4 Canon-Mount Zoom Lenses From $55.63 to $255: Picking the Right Camera Lens

The decision in front of you

Canon-mount DSLR shooters looking for a zoom lens have to decide between a short fast zoom, a longer autofocus telephoto, and an ultra-long manual lens. All four options fit Canon EF bodies, but they differ in aperture, reach, focus style, and condition.

Quick take

• The Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm F2.8 is the only constant f/2.8 standard zoom here, with a 77mm filter thread and both auto and manual focus.
• The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is the only autofocus telephoto in the set and comes as an open-box item.
• The two 420-800mm f/8.3 super telephotos are manual-focus lenses with 67mm filters and aluminum bodies. The lower-priced version is the least expensive product in this group.

Listed-price comparison

Quick decision table

Product notes

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm F2.8 Zoom Lens for Canon EF mount

This used Tokina is the standard-zoom option with a constant f/2.8 aperture, making it the fastest glass in the group. The spec set includes 28-70mm focal length, a 77mm filter thread, aluminum exterior, Japan origin, and auto and manual focus. There is a slight dent and faint crack on the mount, some signs of use, and a little dust inside, so this is a used lens rather than a sealed-new option. Choose it if you want a fast everyday zoom and can accept cosmetic wear. The trade-off is that you are not getting new-condition gear, and you may want to inspect the mount area before relying on it.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens (Open Box)

The Canon telephoto covers 70-300mm with autofocus, manual focus, IS, and USM in the name, using a 58mm filter. It is the only autofocus telephoto zoom in this round and is listed with Japan origin. At the top of the price range, this open-box item still gives you the convenience of autofocus plus image stabilization. Pick it when you want Canon's telephoto reach without giving up autofocus. The downside is the open-box condition and the price step up from the 420-800mm options.

420-800mm f/8.3 Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EOS DSLR Camera 5D3 800D 70D - $72.58 version

This 420-800mm f/8.3 super telephoto comes with a 67mm filter thread, aluminum alloy body, multi-layer MC coating, and compatibility with the Canon EOS DSLR bodies listed for this lens: 5D3, 800D, and 70D. It is a manual-focus lens with the same focal length and maximum aperture as the lower-priced 420-800mm version. Choose this version if you want this exact product rather than the lower-priced one; otherwise, the lower-priced version gives you the same stated specs for less. The main drawback is that it carries a higher listed price while matching the specifications of the least expensive product in the comparison.

420-800mm f/8.3 Super Telephoto Zoom Lens For Canon EOS DSLR Camera 5D3 800D 70D - $55.63 version

This is the lowest-priced product in the group, yet it still delivers the 420-800mm range, a 67mm filter thread, aluminum exterior, manual focus operation, and compatibility with Canon EOS DSLR bodies such as the 5D3, 800D, and 70D. It is listed as new. With f/8.3 as the maximum aperture, you will want bright light and a monopod for practical long-distance shooting. If the goal is the longest reach for the least money, this version is the straightforward pick. The limitation is that manual focus and the narrow aperture require more deliberate shooting than the autofocus Canon or the fast Tokina.

Final recommendation by use case

• Everyday shooting with a wide aperture: Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm F2.8 at USD 199.99.
• Autofocus telephoto with IS: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM at USD 255.00.
• Longest reach for the least money: 420-800mm f/8.3 super telephoto at USD 55.63.
• Same maximum reach at a higher listed price: the other 420-800mm f/8.3 super telephoto at USD 72.58.