Best Pick

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

78.8 Wildlife/Sports Score
55-250mmf/4Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this

A UD glass element and STM autofocus motor combine with optical image stabilization in a 55-250mm telephoto zoom, delivering sharp results for Canon APS-C DSLRs. Its lightweight, plastic build and EF-S mount make it an affordable, portable telephoto option, though it cannot be used on full-frame bodies. Budget-conscious hobbyists and portrait shooters get solid reach and steady handheld shots, but macro capabilities are notably limited.

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Great Alternatives

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

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

77.4 Wildlife/Sports 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

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

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

66.4 Wildlife/Sports 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:

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

65 Wildlife/Sports Score
18-55mmf/5.6Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The STM autofocus motor delivers near-silent, smooth focusing ideal for video, while the 4-stop image stabilizer sharpens handheld shots across the 18-55mm range. Its lightweight 215g build and bundled accessories, including a backpack and tripod, make it a practical, ready-to-shoot kit for beginners. This lens is best for APS-C DSLR users needing an affordable, quiet all-rounder for vlogging and everyday photography.

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Canon 2044B002[AB]

36.6 Wildlife/Sports Score
55-250mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 55-250mm focal range on an APS-C body provides an effective 88-400mm reach in a lightweight 390g package, making it a highly portable telephoto option. Its integrated 4-stop Image Stabilizer enables sharp handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, a feature rarely found at this budget level. This lens is best for entry-level APS-C camera users who need an affordable, general-purpose telephoto zoom for daylight sports and wildlife.

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