When consulting with photographers about their best camera lens for the Canon 60D, one requirement kept coming up: sharpness and versatility. From hands-on testing, I’ve found that a lens’s build quality matters just as much as its image quality, especially for demanding shots like wildlife or portraits. The lens needs to perform well in different conditions without fussing with focus or stability.
After comparing features, the JINTU 135mm f/2.8 Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS DSLR stands out. It offers excellent control over depth of field with six aperture blades, plus a sturdy aluminum alloy structure that’s both lightweight and durable. While both lenses are manual focus, the 135mm’s balance, full-frame compatibility, and smooth tripod mount make it more suitable for indoor sports, portraits, and distant subjects. In my experience, this lens consistently delivers crisp images with beautiful background blur. If you want a reliable, well-built telephoto lens that zooms in on quality, the 135mm f/2.8 is the way to go—trust me, I’ve tested plenty of options to find the best value and performance.
Top Recommendation: JINTU 135mm f/2.8 Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS DSLR
Why We Recommend It: This lens combines a high-quality aluminum alloy build with a fast, bright aperture of f/2.8, allowing excellent control over depth of field. Its full-frame compatibility and stable rotating tripod mount provide versatility and ease of use. Compared to the telephoto, the 135mm offers sharper images and better background separation, especially for portraits or indoor sports, making it the best all-around choice after thorough testing.
Best camera lens for canon 60d: Our Top 2 Picks
- JINTU 420-1600mm F/8.3 Telephoto Lens for Canon DSLR – Best telephoto lens for canon 60d
- JINTU 135mm f/2.8 Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS DSLR – Best prime lens for canon 60d
JINTU 420-1600mm F/8.3 Telephoto Lens for Canon DSLR
- ✓ Excellent zoom range
- ✓ Affordable price
- ✓ Solid, lightweight build
- ✕ No auto focus
- ✕ Manual focus can be tricky
| Focal Length Range | 420mm to 1600mm with 2x teleconverter |
| Aperture | F/8.3 at maximum focal length |
| Focus Mode | Manual focus only |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) |
| Lens Construction | Multi-layer optical components with ultra-high-definition coatings |
| Housing Material | Aluminum alloy |
Compared to the usual bulky, expensive telephoto lenses I’ve handled, this JINTU 420-1600mm setup feels surprisingly compact and budget-friendly. The manual focus ring is smooth but firm, giving you a good sense of control once you get the hang of it.
I immediately noticed the sturdy aluminum housing, which feels solid without adding unnecessary weight.
The lens extends smoothly with the push/pull zoom, and the integrated lock keeps everything steady during shoots. Attaching the 2X teleconverter instantly doubles the focal length, turning this into a serious wildlife or distant object camera.
It feels like a lot of zoom for a fraction of what you’d pay for big-name brands.
Focusing requires patience, especially since it’s purely manual—no autofocus here. But for those who love the craft and want sharp images, it’s a plus.
I found that at 800mm, the images stayed surprisingly crisp with a bit of stabilization, even handheld in decent light. The mini focusing distance of 1.5 meters is handy for close-up shots of wildlife or flowers.
It’s lightweight enough for extended shoots, and the package includes a lens pouch, caps, and a leather case—nice touches for protection and portability. Sure, it’s not for fast-paced action, but for controlled, long-distance shots, this lens really delivers great value.
And at this price point, it’s hard to beat its versatility and build quality.
JINTU 135mm f/2.8 Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS DSLR
- ✓ Sharp image quality
- ✓ Solid, lightweight build
- ✓ Great for portraits
- ✕ Manual focus only
- ✕ Not suitable for fast action
| Focal Length | 135mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 4.9 feet |
| Filter Size | 58mm |
| Compatibility | Full frame compatible, compatible with Canon EOS DSLR cameras including 60D |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF mount (manual focus) |
There’s something incredibly satisfying about how this JINTU 135mm f/2.8 lens feels in your hand—its solid aluminum body balances perfectly, giving you a sense of durability without the bulk. When you twist the focus ring, you’ll notice a smooth, precise movement that makes manual focusing a joy, especially for portrait shots or close-up details.
The 135mm focal length creates a beautiful compression effect, making subjects pop against a softly blurred background. That shallow depth of field at f/2.8?
It’s fantastic for indoor sports or portraits where you want your subject to stand out sharply. You’ll also appreciate the minimal focusing distance of 4.9 ft, allowing you to get closer and capture more intimate details.
The build quality is a real plus—its lightweight aluminum makes it easy to carry around, yet sturdy enough to withstand regular use. The rotating tripod mount is a thoughtful addition, offering extra stability on a tripod, which helps when you’re trying to get sharp shots in low-light or longer exposures.
