Best Lenses for the Canon EOS R5 II in 2024

Welcome to our Canon EOS R5 II lenses guide where you’ll find our top eleven recommendations for the best lenses to pair with your Canon R5 Mark II in 2024.

Compatible Lenses

The Canon R5 Mark II is a 35mm full-frame sensor and features Canon’s RF-Mount.

It’s compatible with Canon RF (Full-Frame) lenses and also Canon RF-S (APS-C) lenses when used in crop mode (approx 1.6x crop).

You can also use older Canon EF and EF-S lenses providing you use an EF-RF Lens Mount Adapter.

Top 11 Lens Recommendations

Here are our top 11 lens recommendations for the Canon R5 II including the reviews worth watching to learn more about each lens.

There are of course a lot more than 11 RF lenses available to use with the R5II, you can find the complete list of all compatible RF and RF-S lenses including the latest firmware versions here.

1. Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM

If you’re in the market for a wide-angle lens for landscape, cityscape, or real estate photography, the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM lens is a great option to consider.

With a maximum aperture of f/4 and a minimum of f/22, this lens offers impressive sharpness throughout the frame and zoom range, even at the edges. However, it does exhibit significant vignetting at the wide end and some distortion at 14mm.

The lens features a Nano-USM focus system that is fast, quiet, and precise. It also includes 5.5 stops of image stabilization which can be increased to 7 stops when paired with the R5 Mark II’s in-body stabilization.

For more information about this excellent lens, you might want to watch Canon’s introductory video.

The lens is constructed with 16 elements in 12 groups and includes 9 circular aperture blades. It has a minimum focusing distance of 7.9 inches (0.2m) and accommodates a 77mm filter thread. The lens is also weather-sealed for added durability.

On the lens barrel, there is a control ring located towards the front, along with two switches: one for toggling between autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF), and another for turning the image stabilizer on or off.

The lens measures approximately 3.3 inches (84.1 mm) in diameter and 3.9 inches (99.8 mm) in length, with a weight of about 1.2 lbs (540g).

Key Specs

Image Size	Full Frame
Focal Length (mm)	14-35mm
Maximum & Minimum Aperture	F4-F22 (at all zoom settings)
Angle of View (Diagonal)	114°00 – 63°00
Lens Construction	16 elements in 12 groups
Aperture Blades	Circular (9 blades)
Minimum Focusing Distance	7.9 in. (0.2m), at all zoom settings
Maximum Magnification	0.38x, at 35mm zoom setting • Fill frame with subject approx. 3.7 x 2.5 inches / 94 x 63mm in size, at 35mm zoom position
Image Stabilizer OIS	5.5 stops optical IS correction lens body
Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS	Up to 7 stops Coordinated IS correction with a supported camera body
Filter Diameter	77mm
Maximum Outer Diameter x Length	Approx. Φ3.3 in. x 3.9 in. (approx. Φ84.1mm x 99.8mm) • Minimum length at approx. 22mm zoom position • Maximum length at 35mm zoom position – approx. 4.25 in. / 107.9mm
Weight	Approx. 1.2 lb. (approx. 19.0 oz. / 540g)

Pros:

• Compact and light with great build quality
• Weather sealed
• 5.5 stops of image stabilization
• Chromatic aberrations are well controlled
• Good flare resistance
• Good coma control

Cons:

• Heavy vignette through a lot of the range
• Heavy distortion at 14mm

What’s in the Box

• RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM
• Lens cap E-77II
• Lens hood EW-83P
• Lens pouch LP1219 

Review

If you’re interested in learning more about the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM lens, I recommend watching Dustin Abbott’s review. He provides a thorough analysis and valuable insights into the lens’s performance and features.

2. Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM

If the 14-35mm F4 lens doesn’t quite meet your needs, you might consider the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM lens instead.

This lens offers consistent performance throughout the frame and across the zoom range. However, it does experience significant vignetting at the wide end, even after applying a correction profile, and is somewhat prone to flare.

The lens features a Nano-USM focus system that is quick, quiet, and accurate. With a wide f/2.8 maximum aperture (and a minimum of f/22), coupled with Canon’s L-series quality, this lens offers excellent performance but comes with a higher price tag that its cheaper F4 sibling.

For more information, you might want to check out Canon’s introductory video about this lens.

The lens is designed with 16 elements in 12 groups and includes 9 circular aperture blades. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.92 ft (0.28 m) and accommodates an 82mm filter thread. The lens is also weather-sealed for durability and protection against the elements.

