12 Best Wide Angle Lenses for Canon 2023: Ultimate Guide

Do you always have a hard time identifying the best wide angle lenses for Canon? Or maybe you have no idea what the benefits of using a wide-angle lens are?

Well, today is your lucky day as we are here to enlighten you on this subject. The first thing you need to know is that wide-angle lenses are those with a maximum focal length of 35mm, and they show a broader perspective than what the eye does.

The wide-angle lenses are handy for different types of photography, including portraits, real estate, landscape photography, large groups of people, or capturing in restricted spaces.

Due to the many brands of such lenses available in the market, it is easy to get confused, and that is why we have pointed out the factors that you need to pay attention to narrow down your search.

These factors include:

  • Brand or third-party lenses
  • Manual VS Autofocus
  • The size of the sensor
  • The distortion, to mention a few

But first, we shall start by reviewing the following brands of wide-angle lenses, which we believe are some of the best available.

Best Wide Angle Lenses for Canon

Good Wide Angle Lenses: Comparison Table

Without further ado, here’s a list of the awesome lenses we’ve compiled for you. See our detailed reviews for further insights.

RankingProduct NameMaximum Focal LengthMinimum Focal Length
1Rokinon F2.8 14mm FE14M-C Ultra14 Millimeters14 Millimeters
2Canon f/2.8L USM EF 16-35 Lens35 Millimeters16 Millimeters
3Canon f/3.5-4.5 USM EF-S 10-22mm SLR Lens24 Millimeters24 Millimeters
4Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX f/1.8G 35mm Lens22 Millimeters10 Millimeters
5Nikon Nikkor 14-24mm AF-S f/2.8G ED35 Millimeters35 Millimeters
6Canon f/2.8 EF-S 24mm STM Lens24 Millimeters14 Millimeters
7Canon f/4.5-5.6 EF-S 10-18mm IS STM Lens18 Millimeters10 Millimeters
8Nikon 16-35mm NIKKOR AF-S FX35 Millimeters16 Millimeters
9Sigma f/3.5 EX DC HSM 10-20mm Aspherical20 Millimeters10 Millimeters
10Canon f/4L USM IS EF 16-35mm Lens35 Millimeters16 Millimeters
11Sigma f/3.5 EX HSM DC 10-20mm SLD20 Millimeters10 Millimeters
12Canon f/4L EF 17-40mm Ultra Wide-angle Lens40 Millimeters17 Millimeters

1. Rokinon F2.8 14mm FE14M-C Ultra Wide Lens for Canon

Our top pick is the Rakinon F2.8 14mm FE14M-C Ultra Wide Lens for Canon. One of the most outstanding features of this lens is its great focal length. The Rokinon F2.8 14mm offers an ultra-wide view, which makes it ideal for street photography, landscape photography, and landscape photography.

Then there is the UMC multi-coating that helps to minimize ghosting and flare while increasing contrast and light transmission. Besides that, its excellent sharpness and low coma make it suitable for shooting in low light conditions.

This prime lens has excellent construction and is designed to be dust and weather-resistant. On top of that, it is lightweight, which makes it easy to carry.

Pros

  • Dust resistant
  • Fast and quiet autofocus
  • Extremely sharp
  • Easily portable

Cons

  • Lens cap tends to come off

2. Canon f/2.8L USM EF 16-35 Lens

If money is no problem, the Canon f/2.8L USM EF 16-35 Lens might be an excellent option. This lens is quite popular among demanding pro photographers because of its incredible features. It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which gives you excellent field depth control.

It is easy to maintain throughout the zoom range, which makes it ideal for shooting in inclement weather, outdoors at dusk, and in dimly lit rooms. The USM’s optics are designed to deliver incredible depth and clarity, which compliments the high-resolution sensors.

The Canon f/2.8L USM EF 16-35 Lens is water and dust resistant, meaning it can still perform well even in harsh conditions.

Pros

  • Great autofocus
  • Weatherproof
  • Excellent stabilization and autofocus performance
  • Great optical design

Cons

  • Expensive

3. Canon f/3.5-4.5 USM EF-S 10-22mm SLR Lens

The Canon f/3.5-4.5 USM EF-S 10-22mm SLR Lens provides sharp and high-quality images and is an excellent option for foregrounds. It is has a solid plastic construction except for the identity ring and mount that is constructed with metal. 

In addition, the plastic construction makes this lens lightweight and very portable. It has a minimum aperture of f/29 and a maximum aperture of f/3.5, making it ideal for shooting in low light conditions and indoors.

It is an EF-S lens, which makes it only compatible with crop sensor cameras. On top of that, this unit is a bit pricy but comes with a one-year warranty.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • USM for silent and quick focusing
  • Durable construction
  • Comes with a one year warranty

Cons

  • A bit pricy

4. Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX  f/1.8G 35mm Lens

Next up is the Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX  f/1.8G 35mm Lens. It is optimized for Dx cameras and is also small and lightweight, which makes it easy to carry. Also, it provides beautiful images consistently, as you would expect from a prime lens.

