This guide to the best Canon 90D lenses is designed to help you build out your perfect kit and make the most of your camera.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best way to improve your images is to invest in better lenses.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Versatile, compact and lightweight, with a near-silent autofocus ideal for video recording.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy top-of-the-range and burn a huge hole in your pocket!
It simply means selecting the best lenses for your unique needs and budget.
That’s why I’ve included a range of Canon 90D lenses below to suit different situations and types of photography.
If you only have the budget for one lens, go for our Editor’s Choice (shown above), which is ideal for everyday use.
Let’s take a closer look at the lens recommendations for your Canon 90D.
What are the Best Lenses for the Canon 90D in 2024?
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (Best All-Round Zoom Lens for Canon 90D)
- Versatile focal length range for various shooting scenarios.
- Nearly silent autofocus ideal for video recording.
- Optical Image Stabilization for sharper handheld shots.
- Compact and lightweight, making it travel-friendly.
- Aperture is not constant throughout the zoom range.
- Slight distortion at wide-angle settings.
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens is a fantastic all-rounder for the Canon 90D, offering a generous zoom range to cover everything from wide landscapes to close-up portraits.
Its nearly silent autofocus system is a boon for videographers and street photographers who value discretion.
The image quality is excellent, ensuring that your photos are sharp and detailed.
Plus, the built-in Image Stabilization helps to reduce camera shake, making it easier to capture clear images in lower light conditions.
For those seeking even more reach, the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS offers a broader focal length range. It’s hard to find new and suffers from a bit of lens creep, but has significantly more reach.
Alternatively, for a faster lens in a similar range, the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 is an excellent choice.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens (Best Budget Prime Lens for Canon 90D)
- Excellent image quality at an affordable price.
- Large f/1.8 aperture for beautiful bokeh and low-light photography.
- Lightweight and compact, making it highly portable.
- Smooth and quiet autofocus, ideal for video recording.
- Plastic build, less durable than metal counterparts.
- Manual focus can be a bit challenging for beginners.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a must-have for any Canon 90D owner looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly prime lens.
Its large f/1.8 aperture not only allows for stunning background blur (bokeh) but also excels in low-light conditions.
The lens’ compact size makes it a perfect travel companion, and the STM motor offers a smooth and quiet autofocus, essential for capturing video without noise interference.
While its build is more plastic than premium, it offers incredible value for its price.
For a wider angle, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is a great alternative, offering a broader perspective while maintaining a compact size.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM (Best Budget Portrait Lens for Canon 90D)
- Superior image quality ideal for portraits.
- Wide f/1.4 aperture for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control.
- USM autofocus motor for quick and accurate focusing.
- Solid build quality for long-term use.
- More expensive than the f/1.8 version.
- No image stabilization.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens is a fantastic option for Canon 90D users looking for a budget-friendly portrait lens.
The wide f/1.4 aperture not only provides excellent low-light capabilities but also allows for precise control over depth of field, creating beautifully blurred backgrounds.
The USM motor ensures fast and accurate autofocus, which is critical for capturing perfect moments in portrait photography.
The lens’ build quality is solid, offering durability for prolonged use.
Though it’s a step up in price from the f/1.8 model, its enhanced features make it a worthy investment for portrait photographers.
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM (Best Premium Portrait Lens for Canon 90D)
- Exceptional image quality with beautiful bokeh.
- Large f/1.4 aperture, ideal for artistic and low-light photography.
- Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for quick and silent autofocus.
- Robust and professional build quality.
- Heavier and bulkier than other 50mm lenses.
- Higher price point.
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM is an excellent choice for those seeking a premium portrait lens for their Canon 90D.
This lens is part of Sigma’s Art line, renowned for its outstanding image quality and artistic potential.
The f/1.4 aperture provides not just excellent low-light performance but also creates stunning bokeh, making it perfect for portrait photography.
Subjects are sharp and clear against the blurred background, which creates a stunning effect.
The HSM ensures autofocus is both rapid and quiet, essential for capturing candid moments.
Despite its larger size and higher price, the lens’s build quality and image performance make it a top choice for professional photographers.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II (Best Premium Zoom Lens for Canon 90D)
- Exceptional image quality across the entire zoom range.
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for consistent exposure settings.
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for professional use.
- Versatile focal length, perfect for various photography genres.
- High price reflecting its professional-grade quality.
- Heavier and larger than standard zooms.
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II is the ideal premium zoom lens for the Canon 90D, especially for professionals or serious enthusiasts.
This lens is known for its superb image quality across the zoom range and a constant f/2.8 aperture, which is great for maintaining consistent exposure settings in varying light conditions.