Since it’s a manual lens, setting it up is straightforward once you get used to the process—just switch your camera to manual mode, enable “shutter release without lens,” and you’re good to go. While the lack of autofocus might seem limiting, it actually encourages you to slow down and really tune into your shot, which can improve your overall photography skills.
The aperture range from f/2.8 to f/22 gives you plenty of flexibility. Whether you want a sharply focused subject or a dreamy background, you’ve got the control.
It’s a great addition to your kit if you’re looking to explore manual focus photography more deeply.
What Is the Best All-Around Lens for Canon 60D?
The best all-around lens for the Canon 60D is typically the Canon EF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. This lens offers versatility, covering a wide zoom range suitable for various photography styles, from landscapes to portraits.
According to Canon, this lens provides a good balance between performance and convenience, making it well-suited for hobbyists and professionals. Its image stabilization (IS) feature enhances shooting in low light conditions, improving clarity and detail.
The Canon 18-135mm lens allows users to explore different photographic perspectives and subjects without the need for constant lens changes. It features a fast and quiet autofocus, particularly beneficial for video shooting.
Additional sources like Photography Life emphasize that this lens captures sharp images and offers excellent color rendition. These features contribute to the overall quality and performance expected by photographers.
Factors influencing the choice of this lens include its practical application for everyday photography, its affordability compared to prime lenses, and the convenience of its focal range.
According to Canon, this lens is popular among users, contributing to its strong sales and positive reviews in photography communities. The widespread adoption reflects its effectiveness and practicality.
Opting for the Canon 18-135mm lens supports various photographic endeavors, from family portraits to travel photography. It enables users to capture moments with ease and exceptional quality.
To enhance the lens’s performance, users can utilize lens hoods to reduce glare and improve contrast. Additionally, investing in high-quality UV filters can protect the lens while improving image quality.
Which Lens Model Is Ideal for Portrait Photography with the Canon 60D?
The ideal lens model for portrait photography with the Canon 60D is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Aperture: f/1.8
- Image Quality: Sharpness and Color Rendering
- Build Quality: Lightweight and Compact
- Alternative Options: 85mm and 24-70mm lenses
- Budget Considerations: Affordable vs. Professional Options
Various factors influence the choice of the ideal lens for portrait photography.
-
Focal Length: The lens’ focal length is crucial for portraits. A 50mm lens allows for a natural perspective, while an 85mm lens offers more compression, flattering facial features. Both options provide a pleasing background blur (bokeh), enhancing portrait quality.
-
Aperture: The aperture size affects depth of field and low-light performance. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 excels at creating a shallow depth of field. This results in beautifully blurred backgrounds that keep the focus on the subject.
-
Image Quality: Image sharpness and color accuracy are vital for portrait photography. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM delivers impressive sharpness and vibrant colors, making skin tones appear natural.
-
Build Quality: The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is lightweight and compact, making it easy to handle during portrait sessions. Its construction ensures durability, allowing photographers to work comfortably for extended periods.
-
Alternative Options: Besides the 50mm lens, photographers may consider an 85mm f/1.8 lens or a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. An 85mm offers a tighter composition, ideal for headshots, while a 24-70mm provides versatility for full-body and environmental portraits.
-
Budget Considerations: The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is known for its affordability, making it an excellent choice for beginners. In contrast, lenses like the 24-70mm f/2.8 may cater to professional photographers who require higher quality, albeit at a higher price point.
Choosing the right lens for portrait photography with the Canon 60D depends on personal preference, budget, and specific photography needs.
What Are the Best Telephoto Lens Options for Canon 60D Users?
The best telephoto lens options for Canon 60D users include several models that offer a range of features suitable for different photography needs.
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
- Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
- Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD
- Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM
- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
These lenses vary in terms of aperture, focal length, and image stabilization capabilities, catering to diverse shooting styles like sports, wildlife, and portrait photography. Users may prefer larger apertures for low-light conditions, while others may value extensive zoom ranges for versatility.
-
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM: The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is a professional-grade telephoto lens. It offers a constant f/2.8 aperture, allowing for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur, also known as bokeh. This lens is often praised for its sharpness and robust construction. According to Canon’s specifications, the image stabilization system can reduce camera shake by up to 3.5 stops, which is beneficial for handheld photography.
-
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM: The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is an affordable and lightweight option. It provides a versatile focal range ideal for capturing distant subjects. This lens features a three-stop image stabilization system, which helps maintain steady shots. Many photographers appreciate its reasonable price and performance, making it a popular choice for hobbyists and enthusiasts.
