Best Pick

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

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

Great Alternatives

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

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F/3.5-5.6

90.1 Travel Score
12-60mmf/5.6Micro Four ThirdsISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Offering a versatile 24-120mm equivalent zoom range, the lens stands out with its splash- and dust-proof construction and POWER O.I.S. stabilization for sharp handheld shots. Its optical design includes three aspherical and one extra-low dispersion element to control aberrations in a compact, travel-friendly body. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers needing a single, weather-sealed walkaround solution for portraits and general outdoor shooting.

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Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F/3.5-5.6 lens
Price CA$560
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Also available open box & refurbished:

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

90.1 Travel 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 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR 12-28mm

89.1 Travel Score
12-28mmf/3.5Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

As the widest APS-C lens for Nikon Z cameras, this 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom combines a 205g lightweight build, internal zooming, and 4.5-stop Vibration Reduction. Its STM autofocus and 11-speed power zoom operate silently for smooth video, while the 0.21x magnification captures close-up details. It’s ideal for vloggers and street shooters wanting a stabilized ultrawide zoom for travel and content creation.

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

86.1 Travel Score
10-18mmf/4.5Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 16-28.8mm equivalent range and 4-stop optical stabilization make this an accessible ultra-wide zoom for APS-C DSLRs, delivering sharp results from a compact build with one aspherical and one UD element. The near-silent STM autofocus pairs well with the lightweight 240g body for discreet handheld shooting and smooth video focus pulls. This lens is best for vloggers and landscape photographers needing an affordable, stabilized wide-angle option without the bulk.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 20085 50-250mm

80.8 Travel 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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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Telephoto Zoom

80.6 Travel Score
70-200mmf/2.8Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Extends AF-S NIKKOR lens reach by 40% with only a one-stop exposure loss, turning a 70–200mm f/2.8 into a 98–280mm f/4 while preserving VR and metering. The fluorine-coated elements and weather-resistant barrel hold up in harsh conditions, and at 190g it adds minimal bulk. Best for wildlife and sports photographers using Nikon F-mount DSLRs who need extra focal length without carrying a second heavy telephoto lens.

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Sony FE SEL2870 28-70mm

80.4 Travel Score
28-70mm22-36Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

At just 298g, the 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 zoom delivers full-frame coverage with optical stabilization and a multi-coated, dust- and moisture-resistant build for sharp, reliable performance. Its compact, weather-sealed design and budget-conscious positioning make it a practical everyday lens that maintains a constant physical length while zooming. This lens is best for travel and landscape photographers who need a lightweight, versatile option without sacrificing essential stabilization or build quality.

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Sigma Contemporary 30mm f/1.4 DC DN 30mm

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

75.8 Travel 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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Panasonic LUMIX G X Vario H-PS45175K 175mm

75.6 Travel Score
45-175mmf/22Micro Four ThirdsIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 210g, this 45-175mm power zoom offers a 90-350mm equivalent reach with internal focusing and a Nano Surface Coating to suppress flare. Its stepping AF motor enables smooth, silent zooming, making it a discreet choice for video work alongside the built-in POWER O.I.S. stabilization. This lens is best for travel photographers and videographers who need a lightweight, versatile telephoto zoom that won't draw attention.

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

75.2 Travel 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:

Panasonic LUMIX S S-R2060 20-60mm

74.9 Travel 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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Yongnuo YN12-35mm F2.8-4M 12-35mm

74.8 Travel Score
12-35mmf/2.8Micro Four ThirdsISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a versatile 24-70mm equivalent range with a bright F2.8-4 aperture and optical stabilization in a weather-sealed, 318g body makes this lens a standout value for Micro Four Thirds. Its optical design includes 4 aspherical and 3 ED elements with Nano Surface Coating, and it offers a useful 0.5x super close-up magnification mode. This lens is best for travel and outdoor photographers who need a lightweight, all-purpose zoom with fast autofocus and reliable weather resistance.

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Panasonic LUMIX G X Vario PZ H-PS14042K 42mm

74.5 Travel Score
14-42mmf/22Micro Four ThirdsIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Its retractable power zoom design collapses to just 26.8mm and weighs 95g, combining a 14-42mm (28-84mm equivalent) range with Nano Surface Coating to reduce reflections. The stepping motor AF and POWER O.I.S. stabilization deliver smooth, quiet video capture and sharp handheld stills, with a close 0.34x magnification at 28mm. Best for travel and casual macro shooters needing an ultralight standard zoom.

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Panasonic LUMIX G X Vario PZ H-PS14042K 42mm lens
Price CA$598
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Also available open box & refurbished:

Fujifilm XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Lens Black

73.9 Travel Score
15-45mmf/22Fujifilm XIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The 15-45mm (24-72mm equivalent) power zoom with a stepping motor enables silent, smooth focus and focal length changes, while 3-stop OIS steadies handheld video. Its 135g collapsible body and 5cm near-macro capability add travel-friendly versatility without impacting a budget kit. This lens suits street photographers and vloggers needing a lightweight, stabilized wide-to-standard zoom for hybrid shooting.

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