Best Canon RF Lenses in 2024

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Canon’s RF mount lenses have been receiving a lot of attention since their launch, and rightfully so. With the rapid development of new EOS R mirrorless cameras, the range of RF lenses has grown considerably, providing a vast array of options for photographers and videographers alike.

Whether you’re a professional photographer in need of top-quality gear or a hobbyist looking to invest in a new lens for your EOS R camera, there is a Canon RF lens that will fit your needs. However, with so many lenses available, it can be challenging to choose the right one.

To help you make the right choice, we have created a comprehensive guide to the best Canon RF mount lenses to buy in 2024, covering a range of categories including portrait, wedding, macro, landscape, vlogging, all-in-one, everyday shooting and travel, wildlife and sports, and best value lenses. Whether you’re looking to capture stunning portraits, shoot beautiful landscapes, or capture fast-moving sports action, we’ve got you covered.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into our guide to the best Canon RF mount lenses of 2024.

Table of Contents

How to choose a Canon RF Mount lens?

Choosing a Canon RF Mount lens can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to photography. To make an informed decision, consider your needs and preferences. One of the first things to consider is whether you want a zoom or a prime lens. Zoom lenses offer versatility, allowing you to shoot at different focal lengths without having to switch lenses, while prime lenses provide superior optical quality.

Next, think about the type of photography you plan to do. If you want to capture distant subjects, then a telephoto lens is essential, while a wide-angle lens is ideal for shooting large-scale scenes. If you want a lens for day-to-day shooting, then a standard lens such as a 50mm lens, also known as a “nifty fifty,” is a popular choice.

If you’re looking for the best image and build quality, then consider lenses from Canon’s L series. These lenses are designed for professionals and come with a premium price tag.

Another important consideration is the lens’s maximum aperture. A wider aperture allows more light to enter the lens, enabling you to shoot in low light conditions and create a shallow depth of field. However, lenses with wider apertures are usually more expensive and bulkier.

Optical image stabilization (IS) is another feature to consider when choosing a lens. This feature helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images. Canon’s image stabilization technology is known as “IS,” and you can find it in the lens’s name.

In conclusion, choosing a Canon RF Mount lens requires careful consideration of your needs and preferences. By taking the time to think about what type of photography you plan to do and what features you need in a lens, you can make an informed decision and choose a lens that will help you achieve your photographic goals.

Best Canon RF Lenses in 2024

For those seeking a quick and direct response to their lens selection, our team of experts has curated a selection of top recommended RF mount lenses for your Canon EOS R series mirrorless camera. These lenses have been selected with great care, taking into consideration their performance, image quality, and overall value for money. You can trust that these lenses will surpass your expectations and enable you to capture breathtaking photos and videos with ease.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a more in-depth analysis of the lens options available for your camera, we have provided detailed reviews of each lens below. These reviews go beyond just the basic specifications and provide a comprehensive evaluation of each lens’s performance, build quality, image quality, and more. By reading our reviews, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of each lens’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, our lens reviews will offer valuable insights to help you get the most out of your Canon EOS R series mirrorless camera.

Best Value/Affordable Canon RF Lenses

1. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 50mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 11.8″ / 30 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.25x
  • Filter Thread: 43 mm
  • Dimensions: 2.7 x 1.6″ / 69 x 40 mm
  • Weight: 5.6 oz / 160 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Same size & weight as EF version
  • Significantly improved build quality over previous EF 50mm F1.8 lenses
  • STM motor is much more refined and faster than EF STM version
  • Stable AF tracking during video capture
  • Impressive image quality
  • Bokeh quality quite good in most conditions
  • Very affordable

Cons:

  • Not weather sealed
  • No lens hood included
  • Wide open contrast not exceptional
  • Corners aren’t sharp at wide apertures

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is an ideal lens for everyday shooting, portraits, landscapes, and food photography, as it is compact, lightweight, and affordable. Its classic and versatile field of view, combined with a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture, allows photographers to work in challenging lighting conditions and control depth of field. With one aspherical element and a Super Spectra coating, the lens delivers improved contrast and color accuracy while minimizing distortion, flare, and ghosting. The lens is equipped with an STM motor that offers quiet and smooth autofocus performance and full-time manual focus override.

While the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is an affordable option for beginners, it may not be the best fit for serious hobbyists looking for a lens with more advanced features. Although its autofocus is better than similar budget lenses for other systems, it is not the quickest or quietest. As such, hobbyists may want to wait for Canon to release a midrange option in the 50mm focal length. Nevertheless, the lens is an excellent option for beginners who want a wide aperture for portraiture and low-light imaging.

Compared to the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is slightly more expensive but still the cheapest native lens in the RF system, providing an affordable entry into the world of prime lenses, low-light photography, and shallow depth-of-field effects. The lens is smaller than the EF version when taking a mirrorless adapter into account, and it is noticeably sharper across more of the frame when wide open. However, it does not match the sharpness of the RF 35mm f/1.8 and RF 85mm f/2, which deliver better quality at close range while enjoying the benefit of optical stabilization. Nonetheless, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is an essential and cost-effective lens for EOS R owners.

In summary, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a versatile and lightweight lens that is perfect for everyday use. It is an affordable entry into the world of prime lenses, low-light photography, and shallow depth-of-field effects, making it an essential lens for beginners with EOS R mirrorless cameras. While not ideal for serious hobbyists, the lens is a bargain and delivers excellent value for money.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

2. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 35mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 6.69″ / 17 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.5x
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:2
  • Filter Thread: 52 mm
  • Dimensions: 2.93 x 2.47″ / 74.4 x 62.8 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 2.44″ / 62 mm
  • Weight: 10.76 oz / 305 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Compact size
  • 0.5x macro with hybrid stabilization
  • Good center sharpness
  • Good edge performance stopped down
  • Beautiful sunburst
  • Accurate autofocus
  • Effective IS
  • Reasonable price

Cons:

  • No weather sealing or fluorine coating
  • Doesn’t include lens hood or pouch
  • Vignette at wide apertures
  • Some barrel distortion
  • STM focus a little noisy

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lens is a top choice for those who want a compact, lightweight, and affordable prime lens. It is one of the smallest and lightest native lenses in the RF system, making it ideal for carrying around. The lens has a versatile 35mm focal length, which provides a natural perspective that is perfect for street, travel, and close-up photography.

The lens delivers sharp and pleasing colors and creates a lovely bokeh effect. Its bright f/1.8 aperture enables shallower depth-of-field effects and allows you to use lower ISOs or faster shutters in low-light conditions. Additionally, it features a macro mode that offers 1:2 or 50% magnification from 17cm, making it perfect for close-up photography.

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 also has optical stabilization, allowing you to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds and capture stable videos on unstabilized EOS R bodies. Its Dual Sensing IS (5-stop image stabilization) helps combat camera shake, while the STM motor ensures quiet focusing, making it an ideal lens for videography. It also features a dedicated control ring that allows for quick, tactile exposure adjustments while viewing through the EVF.

While the lens has some limitations, such as autofocus noise during video shooting and the lack of L-series features like weather protection, it is still an excellent value-for-money option for those who want a versatile, compact, and affordable lens for everyday shooting and close-up work.

Overall, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lens is highly recommended for anyone looking for a versatile and affordable prime lens for their Canon EOS R series mirrorless camera. Its compact size, high-quality optics, and macro capabilities make it an excellent choice for street, travel, and close-up photography.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Best Canon RF All-in-one Lens

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

Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 24–240mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: F4-6.3
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.64′ / 50 cm
  • Filter Thread: 72 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.2 x 4.8″ / 81.28 x 121.92 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 3.66″ / 93 mm
  • Weight: 1.65 lb / 751.26 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • 10x zoom power
  • Sturdy build
  • 1:3.8 magnification
  • Optical stabilization
  • Quick, quiet autofocus
  • Nano USM focus is quiet and fast
  • Flare resistance is pretty good
  • Low amounts of longitudinal CA
  • Reasonable price and size

Cons:

  • Omits weather protection
  • Shows some chromatic aberration
  • Not as sharp as shorter zooms
  • No lens hood included

The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM lens is a versatile all-in-one travel lens that is perfect for generalist photographers who want to travel light while capturing various shooting scenarios with ease. The lens features a 10x optical zoom range from 24mm wide-angle to 240mm telephoto and is equipped with an Optical Image Stabilizer that compensates for up to five stops of camera shake. Its Nano USM autofocus motor ensures quick, silent, and precise focusing performance, while Dynamic IS benefits video recording by compensating for footage shot while walking or moving.

For those who do not want to carry or swap multiple lenses or invest in several Canon prime lenses, the RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM lens is an excellent choice. It is perfect for travel and can capture landscapes, portraits, telephoto shots, and more without having to carry around a bag full of lenses all day. The lens is also suitable for wildlife photography, but for small subjects such as birds, more reach will be required.

While it may not offer the glamour and quality of larger, heavier, and more expensive pro lenses, the RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM lens still delivers solid performance with unrivaled convenience at a decent price. The lens performs well across the frame, throughout the range, and even at maximum apertures. Though it may not be bitingly sharp or contrasty, it does not show obvious aberrations on out-of-camera JPEGs. Most users will have substantial lens corrections applied automatically, making it ideal for day-to-day use.

