Lenses are expensive and great lenses cost even more. While DSLR prices have fallen to the point where great cameras may be purchased under the $1000 threshold, professional lenses often begin at $1000. Even so, we have found several lenses for Canon cameras that achieve professional results for a discounted price. These lenses work well with cameras like the Canon 80D, 70D, T6, T5i, T4i and other Canon EOS cameras.
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM - For under $130 this lens commonly referred to as the 'Plastic Fantastic' offers great optical quality and a very wide maximum aperture for an unbelievable price. While the build quality leaves something to be desired, this is an unbelievable performer for a great price and a must have for any beginning photographer. If you are on a strict budget, this is the first lens you should purchase and the perfect compement to the kit lens. In fact, I never recommend a camera purchase without including this guy.
Canon 50mm f/1.4 - Offering better build quality, better optics, and a larger maximum aperture than its little brother, the 50mm f/1.4 USM boasts an ultra sonic motor for fast and accurate focusing with great build quality and results. As a perfect all around performer, this lens will rarely leave your camera once attached. While a little soft at f/1.4 this 50mm offers unbelievable levels of sharpness at f/2.8 and above. Many professional photographers use this lens as it offers great image quality and solid build quality for a decent price.
Canon 60mm f/2.8 - For those desiring macro abilities without losing the perfect all around focal length, the 60mm f/2.8 is an all around great performer. Sharp as a tack with great build quality and size, this lens offers stunning results for a reasonable price. Full 1:1 Macro capabilities at f/2.8 make this lens even more of a gem and keep it close to the top of my bag. I am always amazed at the stunning images I have seen taken with this lens and it also makes a great option for portrait shooters.
Canon 85mm f/1.8 - For those wanting a little more focal length for distance shooting, it is difficult to go wrong with this 85mm f/1.8 USM. With the fast and accurate ultra sonic motor, this lens performs well tracking quick moving subjects. 85mm on a cropped sensor body will not be as useful indoors for most people, but with a wide open f/1.8 max aperture, you will be looking for a reason to use this lens. Many professionals keep this lens in their bag as you will not find a more well rounded portrait lens under $1000. Thankfully this lens is usually priced under $400!
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 OS - For those wanting the ease of a zoom lens with a wide angle and more range than the kit lenses, the Sigma 17-70 offers a max aperture of f/2.8, full image stabilization, and great optical performance to ensure great results for a decently priced $499. While many 3rd party lenses have a bad reputation, this new lens by Sigma offers amazing build quality that will rival anything Canon offers. For those of you still rocking the kit lens, this Sigma 17-70 will be the perfect upgrade and you will definitely notice the difference.
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 - For the wide angle enthusiasts, Tokina's 11-16 f/2.8 offers great wide angle shots without losing the coveted max aperture of f/2.8. This insures great indoor and low light performance at very wide angles. I am still amazed a lens like this is available for under $500. Wide angle lenses can be very difficult to find and there are so many uses for it from travel to interiors.
Canon 70-200 F4 - This lens looks expensive, feels expensive, acts expensive, and checks in at the amazing price of only $599 on sale! If you need a longer lens for sports, wildlife, or even portraits, I can't overstate the value of this lens. If you don't mind spending more, Canon also makes a version with image stabilization and also an F2.8 version, but for the budget shoppers among us, $600 buys you a lens that blows away the quality, feel, and look of those cheap super zoom options.
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