It features 5 stops of image stabilization, which can be increased to 7 stops when used with the R5 Mark II’s in-body stabilization.

On the lens barrel, you’ll find a control ring towards the front, along with an AF/MF switch and an on/off switch for the image stabilizer.

The lens measures approximately 3.48 inches (88.5 mm) in diameter and 4.99 inches (126.8 mm) in length, and weighs around 1.85 lbs (840 g).

Key Specs

Image Size	Full-Frame
Focal Length (mm)	15-35mm
Maximum & Minimum Aperture	F2.8-F22
Angle of View (Diagonal)	110° 30′- 63°
Lens Construction	16 elements in 12 groups
Aperture Blades	9 (Circular)
Minimum Focusing Distance	0.92 ft./0.28 m
Maximum Magnification	0.21x (at 35mm)
Image Stabilizer OIS	5 stops
Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS	7 stops when used with a camera with IBIS
Filter Diameter	82mm
Maximum Outer Diameter x Length	Approx. Ø3.48 in. / Ø88.5 mm x Approx. 4.99 in. / 126.8 mm
Weight	Approx. 1.85 lbs. / 840 g

Pros:

• Great build quality and weather resistance
• Quiet, quick and accurate autofocus
• 5 stops of image stabilization, 8 stops with IBIS
• Consistent performance across the frame and zoom range

Cons:

• Heavy vignette
• Vulnerability to flare
• Close up image quality a little soft
• Expensive

What’s in the Box

• RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM
• Lens Cap E-82II
• Lens Hood EW-88F
• Lens Case LP-1222
• Lens Dust Cap RF 

Review

If you’re interested in a detailed overview of the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM lens, I recommend watching Dustin Abbott’s review. He provides an in-depth look at the lens’s features and performance, offering valuable insights for potential buyers.

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

The Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is a versatile zoom lens known for its strong optical performance across the entire frame and zoom range.

Featuring a wide f/2.8 maximum aperture (and a minimum of f/22), along with Canon’s L-series designation, this lens offers high quality, albeit at a premium price—though not as steep as the Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM.

The Nano-USM (Ultrasonic Motor) provides fast, quiet, and highly accurate autofocus performance.

The lens is constructed with 21 elements in 15 groups and includes 9 circular aperture blades. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.69 ft (0.21m) at the wide end and 1.25 ft (0.38m) at the telephoto end. It also features an 82mm filter thread and is weather-sealed for durability.

The lens offers 5 stops of image stabilization, which can be enhanced to 8 stops when used with the R5 II’s in-body stabilization.

On the lens barrel, there is a control ring towards the front, along with an AF/MF switch and an on/off switch for the image stabilizer.

The lens measures approximately 3.48 inches (88.5 mm) in diameter and 4.95 inches (125.7 mm) in length, with a weight of about 1.98 lbs (900 g).

Key Specs

Image Size	Full-Frame
Focal Length (mm)	24-70
Maximum & Minimum Aperture	F2.8-F22
Angle of View (Diagonal)	84° – 34°
Lens Construction	21 elements in 15 groups
Aperture Blades	9 (Circular)
Minimum Focusing Distance	Wide: 0.69 ft./0.21m Telephoto: 1.25 ft./0.38m
Maximum Magnification	0.3x (at 32mm)
Image Stabilizer OIS	5 stops
Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS	8 stops
Filter Diameter	82mm
Maximum Outer Diameter x Length	Approx. Ø3.48 in. / Ø88.5 mm x Approx. 4.95 in. / 125.7 mm
Weight	Approx. 1.98 lbs. / 900 g

Pros:

• Excellent build quality and weather resistance
• Fast and quiet autofocus motor
• Effective image stabilization
• Excellent focal range
• Strong optical performance across image frame and zoom range
• Good bokeh
• Good flare resistance

Cons:

• Vignette at 24mm
• Pretty expensive
• Large and heavy

What’s in the Box

• RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
• Lens Cap E-82II
• Lens Hood EW-88E
• Lens Case LP-1222
• Lens Dust Cap RF 

Review

If you’re interested in a comprehensive review of the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM lens, I recommend watching Dustin Abbott’s review. He provides detailed insights into the lens’s features and performance, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering this lens.

4. Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM

The Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM is a versatile full-frame lens offering a broad focal range, making it suitable for wide-angle, standard, and telephoto photography—all with a constant aperture of F4.