While the f/4 maximum aperture may not be suitable for astrophotography or allow for shallow depth-of-field portraits with bokeh, the RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM lens is still an excellent all-in-one zoom option for the EOS R system. As the first native super-zoom for the system, it provides the convenience of a 10x range from wide-angle to respectable telephoto. It is a perfect all-in-one travel lens that can be used for various shooting scenarios.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM lens offers a mega zoom range in a portable package at an affordable price. While it may not be the best option for those who require specialized lenses for specific types of photography, it is an excellent all-in-one option for those who want to capture any kind of scenario with ease.

Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Best Canon RF Lenses for Portraiture

1. Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM Lens

Best Canon lens for flattering portraits

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 85mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 2.79′ / 85 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.12x
  • Optical Design: 13 Elements in 9 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 82 mm
  • Dimensions: 4.06 x 4.62″ / 103.2 x 117.3 mm
  • Weight: 2.63 lb / 1195 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Class-leading image quality
  • Outstanding build with advanced weather sealing
  • Optically nearly perfect
  • Exquisite sharpness at f/1.2 right across the frame
  • Excellent resolution
  • Nice bokeh
  • Good contrast
  • Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics banish fringing
  • Otus levels of microcontrast
  • Great Eye AF focus results
  • Good control of flare and aberrations
  • Customizable control ring

Cons:

  • Extremely expensive
  • Large and heavy
  • No image stabilization

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens is considered one of the best 85mm lenses on the market, and it’s an ideal lens for portraits, weddings, fashion, and more. The lens produces beautiful, smooth bokeh, making it perfect for low-light situations and for creating soft backgrounds. It has almost no chromatic aberration or color fringing and is optically perfect, with sharpness from the center to the edges.

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM has a fixed 85mm focal length and a wide f/1.2 maximum aperture. It has 13 elements in 9 groups, a 9-blade aperture system, and great compatibility with Eye Detection AF on EOS R System cameras, helping create detailed portraits with gorgeous background blur and consistency. Additionally, the minimum focusing distance of 2.79 ft./0.85m and maximum magnification of approximately 0.12x deliver sharp, detailed images from various distances with minimal distortion, making it great for portraits, still life, or close-ups.

The lens is capable of delivering stellar results with minimal intervention, and it’s unashamedly big and bold. It’s ideal for portraits, producing sublime subject separation and a beautifully blurred background, even when shooting at f/1.2. The lens is fiercely sharp, and its optical quality wide open, combined with its responsive autofocus, makes it Canon’s most effective wide-aperture portrait lens yet.

However, the lens doesn’t have image stabilization, which may be a concern for some photographers, especially for shooting in low light. The lens is also quite heavy, which may make it unsuitable for handheld use without a tripod or other support. Additionally, there may be a slight vignetting at the widest few apertures, but it’s easily removed in-camera when not desired.

Overall, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a beast of a lens that may not be for everyone, but it’s worth the investment if you need a lens for portraits, fashion, and other low-light situations. It’s optically perfect, produces beautiful bokeh, and is Canon’s most effective wide-aperture portrait lens yet.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Want to know more about the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM lens for portrait photography, we suggest watching the review by Vanessa Joy.

Also consider: Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS Lens

For portrait photographers who desire top-quality and exceptional bokeh, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS lens is an excellent choice. This lens was introduced in 2019 and shares the same outstanding sharpness for in-focus areas as the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens, but with an additional Canon-exclusive Defocus Smoothing coating, which produces an even smoother bokeh and softer edges to out-of-focus highlights.

While the DS version of the lens sacrifices some light at wide apertures, it provides better bokeh, making it ideal for shallow depth of field applications, particularly portraiture. This lens makes distracting backgrounds dissolve away, creating a smooth and delicate blur that complements the photography style. Two lens elements contain the DS coating, which helps to soften and smooth the bokeh quality when using wider aperture settings.

Nevertheless, at a price tag of US $2,999, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS lens may be too expensive for most people, particularly when the non-DS version of the lens costs $300 less. Despite this, photographers who crave the finest quality and exceptional bokeh will find the lens to be a valuable investment.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS lens is a must-have for any portrait photographer who seeks exceptional bokeh and top-quality. Though expensive, the lens delivers stunning image quality and smooth, silky bokeh, making it an excellent purchase that will enhance any portrait photograph.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS Lens at B&H, Adorama.

The KING of Canon Portrait Lenses? Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L vs RF 85mm f/1.2L Defocus Smoothening, check out the review by Manny Ortiz:

2. Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Lens

Best Canon prime lens for low-light portraits

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 85mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.15′ / 35.05 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.5x
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:2
  • Optical Design: 12 Elements in 11 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 67 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.07 x 3.56″ / 78 x 90.5 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 3.54″ / 90 mm
  • Weight: 17.64 oz / 500 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Compact, nicely made lens
  • Good up close performance
  • 1:2 Macro Capabilities rare in an 85mm lens
  • 5 stops of image stabilization that increases to 8 stops with the R7
  • Excellent image sharpness across the frame
  • Soft and creamy bokeh
  • Good control of aberrations
  • Good flare resistance

Cons:

  • Autofocus is noisy and slow
  • No lens hood included and low-rent packaging
  • No weather sealing
  • Fairly heavy vignette

The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens is a versatile option suitable for various photography genres, including portraits, macro photography, and street photography. This lens is a lightweight and affordable alternative to the professional-grade 85mm F1.2L lens, making it perfect for everyday use and travel. Its short-telephoto field of view, sleek design, and close-focusing performance make it an excellent choice for photographers seeking a portable yet powerful lens. With a 1:2 maximum magnification and a close-focusing distance of 1.15 feet, the lens delivers impressive close-up and macro photography results. Its STM stepping motor provides smooth, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance that works well for both video recording and still shooting. Furthermore, the built-in Optical Image Stabilization corrects up to 5-stop shake, making it ideal for low-light conditions and slower shutter speeds.

One of the standout features of the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens is its Hybrid IS setting that compensates for angular and shift-type camera movements, which is particularly useful for close-up shooting. The lens also has a customizable control ring and a fast 12-pin communication system. Overall, this lens is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and affordable portrait and macro lens that can handle all their close-up needs.

Although the optical performance of the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens is impressive, its autofocus system is not as fast as some other lenses on the market. The STM motor is slower than the Nano-USM, and the autofocus can be frustrating at times. Nevertheless, most user reviews are positive, with many users finding the lens’s optical performance to be worth the minor inconvenience of a slower autofocus system.

In summary, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens is an excellent all-purpose value lens that offers exceptional image quality and versatility for portrait, macro, and street photography. While it may not have the professional-grade build quality or ultimate image quality of some other lenses, it is a budget-friendly option that performs well, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a compact prime lens for their Canon mirrorless camera.

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Want to know more about the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens for portrait photography, we suggest watching the review by Irene Rudnyk:

3. Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM Lens

Best Canon lens for creative portraits

Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 135mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 2.3′ / 70 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.26x
  • Optical Design: 17 Elements in 12 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 82 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.5 x 5.1″ / 89.2 x 130.3 mm
  • Weight: 2.1 lb / 935 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Fast Aperture
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • AF/MF Switch on Lens
  • Aperture Ring
  • Focus Hold Button
  • Control Ring
  • Hood supplied
  • Full-time Manual Focusing
  • 9 Diaphragm Blades

Cons:

  • Pricey

The Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM is a premium lens designed for portrait photographers seeking top-notch image quality, superior image separation, and a fast aperture for outstanding bokeh and low-light performance. It is part of Canon’s L-series lenses, renowned for their exceptional optical performance, sturdy build quality, and weather-sealed design.

As a portrait lens, the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM provides greater compression than the popular 85mm focal length, creating a narrower angle of view that makes it easier to isolate the subject from the background. The lens’s 17-element optical configuration, featuring a UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element and two aspherical elements, minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortions while preserving sharpness and contrast.

A major highlight of this lens is its fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, allowing for incredible low-light performance and enabling photographers to achieve a shallow depth of field for stunning bokeh-filled portraits. The lens also boasts Optical Image Stabilization, minimizing camera shake and providing sharper images in dim light.

The Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM also delivers fast and precise autofocus thanks to its Dual Nano USM autofocus system, ensuring accurate focusing even in low-light conditions. Full-time manual focusing is also supported, enabling photographers to make fine adjustments to focus after autofocus has been activated. The lens features a customizable control ring, allowing photographers to adjust aperture, shutter speed, ISO, or exposure compensation.

With a minimum focus distance of 2.3 feet (70cm) and a maximum magnification of 0.26x, the lens enables close-up portraits with excellent detail. The lens has a focus hold button for temporarily pausing autofocus while recomposing a shot.

In terms of build quality, the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM is built to withstand challenging shooting conditions. It is weather-sealed to resist dust and moisture, with a fluorine coating on the front and rear elements to repel water and oil. An AF/MF switch on the lens barrel makes it easy to switch between autofocus and manual focus modes, and a hood is included to prevent lens flare and ghosting. Nine diaphragm blades create a circular aperture for pleasing bokeh.

