.
Prime lenses with the widest field of view that are compatible with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III
11. Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM Ultra-Wide Angle Fixed Lens for Canon...
- Lens construction is 14 elements in 11 groups
- Focal length is 14mm, maximum aperture is 1:2.8 and has gel filter holder at rear of lens
- Closest focusing distance is 7.9 inches
- Diagonal angle of view is 114° (on full-frame cameras)
- Lens construction is 14 elements in 11 groups
- Focal length is 14mm, maximum aperture is 1:2.8 and has gel filter holder at rear of lens
- Closest focusing distance is 7.9 inches
- Diagonal angle of view is 114° (on full-frame cameras)
- Dust and moisture proof built in lens hood
- Compatible with all EOS Digital SLR cameras
- Redesigned optics including 2 high-precision Aspherical elements and 2 new UD-glass elements
- Uses a rear focusing system, high-speed CPU and powerful ring-type USM with revised electronics
- Built-in lens hood; dust- and moisture-proof
- 114º diagonal view
- Lens not Zoomable
This EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM wide aperture lens is the ideal choice for architectural, wedding, or any other professional-level photography applications thanks to its superb optics and almost nonexistent distortion. Additionally, the lens’s moisture-proof and dustproof sealing helps to ensure that it will last for a long time. With a huge field of view of 114 degrees, the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM goes well beyond the viewpoint of the average person. Photographers are able to shoot hand-held even in low-light circumstances when their camera has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 since this reduces the risk of blur caused by camera shake.
12. Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 ZE
Zeiss Milvus 2.8/21 ZE Le, Black (000000-2096-549)
- CREATIVE STILL AND VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHY THROUGH PRECISE MANUAL FOCUSING: ZEISS Milvus lenses feature a large rotation angle which enables pinpoint focusing. The top-quality focusing mechanism moves smoothly without backlash, optimally supporting the photographer's creative interplay with the focal plane of high-speed fixed focal lengths. Engraving in both meters and feet and the focus scale provide additional support for manual focusing. The continuous aperture setting (de-click function with ZF.2 mount) and the long focusing range lay optimal conditions for video photography.
- CREATIVE STILL AND VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHY THROUGH PRECISE MANUAL FOCUSING: ZEISS Milvus lenses feature a large rotation angle which enables pinpoint focusing. The top-quality focusing mechanism moves smoothly without backlash, optimally supporting the photographer's creative interplay with the focal plane of high-speed fixed focal lengths. Engraving in both meters and feet and the focus scale provide additional support for manual focusing. The continuous aperture setting (de-click function with ZF.2 mount) and the long focusing range lay optimal conditions for video photography.
- FUTURE-PROOF SOLUTION FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION CAMERA SYSTEMS: The excellent image performance of the ZEISS Milvus lenses is sharply focused on the requirements of current and future high-performance digital cameras. Thanks to the low level of stray light allowed by the lens design, high-contrast images are possible with increasing high dynamic ranges of the sensors (HDR). The minimization of coma, astigmatism and spherical aberrations enables consistently high resolution over the entire image field. The optics are designed to ensure full utilization of the performance provided by high-resolution camera systems.
- EXCELLENT IMAGERY, EVEN IN DIFFICULT LIGHT CONDITIONS: All lenses features ZEISS T antireflective coating. In addition, all lens edges are finished with a special pitch-black lacquer in a complex manual process. Light traps in mechanical components and specially designed surfaces are integrated to prevent the occurrence of reflections.
- STABLE IMAGE PERFORMANCE OVER THE ENTIRE FOCUSING RANGE: State-of-the-art camera systems and high-resolution digital image sensors demand more and more performance from the lens. The Floating Elements Design permits constantly high image performance in the focal plane from the minimum object distance to infinity.
In the field of wide-angle lenses, Zeiss is well-known for the excellence of its products. The ZEISS Milvus 2.8/21 extremely wide-angle lens of the ZEISS Distagon type is the most superior lens available in its category. In every type of photography, from portraits and landscapes to architecture and street photography, ZEISS offers the ideal focal length and the most impressive photographic performance for the job. The Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 has nearly little distortion and maintains a high level of sharpness all the way out to the lens’s corners. An excellent option for the majority of working photographers.
13. Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L Tilt-Shift Lens
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L UD Aspherical Ultra Wide Tilt-Shift Lens for Canon...
- Tilt and shift lens compatible with all Canon EOS cameras; ultra wide 17mm focal length
- High-precision lens elements for low distortion and high resolution; +/- 6.5 degrees Tilt and +/-12mm Shift
- Aspherical and UD lens elements minimize chromatic aberration
- Tilt and shift lens compatible with all Canon EOS cameras; ultra wide 17mm focal length
- High-precision lens elements for low distortion and high resolution; +/- 6.5 degrees Tilt and +/-12mm Shift
- Aspherical and UD lens elements minimize chromatic aberration
- Circular aperture for creative, blurred highlights
- Floating internal focus mechanism delivers high-image quality throughout focus range
Excellent! It is the tilt-shift lens with the largest focal range available from Canon. Extremely sharp from edge to edge even when fully opened. There is hardly any spark. The diagonal angle of view of 104 degrees (without tilt or shift) is perfect for extreme wide-angle applications such as product photography, architectural photography, and landscape photography.
14. Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Wide Angle Lens - Fixed -...
- Lens not zoomable
- Minimum focus Distance is 0.8ft
- Focal Length -24 mm
- Diagonal angle of view: 84°
- Lens not zoomable
- Minimum focus Distance is 0.8ft
- Focal Length -24 mm
- Diagonal angle of view: 84°
Anyone who appreciates capturing pictures from a more panoramic viewpoint, such as landscape photographers, event photographers, or photojournalists, will find the EF 24mm f/1.4L II to be an indispensable lens. Incredibly quick and precise autofocus, pleasant background blur, rugged and sturdy design, excellent build quality, and razor-sharp pictures!