It features Canon’s fast and ultra-quiet Nano USM autofocus motor, ensuring smooth and precise focusing. The lens also offers 5 stops of image stabilization, which can be extended to 8 stops when paired with the R5 Mark II’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS).

With a focal length range of 24-105mm and a constant maximum aperture of F4 (minimum aperture F22), this zoom lens is well-suited for a variety of shooting situations. It extends when zooming, and its minimum focusing distance is 45 cm, with a maximum magnification of 0.24x.

For a more detailed look at the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM lens, you can watch Canon USA’s Technical Advisor, Jon Lorentz, discuss its features and performance in this video.

The Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM lens is constructed with 18 elements in 14 groups and features 9 circular aperture blades, along with a 77mm front filter thread.

It includes dedicated rings for zoom, focus, and control, as well as an MF/AF toggle switch and an IS (image stabilization) on/off switch. Additionally, there is a zoom lock switch to secure the lens at 24mm, preventing it from extending while being carried.

The lens measures approximately 3.29 inches (83.5 mm) in diameter and 4.22 inches (107.3 mm) in length, and weighs about 24.7 oz (1.54 lbs or 700 g).

Unlike some more budget-friendly RF lenses, the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM comes with a Bayonet Lens Hood EW-83N and a drawstring soft pouch LP1319, adding extra value to your purchase.

Key Specs

Image Size	Full-Frame
Focal Length	24-105mm
Maximum & Minimum Aperture	F2.8-F22
Angle of View (Diagonal)	84° – 23°20′
Lens Construction	18 elements in 14 groups
Aperture Blades	9 (Circular)
Minimum Focusing Distance	1.48 ft. / 0.45m
Maximum Magnification	0.24x
Image Stabilizer OIS	5 Stops
Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS	8 Stops
Filter Diameter	77mm
Maximum Outer Diameter x Length	Φ3.29 x 4.22 in., approx. 1.54 lbs. / Φ83.5 x 107.3mm
Weight	Approx. 700g

Pros:

• Very well built
• Extremely fast and quiet autofocus
• Excellent color rendition
• Great contrast
• Good sharpness across focal range
• Weather sealed

Cons:

• Prone to flaring
• Some barrel distortion at 24mm
• Small amounts of lateral CA
• Some vignette

What’s in the Box

• RF 24–105mm F4 L IS USM
• Lens CAP E-77II
• Lens Dust CAP RF
• Lens Hood EW-83N
• Lens Case LP1319 II 

Review

To gain more insights into the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM lens, we recommend watching Christopher Frost’s review. He offers a thorough analysis of the lens’s performance and features, which can help you make an informed decision.

5. Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM

The Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM delivers exceptional image quality, though it comes at a steep price. For a more budget-friendly nifty-fifty alternative, consider the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM.

The ring-type USM (Ultrasonic Motor) in the F1.2L model is quite fast and can handle the large, heavy glass elements with ease, although it’s not as quiet as Canon’s Nano-USM motors found in many other RF lenses. The focus accuracy is very high, which is crucial when shooting at f/1.2.

This lens features a construction of 15 elements in 9 groups and includes 10 circular aperture blades. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.31 feet (0.40 meters) and is weather-sealed.

While the lens lacks built-in image stabilization, you can achieve 5 stops of stabilization when paired with the R5 II’s in-body stabilization.

The lens barrel includes a control ring at the front and two switches: a focus limiter switch and an AF/MF switch.

The lens measures approximately 3.54 inches (89.8mm) in diameter and 4.25 inches (108.0mm) in length, and it weighs about 2.09 pounds (950 grams).

Key Specs

Image Size	Full-Frame
Focal Length	50mm
Maximum & Minimum Aperture	F1.2-F16
Angle of View (Diagonal)	46°00
Lens Construction	15 elements in 9 groups
Aperture Blades	10 (Circular)
Minimum Focusing Distance	1.31 ft. / 0.40m
Maximum Magnification	0.19x
Image Stabilizer OIS	No
Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS	5 stops when used with a camera with IBIS
Filter Diameter	77mm
Maximum Outer Diameter x Length	Φ3.54 in. / Φ89.8mm x 4.25 in. / 108.0mm
Weight	2.09 lb / 950 g

Pros:

• Outstanding build quality and weather sealing
• Amazing optical performance across the frame
• Very good contrast
• Lovely smooth bokeh
• Accurate autofocus
• Good control of flare and aberrations

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Large and heavy

What’s in the Box

• RF 50mm F1.2 L USM
• Lens Cap E-77II
• Lens Dust CAP RF
• Lens Hood ES-83
• Lens Case LP1319 II 

Review

If you’re interested in learning more about the Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM lens, I recommend watching this review by Tony & Chelsea. It’s highly informative and provides valuable insights into the lens’s performance and features.

6. Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM

The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens delivers nearly perfect image quality across the frame, even at its maximum aperture of f/1.2. However given its high price tag, this level of performance is expected.

This lens is an excellent choice for portrait, lifestyle, or wedding photographers, so it is definitely worth taking a closer look if these are your bread and butter.

However, the focus motor isn’t the fastest or quietest, which might be an issue for video shooters. While the lens lacks built-in image stabilization, you can achieve 5 stops of stabilization when paired with the R5 II’s in-body stabilization.

The lens is weather-sealed and constructed with 13 elements in 9 groups, featuring 9 circular aperture blades and an 82mm filter thread. The minimum focus distance is 2.79 feet (0.85 meters).

The lens barrel includes a control ring at the front, along with a focus limiter switch and an AF/MF switch.

The lens dimensions are 4.06 inches (103.2mm) in diameter and 4.62 inches (117.3mm) in length, and it weighs approximately 2.63 pounds (1,195 grams).

For an in-depth look at the design, performance, and optics of the RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens, check out the detailed review by Canon’s Rudy Wilson.

Key Specs

Image Size	Full-Frame
Focal Length	85mm
Maximum & Minimum Aperture	F1.2-F16
Angle of View (Diagonal)	28°30
Lens Construction	13 elements in 9 groups
Aperture Blades	9 (Circular)
Minimum Focusing Distance	2.79 ft./0.85 m
Maximum Magnification	0.12x
Image Stabilizer OIS	No
Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS	5 stops when used with a camera with IBIS
Filter Diameter	82mm
Maximum Outer Diameter x Length	Φ4.06 in. / Φ103.2mm x 4.62 in. / 117.3 mm
Weight	Approx. 2.63 lbs. / 1,195g

Pros:

• Excellent image quality
• Amazingly sharp at f/1.2 right across the frame
• Beautiful bokeh
• Distortion free
• Practically no color fringing or chromatic aberrations
• Superb build quality

Cons:

• Large and heavy
• No image stabilization
• Very expensive
• Focus noise from AF motor can be an issue for video

What’s in the Box

• RF85mm F1.2 L USM
• Lens Cap E-82II
• Lens Dust Cap RF
• Lens Hood ET-89
• Lens Case LP1424 

Review

If you’re interested in learning more about the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens, I recommend watching this review by Christopher Frost. It’s highly informative and provides valuable insights into the lens’s design, performance, and features.

7. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM

The Canon RF 70-200 F2.8L IS USM lens is impressively compact compared to its EF predecessor, yet despite its size it still delivers excellent image quality.

With a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and Canon’s L branding, this lens was never going to be cheap. For a more affordable 70-200mm option to use with your R5 Mark II, consider the Canon RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM.

This short introductory video from Canon provides a quick look at the key features of this lens.

The Dual Nano USM focus motor in the Canon RF 70-200 F2.8L IS USM lens is both fast and quiet, ensuring accurate focus and making it much easier to keep track of action.

This lens is an excellent choice for portraits, events, weddings, sports, and many other scenarios. It is constructed with 17 elements in 13 groups, including aspherical and Super UD elements, and features SWC and Super Spectra coatings. As an L-series lens, it is weather-sealed with fluorine coatings that help protect against dust and water.

Key features include a minimum focusing distance of 2.3 feet (0.7 meters) and a nine-blade circular aperture diaphragm. The filter thread is 77mm and image stabilization is up to 5 stops, or up to 8 stops when paired with the R5 II’s in-body stabilization.

The lens also includes a customizable control ring at the base, in addition to the zoom and focus rings. The IS switch offers three modes: Mode 1 for general shooting, Mode 2 for panning shots, and Mode 3, which engages the IS system only when the shutter is released to conserve battery power.

The lens measures approximately 3.54 inches (89.9mm) in diameter and 5.75 inches (146.0mm) in length, and it weighs approximately 2.36 pounds (1,070 grams) with the included tripod mount.

