The Best Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

This article is all about the best Canon lenses for travel photography. 

I’m not going to get into any arguments about the other camera brands out there. I’m sure they are also fabulous, but …

Canon is what I’ve had from the beginning, it’s what I know so that’s what I’m writing about.

Picking the right lens is key to capturing those stunning scenes you’ll encounter. 

The lenses you choose can dramatically impact the quality and perspective of your photographs, making it a crucial decision for any travel photographer.

It also impacts the amount of gear you want to carry around which is incredibly important for travel.

While it can be tempting to take everything you own, if you’re flying that could be a real problem – you still need room for your clothes right!

In this article, I’ll walk you through the best Canon lenses for travel photography, especially for those just starting out. 

You’ll find out which lens to take if you only want to take one, plus some really helpful additions if you have more room.

Canon lenses are renowned for their quality and versatility, making them a popular choice among photographers of all levels. 

My goal is to help you confidently capture the beauty of your travels, one photo at a time, with the right gear.

I will focus on what I have experience in, which is Canon DSLR and Mirrorless cameras that have interchangeable lenses.

So, let’s get into it!

Understanding Key Lens Features

Before getting into the specific Canon lenses ideal for travel photography, it’s important to understand some key lens features. 

These features determine how your lens performs in various situations and directly impact the quality of your photos. 

Here’s a quick guide to the essential aspects you should consider so you can confidently choose what’s relevant for you:

• Focal Length: This is about the lens’s angle of view. Shorter focal lengths like 24mm offer wider views for landscapes, while longer lengths like 70mm are great for zoomed-in details.
• Aperture: Represented as f/numbers, the aperture affects light intake and depth of field. A lower f/number means more light and a blurred background, ideal for various lighting conditions and creative effects.
• Image Stabilisation: This feature reduces blurriness in photos, especially in low-light or when using longer focal lengths. It’s particularly useful for handheld shooting, ensuring clearer images.
• Size and Weight: Important for travel, you’ll want a lens that’s easy to carry. Lighter and more compact lenses make travelling and photography more convenient and enjoyable.
• Lens Build and Weather Sealing: Durable construction and weather sealing are crucial for outdoor shooting. These features protect your lens from elements like dust and moisture.
• Auto Focus Performance: Fast and accurate autofocus is beneficial for capturing spontaneous moments. It’s especially useful in dynamic environments like busy streets or natural landscapes.
• Price: Lenses vary in price, so set a budget and find the best within that range. Remember, a good lens is an investment in your photography.

With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to choose a lens that suits your travel photography needs and helps you capture those memorable shots with clarity and precision.

Now you know what to look for in your lenses, here are my top picks:

Best All-Rounder Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

If you only wanted to take one lens, then you can’t go past the 24-70mm. Whether you’re still shooting with a DSLR or moved onto mirrorless, you simply can’t beat this focal length.

Canon EF 24-70 mm f/2.8L IS USM: The Travel Photographer’s Trusty Companion

The Canon EF 24-70 mm f/2.8L IS USM has been a constant throughout my photography journey. It’s the lens I reach for most, whether I’m shooting locally on the Central Coast or out exploring.

I purchased it over five years ago and it hasn’t missed a beat. And, even though I’ve updated to the mirrorless Canon R5 camera, I use an adapter and it shoots and focuses seamlessly.

This is one of the advantages of buying quality glass, and where Canon really does excel.

Why It’s My Go-To Lens: Its versatility is its superpower. From wide landscapes to detailed street scenes, this lens doesn’t miss a beat. 

The f/2.8 aperture is such an advantage in low light, ensuring my shots are always lively and rich in detail.

The Mirrorless version: Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

Best Wide-Angle Lens for Travel Photography

Wide-angle lenses are crucial for capturing those breathtaking landscapes and cityscapes in your travels. Here’s my experience with a fantastic lens for DSLRs, and its mirrorless counterpart.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L IS USM: My Trusted Companion

This lens was the first ‘serious’ lens I bought, I’ve had it since 2017 and I’m not upgrading anytime soon.

This lens has been a staple in my kit. It’s versatile, sharp, and with the adaptor, it works seamlessly with my Canon R5, making it perfect for both DSLR and mirrorless users.

Why I Love It:

This lens consistently delivers crisp, detailed images, perfectly capturing every minute detail of  the scene.

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 USM: The Mirrorless Alternative

Telephoto Lenses for Diverse Perspectives in Travel Photography

Telephoto lenses open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to capture distant details that would otherwise go unnoticed. 

More intimate landscape photos have become increasingly popular over the last couple of years, and for good reason. Using a longer focal length can create a really unique image.

Using a longer lens also causes compression distortion on a landscape image. This is where the background and foreground appear closer to each other than they actually are.

Another reason is of course if you’re wanting to capture wildlife on your adventures, you really can’t go past the 100-400mm focal length.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4L IS USM: The Distance Master

This lens has been a game-changer for me, especially when I want to bring distant landscapes closer or when capturing wildlife from a safe distance. 

With the adapter on my Canon R5, it’s as if it was made for mirrorless.

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

While I don’t think telephoto images are going to replace those beautiful wide angle vistas, using a telephoto lens can bring a whole new perspective, and can be great to have in your kit.

Budget-Friendly Canon Lenses for Travel Photography

Investing in good lenses for travel photography doesn’t always mean spending big. 

