Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM 22mm

The Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 is the only lens that truly delivers on the EOS M system's promise of big quality in a tiny package. It's a pocket-sized prime with a bright aperture that makes every other kit zoom look sad.

What surprised us most is how well this little lens handles low light. That f/2 aperture sits in the 90th percentile for its class, meaning it's one of the best on the market for gathering light without getting bulky. Autofocus with the STM motor is smooth and nearly silent, ranking in the top 13% we've tested. It's not going to win any speed races against high-end L-series glass, but for candid shots and video work, it's a standout. The 7-blade aperture creates some genuinely pleasing background blur, landing in the 89th percentile for bokeh. Just don't expect miracles with corner sharpness for landscapes, the optical score is a solid but unremarkable middle-of-the-pack.

The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN is the biggest threat here. It gives you a zoom range and the same bright-ish aperture on other mirrorless mounts, but it's bigger and heavier. The Canon is for the purist who wants the smallest possible setup and that extra stop of light at f/2. If you're on a Nikon Z or Sony E mount, the NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 and Sony 18-135mm offer more flexibility, but neither matches the Canon's pocketable form factor. This lens is in a class of its own for EOS M shooters who prioritize size over everything else.

Pricing is a bit of a rollercoaster across vendors, with a spread from $419 to $555. At the lower end, this lens is a no-brainer. At the higher end, you're flirting with the cost of a used full-frame lens. If you can snag it closer to $419, you're getting a best-in-class build and aperture combo for a steal. The bundled filter kits and memory cards from some retailers sweeten the deal, but don't overpay for fluff you don't need.

The Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM is the lens that makes the EOS M system worth owning. It's a tiny pancake prime that turns your compact mirrorless camera into a pocketable powerhouse. The one thing to know is that this lens delivers a bright f/2 aperture and sharp images in a package so small you'll forget it's on the camera, making it an absolute street photography monster.

If you're looking for a do-it-all travel zoom, this isn't it. Go get the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 instead. If you need stabilization for handheld video work, this lens will frustrate you. And if you're a landscape shooter who obsesses over edge-to-edge sharpness, the mediocre optical score here will leave you wanting more.

Get this lens if you own an EOS M camera and don't already have it. It's the soul of the system. The combination of a fast aperture, excellent build, and vanishingly small size makes it the perfect everyday carry. It's not a landscape lens and it won't replace a zoom, but for street photography and casual portraits, it's the absolute best option you can mount on that little camera. Stop reading and buy it.