Key Specs

Image Size	Full-Frame
Focal Length (mm)	70-200mm
Maximum & Minimum Aperture	F2.8-F32
Angle of View (Diagonal)	34° – 12°
Lens Construction	17 elements in 13 groups
Aperture Blades	9 (Circular)
Minimum Focusing Distance	2.3 ft./0.7m
Maximum Magnification	0.23x
Image Stabilizer OIS	5 stops
Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS	7.5 stops
Filter Diameter	77mm
Maximum Outer Diameter x Length	Approx. Ø3.54 in. / Ø89.9mm x Approx. 5.75 in. / 146.0mm
Weight	Approx. 2.36 lbs. / 1,070g (Without tripod mount included) Approx. 2.64 lbs. / 1,200g (When mounted on the tripod mount)

Pros:

• Very light and compact in size
• Extremely fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus
• Highly effective image stabilization system
• Beautiful bokeh, contrast and color rendering
• Very good central sharpness
• Good control of aberrations and lens flare

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not compatible with the 1.4x or 2x extenders
• Tripod foot is not Arca-Swiss compatible
• A little corner softness at the maximum aperture

What’s in the Box

• RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM
• Lens Cap E-77II
• Lens Hood ET-83F (WIII)
• Lens Pouch LP-1424 

Review

If you’d like to learn more about the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM lens then this review from Dustin Abbott is definitely worth watching.

8. Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM

The Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM is an excellent macro lens for the R5II, featuring a wide maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a minimum aperture of f/32.

This lens delivers outstanding sharpness across the frame, well-controlled chromatic aberrations, and excellent flare resistance. The Dual Nano USM focus motor is both very fast and silent.

The lens offers a maximum magnification of 1.4x and a minimum focusing distance of just 0.86 feet (10.2 inches) / 0.26 meters.

Constructed with 17 elements in 13 groups, it also features 9 circular aperture blades and is weather-sealed for durability.

It provides 5 stops of optical image stabilization (IS) correction within the lens body, which increases to 8 stops when paired with the R5II that features in-body image stabilization (IBIS).

The RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM features Canon’s first adjustable Spherical Aberration (SA) control ring on the lens barrel. This ring allows you to adjust the depiction of the image’s background bokeh, adding a unique emphasis to your imagery. A minus setting creates a dreamy, soft-focused look, while a plus setting creates a bubble-bokeh effect.

The lens has a 67mm filter thread and measures approximately 3.21 inches x 5.83 inches (81.5mm x 148mm). It weighs about 1.6 pounds (25.8 ounces) / 730 grams.

If you’re looking for a macro lens for the R5 Mark II, then this lens is definitely worth considering.

For a closer look at the capabilities of this excellent lens, check out this video from Canon ambassador and macro photographer Oliver Wright.

Key Specs

Image Size	Full-Frame
Focal Length	100mm
Maximum & Minimum Aperture	F2.8-F32
Angle of View (Diagonal)	24°00′
Lens Construction	17 elements in 13 groups
Aperture Blades	9 (Circular)
Minimum Focusing Distance	0.86 ft. (10.2 in.) /0.26 m.
Maximum Magnification	1.4x (Fills frame with subject 1.0 x 0.67 inches / 25 x 17mm in size)
Image Stabilizer OIS	5 stops optical IS correction lens body
Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS	Up to 8 stops Coordinated IS correction with a supported camera body
Filter Diameter	67mm
Maximum Outer Diameter x Length	Approx. 3.21 in x 5.83 in. / 81.5mm x 148mm
Weight	Approx. 1.6 lbs. (25.8 oz) / 730g

Pros:

• Excellent sharpness across the frame
• Magnification up to 1.4x
• Fast and silent autofocus
• Up to 8 stops of image stabilization with the R5 Mark II
• Beautiful color and great contrast 
• Chromatic aberrations are well controlled
• Very good flare resistance
• Smooth bokeh

Cons:

• Focus can shift when changing aperture

What’s in the Box

• RF100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM
• Lens cap E-67II
• Lens hood ET-73C
• Lens pouch LP1222 

Review

If you’d like to learn more about the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM lens, this review from DPReview is very helpful and provides further insights into its features and performance.

9. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM

The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM is a full-frame telephoto lens with the premium build quality expected from Canon’s L-series.

For those seeking an outstanding RF lens for shooting sports and wildlife, the RF 100-500 is an excellent choice.

