Best Pick

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

76.2 Landscape 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 L EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM 70-300mm

74 Landscape Score
70-300mmf/5.6Canon EFISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Equipped with two UD elements and a 4-stop Image Stabilizer, this 70-300mm L-series zoom ensures sharp results even handheld at 300mm, while the ring-type USM motor drives fast, silent autofocus. Its compact, weather-sealed magnesium alloy barrel weighs just 1050g and features a fluorine coating on the front element to repel dirt and fingerprints. Best suited for budget-conscious outdoor photographers capturing wildlife, sports, and landscapes, it delivers excellent reach and image quality without the bulk of a 70-200mm f/2.8.

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

72.1 Landscape Score
18-135mmf/5.6Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this

A 7.5x zoom range from 18-135mm on APS-C bodies provides a 29-216mm equivalent field of view, eliminating lens swaps for most daylight scenes. The built-in Image Stabilizer and lightweight 98g build make it a practical, single-lens solution for all-day handheld shooting. This lens is best for travel photographers and hobbyists who prioritize framing flexibility and minimal kit weight over wide-aperture performance.

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Canon EF EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS 18-135mm lens
Price $238

Canon RF 9521B002 24-105mm

66.5 Landscape 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 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM 15-45mm

47.6 Landscape Score
15-45mmf/3.5Canon EF-MIS
Why we recommend this

A versatile 15-45mm zoom pairs silent STM autofocus, 3.5-stop image stabilization, and three aspherical elements in a remarkably light 75g body. The included bundle—a 64GB memory card, filter kit, backpack, and flexible tripod—makes it an exceptional value for those building their first camera kit. This lens is best for street and travel photographers who need a discreet, ready-to-shoot setup, with its 78.6/100 street photography score reflecting that strength.

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Canon 35-80mm f/4.0-5.6 III Auto Focus EF 35-80mm

33.4 Landscape Score
35-80mmf/4Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its 198g weight and compact build make it a discreet, no-burden lens for Canon EF shooters prioritizing portability over outright optical performance. The 35-80mm focal range covers everyday framing from environmental portraits to casual landscapes without a lens swap. This lens is best for beginners or film-era camera users needing an ultra-affordable, lightweight walkaround zoom for casual macro and street photography.

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