Top Universal Zoom Lenses 2026: The Best All-in-One Superzooms

January 17, 2026

In the world of photography, universal zoom lenses, or "all-in-one" (all-in-one/superzoom), are true lifesavers for travelers, street photographers, and anyone who doesn’t want to carry a whole bag of optics. They cover a wide range of focal lengths—from wide-angle for landscapes to telephoto range for portraits or wildlife—all in one compact body.

In 2026 the market offers impressive models for full-frame and APS-C cameras, with improved sharpness, stabilization, and weather sealing. We’ve compiled a top selection based on the latest reviews, tests, and user feedback: from classics like the Tamron 28-200mm to the most recent releases. These lenses allow you to shoot almost anything without changing optics—ideal for travel, where weight and convenience are top priorities.

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Black (2963C005) universal lens photo 1

1. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is designed for Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras with RF mount. The focal length range is 24–105 mm with constant f/4 aperture. The optical construction includes 18 elements in 14 groups with aspherical and UD elements.

IS stabilization is effective up to 5 stops, and when combined with IBIS-equipped bodies it delivers even better performance. Nano USM autofocus ensures fast and smooth focusing. The lens is dust- and moisture-resistant and includes a customizable control ring.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 24–105 mm (full frame)

  • Aperture: constant f/4

  • Stabilization: IS (up to 5 stops)

  • Autofocus: Nano USM (fast and smooth)

  • Weather sealing: dust & moisture resistant

Specifications

  • Optical formula: 18 elements in 14 groups (aspherical + UD elements)

  • Aperture blades: 9 (rounded)

  • Filter diameter: 77 mm

  • Minimum focus distance: approx. 0.45 m

  • Weight: approx. 700 g

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Black (SEL24105G) universal lens photo 1

2. Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is designed for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras with E-mount. It covers 24–105 mm with constant f/4 aperture. The optical design includes 17 elements in 14 groups with aspherical elements and low-dispersion (ED) elements for aberration control.

Built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization helps with handheld shooting. Autofocus uses Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) for fast and quiet operation. The lens features dust and moisture resistance and a fluorine-coated front element. Minimum focus distance is approx. 0.38 m.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 24–105 mm (full frame)

  • Aperture: constant f/4

  • Stabilization: OSS (optical)

  • Autofocus: Direct Drive SSM (fast & quiet)

  • Weather sealing: dust & moisture resistant

Specifications

  • Optical formula: 17 elements in 14 groups (4 aspherical, 3 ED)

  • Aperture blades: 9 (rounded)

  • Filter diameter: 77 mm

  • Minimum focus distance: 0.38 m

  • Weight: approx. 663 g

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art standard lens photo 1

3. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is developed for full-frame mirrorless cameras with Sony E-mount and L-mount. It offers 24–70 mm with constant f/2.8 aperture. The optical construction consists of 19 elements in 15 groups, including low-dispersion and aspherical lenses.

Autofocus relies on a fast linear HLA motor (in the updated version). The lens is dust- and moisture-resistant, features focus hold buttons and an aperture ring. Minimum focus distance varies depending on focal length.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 24–70 mm (full frame)

  • Aperture: constant f/2.8

  • Autofocus: HLA (linear, fast)

  • Weather sealing: dust & moisture resistant

  • Minimum focus distance: approx. 0.18 m at wide end

Specifications

  • Optical formula: 19 elements in 15 groups (6 FLD, 2 SLD, 5 aspherical)

  • Aperture blades: 11 (rounded)

  • Filter diameter: 82 mm

  • Dimensions: approx. 87.8 × 120 mm (for E-mount)

  • Weight: approx. 835 g (for E-mount)

Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD telephoto lens photo 1

4. Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD

Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD is built for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras with E-mount. It covers 28–200 mm with variable aperture starting at f/2.8 on the wide end. The optical construction consists of 18 elements in 14 groups, including specialized elements for aberration control.

Autofocus is driven by a stepping motor (RXD) for fast and quiet operation. Minimum focus distance is 0.19 m at 28 mm and 0.8 m at 200 mm, with maximum magnification around 0.32× at the wide end. The lens is moisture- and dust-resistant; its weight supports comfortable extended shooting.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 28–200 mm (full frame)

  • Aperture: f/2.8–5.6 (variable)

  • Autofocus: RXD (stepping motor)

  • Minimum focus distance: 0.19 m (at 28 mm)

  • Weather sealing: moisture & dust resistant, fluorine coating on front element

Specifications

  • Optical formula: 18 elements in 14 groups (including LD and hybrid aspherical elements)

  • Aperture blades: 7 (rounded)

  • Filter diameter: 67 mm

  • Dimensions: approx. 74 × 117 mm

  • Weight: approx. 575 g

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR (JMA710DA) universal lens photo 1

5. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is designed for Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras with Z mount. It offers 24–200 mm with variable aperture. The optical design includes low-dispersion and aspherical elements to reduce aberrations.