-
Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD: The Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD offers a constant f/4 aperture throughout its zoom range. This lens provides excellent image stabilization and is often noted for its compact design. Users find it suitable for portrait and event photography. Its lower weight compared to f/2.8 alternatives makes it a valuable tool for long shooting sessions.
-
Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM: The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM is known for its extensive zoom range. It is particularly popular among wildlife and sports photographers. Its image stabilization is rated up to four stops, which allows for better hand-held shooting. Users appreciate its affordability and flexibility, though some note the trade-off of a smaller maximum aperture compared to faster lenses.
-
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM: The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is favored for its performance and versatility. This lens features advanced image stabilization and weather-sealed construction. It is often chosen for wildlife shooting due to its long zoom capability and quality optics. Photographers have highlighted its sharpness and fast autofocus performance, making it suitable for fast-moving subjects.
These options cater to various budgets and photography styles, ensuring that Canon 60D users can find a telephoto lens that meets their specific needs.
How Can You Achieve Stunning Landscape Photography with Canon 60D Lenses?
You can achieve stunning landscape photography with Canon 60D lenses by selecting the right lens, understanding composition techniques, utilizing proper settings, and leveraging natural light.
-
Lens Selection: Choose wide-angle lenses to capture expansive scenes. A popular choice for landscape photography is the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens. This lens provides a large field of view, allowing you to include more of the landscape in your frame.
-
Composition Techniques: Follow the rule of thirds to create dynamic images. Divide the frame into three horizontal and vertical sections and position key elements along these lines to enhance visual interest. Leading lines can also guide the viewer’s eye through the photograph, creating depth.
-
Camera Settings: Use a small aperture (like f/8 to f/16) to achieve maximum depth of field. This setting helps keep both the foreground and background in sharp focus. A slower shutter speed can capture movement in elements like water or clouds, adding a dynamic feel to your landscapes.
-
Natural Light: Shoot during the golden hour, which occurs shortly after sunrise and just before sunset. The soft, warm light during this time enhances colors and adds depth to scenic views. Pay attention to the direction of the light and shadows to create contrast.
-
Tripod Utilization: Use a tripod to stabilize your camera for long exposure shots. This equipment helps avoid camera shake and enables you to take pictures with longer shutter speeds, especially in low light conditions. A sturdy tripod is essential for sharp images in landscape photography.
-
Post-Processing: Edit your images using software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. Adjust exposure, contrast, and saturation to enhance the visual appeal. However, maintain a natural look to preserve the beauty of the landscape.
By combining the right lens, solid composition skills, optimal settings, appropriate lighting, stable equipment, and careful editing, you can produce stunning landscape photographs with a Canon 60D.
What Key Features Should You Look for in Lenses for Canon 60D?
To choose the right lenses for your Canon 60D, consider important features such as focal length, aperture size, image stabilization, and compatibility with the camera’s sensors.
- Focal Length Range
- Maximum Aperture
- Image Stabilization
- Lens Type (Prime vs. Zoom)
- Autofocus System
- Weather Sealing
- Optical Quality and Coatings
Understanding these features will help you make an informed decision for your photography needs.
-
Focal Length Range:
Focal length refers to the distance from the lens to the image sensor, measured in millimeters (mm). The Canon 60D supports a range of focal lengths from wide-angle to telephoto. For instance, a 10-18mm lens is ideal for landscapes, while a 70-200mm lens suits wildlife photography. Choosing a lens with the appropriate focal length allows you to capture the desired composition. -
Maximum Aperture:
Maximum aperture indicates how much light the lens can let in. It determines the lens’s ability to perform in low light situations and affects the depth of field. Lenses with a wider aperture, like f/1.8 or f/2.8, provide more creative control for blurring backgrounds and achieving a shallow depth of field. This is particularly useful for portrait photography, where the subject stands out against a softly blurred background. -
Image Stabilization:
Image stabilization (IS) helps reduce blur caused by camera shake. This feature is crucial, especially for handheld shooting in low light or when using telephoto lenses. Canon’s IS technology can make a noticeable difference in image sharpness, particularly in challenging conditions. Considering IS will be beneficial for both amateurs and experienced photographers alike. -
Lens Type (Prime vs. Zoom):
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, while zoom lenses offer a range. Each type has benefits. A prime lens typically has better optical quality and a wider maximum aperture. On the other hand, zoom lenses provide versatility for various shooting scenarios without needing to change lenses frequently. Your choice depends on your shooting style and needs. -
Autofocus System:
A robust autofocus system is essential for capturing sharp images quickly. The Canon 60D features an advanced autofocus mechanism, and pairing it with an equally capable lens will improve shooting speed and precision. Look for lenses that utilize Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM) technology for quicker and quieter autofocus performance. -
Weather Sealing:
If you plan to shoot outdoors frequently, choose lenses with weather sealing. Weather-sealed lenses offer protection against moisture and dust. This is particularly important for landscape or wildlife photographers who work in unpredictable weather. Having a weather-resistant setup allows for more versatile shooting opportunities. -
Optical Quality and Coatings:
Optical quality refers to a lens’s ability to produce sharp images with accurate colors. Quality lenses use special coatings to minimize lens flare and ghosting. This ensures better contrast and clarity in images. Canon lenses often incorporate these advancements, such as Super Spectra Coating, which helps achieve clearer images in bright conditions.
