Best Pick

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

97.1 Budget Score
18-135mmf/3.5Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this

NANO USM autofocus delivers fast, silent performance for hybrid shooting, paired with 4-stop stabilization and a 454g build covering a 28.8–216mm equivalent range. One UD and one aspherical element suppress aberrations, and the optional PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter enables motorized zoom control for video. This lens suits hybrid creators and frequent travelers needing a single stabilized all-in-one solution on APS-C Canon DSLRs.

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Price CA$493
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR

94.1 Budget Score
16-50mmf/3.5Nikon ZIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 135g and delivering 4.5 stops of Vibration Reduction, this retractable 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 zoom is the smallest DX-format Nikon Z lens. Its silver finish matches the Nikon Z fc body, and a programmable control ring provides tactile adjustment of aperture or exposure compensation. This lens best suits casual photographers and vloggers who need a silent, stabilized walkaround zoom for landscapes, street scenes, and close-up detail shots.

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Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm

90.6 Budget Score
16-50mmf/3.5Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The power zoom mechanism delivers smooth, silent operation ideal for video, while the retractable design and 107g weight make it exceptionally portable. Optical SteadyShot stabilization provides 4 stops of shake reduction, and the ED glass with aspherical elements controls aberrations in a compact package. This lens is best for travel photographers and vloggers who need a lightweight, stabilized standard zoom for Sony APS-C E-mount cameras.

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Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm lens
Price CA$250

Panasonic LUMIX S S-R2060 20-60mm

87.6 Budget Score
20-60mmf/3.5L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 20–60mm focal length starts at an ultrawide 20mm—unusual for a kit zoom—while packing a compact 567g build, full weather sealing, and 0.43x maximum magnification for near-macro close-ups. Video recording benefits from suppressed focus breathing and smooth aperture control, and the 67mm filter thread matches common accessories. This lens is best for travel photographers and hybrid shooters who want a single, durable optic to capture vast landscapes, environmental portraits, and detailed close-ups in any weather.

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR 40mm

92.2 Budget Score
18-140mmf/3.5Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 18–140mm focal range (27–210mm equivalent) pairs with 4-stop Vibration Reduction and a Silent Wave Motor for sharp, quiet autofocus across wide-angle to mid-telephoto. Super Integrated Coating and one extra-low dispersion element cut flare and color fringing, delivering high contrast in a compact 490g build. This all-in-one zoom suits DX shooters who need one grab-and-go lens for events, portraits, and close-up details without swapping glass.

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR 40mm lens
Price CA$650

Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM

89.6 Budget Score
55-210mmf/5Canon RFIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Offering an 88-336mm equivalent range in a 653g package, this telephoto zoom integrates 4.5-stop stabilization and a near-silent STM motor, making it a standout lightweight option for APS-C R-series cameras. The bundled kit includes a 3-piece filter set and cleaning supplies, boosting its budget appeal (budget score 71.2) despite the plastic build and absent weather sealing. It's best for enthusiast wildlife and sports photographers who prioritize portable reach and effective image stabilization for handheld daytime shooting.

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Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM lens
Price CA$375

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 20085 50-250mm

87.6 Budget Score
50-250mmf/16Nikon ZIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR lens provides a 75-375mm equivalent reach with 5-stop Vibration Reduction, delivering sharp telephoto shots even in dim light. At just 404g and a high-value price point, it maintains portability while adding near-silent stepping motor AF and suppressed focus breathing for polished video. Best for budget-minded DX Z-mount shooters needing a versatile zoom for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects, especially hybrid creators capturing both stills and video.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 20085 50-250mm lens
Price CA$539
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Fujifilm XC 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II

84 Budget Score
50-230mmf/4.5Fujifilm XIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Delivering a 76-350mm equivalent reach in a lightweight 771g body, this lens stands out for its 3.5-stop optical stabilization and stepping motor AF. The bundled accessory kit adds immediate value with close-up and graduated color filters for a budget-friendly telephoto option. It’s best for Fujifilm X-mount beginners wanting affordable wildlife or daytime sports reach without heavy gear.

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Canon L EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

83.8 Budget Score
24-105mmf/22Canon RFISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/4 aperture across its 24-105mm range and a 5-stop Image Stabilizer make this a dependable workhorse for handheld shooting in varied light. Its Nano USM motor delivers fast, near-silent autofocus, complemented by a customizable control ring and weather-sealed L-series build quality. This lens is best for landscape and travel photographers who need a single, versatile zoom with strong 95.5/100-rated performance in the field.

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Canon L EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens
Price CA$539
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Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 27mm

83.1 Budget Score
27mmf/1.2Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining an f/1.2 aperture with an optical design of 15 elements, including 2 ED and 1 aspherical lens, this APS-C prime delivers sharp subject separation and strong low-light performance. Its all-metal, weather-sealed build and STM autofocus motor offer handling and reliability that exceed its price positioning. This lens is best for portrait photographers on Sony E or Fujifilm X mounts who need a fast 40.5mm-equivalent focal length with professional-grade image quality.

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Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 27mm lens
Price CA$637

Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

81.2 Budget Score
24-50mmf/6.3Canon RFIS
Why we recommend this ▼

At only 210g with 4.5-stop stabilization, the 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 provides an ultralight stabilized standard zoom for full-frame RF cameras. A collapsible form, Super Spectra Coating, and dual aspherical elements ensure sharp, low-distortion shots at a budget price, while the STM motor operates silently for video. It’s ideal for vloggers and casual EOS R-series shooters who value a featherweight, stabilized walkaround lens over maximum aperture speed.

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Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens
Price CA$345
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Also available open box & refurbished:

Sigma Contemporary 30mm f/1.4 DC DN 30mm

80.4 Budget Score
30mmf/1.4Nikon ZWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The bright f/1.4 aperture and 45mm full-frame equivalent field of view make this a versatile normal prime for APS-C shooters, delivering strong subject separation and low-light capability. Its compact 265g build includes weather sealing at the mount and a stepping motor for quiet, smooth autofocus that benefits video recording. This lens is best for street and travel photographers who prioritize a lightweight, fast-aperture setup with dependable autofocus.

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Sigma 883101 18-250mm

79.3 Budget Score
18-250mmf/3.5Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this ▼

An expansive 13.9x zoom range (27–375mm equivalent on APS‑C) with 4‑stop stabilization and a lightweight 454g body defines this all-in-one superzoom. A 1:2.9 macro capability allowing focus as close as 35cm adds close‑up versatility, while the Super Multi‑Layer Coating reduces flare for consistent contrast. This lens is ideal for travelers and hobbyists on Canon, Nikon, or Sony APS‑C DSLRs who need a single, portable optic covering everything from wide landscapes to distant details with occasional macro.

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Meike Neo Series 5514-E 55mm

79 Budget Score
55mmf/1.4Nikon Z
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.4 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm produce strong subject isolation and smooth bokeh on APS-C Sony E-mount bodies. Its lightweight 286g build and STM autofocus make it a discreet, fast-performing option for street work at an accessible price. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers wanting a bright, affordable 55mm prime with reliable AF for low-light shooting.

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Meike Neo Series 5514-E 55mm lens
Price CA$262

Panasonic LUMIX G H-HS043K 43mm

78.8 Budget Score
42mmf/1.7Micro Four ThirdsIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a bright f/1.7 aperture with built-in POWER O.I.S. stabilization, this 42.5mm prime delivers sharp results even in low light on Micro Four Thirds bodies. Its featherweight 130g build and 0.20x magnification make it a discreet, versatile tool that doubles as a capable close-up lens. This lens is best for street photographers and portrait shooters who prioritize a compact, stabilized setup with flattering subject separation.

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Tamron Di III 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 RXD

78.5 Budget Score
70-300mmf/4.5Nikon ZWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 545g and delivering a 70-300mm focal range, the lens uses an RXD stepping motor for fast, quiet autofocus and ED elements with BBAR coating to maintain sharpness across the zoom range. Its weather-sealed, compact build and a 31.5-inch minimum focus distance add versatility at a budget-friendly price. This lens is best for budget-conscious wildlife and travel photographers who need a lightweight telephoto zoom without sacrificing image quality.

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Tamron Di III 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD lens
Price CA$530