Finding the best lens for the Canon M50 is vital to the quality of your images. You can start by narrowing the choice depending on the kind of shot you’re taking. Understanding which lens is best for your situation makes a world of difference in the final product.
Hello, fellow photography enthusiasts! My name is Lavelle and I am a professional photographer and videographer. Since 2009 I have been helping customers across the United States to capture the best moments of their lives. My go-to camera brand has primarily been the Canon model.
In this article, I will go over some of the things you should look for in a lens and share with you my list of the best lenses for the Canon M50. Additionally, I will answer a few frequently asked questions.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- It is important to understand what lens is best for the kind of shot you’re taking. Portrait shots are best taken with certain lenses while sports shots are best with other lenses. The choice is completely situational.
- The Canon M50 can use the EF and EF-S lenses with an adapter. It is important to know that you may have to hold the lens with one hand and shoot with the other hand when using an adapter.
- The image quality is dependent primarily on two things: your lens and your skill level.
Yes, an EF lens is compatible with the Canon M50 with the use of an adapter.
Will an EF-S lens work with the Canon M50?
Yes, an EF-S lens will also work with the Canon M50 with the use of an adapter.
Should I only use Canon lenses with the Canon M50?
While it is preferable that you use Canon lenses with the Canon M50, there are other brands that work well with the M50 such as the Sigma line of lenses.
What Makes The Best Lens for Canon M50
When it comes to choosing a good lens, especially for a camera like the mirrorless Canon M50, it is important to look for lens characteristics that will enhance your image quality and work well with your camera body.
Here are some things to consider when looking for the best lens for your Canon M50.
- Mounting Type: It is important to look for a lens that mounts easily to your Canon M50. The EF and EF-M lenses are the only ones that will fit the M50 without the use of an adapter.
- Autofocus Capability: Another important feature of a good lens is that it has an autofocus function. The autofocus saves you time and is important for less experienced photographers. While more experienced photographers may prefer to focus manually, it is still important to have the function on the lens for versatility.
- Intended Use: Every shot is unique and different lenses serve different purposes. It is critical to understand what lens is best for the shot you’re taking.
- Image Stabilization: Image clarity is paramount for professional photography. Having a lens with built-in image stabilization allows your photo to have the best chance for clarity and crispness.
The 5 Best Lenses for Canon M50 Reviewed
Here are my top choices for lenses for the Canon M50, along with a quick review of each option.
1. Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 (Best Overall)
- Mount: EF-M
- Autofocus: Yes
- Minimum Focus Distance: 25cm
- Weight: 300 grams
My number one overall choice is the Canon EF-M 18-50mm. This compact but powerful lens is versatile and has the capability to shoot several types of scenes effectively.
This lens is designed perfectly for the M50 with the EF-M mount. It comes with the autofocus function and has a nice range of distance that can be used in several scenarios. It is lightweight and has built-in image stabilization which adds value to your photography production.
The thing that I like most about this lens is that it works effectively at a wide angle or as a telephoto. I also like that it can work to what is effectively a 240mm range which is remarkable for this lens.
The only thing that worries me is that you see dim corners on your images when shooting in RAW. This is concerning for portrait images where cropping is not really an option. Otherwise, the benefits of this lens vastly outweigh this one con.
My Verdict: This is a nearly perfect choice for the Canon M50. The lens is designed specifically for this camera and the image quality is excellent. The image stabilization is also impressive, allowing you to shoot many shots without the use of a tripod.
2. Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 (Best Professional)
- Mount: EF-M
- Autofocus: Yes
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.15cm
- Weight: 220 grams
The next lens is the Canon EF-M 11-22mm. This professional-grade lens is a great choice for professional photographers who want to use a wide-angle lens in various settings.
This lens is another one of Canon’s designs that work perfectly with the M50. It has built-in image stabilization and works very well in low-light conditions. It has a quiet autofocus function and is amazingly quick to lock in on subjects.
It is also able to deliver high-quality video production. Canon EF-M 11-22mm is a go-to choice for many professional photographers who shoot short films with their M50. Additionally, this lens’s circular aperture has 7 blades which help to deliver excellent backgrounds.
