Best Lenses for Canon 70D: 12 Top Picks Tested by Photographers

After shooting with the Canon 70D for over five years, I've watched countless photographers struggle with lens selection.

The kit lens that came with your camera served its purpose, but you've likely hit its limitations.

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is the best all-around lens for Canon 70D, offering versatile 7.5x zoom range with smooth STM autofocus perfect for video. For portraits on a budget, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM delivers beautiful background blur at an entry-level price, while the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM provides the best telephoto reach without breaking the bank.

Understanding lens compatibility is crucial before making any purchase.

The Canon 70D uses an APS-C sensor with a 1.6x crop factor, meaning it works with both EF and EF-S mount lenses.

EF-S lenses are designed specifically for your camera's smaller sensor, while EF lenses offer full-frame compatibility if you plan to upgrade later.

Having tested dozens of lenses across various price points, I'll help you find the perfect glass for your photography style and budget.

Our Top 3 Lens Picks for Canon 70D

Canon 70D Lens Comparison Table

This table compares all 12 lenses across key specifications to help you quickly identify which options match your needs.

Detailed Lens Reviews for Canon 70D

1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM - Best Budget Prime for Portraits

This lens transformed my portrait photography within the first week of ownership.

The wide f/1.8 aperture creates beautiful background blur that makes your subjects pop.

At 160 grams, you'll barely notice it in your camera bag.

The STM autofocus motor operates silently, making it excellent for video work.

On the Canon 70D's APS-C sensor, this lens behaves like an 80mm portrait lens.

I've captured stunning headshots with creamy bokeh that rival lenses costing three times more.

Who Should Buy?

Portrait photographers on a budget, beginners wanting to explore prime lenses, and anyone seeking better low-light performance than their kit lens.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers needing zoom flexibility, those who require weather sealing, and users prioritizing build quality over price.

2. Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM - Best All-in-One Travel Lens

This lens spent three months attached to my 70D as my sole travel lens.

The 18-135mm range covers everything from wide landscapes to moderate telephoto shots.

Canon's STM autofocus system works seamlessly with the 70D's Dual Pixel AF for video.

Image stabilization provides up to 4 stops of shake reduction.

I've recorded family videos with smooth focus pulls that looked professional.

The zoom range eliminates lens changes when traveling through dusty environments.

While not perfect in low light, this lens delivers consistent results across various shooting conditions.

Who Should Buy?

Travel photographers, video creators, and anyone wanting a single do-everything lens.

Who Should Avoid?

Low-light specialists, photographers needing wide apertures, and those wanting the sharpest possible images.

3. Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM - Best Budget Telephoto Zoom

This telephoto lens opened up wildlife photography for me without requiring a second mortgage.

The 55-250mm range provides 400mm equivalent reach on your 70D.

Image stabilization is essential at these focal lengths and Canon delivers effectively.

I've captured birds in flight and distant wildlife with surprising sharpness.

The STM motor keeps autofocus quiet and smooth for video recording.

At 390 grams, you can handhold this lens for extended shooting sessions.

Pair this with your kit lens for a versatile two-lens setup covering 18-250mm.

Who Should Buy?

Wildlife enthusiasts, sports photographers on a budget, and parent photographers capturing kids' activities.

Who Should Avoid?

Low-light shooters, professionals needing weather sealing, and those requiring fast apertures.

4. Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM - Best Wide-Angle for Landscapes

Landscape photography changed completely after adding this lens to my kit.

The 10-18mm range delivers a 16-29mm full-frame equivalent on your 70D.

Image stabilization helps capture sharp shots in low light without a tripod.

I've captured expansive vistas that previously required stitching multiple images together.

The lens weighs just 240 grams, making it easy to carry on long hikes.

STM autofocus performs well for video pans and landscape establishing shots.

Interior photography became dramatically easier with the ultra-wide perspective.

Who Should Buy?

Landscape photographers, real estate photographers, and anyone capturing interior spaces.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers who rarely shoot wide, those prioritizing aperture over range, and professionals needing weather sealing.

5. Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - Best Premium Standard Zoom

This lens represents the pinnacle of EF-S glass for your Canon 70D.

The constant f/2.8 aperture maintains exposure throughout the zoom range.

Image stabilization combined with wide aperture enables handholding in dim conditions.

