The Best Zoom Lens for a Canon 80D: Comprehensive Guide

When choosing the best zoom lens for your Canon 80D, the first thing to consider is your specific needs and uses. Whether you're into interior or exterior photography, portraits, or landscape shots, there are several factors to take into account to ensure you make the right choice. In this guide, we will explore the various options available and provide insights based on personal experience and user reviews.

Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into specific lenses, it's crucial to identify what type of photography you primarily engage in. Do you focus on interior or exterior shots, portrait work, or perhaps landscape photography? Your answers will determine which lens is best suited for your Canon 80D.

Current Lens Setup on Canon 80D

I have been using the Canon 80D since August 2016, and I have thoroughly enjoyed its performance. My current lens collection includes:

Canon 10–18mm EF-S: Ideal for interior and wide-angle exterior shots. Canon 18–135mm EFS USM: A versatile lens for multiple purposes, including portraits, basic macro, and telephoto shots. Sigma Art 18–35mm f/1.8 DC: Perfect for city and landscape shots, with excellent detail and bokeh for product and food photography.

Each of these lenses serves a different purpose and caters to specific requirements.

Recommendations for General Usage

If you do not require specialized lenses, the Canon 18–135mm EF-S f/3.5–5.6 NANO USM is an excellent choice. This lens provides a wide range of zoom capabilities and is suitable for various photography needs. However, be aware that if you use Full Frame lenses on your APS-C camera, the results may not be as impressive as expected.

Why Stay with APS-C Lenses?

My experience with both Full Frame and APS-C lenses has shown that attempting to use Full Frame lenses on an APS-C camera can be disappointing. The crop sensor in the Canon 80D cannot fully utilize the benefits of Full Frame lenses. For instance, a Sigma 24–105mm lens, when used on a 5D Mark III, delivers impressive results. However, when used on my 80D, it does not outperform my Canon 18–135mm lens. Similarly, the Sigma 18–35mm Art lens, which is designed for the crop sensor, provides better results than the equivalent FF lens.

Best Telephoto Lenses for Canon 80D

For telephoto shots, there are specific lenses that perform exceptionally well on the Canon 80D. In my experience, the Sigma 18–35mm 1.8 and Sigma 50mm-100mm lenses are highly recommended.

Sigma 18–35mm 1.8: This lens is almost equivalent to a Canon 24–70mm on a Full Frame camera, but it performs exceptionally well on the APS-C format Nikon or Canon 80D. It delivers superb quality for city and landscape shots, as well as detailed macro work. Sigma 50mm-100mm: This lens is almost the equivalent of a Canon 70-200mm on a Full Frame camera, and it is a stellar choice for telephoto shots. Both lenses provide great image quality and versatility.

When to Use More Expensive Options

While the above lenses are excellent choices for most scenarios, there are times when you might want to invest in more expensive options for specific needs. The Canon 70–200mm f/2.8 IS is the best option for those who are willing to spend more but want high-quality performance. However, it is significantly heavier compared to other options.

Canon 70–200mm f/2.8 IS: This lens is the gold standard for telephoto shots, offering superior image quality and a wide aperture for low-light conditions. However, it is also much heavier and more expensive than the other options mentioned. Canon 70–200mm f/4IS: A lighter and more affordable option, this lens is still a great choice for travel and other scenarios where you need a more portable lens. It offers good performance without the heft or cost of the f/2.8 version.

Conclusion

Selecting the best zoom lens for your Canon 80D depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you choose the versatile Canon 18–135mm EF-S f/3.5–5.6 NANO USM, the Sigma 18–35mm 1.8, or the Canon 70–200mm f/2.8 IS, ensure that the lens you pick is tailored to your specific requirements. Understanding your photography needs and the performance of different lenses will help you make an informed decision.