Its autofocus is powered by Canon’s Dual Nano USM motors, providing fast, smooth, and near-silent AF. The lens features 5 stops of Image Stabilization, which increases to 6 stops when used with a camera equipped with In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), such as the R5 Mark II.

This zoom lens offers a versatile focal length range of 100-500mm (160-800mm full-frame equivalent) and a variable maximum aperture of F4.5-7.1, extending to zoom in.

The minimum focusing distance is 90 cm at 100mm and 120 cm at 500mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.33x.

Similar to the RF 100-400, the RF 100-500 lens supports Canon’s RF 1.4x and 2x Extenders. Using the 1.4x extender increases the focal length to 140-700mm and the aperture to F6.3-13, while the 2x extender boosts the focal length to 200-1000mm and the aperture to F9-18.

Canon USA’s Mason Higa takes a closer look at the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM lens in this video.

This video from wildlife photographer Robert Marc Lehmann and Canon Ambassador Richard Walch is also worth watching.

The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM lens is constructed from 20 elements in 14 groups and features 9 aperture blades with a 77mm front filter thread.

The lens includes dedicated rings for zoom, focus, and control, an MF/AF toggle switch, an IS (image stabilization) on/off switch, three IS modes, and a focus distance limiter switch with two settings (Full, 3m – Infinity). Additionally, there is a rotation-type torque ring adjustment to customize the zoom action from smooth to tight.

An adjustable lens collar allows easy rotation of the lens when mounted on a tripod or gimbal via the included lens foot/tripod mount.

As an L-series lens, it has dust and water-resistant seals, allowing you to continue shooting even in adverse weather conditions. However, it is advisable to use a waterproof cover if shooting in wet weather for extended periods.

The lens measures approximately 3.69 inches (93.8mm) in diameter and 8.17 inches (207.6mm) in length when retracted, extending to around 11.71 inches (297.6mm) at full zoom. It weighs 53.79 ounces (3.36 pounds / 1525 grams) with the tripod mount.

Included in the box are the Lens Hood ET-83F (WIII) and the Lens Case LZ1328.

I own this lens myself, and it rarely leaves my R5. Here’s a shot of a beautiful male chaffinch in our garden.

If you don’t feel that 500mm is long enough then you might want to consider the Canon RF 200-800 F6.3-9 IS USM lens as an alternative.

Key Specs

Image Size	Full-Frame
Focal Length	100-500mm
Maximum & Minimum Aperture	F4.5-F54
Angle of View (Diagonal)	24° – 5°
Lens Construction	20 elements in 14 groups
Aperture Blades	9 (Circular)
Minimum Focusing Distance	At 100mm: 2.95 ft. / 0.9m At 300 mm: 3.28 ft. / 1m At 500mm: 3.94 ft. / 1.2m
Maximum Magnification	At 100mm: 0.12x At 500mm: 0.33x
Image Stabilizer OIS	5 stops optical IS correction lens body
Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS	Up to 6 stops Coordinated IS correction with a supported camera body
Filter Diameter	77mm
Maximum Outer Diameter x Length	Shortest (wide): Approx. 3.69 in x 8.17 in. / 93.8mm x 207.6mm Longest (tele): Approx. 3.69 in x 11.71 in. / 93.8mm x 297.6mm
Weight	Approx. 3.0 lbs. / 1365g (No tripod mount) Approx. 0.35 lbs / 160g (Tripod only)

Pros:

• Useful focal length of 100-500
• Excellent image quality
• Reasonably light at 1525g with the tripod mount
• Lens hood is included
• Very fast and accurate autofocus
• 0.33x magnification
• 1.4x and 2x extenders supported
• 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

What’s in the Box

• RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
• Lens cap E-77II
• Lens hood ET-83F (WIII)
• Lens case LZ1328 

Review

To learn more about the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L lens we would recommend watching this excellent review from Christopher Frost.

10. Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM

The Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM lens delivers outstanding image quality and impressive background blur. The maximum f/1.8 aperture, combined with image stabilization helps to keep ISO settings low and reduce noise.

The Nano USM focus motor is both fast and quiet, providing accurate focus and excellent image quality.

This lens is a great choice for portraits, events, weddings, sports, and many other scenarios.

Constructed with 17 elements in 12 groups, including three Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) elements, the lens ensures superior optical performance.

Key features include a minimum focusing distance of 70cm (27.6 inches) and a nine-blade aperture diaphragm.