I've shot wedding receptions and indoor events without flash successfully.

Optical quality approaches Canon's L-series at a lower price point.

The fast USM autofocus locks onto subjects quickly and accurately.

Build quality feels substantial with a metal mount and weather sealing.

Who Should Buy?

Event photographers, wedding shooters, and enthusiasts wanting professional quality without upgrading cameras.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers planning full-frame upgrades, budget-conscious buyers, and those needing longer reach.

6. Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM - Best Compact Wide Prime

This pancake lens made my 70D feel like a completely different camera.

At just 125 grams, it virtually disappears in your bag or pocket.

The 24mm focal length provides a 38mm equivalent, perfect for street photography.

I've spent entire days walking city streets with this lens without fatigue.

The f/2.8 aperture offers decent low-light performance for its size.

STM autofocus remains quiet and unobtrusive for candid photography.

Your camera becomes dramatically more approachable to subjects with this slim setup.

Who Should Buy?

Street photographers, travel minimalists, and anyone wanting a pocketable prime lens.

Who Should Avoid?

Low-light specialists, photographers needing shallow depth of field, and those requiring weather sealing.

7. Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM - Best Macro for Close-Up Work

This lens opened up an entirely new world of photography for me.

True 1:1 magnification reveals details invisible to the naked eye.

The 60mm focal length provides comfortable working distance from subjects.

I've captured intricate flower details, jewelry shots, and product photography with stunning clarity.

The f/2.8 aperture creates pleasing background blur even at macro distances.

Fast USM autofocus quickly locks on but includes full-time manual override.

This lens doubles as an excellent portrait lens with flattering compression.

Who Should Buy?

Macro enthusiasts, product photographers, and anyone interested in close-up photography.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers who never shoot close-ups, those needing image stabilization, and generalists.

8. Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III - Best Ultra-Budget Telephoto

This lens represents the most affordable path to telephoto photography for Canon 70D owners.

The 75-300mm range provides 120-480mm equivalent reach on your APS-C sensor.

I purchased this as my first telephoto and learned valuable techniques.

The lack of image stabilization means you'll need good technique or fast shutter speeds.

Build quality reflects the price point with mostly plastic construction.

Optical quality is adequate for bright conditions and daytime sports.

Full-frame compatibility means this lens can serve you if you upgrade camera systems.

Who Should Buy?

Beginners exploring telephoto photography, budget-conscious users, and those planning full-frame upgrades.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers shooting in low light, those needing stabilization, and professionals requiring top optical quality.

9. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro - Best Professional Macro Lens

This is the macro lens I wish I'd bought from the start.

Canon's L-series optics deliver exceptional sharpness and contrast.

Hybrid image stabilization works at close distances where traditional IS struggles.

The 100mm focal length provides generous working distance from skittish subjects.

I've captured detailed insect photography without disturbing my subjects.

This lens doubles as a superb portrait lens with beautiful background rendering.

Full-frame compatibility makes it a long-term investment in your photography future.

Who Should Buy?

Serious macro photographers, professionals, and enthusiasts wanting the best macro performance.

Who Should Avoid?

Casual photographers, those on tight budgets, and users who rarely need macro capabilities.

10. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS II Renewed - Best Value Renewed Telephoto

This renewed option offers the same optical performance as the new version at substantial savings.

Amazon Renewed products are inspected and tested to work like new.

The 90-day warranty provides peace of mind for significantly less investment.

I've purchased multiple renewed lenses over the years with excellent results.

Image stabilization and optical performance remain identical to the retail version.

This is an excellent entry point into telephoto photography for budget-conscious buyers.

The savings can fund other essential photography gear or accessories.

Who Should Buy?

Budget-conscious photographers, those wanting to try telephoto without full investment, and value-focused buyers.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers preferring new equipment only, those wanting full manufacturer warranty, and professionals.

11. Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom - Best Video Zoom Lens

This lens paired with the 70D's Dual Pixel AF creates a formidable video setup.

The STM motor delivers the smooth focus pulls essential for professional-looking video.

Canon's Dynamic IS mode compensates for the shake typical of handheld video recording.

I've produced family documentaries and event videos with this combination.

The 18-135mm range covers most shooting scenarios without lens changes.

Power zoom adapter compatibility enables cinema-style servo zoom control.

This lens maximizes the 70D's strengths as a hybrid stills and video camera.

Who Should Buy?

Video creators, hybrid shooters, and anyone using their 70D for motion work.

Who Should Avoid?

Still-only photographers, those needing fast apertures, and low-light specialists.

12. Rokinon AF 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Angle - Best Third-Party Ultra-Wide

This third-party option provides ultra-wide capabilities with full-frame upgrade potential.

The 14mm focal length delivers an extreme 22mm equivalent on your 70D.

Fast f/2.8 aperture enables low-light shooting and astro photography attempts.

Autofocus capability distinguishes this from manual-focus-only alternatives.

I've captured dramatic architecture and landscape scenes with impressive sharpness.

Full-frame EF mount compatibility means this lens serves you after camera upgrades.

The price undercuts Canon's widest options while delivering competitive performance.

Who Should Buy?

Landscape photographers, architecture shooters, and those planning full-frame upgrades.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers needing image stabilization, Canon brand loyalists, and casual wide-angle users.

Understanding EF vs EF-S Lens Compatibility

Lens compatibility is the most critical factor when choosing glass for your Canon 70D.

The Canon 70D uses an APS-C sensor with a 1.6x crop factor.

This means any lens you attach will have its effective focal length multiplied by 1.6.

Both lens types work perfectly on your Canon 70D with full autofocus and exposure capabilities.

The choice between them comes down to your future upgrade plans and budget.

Feature	EF-S Lenses	EF Lenses
70D Compatibility	Yes, optimized	Yes, full support
Full-frame Future	No	Yes
Typical Price	Lower	Higher
Size/Weight	Smaller, lighter	Larger, heavier
Resale Value	Lower	Higher

How to Choose the Right Lens for Your Canon 70D?

Choosing the right lens depends on understanding your photography needs and budget constraints.

Solving for Kit Lens Limitations: Look for Aperture

Your kit lens likely has a variable f/3.5-5.6 aperture that limits low-light performance.

Prime lenses with f/1.8 or f/2.8 apertures gather 2-3 stops more light.

This difference transforms indoor photography without flash and enables natural light portraits.

Solving for Distant Subjects: Look for Telephoto Reach

Sports, wildlife, and event photography require focal lengths beyond 100mm.

Telephoto zoom lenses like the 55-250mm bring distant action within reach.

Image stabilization becomes essential at these focal lengths for handheld shooting.

Solving for Landscapes: Look for Wide-Angle Coverage

Your kit lens starts at 18mm (29mm equivalent) which isn't always wide enough.

Wide-angle zooms starting at 10mm capture expansive vistas and interior spaces.

These lenses enable dramatic perspectives impossible with standard zooms.

Solving for Video: Look for STM Autofocus

The Canon 70D's Dual Pixel AF system shines with STM lenses designed for video.

STM motors provide smooth, silent focus transitions essential for professional-looking footage.

Look for lenses with image stabilization specifically designed for video recording.

Solving for Future Upgrades: Consider Full-Frame Compatibility

If you plan to upgrade to best full-frame cameras, EF lenses provide a migration path.

EF-S lenses are an investment dead-end if you move to full-frame systems.

Balance current needs against future plans when making lens purchases.

Choosing by Photography Type

• Portrait Photography: 50mm f/1.8 STM or 85mm primes for beautiful background blur
• Landscape Photography: 10-18mm wide-angle zoom for expansive vistas
• Sports & Action: 55-250mm or 70-200mm telephoto zooms for reach
• Travel Photography: 18-135mm all-in-one zoom to minimize lens changes
• Street Photography: 24mm or 35mm compact primes for discretion
• Macro Photography: 60mm or 100mm macro lenses for close-up details

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After years of shooting with the Canon 70D and testing dozens of lenses, these recommendations come from real-world experience.

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM remains my top pick for most photographers seeking a single do-everything lens.

For those on a tight budget, start with the 50mm f/1.8 STM and experience the difference a prime lens makes.

Telephoto seekers will find excellent value in the 55-250mm IS STM for sports and wildlife photography.

Remember that lenses hold their value better than camera bodies.

Investing in quality glass now pays dividends whether you upgrade your camera body or not.

Check out more buying guides for additional photography equipment recommendations.