Unfortunately, there is some slight distortion that can be easily corrected in post-editing. However, as a professional, I prefer to minimize post-editing and capture as close to a perfect shot as possible directly from the camera.
My Verdict: This is a great option for photographers who want to capture clear and sharp images, whether it is in group settings or natural landscapes. This lens is also versatile and is easy to tuck away when traveling.
3. Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 (Best Budget)
- Mount: EF-M
- Autofocus: Yes
- Minimum Focus Distance: 9.3cm
- Weight: 130 grams
The next choice on my list is the best dollar-for-dollar value of the lenses in this class. The Canon EF-M 28mm is a good, solid lens that is also designed nicely for the M50. It has a fast autofocus function and is very compact and lightweight.
It works exceptionally well for travel photographers as it is the lightest of the ones on this list weighing only 130 grams. It delivers nice, sharp images and has an embedded LED light. It also has a nice 1.2x zoom capability.
The thing that stands out the most about this lens for me is that it is equipped with hybrid IS technology. This technology gives you the Canon angular velocity sensor which detects the amount of angle shaking and self-corrects it. It is an impressive feature of this lens.
There are a couple of concerns that I have with this lens. They include what seems to be a consistent issue with the EF-M lenses, and the dim corners when shooting RAW footage. Additionally, the max aperture is lackluster on this lens. Otherwise, this lens is a good, solid choice for the M50.
My Verdict: If you’re looking for a nice, affordable lens that captures great detail and is usable at a close range, then this is a good choice for you.
4. Sigma 16mm F/1.4 (Best Compact)
- Mount: EF-M
- Autofocus: Yes
- Minimum Focus Distance: 25cm
- Weight: 405 grams
The next lens on my list is the Sigma 16mm. This is a great, compact-sized lens that works very well with the Canon M50. This prime lens has some really good performance metrics and a very large aperture that works extremely well in many conditions.
This lens produces excellent sharpness and even illumination on your images. It also has a wide-angle FOV, which comes in handy when shooting groups. The aperture on this lens allows you to control the depth of field remarkably and it has a smooth autofocus functionality.
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 has an extremely bright aperture which helps a lot when shooting in low light conditions and is also great at creating a depth of field for certain kinds of shots.
The main drawback is the noticeable barrel distortion. This can be a major problem if post-editing or manual settings are not your strong point. However, aside from this one issue, this is a good lens to add to your bag.
My Verdict: This is a great choice if you’re looking for a compact lens with good sharpness. It has a good focal range and can be used in some conditions where the other lenses on this list may not work as well.
5. Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 (Best Macro)
- Mount: EF-M
- Autofocus: Yes
- Minimum Focus Distance: 39cm
- Weight: 585 grams
The last choice on my list is a formidable one nonetheless. The Sigma 18-300mm lens is the best choice for a macro lens on this list. It is designed to work well with the Canon M50 and has some attractive features.
Sigma 18-300mm has a smooth, quick autofocus function and a nice focal distance. It has an impressive 16.6x zoom capability and 1:3 macro reproduction. The lens can effectively work as a 450mm lens in most conditions.
The thing that I really like about this lens is the enhanced optical stabilizer which compensates nicely for any camera shake that you might have when shooting without a tripod. Additionally, this lens works with a USB dock which makes it easy to update the firmware on the lens.
My concerns include the dim edges in RAW, the noticeable distortion on some images, and it does not produce the sharpest of images. However, given these shortcomings, the lens is still a nice choice for its intended Macro use.
My Verdict: This is a nice lens to add to your bag when it is used appropriately. It has a good focal range and its autofocus function is very good. I certainly think it is one that deserves serious consideration to accompany your other lenses for the M50.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best lens for your Canon M50 is a choice that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is important to understand which lens works best under what conditions. Additionally, you should pay close attention to factors such as focal length, sharpness, and situational awareness.
The lenses that I’ve suggested all have their value and work well with the M50. Some other lens options worth mentioning include the Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 and the Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3. The 32mm gives amazing bokeh while the 55-200mm gives you excellent sharpness in the center.
Have you used any of these lenses for your Canon M50? Share your experience in the comments section below.
Until next time, capture great shots and make a difference!
