Best superzoom for Canon DSLRs: 8 tested

Best superzooms for canon cameras

The once large collection of superzoom lenses available for full-frame Canon DSLRs has been whittled down to just two.

By far the less expensive is the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 XR Di VC, which sells for about £500. It's remarkably compact and lightweight for a full-frame superzoom, measuring 78 x 99mm and weighing 555g. The overall performance of this lens is impressive, and it's now the only choice for budget-conscious full-frame shooters.

For those with big pockets – or at least fat wallets – the money-no-object option is the Canon EF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM, which sells for around £2,100. L-series hi-tech trimmings include faster apertures, rugged build quality, and a posh white paint job.

You also get advanced ring-type USM autofocus and 3-stop image stabilisation. It's a big, heavy beast, however, measuring 92x184mm and tipping the scales at 1.67kg.

While being designed for full-fame cameras, both of these lenses are compatible with Canon DSLRs that have smaller image sensors. However, you'll lose out at the wide-angle end but get a more generous telephoto reach, with an effective zoom range of 45-480mm.

TOPICS
Latest in DSLRs
Nikon Df DSLR camera on a wooden surface by large window, with dusk light
Forget Fujifilm, I've retested 2013's Nikon Df DSLR and it's the ultimate retro camera for these 6 reasons
Monochrome image of a distant wind farm alongside a Canon DSLR camera in the hand with black background
You don't really need a new camera – a $200,000 photo prize was just won with this old Canon DSLR
Photographer holding the Nikon D800 DSLR camera up to their eye while leaning on a tree trunk surrounded by bluebells
I used my DSLR for the first time in years since switching to mirrorless – here are four things I learned
Two cameras sitting next to each other on a wooden table
If DSLR cameras are dead, why are they still so popular? Here are 5 reasons
Prouct photo of the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome with a 16-50mm f/2.8 attached
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome review: one love
Canon EOS 4000D with 18-55mm lens attached on red background beside a lowest ever price text
This Canon beginner DSLR is so cheap right now it might even tempt you away from mirrorless
Latest in Best
Some of the best mobile controllers on a colorful background.
The best mobile controllers 2025: upgrade your portable play
Best controllers for Monster Hunter Wilds featuring Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
The best controllers for Monster Hunter Wilds: the gamepads most suited for the game’s tricky control scheme
Best password manager for families
Best password manager for families of 2025
A woman taking a selfie on a camel in Morocco.
Best eSIMs for Morocco for 2025
DJI Mic 2 with windshield
The best wireless mic for 2025: top wearable microphones for content creators
Lead image for TechRadar's guide to the best Fujifilm cameras, featuring the X-T5
Best Fujifilm camera 2025: top mirrorless and compact cameras, retro and otherwise