The lens features built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilization, effective for handheld telephoto shooting. Autofocus is fast and quiet. Minimum focus distance varies by focal length; the lens is dust- and moisture-resistant.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 24–200 mm (full frame)

  • Aperture: f/4–6.3 (variable)

  • Stabilization: VR (optical, up to 5 stops)

  • Autofocus: fast & quiet (stepping motor)

  • Weather sealing: dust & moisture resistant, fluorine coating

Specifications

  • Optical formula: 19 elements in 15 groups (2 ED, 1 aspherical ED, aspherical elements)

  • Aperture blades: 7 (rounded)

  • Filter diameter: 67 mm

  • Dimensions: approx. 76.5 × 114 mm

  • Weight: approx. 570 g

Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Black (3684C005) telephoto lens photo 1

6. Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is developed for Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras with RF mount. The focal length range is 24–240 mm with variable aperture. The optical construction includes 21 elements in 15 groups.

The IS stabilization system is effective for handheld shooting; autofocus is driven by a Nano USM motor for fast and smooth operation. Minimum focus distance is approx. 0.5 m at the wide end. The lens offers protection against environmental factors.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 24–240 mm (full frame)

  • Aperture: f/4–6.3 (variable)

  • Stabilization: IS (optical, up to 5 stops, with Dynamic IS)

  • Autofocus: Nano USM (fast & quiet)

  • Minimum focus distance: 0.5 m (at 24 mm)

Specifications

  • Optical formula: 21 elements in 15 groups (aspherical + UD elements)

  • Aperture blades: 7 (rounded)

  • Filter diameter: 72 mm

  • Dimensions: approx. 80.4 × 122.5 mm

  • Weight: approx. 750 g

Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Black (SEL24240) universal lens photo 1

7. Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS

Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS is designed for Sony full-frame E-mount cameras. It covers 24–240 mm with variable aperture starting at f/3.5 on the wide end. The optical design consists of 17 elements in 13 groups, including one ED element and five aspherical lenses for aberration control.

Built-in OSS stabilization assists with long-focal-length handheld shooting. Autofocus is linear, fast, quiet, and internally focusing. The lens is dust- and moisture-resistant and suitable for everyday use in various conditions.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 24–240 mm (full frame)

  • Aperture: f/3.5–6.3 (variable)

  • Stabilization: OSS (optical)

  • Autofocus: linear motor

  • Weather sealing: dust & moisture resistant

Specifications

  • Aperture blades: 7 (rounded)

  • Filter diameter: 72 mm

  • Minimum focus distance: approx. 0.5 m

  • Weight: approx. 780 g

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens photo 1

8. Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is built for full-frame mirrorless cameras with E-mount and L-mount. The focal length range is 28–105 mm with constant f/2.8 aperture. The optical construction includes low-dispersion elements and five aspherical lenses for aberration control.

Autofocus is powered by an HLA motor for rapid focusing. The lens is moisture- and dust-resistant; its weight is suitable for extended shooting sessions. It includes focus hold buttons and a de-clickable aperture ring.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 28–105 mm (full frame)

  • Aperture: constant f/2.8

  • Autofocus: HLA (linear, fast)

  • Weather sealing: moisture & dust resistant

  • Minimum focus distance: approx. 0.4 m across the range

Specifications

  • Optical formula: low-dispersion elements + 5 aspherical

  • Dimensions: approx. 87.8 × 159 mm (for E-mount)

  • Aperture ring: de-clickable

  • Weight: approx. 990 g (for E-mount)

Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD Sony E Black (A074) universal lens photo 1

9. Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD

Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD is developed for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras with E-mount. It covers 28–300 mm with variable aperture. The optical construction includes 20 elements in 13 groups with specialized elements for aberration control.

