Choosing the best prime lens for your Canon camera can greatly improve your photography. Prime lenses offer sharp images and wide apertures for beautiful backgrounds.
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, which helps capture clearer and brighter photos. Canon offers several excellent prime lenses for different needs. The Canon EF 50mm f/1. 8 STM is popular for portraits and everyday shots. For mirrorless users, the RF50mm f/1.
8 STM and RF35mm f/1. 8 Macro provide versatility and sharpness. Wide-angle options like the RF16mm f/2. 8 STM suit landscapes and architecture. Each lens fits specific styles and shooting conditions. Understanding these options helps you choose the right lens for your Canon camera and improve your photo quality.
Table of Contents
Canon Ef 50mm Lens

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is ideal for photography enthusiasts and beginners who want to elevate their image quality without breaking the bank. Perfect for portrait, street, and low-light photography, this lens suits users looking for a lightweight, versatile prime lens that delivers sharp images and beautiful background blur.
Pros:
- Affordable price with excellent image quality
- Wide f/1.8 aperture for superb low-light performance and shallow depth of field
- Compact and lightweight design (0.35 pounds) for easy portability
- STM (Stepping Motor) technology provides smooth and quiet autofocus, ideal for video recording
- Compatible with most Canon DSLR cameras
Cons:
- Plastic build quality may feel less durable compared to higher-end lenses
- No image stabilization feature
- Autofocus can be slower in very low light conditions
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, enabling photographers to capture crisp, clear images even in challenging lighting conditions. This wide aperture also allows for a beautifully blurred background, enhancing subject isolation and giving photos a professional look. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a convenient addition to any camera bag, perfect for photographers on the go.
Equipped with Canon’s STM autofocus technology, this lens ensures smooth and quiet focusing, which is especially beneficial when shooting videos or capturing candid moments. The lens’s focal length of 50mm is versatile, offering a natural perspective that closely resembles what the human eye sees, making it suitable for a wide range of photography styles from portraits to everyday snapshots.
To buy this product, click here.
Canon Rf24-70mm F2.8 L Lens

The Canon RF24-70mm F2.8 L is USM Lens is ideal for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who use EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras. This versatile standard zoom lens is perfect for those seeking high-quality images across a range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to short telephoto, making it suitable for events, portraits, landscapes, and everyday photography.
Pros:
- Exceptional image quality with sharpness and clarity throughout the zoom range
- Fast and constant f/2.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh
- Durable and weather-sealed L-series construction ensures reliability in challenging conditions
- Compact and lightweight design (weighs approximately 1.98 pounds) for easy handling and portability
- Compatible seamlessly with Canon EOS R mirrorless cameras for enhanced autofocus speed and accuracy
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to kit lenses, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers
- Some users may find the lens slightly bulky compared to prime lenses
The Canon RF24-70mm F2.8 L is USM Lens offers a versatile zoom range combined with a bright and consistent f/2.8 aperture, allowing photographers to capture stunning images in diverse lighting conditions. Its advanced optical design minimizes aberrations and distortion, ensuring crisp, true-to-life photos whether shooting wide landscapes or intimate portraits. The lens’s built-in Ultrasonic Motor (USM) provides smooth, fast, and near-silent autofocus, ideal for both stills and video applications.
Built with professional use in mind, the lens features robust L-series weather sealing, protecting against dust and moisture for dependable performance in various environments. Its ergonomic design balances well with Canon’s mirrorless bodies, enabling comfortable shooting over extended periods. Overall, this lens is a perfect choice for photographers looking to elevate their creative potential with a reliable, high-performance zoom lens compatible with the latest Canon mirrorless systems.
To buy this product, click here.
Canon Rf50mm F1.8 Stm Lens

The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens is ideal for photography enthusiasts and professionals who own EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras and seek a versatile, high-quality prime lens. This lens is perfect for those wanting to capture stunning portraits, street photography, and low-light scenes with exceptional clarity and sharpness.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact design for easy portability
- Wide f/1.8 aperture allows excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur
- Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras ensuring seamless integration
- STM motor provides smooth and quiet autofocus, ideal for video recording
- Affordable price point for a high-quality prime lens
Cons:
- Fixed focal length may limit versatility for some users
- No weather sealing, which could affect use in harsh conditions
- Build quality is mostly plastic, which might not feel as robust as higher-end lenses
The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens features a fixed focal length of 50mm, offering a natural perspective similar to the human eye, making it great for everyday photography. Its large f/1.8 aperture not only excels in dim environments but also creates a beautiful bokeh effect, isolating subjects from the background for stunning portraits and artistic shots. The lens is designed to be compact and lightweight, which makes it an excellent companion for photographers on the go who want high-quality images without carrying heavy gear.
Equipped with Canon’s STM (Stepper Motor) technology, this lens delivers smooth and silent autofocus, beneficial for both still photography and video recording. The compatibility with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras ensures that users can take full advantage of the camera’s advanced features and autofocus systems. Overall, this lens offers an excellent balance between performance, portability, and affordability, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to elevate their photography experience.
To buy this product, click here.
Canon Rf16mm F2.8 Stm Lens

The Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM Lens is ideal for photographers and videographers who are looking for an ultra wide-angle, fixed focal length prime lens compatible with the EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras. It is perfect for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography enthusiasts who want a compact, lightweight, and versatile lens that delivers sharp images with excellent clarity. Those who prioritize portability without sacrificing image quality will find this lens an excellent addition to their gear.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design, weighing only 0.36 pounds
- Wide f/2.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance
- Ultra wide-angle 16mm focal length ideal for expansive shots
- Compatible with Canon EOS R Series mirrorless cameras
- Quiet STM autofocus motor suitable for video recording
- High-quality optics delivering sharp and distortion-free images
Cons:
- Fixed focal length may limit versatility for some users
- Lacks image stabilization, requiring steady hands or tripod in low light
- Minimal zoom capability due to prime lens design
The Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM Lens features a robust yet compact build, measuring just 1.6 inches in height and 2.7 inches in both width and length, making it extremely portable for photographers on the go. Its ultra wide-angle 16mm focal length allows users to capture sweeping landscapes, tight interiors, and dramatic perspectives with ease. The f/2.8 aperture provides excellent light-gathering ability, making it well-suited for shooting in low-light environments such as night skies or dimly lit rooms.
Additionally, the lens is equipped with a stepping motor (STM) autofocus system that ensures smooth and quiet focusing, which is particularly beneficial for video recording. The lens’s optical design minimizes distortion and chromatic aberrations, delivering sharp images with high contrast and vibrant colors. While it lacks image stabilization, the lightweight design helps users maintain steadiness, and the lens performs exceptionally well when paired with the EOS R series cameras’ in-body stabilization features.
To buy this product, click here.
Canon Rf200-800mm F6.3-9 Usm Super-telephoto Zoom Lens

The Canon RF200-800mm F6.3-9 USM Super-telephoto Zoom Lens is ideal for wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor sports shooters who require a versatile, powerful zoom lens that is both compact and lightweight. This lens is perfect for those who want to capture distant subjects with precision while maintaining the convenience of comfortable handheld shooting.
Pros:
- Extensive zoom range from 200mm to 800mm for capturing faraway subjects
- Lightweight design at only 4.5 pounds, enhancing portability
- Compact dimensions making it easy to carry during outdoor activities
- USM autofocus for fast and quiet focusing
- Ideal for mirrorless cameras, ensuring compatibility and advanced performance
Cons:
- Variable aperture of F6.3-9 may limit low-light performance
- Higher price point compared to standard zoom lenses
- Not suitable for indoor or low-light photography due to aperture limitations
The Canon RF200-800mm F6.3-9 lens offers an impressive super-telephoto zoom range, allowing users to get close-up shots of distant wildlife and sports action without disturbing the scene. Its USM autofocus ensures quick and silent focusing, which is crucial for capturing fleeting moments in nature or fast-paced events. The lens’s compatibility with mirrorless camera systems provides enhanced image quality and flexibility for photographers who prefer modern camera technology.
Despite its powerful zoom capabilities, the lens remains compact and lightweight, weighing only 4.5 pounds and measuring 12.4 inches in length. This makes it comfortable for handheld shooting over extended periods, which is a significant advantage for outdoor photographers who often carry gear for hours. Although the variable aperture may not be ideal for all lighting conditions, the lens excels in well-lit environments, making it a valuable tool for capturing stunning wildlife, nature, and sports imagery.
To buy this product, click here.
Canon Rf35mm F1.8