The only drawback of the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM is its cost. As one of Canon’s top-tier L-series lenses, it is one of the most expensive lenses in the RF lineup. However, for professional portrait photographers who demand the best, this lens is worth the investment.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM is an exceptional lens for portrait photography, with its fast maximum aperture, optical image stabilization, and accurate autofocus making it ideal for low-light candid portraits, indoor sports photography, and other scenarios that demand speed and precision. Despite its high price, the build quality, optical performance, and features of this lens make it a top pick for professionals seeking the best possible results from their portraits.

Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Want to know more about the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM lens for portrait photography, we suggest watching the review by Sal Cincotta:

Best Canon RF Lenses for Macro and Details

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 100mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/32
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 10.2″ / 26 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 1.4x
  • Optical Design: 17 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 67 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.2 x 5.8″ / 81.5 x 148 mm
  • Weight: 1.6 lb / 730 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • High grade build
  • Professional grade weather sealing
  • 1.4x magnification
  • Dual Nano USM delivers fast, silent focus
  • Excellent sharpness
  • Beautiful color and great contrast
  • 5.5 stops IS, up to 8 stops with IBIS
  • Chromatic aberrations well controlled
  • Minimal flare
  • Very nice bokeh and general rendering
  • Makes for an excellent portrait lens

Cons:

  • High price
  • Tripod collar is not included

The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM lens is a high-quality macro lens that offers a fixed focal length of 100mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, providing beautiful background blur and low light capabilities. This lens is the world’s first medium telephoto macro lens capable of delivering close-up imagery up to 1.4x magnification with autofocus. The lens is versatile and effective for macro photography, capable of capturing detailed images of food, jewelry, and traditional macro shots.

The RF 100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM lens features 17 elements in 13 groups and a 9-blade aperture system, which produces high-quality, edge-to-edge images, even wide open at f/2.8. The lens offers excellent color contrast, detail, and sharpness regardless of the distance to the subject. With built-in optical image stabilization and Canon’s Hybrid IS system, this lens delivers sharp and stable close-up shots and videos.

However, the lens does have some issues, including focus shift and the SA Control feature, which may not be useful for most users. The lens has also grown in size relative to its predecessor, the EF version. Despite this, the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM lens remains the best macro option available on RF and produces genuinely gorgeous images.

The high price of $1399 USD is expected for an L series lens with a lot of capabilities and high-grade build quality. The SA Control feature, which offers control over spherical aberration and bokeh, may be unique and potentially useful for some photographers. However, it is a personal choice whether the lens’s value for money justifies its cost.

In summary, the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM lens is an excellent macro lens with some unique features and a high price tag. Optically, it delivers very sharp images with negligible image distortions and low lateral CAs. Bokeh is smooth with nicely rendered highlights, and the SA feature may be useful for some photographers. However, the lens does have some concerns, including focus shift and the high cost. Overall, this lens is highly recommended for photographers looking for a versatile and high-performance macro lens.

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Best Canon RF Lenses for Weddings

1. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens

Best lens for isolating the subject

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 50mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.31′ / 40 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.19x
  • Optical Design: 15 Elements in 9 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 77 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.54 x 4.25″ / 89.8 x 108 mm
  • Weight: 2.09 lb / 950 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Superior sharpness
  • Outstanding build with advanced weather sealing
  • Very bright aperture
  • Edge-to-edge clarity
  • Fabulous optical performance
  • Good contrast
  • Lovely bokeh
  • Minimal distortion
  • Fast, dependable autofocus
  • Dust and splash protection
  • Fluorine lens coat

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Big, heavy and unwieldy
  • No image stabilization

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens is ideal for wedding photography due to its outstanding clarity, sharpness, and low-light performance. With its natural perspective and ultra-bright aperture, this lens is perfect for capturing single or couple portraits in low-light environments. The lens’s tight depth of field effectively isolates the subject and adds an attractive background bokeh.

The lens’s classic 50mm focal length and ultra-bright f/1.2 maximum aperture make it an excellent choice for creating beautiful bokeh. Its fast and quiet focus enables photographers to lock onto subjects without causing a disturbance during events. The lens’s L-series optical design consistently produces sharp images.

This highly versatile lens is suitable for portraiture, weddings, street photography, and fine art photography. Its exceptional image quality is due to its wide aperture, portrait focal length, and professional-grade build. It is compatible with Canon’s EOS R mirrorless system and features anti-reflective and protective coatings, exotic lens elements, and weather resistance. However, the lens’s size, weight, and price tag may pose challenges for some photographers.

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens is an excellent investment for professionals seeking exceptional image quality and are willing to pay a premium for it. It is an ideal choice for event, wedding, and portrait photographers using Canon mirrorless cameras. The lens’s impressive performance and shooting experience make it one of the best standard lenses available and a compelling reason to consider the EOS R system.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Want to know more about the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens for wedding photography, we suggest watching the review by Taylor Jackson.

2. Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM Lens

Best zoom lens for wedding photography

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 28-70mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.28′ / 39 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.18x
  • Optical Design: 19 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 95 mm
  • Dimensions: 4.09 x 5.5″ / 103.8 x 139.8 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 6.34″ / 161 mm
  • Weight: 3.15 lb / 1430 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Superb image quality
  • Fast f/2 aperture
  • Robust build with weather-sealing
  • Fluorine coating
  • Peerless

Cons:

  • Big, heavy and expensive
  • No image stabilization

Considered one of the best zoom lenses for wedding photography, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM Lens boasts a versatile range of focal lengths and a fast f/2 aperture, making it ideal for capturing wedding ceremonies and receptions in varying lighting conditions. Its f/2 aperture provides an extra stop of light gathering power, allowing for faster shutter speeds and professional-quality images even in low light. The lens’s center quality is comparable to the best prime lenses, with the outer image field also excellent, softening slightly at 70mm but still at a good level.

Designed for professional use, the lens has a sturdy build and exceptional image quality. Its top-class materials, assembly quality, and weather sealing make it a worthwhile investment. The Ultrasonic Motor (USM) ring enables fast and silent autofocus performance and seamless manual focus control, making it an ideal choice for advanced photographers and professionals seeking exceptional image quality.

Perhaps the lens’s most remarkable feature is its constant maximum aperture of f/2, making it suitable for portrait and event photographers working in low light. The bokeh quality is exceptional, and the nine rounded aperture blades enable subject isolation and dramatic effects while shooting videos. However, the lens lacks image stabilization, requiring photographers to hold the camera steady and select sufficiently fast shutter speeds to avoid camera shake.

The lens’s size and weight may be cumbersome, particularly if used frequently. The significant focus breathing may also not be ideal for shooting videos. Nevertheless, its convenience and versatility make it a good option for photographers who prefer not to carry multiple prime lenses.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM Lens is a high-performance lens with exceptional image quality. Although it may be costly and bulky, its fast and quiet autofocus performance, seamless manual focus control, and constant maximum aperture of f/2 make it a worthy investment for professionals and advanced photographers. Its broad center quality, excellent bokeh quality, and versatility make it an excellent lens for portrait, landscape, wedding photography, photojournalism, and video shooting.

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Want to know more about the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM lens for wedding photography, we suggest watching the review by Taylor Jackson.

3. Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Best versatile lens for wedding photography

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 24-70mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 8.27″ / 21 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.3x
  • Optical Design: 21 Elements in 15 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 82 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.48 x 4.95″ / 88.5 x 125.7 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 6.06″ / 154 mm
  • Weight: 1.98 lb / 900 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Strong, robust build quality
  • Quiet and quick autofocus
  • Strong optical performance
  • Superb stabilization
  • No focus breathing
  • Good bokeh
  • Good flare resistance
  • Quality weather resistance

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Large and heavy
  • Heavy vignette at 24mm

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens is a versatile lens that has become a favorite among photographers, especially those in the wedding photography industry. With its standard zoom capability, it allows photographers to capture a wide range of shots, from grand landscapes to intimate close-ups of the bride and groom, all without the need to switch lenses.

One of the most impressive features of this lens is its constant aperture throughout the zoom range, which allows for consistent depth of field control and exceptional low light performance. Additionally, the lens is equipped with a high-quality image stabilization system that brilliantly reduces camera shake, providing sharp and clear images every time.

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens is a professional-grade lens that delivers impressive image quality and overall performance. Its wide aperture, right focal lengths, image stabilization, and pro-grade build make it the perfect choice for a wide range of photography needs, including landscape, portrait, night sky, and wedding photography.

Designed for Canon’s full-frame mirrorless ecosystem, this lens is an excellent choice for working professionals, including wedding photographers, photojournalists, and landscape photographers. Its NANO USM technology provides accurate and silent AF operation, combined with reduced focus breathing for seamless focus transitions. The lens’s balanced and comfortable design makes it easy to operate, providing amazing performance in various lighting situations.

