Best Pick

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II 18-55mm

82.7 Travel Score
18-55mmf/3.5Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this

Its 4-stop optical stabilization and 204g weight make this an exceptionally portable kit lens for Canon APS-C DSLRs. The lens provides a practical 18–55mm focal range with a close 250mm minimum focus distance, delivering sharp, stabilized images at a budget-friendly price point. It's best for beginner photographers seeking a compact, all-purpose zoom for travel and everyday shooting.

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Great Alternatives

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

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III 75-300mm

65.2 Travel Score
75-300mmf/5.6Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Offering a 75-300mm focal range and a lightweight 480g build, this lens keeps telephoto reach accessible and travel-friendly. Its seven-blade diaphragm and Super Spectra coating deliver passable background blur and contrast at this price point. Budget-minded hobbyists getting started with wildlife or daytime sports will find it a practical first step, provided they can work within the f/4-5.6 aperture.

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Canon RF 9521B002 24-105mm

60.2 Travel Score
24-105mmf/40Canon EFIS
Why we recommend this

The STM motor delivers smooth, near-silent autofocus for video, while the 4-stop image stabilizer keeps handheld shots steady across the 24–105mm range. Weighing just 525g, it’s among the lightest full-frame zooms, with manual focus override and optimized coatings that enhance contrast. Best for budget-conscious hybrid shooters who prioritize a portable, stabilized zoom for landscapes, travel, and video, but don’t need wide-aperture isolation for portraits.

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Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM 11-22mm

44.7 Travel Score
11-22mmf/4Canon EF-MIS
Why we recommend this

Its 11–22mm focal length (17.6–35.2mm equivalent) covers ultra-wide to wide on APS-C, and built-in Optical Image Stabilization paired with STM autofocus delivers steady, quiet footage ideal for video. The lens focuses down to 0.15 m for a 0.30x maximum magnification, and its 7-blade circular aperture produces soft backgrounds—rare for a wide zoom. This is best for Canon EOS M shooters who need a compact, stabilized ultra-wide for vlogging, real estate walkthroughs, or tight interiors.

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Canon Portrait and Travel Two 50mm

36.3 Travel Score
50mmf/1.8Canon EFIS
Why we recommend this

The kit pairs the 50mm f/1.8 STM's bright f/1.8 aperture for low-light portraits with the 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM's stabilized ultra-wide view equivalent to 16mm for expansive travel scenes. The 50mm's metal mount and 7-blade circular aperture add durability and smooth bokeh, while both lenses' STM motors provide silent autofocus for video recording. Best for budget-conscious APS-C Canon DSLR shooters needing a lightweight two-lens setup for everyday portrait and landscape work.

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