Best Zoom Lens for Canon 60D: Top 10 Picks for 2025

Finding the best zoom lens for Canon 60D can elevate your photography from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic hobbyist, choosing the right camera lens for Canon 60D is essential to capture crisp, vivid, and dynamic images across all types of photography—landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and events.

The Canon EOS 60D, with its 18MP APS-C sensor and DIGIC 4 processor, remains a popular DSLR in 2025 for its versatility and performance. But even the most capable camera needs the right glass to reach its full potential. That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ve reviewed the top lenses for Canon 60D, carefully selected to meet a range of photography needs and budgets. From affordable wide-angle lenses to professional telephoto zooms, our list includes only the best lenses for Canon EOS 60D, focusing especially on zoom lenses for Canon 60D that deliver sharpness, clarity, fast autofocus, and image stabilization.

Whether you’re searching for a general-purpose zoom or something more specialized, these Canon 60D lens recommendations will help you make an informed purchase that enhances your creative capabilities. Let’s dive into the top picks for the best lenses for Canon 60D in 2025.

Table of Contents

1. Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM – Versatile Prime with Stabilization

If you’re looking for a lightweight, fast, and reliable prime that complements your DSLR setup, the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM stands out as one of the best lenses for Canon 60D—especially for those who shoot street photography, documentary work, or low-light scenes. While it’s not a traditional zoom, its performance and flexibility have earned it a spot among the top lenses for Canon 60D.

This camera lens for Canon 60D delivers exceptional image quality, thanks to its bright f/2 aperture and advanced optical design. It features a built-in Image Stabilization system (up to four stops), which is particularly beneficial for handheld shooting in dim environments. The lens incorporates a molded glass (GMo) aspherical element that minimizes chromatic aberrations and enhances edge-to-edge sharpness, making it a strong choice even when compared to many zoom lenses for Canon 60D.

The ring-type USM motor ensures fast, silent, and accurate autofocus, and full-time manual focus override allows precise control. Its compact form factor and premium construction make this lens a favorite for travel and everyday use.

✅ Key Features:

Bright f/2 aperture for excellent low-light performance
Built-in Image Stabilization (4 stops)
Molded glass aspherical element for superior sharpness
Ring-type USM for fast and quiet autofocus
Compact and durable design

👍 Pros:

Excellent image stabilization
Great low-light performance
Sharp and crisp image quality
Lightweight and easy to carry

👎 Cons:

Fixed focal length (not a true zoom)

While not a zoom in the traditional sense, the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM deserves a spot on any list of Canon 60D lens recommendations for its versatility and optical quality. For shooters who value fast operation, compact design, and excellent results in challenging lighting, this is a must-have in your kit of the best lenses for Canon EOS 60D.

2. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM – Budget Telephoto Zoom

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is one of the best choices if you’re looking for a budget-friendly zoom lens for Canon 60D. With a versatile focal length ideal for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography, this lens offers excellent reach without compromising image quality.

This telephoto lens is a great example of a high-performance Canon 60D compatible zoom lens that doesn’t break the bank. It features a UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) lens element to reduce chromatic aberrations and produce sharp, vibrant photos across the zoom range. Combined with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization (up to 3.5 stops), you’ll enjoy sharper handheld shots, even at long focal lengths.

Thanks to the STM (Stepping Motor) technology, autofocus is smooth and nearly silent—perfect for both stills and video recording. If you’re seeking one of the best lenses for Canon 60D for telephoto shots without the premium price, this lens should be at the top of your list.

✅ Key Features:

55–250mm focal range for flexible shooting
UD lens element reduces chromatic aberration
Image Stabilization (3.5 stops)
Silent STM autofocus motor
Lightweight and compact

👍 Pros:

Excellent value for money
Reliable stabilization
Quiet operation for video
Long zoom reach

👎 Cons:

Variable aperture limits low-light use

This is a fantastic starter or backup telephoto in your arsenal of the best zoom lenses for Canon 60D, especially for outdoor or action photography.

3. Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM – Premium Portrait Lens

For portrait photographers using a Canon 60D, few lenses deliver the background blur and low-light capability of the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM. This lens is widely considered one of the best lenses for Canon EOS 60D when it comes to professional portraiture.