Autofocus is driven by a VXD linear motor for fast and quiet performance. Built-in VC (Vibration Compensation) stabilization aids handheld shooting. Minimum focus distance is 0.19 m at the wide end with approx. 0.5× maximum magnification. The lens is moisture- and dust-resistant.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 28–300 mm (full frame)

  • Aperture: f/4–7.1 (variable)

  • Stabilization: VC (optical)

  • Autofocus: VXD (linear motor)

  • Minimum focus distance: 0.19 m (at 28 mm)

  • Weather sealing: moisture & dust resistant

Specifications

  • Optical formula: 20 elements in 13 groups (including XLD, LD and GM aspherical)

  • Aperture blades: 9

  • Length: approx. 126 mm

  • Filter diameter: 67 mm

  • Weight: approx. 610 g

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR (JMA722DA) telephoto lens photo 1

10. Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is designed for Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras with Z mount. It offers 28–400 mm with variable aperture reaching f/8 at the long end. The optical design includes 21 elements in 14 groups with ED and aspherical lenses to minimize aberrations.

VR stabilization is effective for handheld long-reach shooting. Autofocus is fast and quiet thanks to a stepping motor. The lens is dust- and moisture-resistant; its weight supports comfortable travel use.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 28–400 mm (full frame)

  • Aperture: f/4–8 (variable)

  • Stabilization: VR (optical)

  • Autofocus: fast & quiet

  • Weather sealing: dust & moisture resistant

Specifications

  • Optical formula: 21 elements in 14 groups (3 ED, 4 aspherical)

  • Aperture blades: 9 (rounded)

  • Filter diameter: 77 mm

  • Minimum focus distance: approx. 0.3 m at wide end

  • Weight: approx. 725 g

Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR (16780224) universal lens photo 1

11. Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR

Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR is built for Fujifilm cameras with X-mount and APS-C sensor. The focal length range is 18–120 mm (equivalent to 27–183 mm on full frame) with constant f/4 aperture. The optical construction consists of 15 elements in 12 groups with aspherical and ED elements.

Autofocus uses a linear motor (LM) with power zoom (PZ) capability. Minimum focus distance is 0.6 m with 0.2× maximum magnification. The lens is weather-resistant (WR), making it suitable for outdoor shooting.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 18–120 mm (27–183 mm equiv. on APS-C)

  • Aperture: constant f/4

  • Autofocus: LM (linear) with PZ (power zoom)

  • Weather sealing: weather resistant (WR)

  • Minimum focus distance: 0.6 m

Specifications

  • Optical formula: 15 elements in 12 groups (3 aspherical, 3 ED)

  • Aperture blades: 7

  • Filter diameter: 72 mm

  • Dimensions: approx. 77.3 × 123.5 mm

  • Weight: approx. 460 g

Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G (SEL2070G) universal lens photo 1

12. Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G

Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is designed for Sony full-frame E-mount cameras. It covers 20–70 mm with constant f/4 aperture. The optical design includes 16 elements in 13 groups with aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements.

Autofocus is powered by two XD linear motors for fast and precise focusing. Minimum focus distance varies from 0.3 m to 0.25 m depending on the focal setting. The lens is compact and dust- & moisture-resistant.

Key Highlights

  • Focal length range: 20–70 mm (full frame)

  • Aperture: constant f/4

  • Autofocus: dual XD linear motors

  • Minimum focus distance: 0.25–0.3 m

  • Weather sealing: dust & moisture resistant

Specifications

  • Optical formula: 16 elements in 13 groups (AA, ED, aspherical)

  • Aperture blades: 9 (rounded)

  • Filter diameter: 72 mm

  • Dimensions: approx. 78.7 × 99 mm

  • Weight: approx. 488 g

Conclusion

Universal zoom lenses, or “all-in-one” designs, remain one of the most practical solutions for photographers who value mobility and flexibility. They cover most everyday shooting scenarios—from wide-angle landscapes and architecture to portraits and distant subjects—without the constant need to swap lenses or carry a heavy bag.

The 2026 models impress with their combination of broad focal range, decent aperture, effective stabilization, and weather protection. For travel and street photography, big-range superzooms like the Tamron 28-300mm or Nikon 28-400mm perform very well, even though they sacrifice some brightness. If you prioritize higher image quality and constant aperture, consider lenses such as the 24-70mm f/2.8 or 24-105mm f/4 from Sigma, Sony, or Canon.

The right choice depends on your camera system, priorities (weight, aperture, zoom range), and budget. In most cases such a lens becomes the primary tool in your kit, letting you focus on photography rather than lens swapping. For many enthusiast photographers and travelers, one really good universal zoom is often all they need for the majority of situations.