The lens has an 82mm front filter thread and uses Canon’s Air Sphere Coating to minimize flares and ghosting, along with a fluorine coating on the front element.

Image stabilization offers up to 5.5 stops of compensation (CIPA-rated), which increases to 8 stops when paired with a camera that has in-body stabilization.

The lens also includes a customizable control ring in front of the focus ring and two lens function buttons. It is weather-sealed to protect against moisture and dust.

The lens measures 130mm (5.1 inches) in length by 89mm (3.5 inches) in diameter and weighs approximately 935g (32.98 ounces).

Key Specs

Image Size	Full Frame
Focal Length	135mm
Maximum & Minimum Aperture	F1.8 – F22
Angle of View (Diagonal)	Approx. 18° 00’
Lens Construction	17 elements in 12 groups
Aperture Blades	Circular (9 blades)
Minimum Focusing Distance	0.70m (2.3 ft)
Maximum Magnification	0.26x
Image Stabilizer OIS	5.5 stops optical IS correction lens body
Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS	Up to 8 stops Coordinated IS correction with a supported camera body
Filter Diameter	82mm
Maximum Outer Diameter x Length	Approx. ø3.5 in. x 5.3 in. (ø89.2mm x 130.3mm)
Weight	Approx. 33 oz. / 2.1 lb. / 935g

Pros:

• Excellent image quality
• Very good chromatic aberration control
• Beautiful bokeh
• Fast and quiet AF motor
• Image stabilization

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not compatible with the 1.4x and 2x extenders

What’s in the Box

• RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM lens
• Lens Hood ET-88B
• Lens Case LP1319
• Lens Cap E-82II
• Dust Cap RF

Review

If you’d like to learn more about the Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM lens, this review from Christopher Frost is very helpful and provides detailed insights into its features and performance.

11. Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM

I had planned this as a top ten list of RF lenses for the R5II but I couldn’t possibly exclude the phenomenal Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens.

The RF 100-300mm f/2.8 maintains the quality and speed that 300mm f/2.8 shooters are looking for while adding the versatility of a zoom that widens up to 100mm.

This very versatile focal range makes it a great choice for a variety of photographic applications, including sports, wildlife, and portrait photography.

It is an L-series lens with high-quality optics and robust build quality. The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and consistent exposure settings throughout the zoom range.

The EF version of this lens was a prime 300mm f/2.8, but despite the switch to a zoom lens this lens retains the bright and constant f/2.8 maximum aperture as well as excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range, even with the 1.4x or 2x extenders attached.

The Dual Nano USM system uses both a ring type USM and an STM mechanism to realize quick and accurate focusing. The smooth and nearly silent focusing suits both photography and video applications and there is also full-time manual focus control available.

The internal focusing and zoom design maintains the overall length of the lens during shooting and this also provides much more robust weather sealing.

As phenomenal as this lens is it also comes with a phenomenal price tag of around $9,499!

Key Specs

Image Size	Full Frame
Focal Length	100-300mm
Maximum & Minimum Aperture	F2.8 – F22
Angle of View (Diagonal)	24° to 8° 15′
Lens Construction	23 Elements in 18 Groups
Aperture Blades	Circular (9 blades)
Minimum Focusing Distance	5.9′ / 1.8 m
Maximum Magnification	0.06 to 0.16x
Image Stabilizer OIS	5.5 stops optical IS correction lens body
Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS	Up to 6 stops Coordinated IS correction with a supported camera body
Filter Diameter	112 mm
Maximum Outer Diameter x Length	Approx. ø5 in. x 12.7 in. (ø128mm x 323.4mm)
Weight	Approx. 5.7 lb. / 2590g

Pros:

• Spectacular image quality
• Lightning-fast autofocus
• Feature-rich
• 1.4 & 2x extenders supported

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Big and heavy
• Large 112mm filter thread

What’s in the Box

• Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
• Canon E-112 Lens Cap
• Canon Lens Dust Cap RF
• Canon ET-124 Lens Hood
• Lens Soft Case LS100-300
• Canon Wide Lens Strap B
• Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Review

If you’d like to learn more about the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens, this review from Chris Niccolls for Petapixel is worth a watch.

Complete RF Lenses List & Latest Firmware

Please visit our Canon RF Lenses List for a complete list of Canon RF and RF-S lenses including extenders, adapters, third-party lenses and the latest firmware versions.

Canon R5 Mark II Guides & Resources