Best Canon RF Lenses (2026)

Canon's RF mount delivers superb optics with lightning-fast autofocus. Here are our tested picks for R50, R8, R6 II, and R5.

At a Glance: Top Picks

Lens Best For Aperture Price
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Budget Portrait f/1.8 Check Price
Canon RF-S 18-150mm All-In-One f/3.5-6.3 Check Price
Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro Portraits f/2 Check Price
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L Pro Zoom f/4 Check Price
💰 Best Value Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

The "nifty fifty" is every photographer's first prime lens for good reason. At under $200, you get f/1.8 low-light performance and beautiful background blur.

The RF version has upgraded optics over the old EF version, with faster STM autofocus that's quiet enough for video. Perfect for portraits, food, and low-light events.

Focal Length 50mm (80mm on APS-C)
Aperture f/1.8 - f/22
Weight 160g
Type Full-Frame
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Why Buy It

  • Incredible value for the price
  • Lightweight (160g)
  • Great for learning photography
  • Quiet STM autofocus

Consider If

  • Not weather sealed
  • Plastic build quality
  • Slightly soft wide open at corners
🌍 Best Travel Canon RF-S 18-150mm

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

The ultimate one-lens travel solution for Canon APS-C cameras like the R50 and R10. From wide landscapes to telephoto wildlife — this lens covers it all.

Despite the huge zoom range, it's surprisingly sharp and compact. Built-in image stabilization (IS) helps compensate for the slower aperture at the telephoto end.

Range 18-150mm (29-240mm equiv)
Aperture f/3.5-6.3
Stabilization Yes (IS)
Weight 310g
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Why Buy It

  • Incredible 8.3x zoom range
  • Built-in image stabilization
  • Compact for the range (310g)
  • Good value superzoom

Consider If

  • Slow aperture at telephoto (f/6.3)
  • Not ideal for low light
  • APS-C only (RF-S mount)
👤 Best Portrait Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM

The best portrait lens under $700 for Canon RF cameras. The 85mm focal length is classically flattering for faces, and f/2 provides gorgeous background separation.

Bonus: it doubles as a 0.5x macro lens, letting you shoot product photos and close-up details. The stabilization helps for handheld portrait sessions.

Focal Length 85mm
Aperture f/2 - f/29
Macro 0.5x magnification
Stabilization Yes (IS)
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Why Buy It

  • Classic portrait focal length
  • 0.5x macro capability included
  • Image stabilization built-in
  • Excellent value for full-frame

Consider If

  • f/2 (not f/1.4 — less bokeh than L-series)
  • STM motor is quiet but not fastest
🔴 Pro Standard Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS

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

Canon's workhorse zoom for professional photographers. The L-series build quality means weather sealing and durability that lasts for years.

Constant f/4 aperture gives predictable exposure throughout the zoom range, and the 5-stop stabilization is class-leading. This is the go-to lens for wedding, event, and travel pros.

Range 24-105mm
Aperture f/4 constant
Stabilization 5 stops (IS)
Weather Sealed Yes (L-series)
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Why Buy It

  • L-series build quality
  • Weather sealed
  • Excellent 5-stop stabilization
  • Professional staple lens

Consider If

  • Expensive (L-series pricing)
  • f/4 not ideal for low light
  • Heavier than kit zooms (700g)

Canon Lens Ecosystem Notes

RF vs RF-S

RF lenses: Full-frame coverage, work on all Canon mirrorless cameras.
RF-S lenses: APS-C only (R50, R10, R7), more compact and affordable.

Third-Party Options

Currently limited. Viltrox makes affordable AF primes. Sigma/Tamron are working on RF lenses. For now, Canon native is your best bet.

EF Lens Adapters

Canon's EF-RF adapters work flawlessly with old EF/EF-S DSLR lenses. Great way to save money using used EF glass.

Why Trust Us?

We test every lens for real-world performance — autofocus, sharpness, video quality, and build. No manufacturer sponsorships. We earn commissions through affiliate links, which keeps this site ad-free.

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