Its build is rugged and weather-sealed, making it suitable for challenging shooting environments.
The versatility of its focal length makes it ideal for everything from landscapes to portraits.
While it’s a significant investment, the lens’s performance and durability make it a valuable asset for any photographer.
It’s especially valuable if you ever want to bump up from a crop sensor to a full-frame Canon.
For those looking for something more in the telephoto range, the Canon EF 55-250 IS STM is an absolutely fantastic buy. It’s small and lightweight, and offers a great balance of focal length, image quality, and affordability.
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art (Best Wide Angle Lens for Canon 90D)
- Outstanding image quality, especially in low light.
- Wide f/1.8 aperture for creative depth of field effects.
- Fast and accurate autofocus with HSM.
- Solid build quality, part of Sigma’s Art series.
- Somewhat heavy for a wide-angle lens.
- Premium price, but reflects its high quality.
- No image stabilization.
This Sigma lens, with its generous zoom range and impressive maximum aperture, is a game-changer for Canon 90D users.
Its focal length is perfect for a variety of shooting scenarios, from expansive landscapes to intimate street scenes.
The f/1.8 aperture allows for superior performance in low-light conditions and contributes to beautiful bokeh, making it a great lens for both professionals and hobbyists.
Its sharpness across all focal lengths sets a high bar for image quality, particularly for crop sensor cameras like the Canon 90D.
In short, it’s well worth its price and doesn’t disappoint.
For ultra-wide shots, consider the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM as a great alternative.
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 is STM (Best Telephoto Lens for Canon 90D)
- Lightweight and compact, ideal for travel
- Image Stabilization for sharp, handheld shots
- Excellent value for the price
- Versatile zoom range suitable for wildlife and sports
- Slower autofocus in low light
- Variable maximum aperture
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens offers a compelling combination of portability and powerful zoom, making it one of the best lenses for the Canon 90D, especially for beginners.
Its focal length range is equivalent to 88-400mm on a full-frame camera, making it perfect for everything from portraits to wildlife photography.
While not the fastest lens, its Image Stabilization ensures sharp images even when shooting handheld.
This lens is a standout for its balance between price and performance, offering excellent image quality and versatility without breaking the bank.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS (Best Macro Lens for Canon 90D)
- Life-size macro capability with superb sharpness
- Hybrid Image Stabilization for detailed close-ups
- L-series build quality and weather sealing
- Ideal for macro and portrait photography
- More expensive compared to other macro lenses
- Heavier build may not suit all users
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L is not just a macro lens; it’s a versatile tool that excels in both macro and portrait photography.
Its life-size macro capability provides incredible detail and sharpness, making it a top choice for Canon 90D users interested in macro photography.
The lens’s Hybrid Image Stabilization is particularly beneficial for close-up shots, ensuring clarity and reducing the impact of camera shake.
The L-series build quality, including weather sealing, makes it a durable and reliable choice for various shooting conditions.
While it’s on the pricier side, its performance and build quality justify the investment.
For a less expensive alternative, take a look at the Canon EF-s 60mm f/2.8 USM, which offers excellent macro capabilities and a more compact form factor, ideal for those who prefer a lighter setup without compromising on image quality.
What Kind of Lens Does the Canon 90D Use?
The Canon 90D is a versatile DSLR camera. It uses EF and EF-S mount lenses.
EF-S lenses are specifically designed for APS-C sensor cameras like the 90D. They are generally more compact and lightweight.
EF lenses are compatible with full-frame Canon cameras. They also work perfectly with the Canon 90D.
The 90D’s APS-C sensor means it has a 1.6x crop factor. This affects the effective focal length of the lenses used.
Prime lenses, zoom lenses, and specialty lenses like macro and telephoto all work with the 90D. Your choice depends on your photography needs and style.
How Do You Change Lenses on the Canon 90D?
As with all Canon cameras, hanging lenses on the 90D is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure safety and prevent damage!
First, power off the camera. This minimizes the risk of dust entering the sensor area.
Hold the camera facing down. This position reduces dust settling on the sensor.
Press the lens release button, located near the lens mount. While pressing, gently rotate the lens counter-clockwise.
Remove the lens from the camera body. Handle it with care to avoid dropping it.
Take the new lens and align its mounting mark with the camera’s mark. Typically, these are red or white dots on the lens and camera body.
Gently insert the lens into the mount. Rotate it clockwise until you hear a click, indicating it’s locked in place.
Double-check that the lens is securely attached. It shouldn’t wobble or feel loose on the camera body.
Remember to replace the lens caps on the detached lens. This protects it from dust and scratches.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively change lenses on your Canon 90D. Regular lens changes allow for diverse photographic opportunities and styles.