While the lens is a bit heavy and larger in size, which may be a disadvantage for some photographers, this is not unusual for this class of lens. It may also have some barrel distortion at 24mm and heavy vignetting at that focal length, but these issues can be corrected. The lens has fantastic image sharpness across the frame, even at f/2.8, making it a pro-grade lens worth owning and using for many years.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is an exceptional lens that should be on the must-have list of every wedding and event photographer, photojournalist, or anyone who needs versatility and unparalleled quality. Despite its high price point, this lens is worth the investment for those who need a reliable and high-quality lens for their full-frame mirrorless camera system. Its impressive image quality, fast and silent autofocus, and image stabilization capabilities make it an ideal choice for capturing stunning images that will last a lifetime.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Want to know more about the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens for weddings, we suggest watching the review by Ely Roberts.

4. Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Best long lens for outdoor portraits

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 70-200mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/32
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 2.3′ / 70 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.23x
  • Optical Design: 17 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 77 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.54 x 5.75″ / 89.9 x 146 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 8.03″ / 204 mm
  • Weight: 2.35 lb / 1070 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Extremely fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus
  • Highly effective image stabilization
  • Improved maximum magnification
  • Gorgeous bokeh and color
  • Good global contrast and rendering
  • Good center sharpness and excellent mid-frame performance
  • Good control of aberrations and flare

Cons:

  • Extremely expensive
  • Not compatible with teleconverters
  • Tripod foot not Arca-Swiss compatible
  • Not particularly sharp in corners until smaller apertures

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that has become a go-to option for professional wedding photographers. This lens boasts a remarkable zoom range, a fast aperture, and an exceptional up to 8-stops of combined image stabilization. With such features, it is no surprise that this lens is the perfect tool for capturing stunning candid shots of people interacting outdoors after the wedding ceremony. Moreover, it is perfect for taking beautiful portraits of all the wedding guests while they’re seated during the ceremony. The telephoto reach and fast aperture of this lens enable photographers to get close to their subjects even when they need to maintain a distance, making it an ideal choice for candid wedding shots and for blurring the background to get rid of unwanted distractions.

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens delivers impressive image quality and overall performance, making it a top choice for any professional photographer. Built with pro-grade, weather-sealed materials, this lens is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and rigorous use. Its high-performing image stabilization system allows it to be used without a tripod, while the wide aperture facilitates shooting even in low light. The RF mount version of this lens is the lightest and shortest 70-200mm f/2.8 lens ever offered, making it a valuable addition to any wedding photography kit. Moreover, it features a silent autofocus motor, enabling photographers to capture the most important moments of the wedding day without worrying about drawing attention to themselves or creating a noisy distraction.

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is not only suitable for wedding photography, but also for professional and amateur photographers shooting sports, wildlife, and event action. With its large and bright f/2.8 aperture and the 70-200mm focal zoom range, this lens is the perfect tool for capturing high-quality images and videos. It features two Nano USM motors that provide an even greater level of high-speed autofocus for still image shooting and quiet and smooth autofocus for video shooting. Additionally, the lens incorporates a floating focus control that drives the two lens groups individually while using the two aforementioned Nano USM motors, shortening focusing distance and reducing breathing, providing fast, consistent, and reliable performance.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 is an outstanding investment for any photographer who owns a Canon mirrorless camera and plans to stick with the system for a long time. With its versatility, exceptional image quality, and impressive performance, this lens is a must-have for wedding photographers who need to capture candid shots and portraits from a distance, while also providing the flexibility to shoot a range of other subjects.

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Want to know more about the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens for wedding photography, we suggest watching the review by Ely Roberts.

Best Canon RF Lenses for Landscape Photography

1. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Best wide-angle landscape lens

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 15-35mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 11.02″ / 28 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.21x
  • Optical Design: 16 Elements in 12 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 82 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.48 x 4.99″ / 88.5 x 126.8 mm
  • Weight: 1.85 lb / 840 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Strong, robust build quality
  • Wide zoom with fixed f/2.8 aperture
  • Quiet and quick autofocus
  • Effective image stabilization
  • Consistent performance across frame and zoom range
  • Quality weather resistance
  • Ability to use traditional filters

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Very heavy vignette
  • Some vulnerability to flare
  • Close up image quality a little soft

The Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM lens is a masterpiece of optical engineering that provides professional-grade performance for photographers looking to capture stunning landscapes, architectural marvels, and travel photography that showcases the beauty of the world around us. This lens is perfect for photographers who seek high image clarity, vibrant colors, and precise detail in their work. With a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture, this lens allows you to capture stunning wide-angle shots in low light conditions, making it a versatile tool for any type of shooting.

One of the most impressive features of this lens is its edge-to-edge sharpness throughout the zoom range. No matter the subject, you can be confident that you will capture clear images with high image clarity from the center of the image throughout the entire focal range. This is made possible by the three aspheric lenses that deliver high image quality from center to corner, while the two UD lenses help reduce aberrations, delivering sharp images with reduced distortion.

In addition to its exceptional optical performance, the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM is also built to withstand the rigors of use by professionals. It is protected from dust and splashes, ensuring that it will continue to deliver stunning results even in challenging environments. However, it is important to note that this is a heavy lens that requires an extra level of commitment to use, but the rewards are well worth it.

The lens also features up to 5 stops of stabilization, which dramatically reduces camera-shake blur, making it perfect for both video and stills. This ensures that your images are always sharp and detailed, even when shooting in challenging conditions. While it is true that the lens has an obscene amount of vignette and a fair amount of distortion at 15mm, this is not likely to put many customers off, especially if they are looking for a professional-grade lens that delivers exceptional results.

Of course, with great quality comes a high price, and the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM is no exception. This will be the chief obstacle for many potentially interested customers, but for those who are serious about their photography, it is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. It is the first ultra-wide lens in the native EOS R mount and a key model for the system. If you’ve got the budget, the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM is the wide-angle zoom to get. It is undoubtedly appealing and ensures that you won’t have to fiddle with adapters and can rely on it without worry.

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Want to know more about the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM lens, we suggest watching the review by Jared Polin.

2. Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Best all-round landscape lens

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 24-70mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 8.27″ / 21 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.3x
  • Optical Design: 21 Elements in 15 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 82 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.48 x 4.95″ / 88.5 x 125.7 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 6.06″ / 154 mm
  • Weight: 1.98 lb / 900 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Strong, robust build quality
  • Quiet and quick autofocus
  • Strong optical performance
  • Superb stabilization
  • No focus breathing
  • Good bokeh
  • Good flare resistance
  • Quality weather resistance

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Large and heavy
  • Heavy vignette at 24mm

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is a must-have for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts. It is a standard zoom lens that covers a versatile range, suitable for landscapes, portraits, and even weddings. The f/2.8 aperture makes it an attractive option for those who need to take photos in challenging lighting conditions, and the optical stabilization feature enables you to push your shutter speeds farther than IBIS alone. This lens has an excellent build quality, designed for professional use in various environments and conditions.

One of the major advantages of this lens is its fantastic image sharpness across the frame, even at f/2.8. It also has great autofocus and image stabilization, making it an all-around pro-grade lens worth owning and using for many years. Additionally, it features a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, 21 elements in 15 groups, and a 9-blade aperture system. The lens is engineered with NANO USM technology, ensuring accurate and silent AF operation, combined with reduced focus breathing for seamless focus transitions.

However, this lens is not perfect. It is expensive, which may be a significant obstacle for many customers. It is also a bit heavy and larger in size than some competitors. Additionally, there is some barrel distortion at 24mm, which can be corrected for, but it may require some effort on the part of the photographer. The vignette is also quite heavy at 24mm.

Despite its flaws, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is probably the best all-around standard zoom lens available, making it a must-have for event photographers, photojournalists, or anyone who needs versatility and unparalleled quality. While the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 is sexier, it is too big and bulky for all-day use. The RF 24-70mm f/2.8 is the lens you will want on your camera for hours on end. It is light enough to carry all day, delivers excellent image quality, and has image stabilization, making it the perfect all-around lens for any situation.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is an excellent lens, and it is the lens that professionals and serious enthusiasts will want for their full-frame camera. Its versatility, build quality, and optical features make it a worthy investment. Although it may have some drawbacks, its overall performance and image quality make it an exceptional choice for any photographer who requires a standard zoom lens.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Want to know more about the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens, we suggest watching the review by Jared Polin.

3. Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM Lens

Great wide-angle landscape lens

Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 14-35mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 7.9″ / 20.1 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.38x
  • Optical Design: 16 Elements in 12 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 77 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.9″ / 8.4 x 9.9 cm
  • Weight: 1.2 lb / 544 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Great build quality
  • Reasonably compact and light
  • Wide 14mm field of view
  • Close focusing distance
  • Professional grade of weather sealing
  • Retains ability to use screw-in filters
  • Incredible image stabilizer
  • Canon’s sharpest wide angle zoom yet
  • Fast, accurate and virtually silent AF
  • Beautiful color and great contrast (save at 35mm)
  • Well-controlled flare
  • Moderate vignetting
  • Useful control ring features
  • Chromatic aberrations well controlled
  • High level of magnification

Cons:

  • Still a pricey proposition
  • Fully retracted position in the middle of the zoom range
  • Focus ring hard to find by feel
  • Mechanical vignette at 14mm
  • Heavy vignette through a lot of the range
  • Heavy distortion at 14mm

The Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM lens is a powerful and flexible ultra-wide zoom lens that delivers exceptional performance for landscape, travel, and architecture photography. Designed with the professional photographer in mind, this lens is part of the esteemed L-series, which is synonymous with superior quality and craftsmanship.

With smooth control rings, quick and quiet focusing, weather sealing, and a lens hood included in the box, this lens is a perfect blend of style and function. It is well-suited for outdoor photography, as the weather-sealing ensures that it can withstand even the most challenging weather conditions.

The lens’s optical performance is superb, delivering crisp details across the frame, wide-open and throughout the range, with excellent center and edge sharpness. It is slightly wider than its faster sibling, the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, and more affordable, making it an excellent value proposition for many photographers. While it does require some software correction, the optically superior 15-35 requires less geometric correction and boasts slightly crisper corners at the wide-end due to less pixel-wrangling.

The Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens is part of a trio of great performing, lightweight, compact, and moderately priced professional-grade lenses that cover a vast majority of commonly used focal lengths. Its Nano USM AF system is silent, high-speed, and accurate, making it an excellent ultra-wide-angle zoom lens choice.

As a go-to lens for landscape and architecture photography, this lens offers exceptional image quality with almost no chromatic aberrations, very well-controlled distortion, and negligible flare even when shooting directly into the sun. Its only optical issue is some noticeable vignetting at 14mm.

One of the most significant advantages of this lens is the in-lens image stabilization, which provides 5.5 stops of compensation when used with Canon cameras that don’t have IBIS built into the body. This increases to an impressive 7 stops when mounted on those cameras that do have in-built stabilization. This feature makes it an excellent all-day walk-around addition to the Canon RF lens range and highly recommended for most users of the system.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM lens is a high-quality, versatile, and reliable ultra-wide zoom lens that delivers exceptional performance at an affordable price point. Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiast, this lens is a perfect addition to your photography kit, delivering stunning image quality and versatility in any situation.

Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

4. Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens

Best entry-level wide-angle lenses for landscapes

Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 16mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 5.1″ / 13 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.26x
  • Filter Thread: 43 mm
  • Dimensions: 1.6 x 2.7″ / 40.1 x 69.2 mm
  • Weight: 5.8 oz / 165 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Slim, light form factor
  • Ultra-wide angle of view
  • Sharp, colorful imaging
  • Quick and accurate autofocus
  • Hybrid manual focus/control ring
  • Very affordable

Cons:

  • Extremely high native distortion that requires digital correction
  • Edge and corner sharpness suffer after distortion correction
  • Moderate to high vignetting
  • No lens hood included
  • No weather-seals or IS

The Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is a small, lightweight and affordable lens that offers an ultra-wide angle of view and a bright f/2.8 aperture, making it a great option for landscape, architecture, travel photography, vlogging, and astrophotography. This lens has a close 5.1″ minimum focusing distance, which makes it ideal for close-up shooting, and its STM AF motor ensures smooth and quiet focusing performance for both photo and video applications.

While the RF 16mm is not going to compete with L series lenses optically, images taken with this lens have a certain pop that stands out compared to images taken with other lenses. Despite its flaws, the RF 16mm is worth buying because of its affordability and competency. This lens provides a nicely wide alternative to other lenses and would be an excellent focal length counterpart to a telephoto lens, offering the option to get a wider angle of view without adding a lot of size and weight.

The RF 16mm performs well in certain key areas, such as sharpness and transmission, and is a highly tempting option for those on a tight budget. It is an amazingly versatile lens that delivers impressive image quality and boasts a speedy, unerringly accurate autofocus system. The RF 16mm is incredible value for money at just $299.99 / £319 / AU$549, making it an excellent addition to any photography kit.

One of the drawbacks of this lens is the visible focus breathing and reliance on substantial digital corrections. However, if you shoot video or JPEGs, these are applied automatically in-camera, while RAW shooters can apply lens profiles during processing to perform the same task. The absence of optical stabilization may also seem like a downfall for a lens aimed at vloggers, but in tests, the footage can be effectively stabilized by cameras with IBIS or digital compensation.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is an amazing, versatile lens that is tiny yet epic for shooting anything from architectural interiors to sweeping landscapes, close-ups to the starry sky at night. Canon has come up with an unbeatable value for money lens that ticks all the right boxes and is highly recommended for anyone on a tight budget.

Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Best Canon RF Lenses for Vlogging and Content Creation

1. Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens

Best budget RF lens for vloggers

Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 16mm (25.6mm equivalent on APS-C mirrorless cameras)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 5.1″ / 13 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.26x
  • Filter Thread: 43 mm
  • Dimensions: 1.6 x 2.7″ / 40.1 x 69.2 mm
  • Weight: 5.8 oz / 165 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Slim, light form factor
  • Ultra-wide angle of view
  • Sharp, colorful imaging
  • Quick and accurate autofocus
  • Hybrid manual focus/control ring
  • Very affordable

Cons:

  • Extremely high native distortion that requires digital correction
  • Edge and corner sharpness suffer after distortion correction
  • Moderate to high vignetting
  • No lens hood included
  • No weather-seals or IS

The Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM lens is a must-have for any photography enthusiast seeking to capture breathtaking images of landscapes, architecture, interiors, and starscapes. With its ultra-wide angle of view and bright f/2.8 aperture, this lens is a versatile and affordable choice for photographers who are looking to push their creative boundaries. What makes this lens even more appealing is its lightweight design, compact form factor, and affordable price, making it an excellent travel companion for vloggers and travel photographers.

One of the most significant advantages of this lens is its single aspherical element in its optical design, which limits distortion and enhances sharpness, resulting in incredibly accurate and precise rendering. The lens is also equipped with an STM AF motor, which ensures smooth and quiet focusing performance, making it an ideal choice for both photo and video applications. Additionally, the lens has a close minimum focusing distance of 5.1 inches and a maximum magnification of 0.26x, providing photographers with the flexibility to capture stunning close-up images of their subjects.

Being the first ultra-wide-angle, fixed focal length RF lens from Canon, the RF 16mm F2.8 STM lens is an excellent complement to any EOS R series digital camera. Its high image quality and bright, fixed f/2.8 maximum aperture make it an ideal lens for working in low-light conditions while still maintaining complete control over depth of field. Moreover, the control/focusing ring can directly adjust numerous settings, offering photographers enhanced flexibility and control over their shots.

While it may not compete with L series lenses optically, the RF 16mm F2.8 STM lens offers photographers a unique and fun shooting experience. Images captured with this lens stand out with a certain pop that can take your social media sharing and vlogging game to the next level. Plus, its small and lightweight design make it easy to carry around and use on the go, making it a practical choice for photographers who value portability and convenience.

Overall, the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM lens is a highly recommended option for anyone seeking a competent and affordable lens with unique and versatile shooting capabilities. Despite some minor flaws, the benefits it offers are significant, making it a worthy investment for vloggers, travel photographers, and anyone who wants to capture ultra-wide-angle shots with their EOS R series digital camera. With this lens in your camera bag, you will be ready to unleash your creativity and capture stunning images that will impress and inspire.

Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Want to know more about the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM lens for vlogging, we suggest watching the review by Josh Sattin.

2. Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens

Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 24mm (38.4mm equivalent on APS-C mirrorless cameras)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 5.5″ / 14 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.5x
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:2
  • Filter Thread: 52 mm
  • Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.5″ / 74.4 x 63.1 mm
  • Weight: 9.5 oz / 270 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Small and lightweight
  • Extremely versatile lens
  • Image stabilization up to five stops
  • Silent and fast STM focus system
  • Focus accuracy is very high
  • Stable AF tracking on eyes for vlogging
  • Excellent sharpness in the image center
  • Macro capability up to 1:2 magnification

Cons:

  • Extreme distortion
  • Very heavy vignette
  • Coma performance isn’t good
  • No lens hood or weather sealing

The Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is a versatile lens that is well-suited for vlogging and other forms of multimedia content creation. Its wide-angle focal length of 24mm offers a natural-looking field of view that is perfect for capturing a variety of subjects, from landscapes to city scenes. The lens is also surprisingly compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for long hikes and excursions.

One of the standout features of the RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is its fast maximum aperture of f/1.8. This aperture provides great control over depth of field and bokeh, allowing for creative and dynamic shots with a soft background. The wide aperture also enables shooting in low light situations, which is a significant advantage over slower lenses. The lens is also equipped with fast and reliable autofocus, making it a reliable choice for vlogging and other video applications.

The optical quality of the RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is impressive, thanks to its advanced optical design that includes an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass element, an aspheric element, and Canon Super Spectra Coating. This combination of elements ensures that images are sharp and clear, with minimal distortion, even at the corners of the frame. The lens also has a minimum focus distance of approximately 5.5 inches, with a close-up magnification of 0.5x at minimum focus distance. This makes it possible to capture stunning macro shots with great detail and clarity.

Another key feature of the RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is its built-in optical image stabilization, which provides up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. When used with an EOS R-series camera that has In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), the Coordinated IS allows for up to 6.5 stops of correction. This means that you can shoot handheld in low-light situations and still get sharp, clear images, without having to increase the ISO or decrease the shutter speed. The lens’s enhanced stabilization also helps to minimize the need for a tripod, making it a great choice for vlogging and other handheld applications.

The RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM also features Canon’s stepping motor (STM) technology, which provides smooth and quiet autofocus, even in low light. This is particularly useful for video recording, where loud autofocus noise can be distracting. The STM focus drive also provides responsive and quick autofocus during still-image shooting.

Overall, the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is an excellent choice for vlogging and other multimedia content creation. Its wide-angle focal length, fast aperture, and excellent image quality make it a versatile lens that can be used in a wide range of shooting situations. The lens’s built-in optical image stabilization and STM technology make it a reliable and quiet choice for handheld shooting, while its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to take on the go.

Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

3. Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 15 to 30mm (24-48mm equivalent on APS-C mirrorless cameras)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4.5 to 6.3
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22 to 32
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 5.1″ / 13 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.52x
  • Filter Thread: 67 mm
  • Dimensions: 3 x 3.5″ / 76.6 x 88.4 mm
  • Weight: 13.8 oz / 390 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Compact for an ultra-wide-angle zoom
  • Wide 15mm focal length
  • Customizable focus/control ring
  • 5.5-stop optical image stabilizer
  • Relatively cheap

Cons:

  • Slow f/4.5-6.3 aperture rating
  • No hood supplied in the box
  • No weather sealing
  • Lens Extents while zooming

The Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is a highly versatile ultra-wide angle zoom lens that is well-suited for both still image shooting and video content creation, especially vlogging. The lens is lightweight yet feels sturdy in the hand, and its excellent optical performance makes it a popular choice among photographers and videographers alike.

With a focal range of 15-30mm, the lens provides an ultra-wide look on full-frame cameras, delivering a stunning super-wide perspective. For APS-C sensor cameras like the EOS R7 and R10, it offers a full-frame equivalent focal range of 24-48mm, making it an ideal choice for shooting various subjects, from landscapes and architecture to street photography.

The RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens stands out for its exceptional image quality, thanks to the inclusion of two Ultra-low Dispersion glass elements and one Aspherical element, coupled with Canon SSC (Super Spectra Coating) that minimizes ghosting and flare. This combination results in sharp images with crisp video, which is vital for stills and video content creation.

The lens boasts an in-built Optical Image Stabilization feature, providing up to 5.5 stops of shake correction, and up to 7 stops when used with EOS R series cameras featuring In-Body Image Stabilizer (IBIS). This feature is incredibly helpful when shooting in low-light conditions and ensures clear and sharp images.

Moreover, the RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens has a unique close-focusing feature that enables users to focus almost to the surface of the lens at the 15mm zoom setting, perfect for capturing dramatic and creative shots. The Lead Screw-type STM produces smooth, quiet autofocus, even in low light, making it ideal for multi-media content creation that requires silent autofocus.

Finally, the RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is impressively compact and lightweight, weighing only 0.9 lbs, making it effortless to carry anywhere. Its small size also allows users to hold the lens with one hand for selfies, vlogging, and other types of video content creation.

All things considered, the Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is an excellent option for those seeking a lightweight, compact, and versatile lens for vlogging and video content creation, as well as still image shooting. Its exceptional image quality, built-in Optical Image Stabilization, and unique close-focusing feature make it a top choice for a wide range of photographic and video applications, while its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry wherever you go.

Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Best Canon RF Lenses for Everyday Shooting and Travel Photography

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

A Great Lens for travel, landscapes, portraits, events, everyday shooting and much more.

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 24-105mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.48′ / 45 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.24x
  • Optical Design: 18 Elements in 14 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 77 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.29 x 4.22″ / 83.5 x 107.3 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 5.94″ / 151 mm
  • Weight: 1.54 lb / 700 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Very well built
  • Extremely fast and quiet autofocus
  • Good low light sensitivity and focus
  • Excellent color rendition
  • Great contrast
  • Good sharpness across focal range
  • Weather sealing
  • Control ring is very useful

Cons:

  • Flare prone
  • Some barrel distortion at 24mm
  • Small amounts of lateral CA
  • Some vignette

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is a versatile, compact, and relatively lightweight zoom lens ideal for everyday shooting and travel photography. It offers a fast, constant f/4 maximum aperture, 5 stops of image stabilization, and is the first L series lens to feature Canon’s speedy Nano USM. It delivers excellent image quality and truly excellent autofocus performance, making it a natural choice for EOS R users.

The lens is sharp across the board, with its widest range of focal lengths having the highest sharpness across the image field. The center quality remains excellent at other focal lengths, although the outer image region deteriorates slightly. The corners soften a bit more at 105mm f/4 but stay within “good” limits, and stopping down helps overcome this weakness. Lateral CAs are a little high for a modern lens, but that’s easily corrected either in-camera or via a RAW converter. The amount of vignetting is visible at f/4, especially at 24mm, but that’s typical in this lens class. Image distortions are present and most pronounced at 24mm, but it is still better than other lenses for mirrorless cameras.

The build quality is very high, with the lens having a lightweight approach compared to similar DSLR offerings. The Nano USM AF continues to impress, and it’s both very fast and silent, making it easy to forget about your old DSLR combo. Canon’s image stabilizer is proven tech, and it’s very good, although achieving the claimed efficiency of 5 f-stops may depend on personal saturation with coffee.

While it may not be cheap for a zoom lens, it’s an ideal and impressive general-purpose lens. It’s not perfectly corrected for distortion and doesn’t have the head-turning f/2 design of the RF 28-70mm, but it’s a great place to start building your new lens kit. It’s likely to be the first lens many EOS R owners purchase, and for first-time Canon buyers, it’s a solid introduction to the R mirrorless system.

Overall, the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens is a great all-around lens for a variety of shooting situations, offering amazing versatility with the turn of a zoom ring. While it may not be the best option for every situation, it is certainly one of the better, if not the best lens in this specific class.

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

2. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens

A great lens with affordable price for landscapes, travel and everyday shooting

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 24-105mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4 to 7.1
  • Minimum Aperture: f/40
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 5.16″ / 13.1 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.5x
  • Optical Design: 13 Elements in 11 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 67 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.02 x 3.5″ / 76.6 x 88.8 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 5.45″ / 138.4 mm
  • Weight: 13.93 oz / 395 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Light and compact
  • Impressive sharpness
  • 0.5x macro capability
  • 5-stop optical IS
  • Minimal focus breathing
  • Quiet autofocus
  • Good build quality
  • Very affordable at just $399

Cons:

  • No weather sealing
  • Lens hood is not included
  • Narrow aperture limits low-light use
  • Distortion, though correctable, is a little much at 24mm
  • f/7.1 is limiting at 80mm and longer

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens is a compact, lightweight, and well-rounded zoom lens that is versatile enough to be used for landscapes, travel, and everyday shooting. It is an affordable option for beginners or those who want a low-cost general-purpose zoom lens. It features a unique Center Macro Focus position that allows close-up shooting at a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, making it flexible and practical. The lens also has Optical Image Stabilization to reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images. The STM motor provides quiet and smooth autofocus performance with full-time manual focus override. The lens also features a configurable Control Ring that allows users to adjust exposure settings, including ISO, aperture, and exposure compensation, from the lens itself.

This lens is an excellent choice for trail runners or those who need to carry a camera and lens while traveling due to its compact size and high-performing 5-stop image stabilization. The smooth and quiet STM AF system is especially suitable for video use. The image quality produced by this lens is good, although it may not be as high-performing as the more expensive Canon RF lenses. Nevertheless, for its price, it is hard to argue with the capabilities of this lens.

While the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens may not have the premium performance of the f/4L version or the range of the Canon RF 24-240mm, it is an affordable option for those who want a versatile and practical lens. It is an excellent choice for beginners and travel photographers who want a lightweight and compact lens that delivers good image quality and capabilities. Overall, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens is a capable lens that delivers a lot of value for its price.

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

3. Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 18 to 150mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 to 6.3
  • Minimum Aperture: f/40
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 6.7″ / 17 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.44x
  • Filter Thread: 55 mm
  • Dimensions: 2.7 x 5″ / 69 x 126.7 mm
  • Weight: 10.9 oz / 310 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Compact size and weight
  • Extremely useful 8.3x zoom range
  • Zoom ring moves smoothly
  • Autofocus is quick and quiet (in decent light)
  • 4.5 stops of stabilization increasing to 7 stops with the R7’s IBIS
  • Good optical performance
  • Relatively cheap

Cons:

  • Slow maximum aperture
  • No included lens hood
  • Plastic build with no weather sealing
  • Calls for flash or high ISO in dim light

The Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens is a compact and lightweight superzoom lens that offers a versatile focal range of 18-150mm (29-240mm in full-frame equivalent). It is suitable for use with Canon’s APS-C cameras, such as the EOS R50, R7, and R10, and can be used for various purposes such as landscapes, nature, wildlife, sports, and travel photography.

Despite being a kit lens, the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM performs well above expectations for a superzoom lens. It boasts a slightly faster aperture and greater range than its smaller sibling, the RF-S 18-45mm lens, and has light macro capability. Although its image quality is not exceptional, it is still capable of producing good images and is a convenient all-in-one lens to use when a wide range of focal lengths is required.

The lens is small, light, and affordable, making it an excellent option for those who want a single lens that can handle different needs. It is a great travel companion, and its versatility makes it an excellent choice for less-serious photographers, such as spouses or children. Additionally, the lens adds fun to photography, as it allows for convenience in capturing any subject that shows up.

In terms of optical performance, the RF-S 18-150mm does not deliver exceptional image sharpness. However, it does produce great-looking images that hold up well on most levels except the pixel level. The lens’s higher magnification also adds to its versatility, making it suitable for a variety of purposes.

In summary, the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens is an excellent all-purpose, all-in-one lens for Canon’s APS-C bodies. Its versatility, lightness, and compactness make it an excellent travel companion, and it is an affordable option for those who want to handle various photographic needs with a single lens. While its image quality may not be exceptional, it is still capable of producing good images, and its higher magnification adds even more versatility.

Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

4. Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 18 to 45mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4.5 to 6.3
  • Minimum Aperture: f/32
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 7.9″ / 20 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.16x
  • Filter Thread: 49mm
  • Dimensions: 2.7 x 1.7″ / 68.9 x 44.3 mm
  • Weight: 4.6 oz / 130 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Super small and light
  • Very affordable
  • Up to 6.5 stops of IS
  • Excellent central sharpness

Cons:

  • Slow maximum aperture
  • No weather sealing
  • Tight aperture range calls for flash or high ISO in dim light
  • All-plastic build
  • No hood supplied in the box

The Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is a compact and lightweight option for APS-C cameras like the Canon EOS R50, R7, and R10. It offers an equivalent zoom range of 29-72mm and is a great match for everyday stills and video shooting.

While the lens is not going to provide the same level of performance as higher-end L-series or mid-range lenses, it still delivers solid image quality, fast autofocus, and effective image stabilization. The lens is also incredibly small, measuring only 1.7″ (44.3mm) in length and 2.5″ (62.4mm) in width, making it easy to carry around.

In terms of optics, the lens features two aspherical elements and the Super Spectra Coating to minimize aberrations, ghosting, and flare. Additionally, it comes with an Optical Image Stabilizer, providing up to 4 stops of shake correction or up to 6 stops of Coordinated IS with a compatible camera body. The lead screw-type STM AF system is fast enough to keep up with continuous focus and is smooth and quiet enough for video recording.

In terms of specifications, the lens weighs only 4.6 oz (130g) and has a filter thread size of 49mm. The lens does not have weather sealing and features an all-plastic build, which may not appeal to some users. Nonetheless, the lens provides excellent central sharpness and is an excellent value for the price.

Overall, the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is an attractive option for those looking for a compact, versatile, and affordable zoom lens for their Canon EOS R50, R7, and R10 cameras. Its solid image quality, effective image stabilization, and fast autofocus make it a great everyday lens, and its small size and low cost make it an ideal companion for lightweight travel or casual shooting.

Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Best Canon RF Lenses for Wildlife and Sports

1. Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 70-200mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/32
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 2.3′ / 70 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.23x
  • Optical Design: 17 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 77 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.54 x 5.75″ / 89.9 x 146 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 8.03″ / 204 mm
  • Weight: 2.35 lb / 1070 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Extremely fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus
  • Highly effective image stabilization
  • Improved maximum magnification
  • Gorgeous bokeh and color
  • Good global contrast and rendering
  • Good center sharpness and excellent mid-frame performance
  • Good control of aberrations and flare

Cons:

  • Extremely expensive
  • Not compatible with teleconverters
  • Tripod foot not Arca-Swiss compatible
  • Not particularly sharp in corners until smaller apertures

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is a high-quality workhorse lens for professional and amateur photographers, particularly those shooting sports, wildlife, weddings, and events.

One of the standout features of this lens is its large and bright f/2.8 aperture and the 70-200mm focal zoom ranges. This provides users with fast, consistent, and reliable performance. Another notable feature is the lens’s dual Nano USM motors, which provide high-speed autofocus for still image shooting and quiet and smooth autofocus for video shooting. The lens also incorporates a floating focus control, which drives the two lens groups individually, shortening the focusing distance and reducing breathing.

The autofocus is amazingly fast and offers three switchable modes for static and panning shots, plus a third option that applies stabilization only during exposures, making it easier to track erratically moving objects in the viewfinder. The lens’s telescoping design makes it 27% shorter and 28% lighter than the DSLR version, making it more compact and flexible. However, the teleconverters do not physically fit, which may be a disadvantage for some users.

The main downside of this lens is its price, which is $2700 USD ($3500 CAD here in Canada), making it more expensive than its EF counterpart. This may make it difficult for some people to justify the cost, particularly those who are interested in the full-frame mirrorless space but cannot afford the prices.

Overall, the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is a phenomenal lens that delivers slightly sharper and crisper images than its EF equivalent. It is a must-have lens for working professionals and hard-core amateurs, despite its high price tag. However, for those on a budget, they could consider the inevitable F4 version from Canon or third-party alternatives that may become available in the future.

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

2. Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 100-500mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4.5 to 7.1
  • Minimum Aperture: f/32 to 54
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 2.95′ / 90 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.33x
  • Filter Thread: 77 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.7 x 8.2″ / 93.8 x 207.6 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 11.7″ / 297.6 mm
  • Weight: 3 lb / 1365 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Useful focal length of 100-500
  • Excellent image quality
  • Reasonably light at 1525g with the tripod mount
  • Lens hood is included
  • Supports hybrid stabilization
  • Very fast and accurate autofocus
  • 0.33x magnification
  • Removable tripod collar
  • Excellent aberration control
  • Weather sealed

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Maximum aperture of F7.1 at 500mm
  • Lens can not be fully retracted when used with extenders

The Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens is an excellent choice for sports and wildlife photography, particularly when the 70-200mm lens isn’t long enough. This supertelephoto lens offers a powerful 5x zoom range and superb optical performance, with Canon’s legendary L-series build quality. It is optimized to match the AF and in-body stabilization, making it a perfect fit for sports and wildlife photographers who demand high performance.

One of the standout features of the Canon RF 100-500mm lens is its legendary L-series build quality. This lens is built to last, with a rugged construction that can withstand the rigors of professional use. The lens is also dust- and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for use in challenging outdoor environments.

In terms of optical performance, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens delivers outstanding results. The lens is sharp throughout the zoom range, with only a minor drop in sharpness at the longest focal lengths. Chromatic aberration is also well-controlled, and distortion is minimal. The lens features Canon’s Super Spectra Coating, which helps to reduce ghosting and flare and produces images with excellent color fidelity and contrast.

The autofocus system on the Canon RF 100-500mm lens is optimized to match the AF and in-body stabilization. The lens features a Dual Nano USM autofocus motor that delivers fast, accurate, and silent autofocus performance. The lens also features a three-mode Optical Image Stabilizer that helps to reduce camera shake and produces sharp images even when shooting handheld.

One of the main drawbacks of the Canon RF 100-500mm lens is its aperture range. The maximum aperture ranges from f/4.5 to f/7.1, which means that the lens is not as fast as some other telephoto lenses on the market. This can make it challenging to shoot in low-light conditions, and it may require higher ISO settings or slower shutter speeds to achieve a properly exposed image. The Canon RF 100-500mm lens is also only partially compatible with extenders. The lens can only be used with extenders between 300-500mm, which means that photographers who require even longer focal lengths may need to consider using a different lens.

Overall, the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens is an excellent telephoto zoom lens that is ideal for sports and wildlife photographers. The lens delivers outstanding optical performance and is built to last, with a rugged construction that can withstand the rigors of professional use. While the lens may be expensive and have some limitations in terms of aperture range and compatibility with extenders, it offers a 5x zoom range that makes it easy to capture a wide variety of subjects at different distances.

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

3. Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens

Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 100-400mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/5.6 to 8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/32 to 45
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 2.9′ / 88 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.41x
  • Filter Thread: 67 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.1 x 6.5″ / 79.5 x 164.7 mm
  • Weight: 1.4 lb / 635 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Powerful super-telephoto zoom range
  • Very compact
  • Fast and quiet autofocus
  • Good central sharpness over most of the zoom range
  • Good control of aberrations
  • Compatibility with 1.4x and 2x extenders
  • Low vignette
  • 5.5-stop optical image stabilizer
  • Low price

Cons:

  • Fairly slow f/5.6-8 aperture rating
  • No weather sealing
  • No lens hood included
  • Poor corner sharpness

The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM lens is a lightweight, affordable telephoto zoom lens that offers excellent value for its price. It is an ideal lens for photographers who are looking for a comfortable-to-carry option to capture a variety of subjects such as wildlife, landscape, and sports without breaking the bank or carrying a heavy lens. The lens is designed for full-frame bodies in the Canon EOS R system and works with RF teleconverters throughout the zoom range.

The optical quality of the lens is impressive for the price, with sharp results across the frame, even at the maximum aperture of f/8 at the long end of the zoom range. However, the lens’s f/5.6-8 aperture means that it won’t achieve much blurring unless you’re very close to the subject, and you’ll need good light or high ISOs to capture fast action.

The autofocus is fast enough to capture fast action, and the lens’s image stabilization is highly effective. Image quality is highly impressive in all respects, with the caveat that sharpness drops off noticeably when combining close focusing distances with the longest zoom setting. The lens is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and manage.

One drawback of the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM lens is its lack of weather sealing and a lens hood in the box. However, the lens is easy to recommend for those who want a long-reach from a native RF zoom without breaking the bank or their back. The lens is a solid move for Canon, offering a selection of more affordable, lighter, native RF lenses alongside its flagship L series.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM lens is an excellent option for photographers looking for a lightweight, affordable telephoto zoom lens. It offers impressive optical quality, fast autofocus, and highly effective image stabilization, making it an ideal lens for capturing a variety of subjects such as wildlife, landscape, and sports. Although it has some limitations, its portability and value make it a compelling option for those who want a telephoto lens without breaking the bank or carrying a heavy lens.

Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

4. Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM Lens

Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 600mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/11
  • Minimum Aperture: f/11
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 14.76′ / 4.5 m
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.14x
  • Filter Thread: 82 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.66 x 10.61″ / 93 x 269.5 mm
  • Weight: 2.05 lb / 930 g
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Attractive pricing for a telephoto
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Effective image stabilizer
  • Excellent sharpness across the frame
  • Good control of aberrations and distortion
  • Low vignette
  • Autofocus is effective
  • Nice bokeh
  • Compatible with optional Extender RF 1.4x and RF 2x teleconverters

Cons:

  • Aperture is fixed at f/11
  • Autofocus in low light will be poor
  • Minimum focus distance is long and magnification is low
  • No weather-seals
  • Neither hood nor tripod foot included

The Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM lens is a unique and affordable option for hobbyist photographers looking to capture distant subjects. It is designed specifically for Canon’s mirrorless full-frame cameras and features ‘diffractive optics’ and a retractable design that makes it compact and lightweight. The lens is equipped with a fast and silent stepping motor autofocus system and high-performance image stabilization, which boosts sharpness in handheld shooting.

The lens has a fixed aperture of f/11, making it suitable for bright conditions or high ISO speeds. Its physically small size and light weight make it excellent for handheld shooting, and it is a great choice for wildlife and sports photography, or any time you cannot get as close to your subject as you might wish.

The Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM is a quirky lens, with a ‘loosen, extend, and tighten’ process to get it ready to shoot that may result in missed shots. Its small maximum aperture limits the opportunities to take full advantage of its stellar optics, and the lack of weather sealing may put off more hard-core users. The tripod mount cannot be rotated from landscape to portrait position, and the essential lens hood is an expensive optional accessory.

The lens is an affordable option for an ultra-telephoto prime, and it’s great value at the price. It is a niche product for a niche audience, but it’s an excellent option for photographers looking for a super-telephoto lens they can easily take with them. The image quality is similar to that of the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM, and the choice between the two depends on the dimensions and types of subjects the photographer wishes to photograph. The 600mm is compact and excellent for larger animals and landscape shots, while the 800mm is more suited to bird photographers.

Overall, the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM is a refreshingly brave attempt to offer something genuinely new and useful. While it may not be suitable for all types of photography, it is an excellent option for hobbyist photographers looking to capture distant subjects.

Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

5. Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

An ideal pro lens for sports, wildlife and more.

Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 400mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/32
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 8.2′ / 2.5 m
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.17x
  • Optical Design: 17 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 52 mm
  • Dimensions: 6.4 x 14.4″ / 163 x 367 mm
  • Weight: 6.4 lb / 2.9 kg
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • High image and build quality
  • Fast autofocus
  • Great bokeh
  • Beautiful color with little aberration
  • Usable with teleconverters
  • Rear filter holder
  • Lots of physical controls

Cons:

  • Heavy and large
  • The price makes it a luxury most can’t afford
  • The paint shows some signs of wear

The Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is an exceptional lens designed for professional sports and wildlife photographers. It maintains the same high image quality as its predecessor, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM, with outstanding sharpness and contrast, even at maximum aperture. The lens uses a combination of Fluorite and Super UD glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration, resulting in tack-sharp images with minimal color fringing.

The lens is also equipped with an optical image stabilization system that provides up to 5.5 stops of shake correction, including three IS operation modes. This feature allows for sharp results, whether the lens is handheld or mounted on a monopod. A circular nine-blade aperture provides beautiful bokeh at smaller lens apertures, and Super Spectra and Air Sphere Coatings minimize ghosting and flare for clear results when shooting in backlit situations.

In terms of compatibility, the RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is compatible with Canon RF 1.4x and 2x Extenders, and the lens incorporates a dust and water-resistant design with a fluorine coating on the front element for easy cleaning.

One potential drawback of this lens is its high cost. Priced at $12,000, it may be out of reach for hobbyist photographers. However, for professional photographers who can afford the cost and carry the weight, the reward is some dreamy images full of depth and detail. Additionally, the lens is large and heavy, which may be a challenge for some photographers.

Compared to its EF counterpart, the RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM lens offers slightly more functionality with extra fast cameras like the EOS R3, thanks to the extra contacts. However, it lacks a Control Ring compared to other RF lenses. Whether you choose an EF or the RF version depends not on whether you photograph with a camera from the R series, but whether you also work with other cameras.

Overall, the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is an exceptional piece of glass that offers uncompromised performance at long focal lengths. It is designed for professional sports and wildlife photographers who demand the best image quality and functionality. While the high cost may be a barrier for some, for those who can afford it, this lens is worth every penny.

Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

6. Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM Lens

An ideal lens for sports, wildlife, and nature shooting

Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Canon RF
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 600mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/32
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 13.8′ / 4.2 m
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.15x
  • Optical Design: 17 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Filter Thread: 52 mm
  • Dimensions: 6.6 x 18.6″ / 168 x 472 mm
  • Weight: 6.8 lb / 3.1 kg
  • Store Links at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Amazing soft backgrounds
  • Rich colors
  • Solid autofocus
  • Bright aperture
  • Great stabilization
  • Minimal aberration and distortion
  • Weather-sealed
  • Lots of physical controls

Cons:

  • Heavy and large
  • Very expensive
  • Not quite as sharp as shorter L glass

The Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens is a superb super-telephoto lens, specially optimized for sports, wildlife, and nature photography. This lens offers professional and advanced photographers exceptional image quality, fast and intuitive handling, and high-speed performance. Exclusively designed for EOS R-series cameras, this lens is optically identical to the EF 600mm f/4 IS III USM lens, featuring an advanced, lightweight design and up to 5.5 stops of shake correction for capturing sharp images, whether handheld or mounted on a monopod.

The lens features a customizable electronic manual focus ring on the lens barrel, with three different speed levels to adjust manual focus to suit your preferences. Its aperture of f/4 and 9-blade circular aperture also creates intimate background and foreground bokeh for both photos and videos. Additionally, the Super UD and fluorite elements used in the optical design reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations, ensuring high clarity and color accuracy.

Moreover, the lens is compatible with Canon RF 1.4x and 2x extenders, enabling you to achieve an equivalent of 840mm at f/5.6 focal length coverage with the Extender RF1.4x or 1200mm at f/8 using the Extender RF2x. This feature makes the RF 600mm F4 L IS USM an excellent choice for wildlife photography and other shooting scenarios.

The RF 600mm F4 L IS USM lens also features a circular nine-blade aperture that delivers beautiful bokeh at smaller lens apertures, while Super Spectra and Air Sphere Coatings minimize ghosting and flare for exceptionally clear results, even in backlit situations. The lens provides quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance, with two focus presets that allow you to instantly return to one or two memorized focus distances. The customizable electronic focus ring on the lens barrel also enables you to select from three different speed levels to adjust manual focus according to your preferences.

With outstanding build quality, a long super-telephoto focal length, an ultra-wide aperture, high-performing image stabilization, and a fast and precise AF system, the RF 600mm F4 L IS USM lens is an excellent choice for serious and discerning sports photographers, wildlife photographers, and photojournalists. This lens is also dust and water-resistant, with a fluorine coating on the front element for easy cleaning.

In summary, the Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens is a top-performing super-telephoto lens with exceptional build quality, advanced image stabilization, and superb optical performance. Its compatibility with Canon RF extenders makes it even more versatile, while its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around and capture action from a distance. Although it comes with a high price tag, it is a worthwhile investment for professionals who demand the highest image quality and performance from their equipment.

Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Canon’s RF mount lenses offer a wide range of options for photographers looking to make the most of their mirrorless cameras. Whether you’re a professional looking for top-of-the-line image and build quality or an enthusiast looking for a versatile all-in-one zoom lens, there is a Canon RF lens for you. With options ranging from ultra-wide angle lenses to super-telephoto lenses and everything in between, Canon’s RF mount lenses provide exceptional image quality and performance. When choosing a Canon RF lens, consider your shooting style and preferences, such as whether you prefer zoom or prime lenses, the type of photography you will be doing, and the lens’s maximum aperture and image stabilization features. Ultimately, investing in a quality Canon RF lens is a worthwhile investment that will provide you with years of excellent image-making possibilities.

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