Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

The best ultra-wide zoom Canon ever made for EF-S mount, with build quality that still beats most modern glass. Skip it if you need macro or shoot in the dark.

The optical performance is a standout, landing well above average in our rankings. Three aspherical elements and one ED element keep distortion and fringing in check, and the Super Spectra coating does its job against flare. But the real surprise is the build. At 100g and with a 77mm filter thread, it feels substantial without being a brick. The USM motor is fast and quiet, and the stabilization is solid, though not class-leading. The f/3.5-4.5 aperture is fine for daylight but gets tight indoors. Macro is a weak spot, one of the worst we've seen for this type of lens, so don't expect close-up work.

Against the Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS, the Canon wins on build and autofocus but loses on range and versatility. The Sigma is a do-everything superzoom, while the Canon is a specialist. The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is sharper in the mid-range and has better stabilization, but it starts at 18mm, which isn't truly ultra-wide on APS-C. If you need the 10mm end, the Canon is the only real choice here. The Tamron 28-300mm and Panasonic 12-35mm aren't even in the same conversation for APS-C Canon shooters.

Pricing is all over the place right now. We're seeing USD 352 to USD 729 across three US listings, which is a massive spread. The Newegg bundle with the filter kit and backpack is the best deal if you need the extras, but if you already have filters and a bag, hunt for the bare lens closer to the USD 352 end. At that price, it's a steal. At USD 729, you're paying too much for a lens this old.

The Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is one of those lenses that just gets the job done for APS-C shooters who want real wide-angle coverage without selling a kidney. The 16-35.2mm equivalent range is the sweet spot for street work, architecture, and tight interiors. Our database puts its build quality near the top of the charts, and the USM autofocus is snappy enough that you'll forget it's even working. The headline here is simple: this is the best ultra-wide zoom Canon ever made for EF-S mount, and it still holds up years later.

If you're looking for a do-everything travel zoom, this isn't it. Go get the Sigma 16-300mm instead. If you shoot macro or need low-light performance, look at a fast prime. And if you're on full-frame, this lens is useless to you, get the EF 16-35mm f/4L instead.

If you shoot Canon APS-C and want a true ultra-wide zoom, this is the lens to get. The build is top-tier, autofocus is excellent, and the 10-22mm range is exactly what you need for street, landscape, and interiors. Just don't expect macro or low-light heroics. Buy it at the low end of the price range and you'll be thrilled.