The Canon RF35mm F1.8 Macro STM Lens, Black is ideal for photographers who seek a versatile and compact lens that excels in both everyday shooting and close-up macro photography. Whether you are an enthusiast looking to enhance your creative portfolio or a professional needing a lightweight lens for travel and street photography, this lens is designed to deliver sharp images with excellent detail and color accuracy.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design, weighing only 0.675 pounds
- Fast F1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur
- Macro capability allowing close-up shots with fine detail
- STM motor ensures smooth and quiet autofocus for video and stills
- Durable build with sleek black finish
Cons:
- Limited zoom range as a prime lens
- May require extension tubes for extreme macro photography
- No image stabilization built into the lens
The Canon RF35mm F1.8 Macro STM Lens stands out for its impressive combination of a wide aperture and macro capabilities in a compact form factor. The bright F1.8 aperture allows photographers to capture sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions while providing a shallow depth of field for stunning subject isolation. Its macro function enables close focusing, making it perfect for capturing intricate details in subjects like flowers, insects, or small products.
Equipped with a smooth and quiet STM autofocus motor, this lens is equally suited for still photography and video recording without distracting noise. The lightweight and compact dimensions make it highly portable, ideal for photographers on the go who need a reliable lens that won’t weigh down their camera bag. Overall, this lens balances performance, versatility, and portability, making it a valuable addition to any Canon RF mount camera setup.
To buy this product, click here.
Canon Rf28-70mm F2.8

The Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 is STM is ideal for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who demand versatility and superior image quality in a single lens. Perfect for those shooting events, portraits, and landscapes, this lens offers a wide focal range and a constant bright aperture, making it a valuable tool for capturing stunning images in various lighting conditions.
Pros:
- Versatile focal length range from 28mm to 70mm suitable for multiple photography styles
- Constant bright F2.8 aperture enables excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur
- Incorporates STM (Stepping Motor) technology for smooth and quiet autofocus, ideal for video recording
- Compact and lightweight design with dimensions of 3.0 x 3.0 x 3.6 inches enhances portability
- High-quality optics from the reputable Canon brand ensure sharp and vibrant images
Cons:
- Premium price point may be a barrier for casual photographers
- Limited zoom range compared to some superzoom lenses
- May require compatible Canon RF mount cameras for full functionality
The Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 is STM lens boasts a versatile zoom range that covers wide-angle to short telephoto perspectives, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of photography needs. The constant F2.8 aperture across the zoom range allows users to shoot in challenging lighting conditions without compromising shutter speed or ISO settings, which is crucial for maintaining image clarity and reducing noise. This feature also provides beautiful depth of field control, enabling photographers to create professional-looking bokeh effects with ease.
Additionally, the integration of STM technology ensures that autofocus is both smooth and silent, an essential attribute for videographers who require minimal noise interference during recording. The lens’s compact and lightweight design enhances its portability, making it easier for photographers to carry and handle during long shooting sessions. Manufactured by Canon, this lens assures premium build quality and optical performance, making it a reliable choice for users looking to elevate their photography experience.
To buy this product, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Prime Lens For Canon Eos R Series?
The Canon RF50mm F1. 8 STM is the best prime lens for EOS R. It offers sharp images and a wide aperture for low light.
How Does Canon Ef 50mm F/1.8 Stm Perform On Canon Cameras?
The Canon EF 50mm f/1. 8 STM delivers excellent image quality. It’s affordable, lightweight, and perfect for portraits and everyday shooting.
Is The Canon Rf35mm F1.8 Suitable For Macro Photography?
Yes, the Canon RF35mm F1. 8 is a versatile macro lens. It captures close-up details with sharpness and beautiful background blur.
What Are The Benefits Of Canon Rf24-70mm F2.8 L Is Usm?
The RF24-70mm F2. 8 L IS USM offers versatile zoom with constant aperture. It’s ideal for portraits, landscapes, and low-light conditions.
Can Canon Rf200-800mm F6.3-9 Is Usm Handle Wildlife Photography?
Yes, the RF200-800mm F6. 3-9 IS USM is perfect for wildlife. It provides a powerful zoom range with handheld comfort and sharp focus.
Why Choose Canon Rf16mm F2.8 Stm For Wide-angle Shots?
The Canon RF16mm F2. 8 STM offers ultra-wide views. It’s compact, lightweight, and great for landscapes, architecture, and creative wide shots.
Conclusion
Choosing the best prime lens for Canon depends on your photography style and needs. The Canon EF 50mm f/1. 8 STM is great for portraits and everyday shots. For mirrorless users, the Canon RF50mm F1. 8 STM offers excellent sharpness and low-light performance.
Wide-angle lovers will enjoy the Canon RF16mm F2. 8 STM for landscapes and creative shots. If you want versatility, the Canon RF24-70mm F2. 8 L is a reliable choice with a zoom range. For macro photography, the Canon RF35mm F1.
8 STM shines with close-up details. Each lens has unique features and suits different situations. Think about what you shoot most and pick a lens that fits your camera and style. The right prime lens can improve your photos and make shooting more fun.
Take your time and choose well to get the best from your Canon gear.