Its ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture produces incredibly shallow depth of field and stunning bokeh. The Super Spectra coating minimizes lens flare and ghosting, and the lens hood and soft case provide added protection for serious shooters. Autofocus is quick and quiet, aided by Canon’s ring-type USM motor, making it a dream for both indoor and outdoor shooting.

Though it’s a fixed focal length lens and not a zoom, its superior optics place it high on any list of Canon 60D lens recommendations. If you’re serious about portrait work, this is a premium tool to elevate your results.

✅ Key Features:

Ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture for amazing low-light results
Super Spectra Coating reduces flare
Smooth bokeh with rounded aperture
Ring-type USM motor for fast autofocus
Lens hood and soft case included

👍 Pros:

Stunning background blur (bokeh)
Unmatched low-light performance
Sharp, vibrant portraits
Premium build quality

👎 Cons:

Expensive and heavier than average lenses

This is not just a lens—it’s a professional portrait machine in the realm of the best zoom lens for Canon 60D alternatives.

4. Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM – Pro-Level Everyday Zoom

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a top contender for users who want a high-quality standard zoom that works beautifully across many genres—from landscapes to events. Designed specifically for APS-C sensors, it’s one of the top lenses for Canon 60D when image quality and consistency are priorities.

It features a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, providing excellent low-light performance and depth of field control. Optical Image Stabilization helps minimize camera shake, while the ring-type USM ensures responsive and quiet autofocus. The lens also includes aspherical and UD elements to combat chromatic aberration and improve overall sharpness.

Its build quality and performance make it a strong choice in the category of best lenses for Canon 60D, and it’s ideal for professionals and enthusiasts alike who need one go-to lens.

✅ Key Features:

Constant f/2.8 aperture for low-light shooting
Aspherical and UD lens elements for sharp images
Optical Image Stabilizer (3 stops)
Fast, silent USM autofocus
Built for APS-C bodies like the Canon 60D

👍 Pros:

Excellent optical performance
Fast, consistent aperture
Effective stabilization
Versatile focal range

👎 Cons:

Larger and heavier than entry-level zooms

It’s a workhorse in the field and easily qualifies among the best zoom lenses for Canon 60D if you want one lens to rule them all.

5. Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM – Best Budget Ultra-Wide

Wide-angle lovers will appreciate the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM, especially if you’re into landscapes, architecture, or interior shots. It’s one of the most affordable and effective wide-angle zoom lenses for Canon 60D, offering impressive performance for the price.

Despite its budget-friendly cost, the lens features Optical Image Stabilization, UD and aspherical lens elements, and a 7-blade circular aperture. It also comes with STM autofocus technology, making it ideal for video shooters who want smooth and silent focusing.

If you’re building your photography kit and want to explore wide-angle compositions, this is one of the best lenses for Canon 60D to get started with.

✅ Key Features:

Ultra-wide 10–18mm focal length
STM motor for quiet video autofocus
Optical Image Stabilization
Lightweight and travel-friendly
Enhanced lens coatings to reduce flare

👍 Pros:

Affordable price
Compact and portable
Excellent for landscapes and vlogging
Image stabilization included

👎 Cons:

Slower aperture limits night performance

Overall, it’s a strong contender among Canon 60D zoom lenses for entry-level wide-angle photography.

6. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM – Flagship Standard Zoom

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a legendary lens in Canon’s L-series lineup, delivering professional-grade image quality and build. For Canon 60D owners looking to upgrade their kit with a flagship zoom, this is one of the best zoom lenses for Canon 60D—period.

This lens features a constant f/2.8 aperture, two UD and one super UD lens elements, and a high-speed CPU with optimized autofocus algorithms. The result is crisp, distortion-free images throughout the zoom range. Whether you’re shooting weddings, products, portraits, or landscapes, this lens handles it all.

With a robust build, weather sealing, and beautiful image rendering, the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II is often considered the gold standard in Canon 60D lens recommendations for serious photographers.

