Welcome to our Canon EOS R6 Mark II lenses guide. In this guide you’ll find our top ten recommendations for the best lenses to pair with your Canon EOS R6 Mark II in 2025.
We have also included a complete list of all Canon RF lenses on the market today along with the latest firmware version for each lens.
If you find this guide helpful you might also enjoy our Canon R6 Mark II Memory Card Guide where we have tested 23 cards in-camera to find out which cards perform best.
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- Compatible Lenses
The 10 Best Lenses+−
- 1. Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM
- 2. Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM
- 3. Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
- 4. Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
- 5. Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
- 6. Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
- 7. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
- 8. Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM
- 9. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM (or Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM)
- 10. Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
- Complete RF Lenses List & Latest Firmware
- Canon R6 Mark II Guides & Resources
Canon R6 Series Forum & Facebook Group
If you are looking for further help and advice on the Canon R6 Series or would simply like to share your photos and videos, then please head over to our friendly Forum. If you prefer Facebook then we also run the Canon R6 Shooters Group.
Compatible Lenses
The Canon R6 Mark II has 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.
The 10 Best Lenses
Here are our top ten lens recommendations for the Canon R6 Mark II including reviews worth watching to learn more about each lens.
Our complete list of all compatible RF and RF-S lenses together with the latest firmware version for each lens can also be found a little further down this article.
1. Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM
If you are looking for a wide-angle lens for landscape, cityscape or real estate photography then the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM lens is definitely worth considering.
The maximum aperture is f/4 and the minimum f/22. This lens delivers high levels of sharpness across the frame and zoom range, even into the corners. However it does suffer from heavy vignette at the wide-end and distortion at 14mm.
The Nano-USM focus system is quick, quiet and accurate. 5.5 stops of image stabilization is built into the lens and when combined with the R6 Mark II’s in-body stabilization this increases to 7 stops.
This intro video from Canon is worth watching to find out a little more about this excellent lens.
The lens is constructed of 16 elements in 12 groups and features 9 circular aperture blades. The minimum focussing distance is 7.9 in. (0.2m) and there’s a 77mm filter thread. The lens is also weather sealed.
On the lens barrel you’ll find a control ring towards the front of the lens and also two switches, an AF/MF switch and an on/off switch for the stabilizer.
The lens measures approx. Ø3.3 in. / Ø84.1 mm in diameter by approx. 3.9 in. / 99.8 mm in length. It weighs approx. 1.2 lb. / 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’d like to learn more about the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM lens then this review from Dustin Abbott is worth watching.
2. Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM
If the 14-35 F4 lens doesn’t quite tick all of your boxes then perhaps the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM lens will.
This lens delivers consistent performance across the frame and zoom range although it does suffer from heavy vignette at the wide-end which still remains after a correction profile is applied. The lens is also vulnerable to flare.
The Nano-USM focus system is quick, quiet and accurate. With its wide f/2.8 maximum aperture (minimum f/22) and L branding this is a high quality lens which also comes with a high price.
This intro video from Canon is worth watching to find out a little more about this excellent lens.
The lens is constructed of 16 elements in 12 groups and features 9 circular aperture blades. The minimum focussing distance is 0.92 ft./0.28 m and there’s a 82mm filter thread. The lens is also weather sealed.
5 stops of image stabilization is built into the lens and when combined with the R6 Mark II’s in-body stabilization this increases to 7 stops.
On the lens barrel you’ll find a control ring towards the front of the lens and also two switches, an AF/MF switch and an on/off switch for the stabilizer.
The lens measures approx. Ø3.48 in. / Ø88.5 mm in diameter by approx. 4.99 in. / 126.8 mm in length. It weighs approx. 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’d like to learn more about the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM lens then this review from Dustin Abbott is worth watching.
3. Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
The Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is a very useful zoom lens with a strong optical performance across the image frame and zoom range.
With its wide f/2.8 maximum aperture (minimum f/22) and L branding this is a high quality lens which also comes with a high price, although not as high as the Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM lens.
The Nano-USM (Ultrasonic Motor) is fast, quiet and importantly also very accurate.
The lens is constructed of 21 elements in 15 groups and features 9 circular aperture blades. The minimum focussing distance is 0.69 ft./0.21m at the wide end and 1.25 ft./0.38m at the telephoto lens. There’s an 82mm filter thread and the lens is also weather sealed.
5 stops of image stabilization is built into the lens and when combined with the R6 Mark II’s in-body stabilization this increases to 8 stops.
On the lens barrel you’ll find a control ring towards the front of the lens and also two switches, an AF/MF switch and an on/off switch for the stabilizer.
The lens measures approx. Ø3.48 in. / Ø88.5 mm in diameter by approx. 4.95 in. / 125.7 mm in length. It weighs approx. 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’d like to learn more about the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM lens then this review from Dustin Abbott is worth watching.
4. Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
The Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM is a full-frame lens with a very versatile focal range.
If you are looking for a lens that covers wide-angle, standard and telephoto focal lengths with a constant aperture of F4, then this might be the lens for you.
The autofocus is driven by Canon’s fast and ultra quiet Nano USM focus motor and there are 5-stops of Image Stabilization which increases to 8 stops when combined with the R6 Mark II’s IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization).
This zoom lens has a focal length of 24-105mm and a fast maximum aperture of F4, the minimum aperture is F22. This lens does extend to zoom.
The minimum focusing distance is 45cm and the maximum magnification is 0.24x.
Canon USA’s Technical Advisor, Jon Lorentz takes a closer look at the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM lens in this video.
The lens is constructed from 18 elements in 14 groups and it has 9 circular aperture blades and a 77mm front filter thread.
The lens features a dedicated zoom, focus and control ring, an MF/AF toggle switch and IS (image stabilization) on/off switch. There’s also a zoom lock switch that locks the lens at 24mm to prevent the lens from extending when carrying it around.
The lens measures approx. 3.29 in. (83.5mm) in diameter and 4.22 in (107.3mm) in length. It weighs in at 24.7 oz. / 1.54 lb. / 700g.
Thankfully unlike the more budget friendly RF lenses the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM does include the Bayonet Lens Hood EW-83N and also a drawstring soft pouch LP1319.
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 learn more about the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM lens we would recommending watching this review from Christopher Frost.
5. