Best DSLR Lenses 2022

(Pocket-lint) – Your DSLR kit may have given you a standard lens that provides you with well-performing zoom, but picking up an additional option can really help elevate your shots and improve overall performance. The thing you’re likely weighing up is whether splashing out a large three-figure sum for a new lens is really worth it. However, plenty of entry-level DSLR kits come with, as you may expect, an entry-level feel to them.

With a dedicated lens, you’re not just getting a higher-quality zoom, but better build quality and faster aperture, too.  So, whether you’re completely new to buying lenses or you’re a Canon and Nikon veteran looking to add to your collection, we’ve rounded up some of the top options for you to consider. As ever, you’ll have to do your own checks on whether they match up with your camera’s lens mount and sensor size, but, with that, you’ll be ready to explore.

Best DSLR lenses available to buy 

Canon
Best DSLR zoom lenses: Top attachments for your Canon or Nikon camera photo 2

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens

squirrel_widget_3638987

For Canon owners looking for a well-rounded standard zoom lens, this is an ideal pick. It’s relatively compact and light, giving you a wide magnification range and a focal length that stretches from normal to a telephoto equivalent to 29mm – 320mm in the 35mm format.  There’s also Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer on board, allowing for up to 4-stops of correction at full zoom, and the circular aperture to help you add some background blur around your shot. 

Nikon
Best DSLR zoom lenses: Top attachments for your Canon or Nikon camera photo 4

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED

squirrel_widget_3639016

An excellent pick for Nikon fans, this behemoth of a lens is heavy but packs in incredible zoom levels – stretching from 27mm – 210mm in full-frame. Interestingly, this is the only Nikon DX format lens that’s compatible with the rest of the company’s DSLR cameras, giving users fast, 4-stop auto-focus, a weather-sealed metal mounting plate and a sharp capture at both the short and long end.  It’s also considerably more budget-friendly than other picks.

Considering its wide-ranging compatibility, that’s a real treat.

Canon
Best DSLR zoom lenses: Top attachments for your Canon or Nikon camera photo 7

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

squirrel_widget_3716287 It may be a little long in the tooth by now – first launching back in 2006 – but this Canon special is proof that having the latest lens doesn’t automatically give you the best performance.  It’s also the closest we’ve seen the company come to offering a professional-level APS-C lens. 

The f/2.8 aperture rating ensures you receive consistent performance throughout the zoom range, and, even though the design isn’t the most compact or light, it’s tough to do better if you’re a Canon owner. 

Sigma
Best DSLR zoom lenses: Top attachments for your Canon or Nikon camera photo 6

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD

squirrel_widget_3639054 Sigma’s option gives owners of a Nikon DX format camera another option to consider, also offering variations for Canon, Sony and its own wares. If you need a large-aperture standard zoom lens that stays consistent throughout the entire zoom range, this is a really nice pickup, also offering an anti-shake feature, up to 4-stop shutter speed and multi-layer coating to help reduce flare. 

Simply, this is a budget-friendly and relatively compact addition to your camera bag.

Tamron
Best DSLR zoom lenses: Top attachments for your Canon or Nikon camera photo 5

Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD

squirrel_widget_3639017 If you’re less about picking up a specific lens for a job and instead want more of an overall starter kit to help take your camera game to the next level, Tamron’s offering is definitely worth considering.  This package includes Tamron’s 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Lens (compatible with Canon, but with a Nikon option also available), which offers elite zoom performance for those with an APS-C format camera who want to mix between telephoto and wide-angle shots.

Also included are AirBag’s protective carry cases, an Altura miniature tripod/case and lens pouches.

It adds some great value on top of an impressive and versatile lens. 

Writing by Conor Allison.

Tags:

perfectdraft listed on couponmatrix.ukharvey-nichols listed on couponmatrix.uklong-tall-sally listed on couponmatrix.ukregatta listed on couponmatrix.ukwhite-stores listed on couponmatrix.ukzaful listed on couponmatrix.uk
perfectdraft listed on couponmatrix.ukIt isn’t a party until the drinks arrive - at least that’s what Beer Hawk believes. Get all your favourite beverages for a bargain price when you use your Beer Hawk discount code on an order, and get it all delivered straight to the door for an even more stress-free solution to your drinks shopping. From craft ales to mixed and homebrews, you’re sure to find a flavour to suit your fiesta on the Beer Hawk site.
harvey-nichols listed on couponmatrix.ukA household name across the world, Harvey Nichols has been providing customers with luxury fashion, top-level food and award-winning restaurants ever since the 1830s when it was founded by Benjamin Harvey. The department store grew from just a linen shop in a terraced house to a multifaceted business opening up 7 stores in Ireland and the UK, and more overseas - and now houses the very latest in designer goods. Use a Harvey Nichols discount code to get incredible reductions on fashion fresh from the catwalk, high-class cuisine and gorgeous homeware and your debit card will thank you when you head to checkout. Browse by brand on the Harvey Nichols website if you’ve got a trusted favourite and make an appointment at the Knightsbridge store to receive tailor-made service from trained stylists.
long-tall-sally listed on couponmatrix.ukFor taller women, finding clothes that fit well can be a bit of a pain, but luckily with Long Tall Sally this is a problem of the past. With stylish, elegant options for women 5”8 and over, Long Tall Sally is here to get you looking fabulous. Pick up a Long Tall Sally discount code and give your wardrobe an upgrade without spending too much money. With more than 40 years in the business, Long Tall Sally is the first and last word in fashion for taller women.
regatta listed on couponmatrix.ukFully experience the majesty of the great outdoors with Regatta’s comprehensive selection of clothing, accessories and essentials for the intrepid explorers among us. With a Regatta discount code, you can get out and about for less than you might think whilst taking advantage of Regatta’s expertise and passion for the natural world. With a philosophy of making going outside and exploring more accessible and affordable for everyone, Regatta is driven to create the highest quality products for the best prices so everyone can experience the great outdoors.
white-stores listed on couponmatrix.ukThere's nothing quite like outdoor living, with BBQs, bar sets, firepits, and practically anything designed for your garden or outdoors, Whitestores is the one-stop destination for everything you require. Whether you're throwing a party, or are looking for some permanent features to liven up your garden, the Whitestores range will have something for you and now, with your Whitestores discount code, creating a stunning space doesn't need to cost the earth. Put out some solar lights or a patio heater and get ready for outdoor living year-round with Whitestores.
zaful listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen it comes to shopping the hottest new trends online, Zaful are definitely worth checking out. With an excellent range of options and incredible prices, Zaful are for fashion forward women of all ages. With an eye on giving their customer the best value and quality available, Zaful are really turning heads. You can make even bigger savings by using Zaful promo codes from Groupon. Enjoy looking and feeling great for less today.