✅ Key Features:

Constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the range
Two UD + one super UD element for sharp images
Advanced ring-type USM autofocus
Superior build quality with weather sealing
Fast, accurate, and silent operation

👍 Pros:

Premium sharpness and clarity
Versatile for many types of photography
Fast and reliable autofocus
Built for professional use

👎 Cons:

Higher price tag

If you’re investing in top-tier gear, this belongs in your shortlist of the best lenses for Canon EOS 60D.

➤ Looking for something more premium? Check out our guide on the most expensive camera lenses for ultra-high-end glass.

7. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM – Lightweight Prime with Great Bokeh

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is a compact and lightweight lens that delivers exceptional image quality—especially for portraits, street photography, and low-light scenes. While not a zoom, it’s consistently ranked among the best lenses for Canon 60D thanks to its balance of performance, portability, and affordability.

This lens uses high-refraction glass and Gaussian optics to eliminate astigmatism and suppress flare, resulting in sharp, crisp images even at wide apertures. The f/1.4 aperture provides excellent subject-background separation and allows for beautiful background blur (bokeh). The USM motor ensures quiet and fast autofocus performance, making it a reliable choice for various photography scenarios.

Although it’s a fixed focal length, it deserves mention among the top lenses for Canon 60D due to its outstanding optical performance, especially for those focused on portrait work.

✅ Key Features:

Bright f/1.4 aperture for low-light flexibility
Gaussian optics for sharpness and contrast
Compact and travel-friendly design
USM autofocus with full-time manual override
Smooth background blur

👍 Pros:

Lightweight and portable
Great for portraits and night photography
Excellent sharpness and bokeh
Affordable option

👎 Cons:

No image stabilization
Not a zoom lens

If you’re building a prime kit to complement your zoom lenses for Canon 60D, this 50mm is a must-have.

8. Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM – Ultra-Wide Zoom for Landscapes

The Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is one of the best ultra-wide zoom lenses for Canon 60D, offering superior edge-to-edge sharpness and an expansive field of view. Designed specifically for APS-C sensors, this lens is ideal for landscape, architectural, and interior photography.

With a 16–35mm equivalent focal length, this lens gives you creative flexibility in tight spaces or when capturing vast scenes. It includes three aspherical lens elements and one Super UD element to minimize chromatic aberration, flare, and distortion. The fast ring-type USM motor ensures accurate and quiet autofocus with full-time manual control.

This lens stands out among Canon 60D lens recommendations for those who want ultra-wide zoom capabilities in a high-performance, lightweight package.

✅ Key Features:

10–22mm focal length (16–35mm equivalent)
Super UD and aspherical elements
Fast and silent ring-type USM autofocus
Circular aperture for soft background highlights
Designed for APS-C DSLRs

👍 Pros:

Excellent ultra-wide-angle coverage
Sharp and distortion-free images
Ideal for travel, landscapes, and interiors
Professional build quality

👎 Cons:

No built-in image stabilization

This is one of the best lenses for Canon EOS 60D if you’re expanding into wide-angle photography with pro-level results.

9. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro – Best Macro for Canon 60D

If macro or close-up photography is part of your creative focus, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro is a top-tier choice. This lens is known for its 1:1 life-size reproduction, making it perfect for capturing small subjects with outstanding detail and clarity. It’s frequently recommended as one of the best lenses for Canon 60D for macro work and portraits.

This lens incorporates Canon’s Hybrid Image Stabilization system, which corrects both angular and shift camera shake—especially helpful when shooting handheld macro photos. Its L-series construction means it’s weather-sealed and built to last. The f/2.8 aperture allows for natural background separation, making it useful for both product shots and shallow depth-of-field portraits.

It may not be a traditional zoom, but for anyone building a professional kit, this lens belongs in your Canon 60D lens recommendations.

✅ Key Features:

1:1 macro reproduction
Hybrid IS system for macro stabilization
Weather-sealed L-series build
USM for quick, accurate autofocus
Excellent image sharpness and color rendering

👍 Pros:

Superb macro performance
Also great for portraits
Weather-resistant design
Very sharp at all apertures

👎 Cons:

Higher price point
Slightly bulky for handheld everyday use

A must-have for macro enthusiasts looking for the best lenses for Canon EOS 60D.

10. Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS – All-in-One Travel Zoom

Rounding out the list is the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, a versatile and user-friendly all-in-one lens that covers wide-angle to telephoto ranges. If you want a reliable travel lens that handles everything from landscapes to portraits and distant subjects, this is arguably the best zoom lens for Canon 60D for convenience.

Its optical Image Stabilization system offers up to 4 stops of correction, allowing you to shoot handheld even at full 200mm zoom. The lens construction includes UD elements for image clarity and reduced chromatic aberration. While it’s not an L-series lens, its performance and focal range make it a practical everyday lens.

Ideal for beginners or travel photographers looking to reduce gear weight, this lens is a strong candidate among the best lenses for Canon 60D.

✅ Key Features:

18–200mm focal range (29–320mm equivalent)
Image Stabilization for handheld sharpness
UD element for improved image quality
Wide zoom range for all shooting needs
Compact for an all-in-one lens

👍 Pros:

Covers most shooting situations
Effective stabilization
Great option for travel
Good price-to-performance ratio

👎 Cons:

Not as sharp as premium zooms
Variable aperture limits bokeh potential

If you’re looking for a single solution among zoom lenses for Canon 60D, this is one of the best all-purpose picks available.

🛒 Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Zoom Lens for Canon 60D

Selecting the best zoom lens for Canon 60D involves understanding your shooting needs, budget, and the type of photography you practice. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, portrait shooter, videographer, or wildlife photographer, the right Canon 60D lens can dramatically improve your results.

📷 1. Consider Your Photography Style

Portraits: Choose lenses with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.2 to f/2.8) for shallow depth of field. Top picks: 85mm f/1.2L or 50mm f/1.4.
Landscapes & Architecture: Go for ultra-wide zoom lenses for Canon 60D like the EF-S 10–18mm or 10–22mm.
Macro Photography: A lens like the 100mm f/2.8L IS USM is perfect for close-up detail and product shots.
All-Purpose Travel: Opt for all-in-one zooms like the EF-S 18–200mm or EF-S 18–135mm.

🔍 2. Autofocus and Image Stabilization

Look for lenses with STM (Stepping Motor) for smooth and quiet video focus.
USM (Ultrasonic Motor) lenses offer fast and accurate focusing for stills.
Built-in Image Stabilization (IS) is essential when shooting handheld or in low light.

💡 3. Aperture & Low-Light Performance

A wider aperture (f/2.8 or lower) lets in more light, ideal for dim environments and background blur.
Lenses with constant aperture across the zoom range, like the 24–70mm f/2.8L, offer consistent exposure.

⚙️ 4. Compatibility & Mount Type

Only Canon EF and EF-S lenses are compatible with the Canon 60D’s EF lens mount.
EF lenses also work on full-frame Canon bodies, offering future-proof flexibility if you upgrade later.

➤ Still using an older Canon DSLR? Explore our full breakdown of the best lenses for Canon D5100.

💰 5. Budget vs. Performance

Affordable options like the EF-S 55–250mm or EF-S 10–18mm still offer excellent performance.
Higher-end L-series lenses deliver pro-level optics and durability, though at a premium cost.

No matter your budget, there’s a perfect lens in our Canon 60D lens recommendations to match your creative goals.

For more help in choosing the right EF or EF-S lens, you can explore Canon’s official lens buying guide.

🏁 Conclusion: Elevate Your Photography with the Right Zoom Lens

The Canon EOS 60D is a powerful and versatile DSLR that truly shines when paired with the right lens. Whether you’re upgrading from a kit lens or expanding your toolkit, investing in one of the best zoom lenses for Canon 60D can transform your photography.

Here’s a quick recap:

For travel and all-purpose use, the EF-S 18–135mm IS STM is unbeatable.
Portrait shooters will love the creamy bokeh from the EF 85mm f/1.2L.
Macro fans should go for the EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM for its stunning detail and stabilization.
If you’re building a compact kit, the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is a lightweight legend.
For ultra-wide action, the EF-S 10–22mm is a must-have.

Each of these picks stands out among the best lenses for Canon EOS 60D, offering a unique set of features to fit various needs. By aligning your lens choice with your shooting style, you’ll unlock new creative possibilities and sharper, more vibrant results.