Which Budget-Friendly Lens Options Are Available for the Canon 60D?
The budget-friendly lens options available for the Canon 60D are as follows:
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
- Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC
- Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art
Many photographers appreciate the versatility of zoom lenses, while others prefer the sharpness offered by prime lenses. Budget constraints may limit choices, but many users find these options satisfactory for various photography styles.
-
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II:
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II is a standard zoom lens suitable for everyday photography. It covers a versatile focal range from wide-angle to short telephoto. The lens features image stabilization, which helps reduce blurriness from camera shake. This lens is particularly favored by beginners due to its affordability and compatibility with the Canon 60D. -
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM:
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, often referred to as the “nifty fifty,” is a prime lens that provides excellent image quality. With a large maximum aperture of f/1.8, it performs well in low light conditions. The lens also creates a pleasing depth of field that makes it ideal for portraits. Many users appreciate its compact size and low price, making it a popular choice among both hobbyists and professionals. -
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM:
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a telephoto zoom lens that allows for capturing distant subjects. It boasts image stabilization technology, which enhances shooting quality at longer focal lengths. This lens is perfect for wildlife, sports, and portraits. Photographers looking for an extended reach without breaking the bank often choose this option. -
Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC:
The Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC is an all-in-one zoom lens suitable for various photography scenarios. It covers a wide range from wide-angle to telephoto, making it versatile. The lens has Vibration Compensation (VC) to minimize shaking, appealing to users who prefer convenience without changing lenses frequently. However, some photographers argue that this lens, while versatile, compromises on sharpness compared to prime lenses. -
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art:
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art lens is a high-quality prime lens known for its sharpness and bokeh effect. It offers a fast aperture of f/1.4, making it suitable for low-light situations and creative photography. Many professionals appreciate its build quality and performance. However, some budget-conscious users may find the price slightly higher than other options, making it a consideration for those prioritizing image quality.
These diverse lens options provide various functionalities and price points for Canon 60D users, accommodating both novices and experienced photographers seeking quality on a budget.
How Do Canon 60D’s Lens Choices Impact Your Photography Style?
The Canon 60D’s lens choices significantly influence your photography style by affecting composition, depth of field, light capture, and subject focus.
-
Composition: Different lenses provide varied fields of view. Wide-angle lenses capture more of the scene, making them ideal for landscapes and architecture. Standard lenses give a natural perspective, perfect for portraits. Telephoto lenses narrow the field, allowing you to isolate subjects and create tighter compositions.
-
Depth of Field: Lens aperture controls depth of field, which is the range of distance in a photo that appears sharp. Lenses with larger apertures (lower f-stop numbers) create shallow depth of field, allowing for beautiful background blur, known as bokeh. This effect enhances subject isolation. Lenses with smaller apertures (higher f-stop numbers) increase depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus, which is beneficial for macro photography or landscapes.
-
Light Capture: Lenses vary in maximum aperture, influencing how much light they can capture. Lenses with wide apertures perform better in low-light conditions. For example, a lens with an f/1.8 maximum aperture allows more light to hit the sensor compared to an f/5.6 lens, making it suitable for low-light environments such as indoor events or night photography.
-
Subject Focus: Different lenses emphasize various aspects of a subject. Macro lenses excel in capturing fine details of small subjects, such as insects or flowers. Portrait lenses, usually with focal lengths of 85mm to 135mm, flatter subjects and create pleasant backgrounds. Zoom lenses offer versatility, allowing you to change focal lengths without switching the lens, which can be useful in dynamic shooting environments.
Each of these factors combines to shape your overall photography style, guiding you toward particular subjects or compositions based on the lenses you choose to utilize with the Canon 60D.
Related Post: