Best Canon RF lenses – Top 10 Picks!

Since the announcement of Canon’s new R system in 2018 with the introduction of the first full-frame mirrorless Canon camera with its new RF lenses mount, Canon is totally committed to the production of a full line of RF lenses that covers all gender of photography and suits all needs.

Canon’s RF-mount is characterized by its wide 54mm diameter and short 20mm flange-back distance, which promotes the ability to design lenses that are both faster and smaller than their SLR equivalents. The mount also incorporates a 12-pin electronic contact system for more sophisticated autofocus and image stabilization capabilities.

At the early production of Canon RF lenses, the main concern of many photographers was its high prices, although admitting its high performance and quality. However, as Canon continues to complete its line of RF lenses by a number of budget options. Many lenses have been released in the past year that makes the Canon EOS R system appealing to every pocket.

In this article, we listed the best Canon RF lenses on the market right now, and for convenience, we’ve split these into primes and zoom lenses, with the shortest focal lengths first and working up to the longest.

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Canon Prime RF lenses

1. Canon RF35mm F1.8 IS Macro STM
2. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
3. Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
4. Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
5. Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Canon RF Zoom lenses

6. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
7. Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
8. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
9. Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM
10. Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

 Canon Prime RF lenses

1-  Canon RF35mm F/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens

This 35mm is more versatile than it sounds, it is ideal for photographing everything from close-ups of plants to street scenes and landscapes, shortly it is the best-buy prime lens

The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM from Canon is a unique wide-angle prime mixing the versatility of a general wide lens with the specialty of a 1:2 macro optic.

An advanced optical design is benefitted by a Super Spectra coating, which helps to control flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color accuracy when working in bright or backlit conditions.

The bright f/1.8 maximum aperture offers increased control over the depth of field and suits working in a variety of lighting conditions. Complementing this is a five-stop-effective image stabilization, which minimizes the appearance of a camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. In addition, an STM motor affords impressively quiet and smooth autofocus performance and full-time manual focus override.

Additionally, a configurable Control Ring lets you adjust exposure settings, including ISO, aperture, and exposure compensation, from the lens itself.

Specifications

• Focal Length 35mm
• Maximum Aperture f/1.8
• Minimum Aperture f/22
• Lens Mount Canon RF
• Format Compatibility Full-Frame
• Angle of View 63°
• Minimum Focus Distance 69″ / 17 cm
• Close-Up Magnification 5x
• Macro Reproduction Ratio 1:2
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Filter Size 52 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 93 x 2.47″ / 74.4 x 62.8 mm
• Weight 76 oz / 305 g

Pros

• Impressive image quality
• Very affordable

Cons

• Not weather sealed

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2- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

An ideal lens for everyday, walking around shooting

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a sleek normal-length prime offering a classic, versatile field of view and an especially compact design.

This 50mm f/1.8 is characterized by its bright design for available light shooting and apt depth of field control. The optical design incorporates one aspherical element, which reduces spherical aberrations and distortion, and sports a Super Spectra coating to minimize flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy.

In addition, an STM motor affords impressively quiet and smooth autofocus performance and full-time manual focus override. Additionally, a configurable Control Ring lets you adjust exposure settings, including ISO, aperture, and exposure compensation, from the lens itself.

Specifications

• Focal Length 50mm
• Maximum Aperture f/1.8
• Minimum Aperture f/22
• Lens Mount Canon RF
• Format Compatibility Full-Frame
• Angle of View 46°
• Minimum Focus Distance 8″ / 30 cm
• Close-Up Magnification 25x
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization No
• Filter Size 43 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 7 x 1.6″ / 69 x 40 mm
• Weight 6 oz / 160 g

Pros

• Impressive image quality
• Very affordable

Cons

• Not weather sealed

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3- Canon RF 85mm F/2 Macro is STM

It is a well-rounded lens for a range of subjects, from portraits to macro subjects

Combining a short telephoto field of view with a sleek design and close-focusing performance, the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a well-rounded lens for a range of subjects, from portraits to macro subjects.

Its close focus design enables working with subject matter as close as 1.15′ away with a 1:2 maximum magnification and the STM stepping motor affords impressively quiet and smooth autofocus performance and full-time manual focus override.

Helping to create sharp imagery, the lens also features optical image stabilization, along with Hybrid IS, to suppress up to five stops of camera shake for cleaner, steadier shooting.

A UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element is also used in the optical design to minimize aberrations and ensure clarity.

Additionally, a configurable Control Ring lets you adjust exposure settings, including ISO, aperture, and exposure compensation, from the lens itself.

Specifications

• Focal Length 85mm
• Maximum Aperture f/2
• Lens Mount Canon RF
• Format Compatibility Full-Frame
• Angle of View 28° 30′
• Minimum Focus Distance 15′ / 35.05 cm
• Close-Up Magnification 5x
• Macro Reproduction Ratio 1:2
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Filter Size 67 mm (Front)
• Weight 64 oz / 500 g

Pros

• Super sharp image quality
• Stabilized 2:1 macro magnification
• Compact and lightweight

Cons

• Not 1:1 reproduction

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4- Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

It is the best portrait lens for the R system; the fast f/1.2 design excels in difficult lighting conditions and benefits from working with shallow depth of field

Pairing a cherished short-telephoto focal length with an exceptionally bright maximum aperture, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is also characterized by its advanced optical design to produce well-corrected imagery.

The fast f/1.2 design excels in difficult lighting conditions and also benefits from working with shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.

The optical layout incorporates a Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics element; a specially developed element that helps to nearly eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing for notable clarity and color accuracy.

In addition to this, an ultra-low dispersion element and one aspherical element are also featured to further control various aberrations and distortion for great sharpness and resolution.

Individual elements also feature an Air Sphere Coating to suppress flare and ghosting for high contrast and color fidelity when working in bright and backlit conditions.

Complementing the imaging capabilities is an apt ring-type Ultrasonic Motor, which delivers fast, near-silent autofocus and full-time manual focus override. A unique Control Ring is also integrated into the lens design for intuitive control over exposure settings from the lens itself.

Specification

• Focal Length 85mm
• Maximum Aperture f/1.2
• Minimum Aperture f/16
• Lens Mount Canon RF
• Format Compatibility Full-Frame
• Angle of View 28° 30′
• Minimum Focus Distance 79′ / 85 cm
• Close-Up Magnification 12x
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization No
• Filter Size 82 mm (Front)
• Weight 63 lb / 1195 g

Pros

• Fantastic portrait lens
• Breathtaking bokeh and blur

Cons

• Heavy and very expensive

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5- Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

It is an ideal choice for portraits and macro subjects

The RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens from Canon combines a medium-telephoto field of view with a sleek design and close-focusing performance.

Designed for close-up imagery, this autofocus lens is an ideal choice for portraits and macro subjects. Featuring a fixed 100mm focal length, a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture, fast, highly-precise autofocus, and a spherical aberration control ring, this lens elevates the look of portraits and macro shots and gives you the ability to create dreamlike and romantic images with a soft-focus look.

Its close-focus design enables working with subject matter as close as 10.2″ away, and a Super Spectra coating minimizes ghosting and flare when working in strong lighting conditions.

The lens also features optical image stabilization, along with Hybrid IS, to suppress up to five stops of camera shake for cleaner, steadier shooting, and image-makers can expect to see stunning results that enhance their creative and artistic vision.

Specification

• Focal Length 100mm
• Maximum Aperture f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture f/32
• Lens Mount Canon RF
• Format Compatibility Full-Frame
• Angle of View 24°
• Minimum Focus Distance 2″ / 26 cm
• Close-Up Magnification 4x
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Filter Size 67 mm (Front)
• Weight 6 lb / 730

Pros

• 1:1.4 reproduction ratio
• Ridiculously sharp
• Bokeh control
• Possible 8 stops of IS

Cons

• Inevitably expensive

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Canon RF Zoom lenses

6- Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM

It is a versatile wide-angle focal length range and is also characterized by its bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture.

Covering a versatile wide-angle focal length range, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM from Canon is also characterized by its bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture. This bright design enables working in available light conditions and also affords greater control over the depth of field.

The range of wide focal lengths suits working in a variety of situations, from landscape to documentary shooting, and this zoom is complemented by an advanced optical design that greatly reduces color fringing and distortion for high clarity and sharpness.

An Air-Sphere coating has also been applied to reduce flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in bright conditions.

Complementing the imaging capabilities is an apt Nano USM focus system, which delivers fast, nearly silent autofocus performance with a full-time manual focus override.

An Image Stabilizer also compensates for up to five stops of camera shake to help produce sharper handheld shots in difficult lighting conditions.

A unique Control Ring is also integrated into the lens design for intuitive control over exposure settings from the lens itself. Additionally, this 15-35mm is weather-sealed and has a fluorine coating to protect the front and rear elements.

Specification

• Focal Length 15 to 35mm
• Maximum Aperture f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture f/22
• Lens Mount Canon RF
• Lens Format Coverage Full-Frame
• Angle of View 110° 30′ to 63°
• Minimum Focus Distance 02″ / 28 cm
• Maximum Magnification 21x
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Filter Size 82 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 48 x 4.99″ / 88.5 x 126.8 mm
• Length at Maximum Extension 5″ / 127 mm
• Weight 85 lb / 840 g

Pros

• Super-wide viewing angles

Cons

• Very expensive

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7- Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM

It is a versatile wide-angle to portrait-length lens characterized by its bright, advanced, and intuitive design. It is the Standard wide-angle to telephoto zoom lens.

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is a versatile wide-angle to portrait-length lens characterized by its bright, advanced, and intuitive design. The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture suits working in difficult lighting conditions and also enables greater control over the depth of field.

The optical design incorporates a series of aspherical and Ultra-Low Dispersion elements, which greatly reduce a variety of aberrations throughout the zoom range in order to produce sharp and clear imagery. An Air Sphere Coating has also been applied to suppress flare and ghosting when working in strong lighting conditions.