Here are two Canon lenses that are both wallet-friendly and fantastic for capturing your travel experiences.

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM: The Wide-Angle Hero

This lens is a gem for those expansive shots. Whether it’s capturing the essence of a bustling city square or the tranquillity of a scenic landscape, it’s my top budget pick for wide-angle views.

Why It’s a Favourite:
Expansive Shots: Perfect for when you want to capture as much as possible in one frame.
Steady and Clear: The image stabilisation helps keep things sharp, which is great for handheld shooting.
Kind to Your Wallet: Offers great value for its capabilities.

Why it’s a lower price point:
Struggles in Low Light: Best used when there’s plenty of daylight.
Build Quality: Functional and durable, though not premium.

Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: The Compact Performer

This lens may be small, but it’s mighty. It’s my go-to for a variety of scenes, delivering quality that belies its size and price.

Why It’s Good to Have:
Versatile for Various Scenes: From detailed close-ups to broader scenes, it handles it all.
Excellent Value and Sharp Image Quality: High-quality results without a hefty price tag.
Super Lightweight: Makes it a breeze to carry around.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

These lenses are great reliable tools to add to your travel photography kit.

 They prove that you can capture amazing travel memories without a massive investment.

After all, it’s way more important to be able to afford the experiences – if you can’t get there because of gear, then you have no photos to take at all.

Lens Model	Focal Length	Aperture	Image Stabilisation	Weight (approx.)	Special Features
Canon EF-S 10-18mm	10-18mm	f4.5-5.6	Yes	240gm	Super wide and affordable
Canon EF 16-35mm	16-35mm	f2.8	yes	620gm	Wide angle, super sharp and great in low light
Canon RF 15-35mm	15-35mm	f2.8	Yes	840gm	Wide angle, superb image quality, great in low light
Canon EF 24-70mm	24-70mm	f2.8	Yes	600gm	Versatile range, good image stabilisation
Canon RF 24-70mm	24-70mm	f2.8	Yes	900gm	Versatile range, good image stabilisation, excellent in low light
Canon EF 50mm	50mm	f1.8	No	160gm	Great value, super light, excellent in low light
Canon EF 100-400mm	100-400mm	f4-5.6	Yes	1.4kg	Good image stabilisation and auto-focus
Canon RF 100-500mm	100-500mm	f4.5-7.1	Yes	1.4gk	Versatile zoom, superb image quality

Packing Smart for Your Photography Adventures

When it comes to travel photography, sometimes less is more. 

Well, sort of…

Be a Selective Packer: You don’t need to lug every lens you own around the globe. Think about where you’re going and what you’ll likely be shooting. If cityscapes and bustling streets are on the agenda, that ultra-long zoom might just take a break at home. Be realistic – your back will thank you.

But Sometimes, More is More: If you’re hitting the road and space isn’t a problem (hello, road trips!), why not bring them all? You never know when you might need that extra lens. It’s like a buffet, and you’ve got unlimited plates.

My Go-To Choices: If I had to choose just one lens, it would be my trusty EF 24-70mm – it’s like the Swiss Army knife of lenses. If I could sneak in another, the EF 100-400mm would be coming along for the ride. And when I can take my whole kit, I add the EF 16-35mm into the mix for good measure.

Don’t Forget the Extras: If there’s room, a tripod can be a lifesaver, especially for those dreamy long exposures. Filters? Absolutely – they’re the secret sauce for getting those shots just right.

So, pack smart, pack light (or pack it all – I’m not judging), and most importantly, enjoy capturing the beauty of your travels!

A Quick Note on Lens Care

While you’re busy picking the right lenses and gear, don’t forget a little TLC goes a long way. 

A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth can keep your lenses spotless, and popping on those lens caps can save you from scratches and dust. 

Just a bit of care ensures your lenses are always ready to capture the beauty of your travels, crystal clear and fuss-free.

Explore More Gear Recommendations

If you’ve found these insights helpful and are curious about more of the gear I use and recommend, be sure to check out my comprehensive resources page. 

There, you’ll find a curated list of equipment that I’ve personally tested and trust, perfect for enhancing your travel photography journey. 

Visit my gear resources page

FAQ’s

Closing Thoughts on Choosing the Right Lens

That’s a wrap on my guide to picking the best Canon lenses for travel photography. 

Remember, the right lens is the one that fits your journey and helps you tell your story, your way. 

Whether it’s the wide angle 16-35mm, the versatile EF 24-70mm or the far-reaching EF 100-400mm, the best choice is what works for you and your adventures.

As you pack your bag for your next trip, think about the sights you’ll see and the stories you’ll tell. 

And whether you travel light or with a full kit, enjoy every moment and every shot.

Here’s to capturing the beauty of your travels, one click at a time. 

That’s it for now – Keep clicking and sipping 📷 ☕ 🍷

Like this post? PIN it so you can save it for later

Other Helpful Articles:

• Choosing the Perfect Camera
• Filters for Landscape Photography
• Essential Landscape Photography Gear
• Landscape Photography Accessories Every Photographer Should Have In Their Bag
• Best Apps for Landscape Photography

Don’t miss a post – sign up Here if you haven’t already 

Note – Unless otherwise stated, all photos are mine and remain my copyright images – Sam Wilson Photography.