With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, this lens is ideal for creating softly blurred backgrounds and low light shooting. Besides that, its normal classic angle of view makes it ideal for an all-round lens. The maximum aperture also offers a total depth of field, which allows you to isolate your subject and create stunning portraits.

The only thing we did not like about the Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX  f/1.8G 35mm Lens is that it is not zoomable.

Pros

  • Small and lightweight
  • Ideal for low light situations
  • Smooth focusing
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Not zoomable

5. Nikon Nikkor 14-24mm AF-S f/2.8G ED

Next up is the Nikon Nikkor 14-24mm AF-S f/2.8G ED. The wide-angle lens is optimized for extremely sharp images. Another great feature is that it features a silent wave motor that enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing for super-fast and quiet operation.

Besides that, it is fitted with an M/a focus mode switch that allows quick response to changing conditions between manual and autofocus operation.

Pros

  • Moisture and dust resistant
  • Clear and sharp images
  • High-speed autofocus
  • Operates quietly
  • List Element

Cons

  • No image stabilization feature

6. Canon f/2.8 EF-S 24mm STM Lens

Released in 21012, the Canon f/2.8 EF-S 24mm STM Lens has great image stabilization ability. This makes it the best wide-angle prime lens for the 6d canon series. In addition, you can use this lens for architectural and landscape photography. It is also ideal for travel and indoor photography.

It features a metallic mount that roughened for durability as it protects the lens against scratches. There is also the ultrasound focusing motor that is swift, accurate, and silent. The lens has a silent and modern image stabilizer that ensures precise images even when the camera shakes.

Lastly, there is the 7-blade aperture diaphragm that ensures you get the most beautiful and softest backgrounds.

Pros

  • Solid construction
  • Quality images
  • Quite versatile
  • Image stabilization ability
  • List Element

Cons

  • Very pricy

7. Canon f/4.5-5.6 EF-S 10-18mm IS STM Lens

This Canon f/4.5-5.6 EF-S 10-18mm IS STM Lens was introduced in 2014 as an upgrade to the EF-S 10-22mm. This lens has a pretty sturdy construction and features impressive optical quality. This device is quite common among filmmakers due to its image stabilization ability and smooth TSM focusing.

The EF-S 10-18mm lens can comfortably capture group shots and a wide landscape without having to move backward. On top of that, it has STM focusing that is much quieter and smoother than previous models, which make it ideal for movie makers.

Finally, it is smaller and lighter than earlier models, which enhance its portability.

Pros

  • Small and lightweight
  • Quite affordable
  • Smooth and silent focusing
  • Durable

Cons

  • Not weather-sealed

8. Nikon 16-35mm NIKKOR AF-S FX Zoom Vibration Reduction Lens

The Nikon 16-35mm NIKKOR AF-S FX Zoom Vibration Reduction Lens is a great choice for interiors, landscapes, and cityscapes. With this lens, you will not get steady images from the image stabilization feature, but you will also benefit from focal lengths that cover a broad range.

More importantly, this device allows you to cover focal lengths without compromising on depth of field or image brightness. Another notable feature is that it has an advanced lens technology for excellent performance in a wide range of filming situations.

The lens has an ultra-quiet wave motor that allows you to shoot quietly. This makes it ideal for wildlife photography.

Pros

  • Great versatility
  • Excellent sharpness
  • Durable construction
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not weather sealed

9. Sigma f/3.5 EX DC HSM 10-20mm Aspherical Wide Angle Lens

Another great option is the Sigma f/3.5 EX DC HSM 10-20mm Aspherical Wide Angle Lens. The entire zoom range has an f3.5 aperture, which makes it ideal for low light photography. On top of that, it accentuates the subject’s relationship within a photo hence making a great creative tool.

Besides that, the fast and fixed aperture makes it easier for users who like controlling their depth of field. There is also the multi-later coating that helps to reduce ghosting and flare. In addition, the four aspherical lenses correct distortion, while the inner focusing system is great for polarizing filters.

Pros

  • Come with a carrying case
  • Ideal for low light situations
  • Wide angle fast aperture
  • Multi-layer Multi-layer coating

Cons

  • A bit pricy

10. Canon f/4L USM IS EF 16-35mm Lens

Most professional photographers prefer sharper and wider lenses when it comes to landscape photography. At this point, we introduce to you the Canon f/4L USM IS EF 16-35mm Lens. You will realize that the images are extremely sharp even at 16mm focal length.

This lens features an optical image stabilizer that provides up to four correction stops for incredible and stunning images, even in low light situations. What’s more, it is equipped with aspheric lens elements that help in reducing aberrations.

On top of that, the Canon f/4L USM IS EF 16-35mm Lens has an optimized coating that helps in to reduce ghosting. More importantly, this lens is completely water-resistant and dust-resistant, which allows you to use it any weather condition. 