Balancing the distinguished optical assets is the Nano USM focus system, which delivers fast, nearly silent autofocus performance with a full-time manual focus override.

An Image Stabilizer also compensates for up to five stops of camera shake to help produce sharper handheld shots in difficult lighting conditions.

A unique Control Ring is also integrated into the lens design for intuitive control over exposure settings from the lens itself. Additionally, this 24-70mm is weather-sealed and has a fluorine coating to protect the front and rear elements.

Specification

• Focal Length 24 to 70mm
• Maximum Aperture f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture f/22
• Lens Mount Canon RF
• Lens Format Coverage Full-Frame
• Angle of View 84° to 34°
• Minimum Focus Distance 27″ / 21 cm
• Close-Up Magnification 3x
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Filter Size 82 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 48 x 4.95″ / 88.5 x 125.7 mm
• Weight 98 lb / 900 g

Pros

• Superb stabilization

Cons

• Very expensive

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

It is a wide-angle to short telephoto zoom lens characterized by its constant f/4 maximum aperture.

Ideal for use in nearly any shooting scenario, this zoom is benefitted by a five-stop-effective Image Stabilizer to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld imagery. Also, complementing handling is a unique customizable Control Ring, which can be configured to adjust a variety of exposure settings, including aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation.

Benefitting image quality, the advanced optical design features a Super Spectra Coating, which helps to suppress ghosting and flare to improve contrast and color accuracy when working in bright and backlit conditions.

Ideal for both photo and video applications, this lens also incorporates a Nano USM autofocus motor, which delivers quick, quiet, and precise focusing performance.

Specification

• Focal Length 24 to 105mm
• Maximum Aperture f/4
• Minimum Aperture f/22
• Lens Mount Canon RF
• Lens Format Coverage Full-Frame
• Angle of View 84° to 23° 20′
• Minimum Focus Distance 48′ / 45 cm
• Close-Up Magnification 24x
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Filter Size 77 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 29 x 4.22″ / 83.5 x 107.3 mm
• Length at Maximum Extension 94″ / 151 mm
• Weight 54 lb / 700 g

Pros

• Versatile zoom range
• Constant f/4 aperture

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 9- Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

It is a true all-in-one lens for nearly any shooting situation

Covering an impressive wide-angle to super-telephoto range, the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM from Canon is a true all-in-one lens for nearly any shooting situation.

Its 10x zoom range is complemented by an Optical Image Stabilizer, which compensates for up to five stops of camera shake to better realize sharp imagery when shooting handheld.

Dynamic IS also benefits video recording and better compensates for footage shot while walking or moving. Benefitting both stills and video is a Nano USM autofocus motor, which delivers quick, quiet, and precise focusing performance.

Additionally, the lens also features a unique customizable Control Ring, which can be configured to adjust a variety of exposure settings, including aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation.

Specification

• Focal Length 24 to 240mm
• Maximum Aperture f/4 to 6.3
• Lens Mount Canon RF
• Lens Format Coverage Full-Frame
• Minimum Focus Distance 64′ / 50 cm
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Filter Size 72 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 2 x 4.8″ / 81.28 x 121.92 mm
• Length at Maximum Extension 66″ / 93 mm
• Weight 65 lb / 751.26 g

Pros

• Monster 10x zoom range
• Small and lightweight for a full-frame superzoom

 Cons

• Long-zoom aperture is fairly slow

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 10- Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Best telephoto lens: pro-grade prowess in a clever compact form

Canon’s RF lenses are often criticized for feeling big and heavy on mirrorless bodies, but this one remains reasonably slim and svelte. Compared with the latest EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens for SLRs, it’s significantly smaller and only about two-thirds of the weight.

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is a flexible telephoto zoom characterized by its bright design and advanced optics. The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture suits working in difficult lighting conditions and also enables greater control over the depth of field.

A sophisticated optical design comprises a series of specialized elements, which help to suppress a variety of aberrations throughout the zoom range for well-controlled imagery. An Air Sphere Coating has also been applied to suppress flare and ghosting when working in strong lighting conditions.

Balancing the distinguished optical assets is the Dual Nano USM focus system, which delivers fast, nearly silent autofocus performance with a full-time manual focus override.

An Image Stabilizer also compensates for up to five stops of camera shake to help produce sharper handheld shots in difficult lighting conditions.

A unique Control Ring is also integrated into the lens design for intuitive control over exposure settings from the lens itself. Additionally, this 70-200mm is weather-sealed and has a fluorine coating to protect the front and rear elements.

Specification

• Focal Length 70 to 200mm
• Maximum Aperture f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture f/32
• Lens Mount Canon RF
• Lens Format Coverage Full-Frame
• Angle of View 34° to 12°
• Minimum Focus Distance 3′ / 70 cm
• Maximum Magnification 23x
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Tripod Collar Removable and Rotating
• Filter Size 77 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 54 x 5.75″ / 89.9 x 146 mm
• Length at Maximum Extension 03″ / 204 mm
• Weight 35 lb / 1070 g

Pros

• Super-fast autofocus
• Triple-mode 5-stop stabilizer

Cons

• Quite weighty
• Expensive

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