Pros

  • Dust and water-resistant
  • Ultra-wide angle
  • Sturdy construction
  • High resolution

Cons

  • Expensive

11. Sigma f/3.5 EX HSM DC 10-20mm SLD ELD Super Wide Angle Lens

The Sigma f/3.5 EX HSM DC 10-20mm SLD ELD Super Wide Angle Lens. This lens has a focal length of up to 20mm and an aperture of f3.5. In addition, the wide-angle zoom ensures you superb image quality. Then there is the image stabilization feature that ensures your shoot great images and videos.

The outstanding optical performance makes this lens a great choice for low-light and indoor photography. Another notable feature is that this unit uses a Multi-layer coating technology for incredible performance against bright light.

Pros

  • High focus speed
  • Excellent image stabilization
  • Sharp images
  • Multi-layer Multi-layer coating

Cons

  • A bit bulky

12. Canon f/4L EF 17-40mm Ultra Wide-angle Lens

Lastly, we have the Canon f/4L EF 17-40mm Ultra Wide-angle Lens. This device is ideal for both digital and film SLRs. The three aspherical lens offers this unit superior optics. Besides that, it has a multi-layer coating that helps in reducing ghosting and flare.

The powerful ring ultra-sonic monitor helps to provide silent and fast autofocusing. More importantly, this lens comes with a one year warranty.

Pros

  • Solid and compact build
  • Extremely sharp images
  • Image stabilization feature
  • One year warranty

Cons

  • Pricy

The Buying Guide

There are some crucial factors that you need to pay special attention to as you shop for your ideal wide-angle lens. Let’s discuss them briefly.

The size of your sensor

You need to understand that APS-C cameras crop the image such that the final version is a cropped one of the initial image. For instance, a 10mm lens would end up being a 15mm lens.

Therefore, you should go for a lens that is capable of delivering the width that you desire.

The level of distortion

In most cases, wide-angle lenses have a degree of distortion on the outer edges. Just how easy it is for this to be noted all depends on the lens as well as the focal length.

For some of the wide-angle lenses, distortion is noticeable throughout, while for others, there is very minimal distortion all through the whole range.

It is worth noting that it is possible to correct distortion via corrective apps.

Autofocus VS Manual Focus Wide-angle lenses

A wide-angle lens tends to give better performance when in autofocus. However, if your subject, such are landscape is sharp throughout, autofocus is not necessary.

In fact, some types of photography do not require autofocus at all.

Brand or third party lens

Brand lenses are those that belong to the same brand as the camera. On the other hand, third party lenses come from other companies but are designed to work with brand cameras.

The third-party lenses tend to be less pricy and perform close to, if not equally, as the brand-name lenses.

Tips for Using Wide Angle lenses

Shooting using a wide-angle lens can be a confusing affair. Therefore, we have included the following section to enable you to know how you could get the best out of your wide-angle lens.

Interesting Foreground

You can apply this tip on landscape photography, whereby you would have something in the foreground that would capture the viewer’s attention instantly.

Using the lines

Lines are the ideal tools to use in drawing in the viewer. Wide-angle lenses tend to capture too much information, and so you need to train yourself to look for the lines so that you could end up with more dramatic images.

Taking photos in an enclosed area

This includes inside your car, where it would have been impossible to do so with a camera of a longer focal length.

Converging Verticals

It is normal for most people to shoot horizontally when using wide-angle lenses. You could try shooting vertically, and you can rest assured that the results would be just as impressive.

From skyscrapers to gigantic sculptures, there is always an interesting perspective to achieve.

Keep Subjects from the corner

This applies to human beings, where you need to keep them closer to the center of the frame. This would ensure the image is not affected by the distortion that is more prevalent in the corners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Check out the following section, which includes common queries and expert responses to make you more knowledgeable on wide-angle lenses for Canon.

What is a wide-angle lens?

This is a lens that delivers a wider angle of view than the human eye. It is a focal length of more than 40mm on a full-frame camera and wider than 25mm on an APS-C camera.

The wide-angle effect becomes more apparent as you increase the width.

Why should I go for a wide-angle lens?

There are two main reasons for this. First, when you shoot with this lens, you would capture more of the scene, rather than only a portion as with a standard lens.

On top of that, the wide-angle lens gives you a livelier feeling, as if you are actually in the scene. The landscape photographers are the ones who would most appreciate this character.

Best Canon Lens for Wide Angle Photography – Verdict

The Rokinon f2.8 14mm FE14M-C Ultra-Wide Lens for Canon is, in our opinion, the best choice. It is quite outstanding since it provides an ultra-wide view. It also shoots extremely sharp images, even in low light situations.

Yet another thing we absolutely love about this lens is its build quality. The unit is quite well-made making it capable of withstanding the harsh extremities ofoutdoor use.

And to top it all up, the Rokinon f2.8 has a wide aperture which plays a central role when it comes to capturing high-quality and high-contrast images.

Final Thoughts

Wide-angle lenses are one of the most useful tools that a photographer would have. There are many excellent options available in the market, and you could easily get confused.

So, next time before you go shopping for your ideal product, take your time and read this article, and we believe you will be in a better position to make an informed choice.

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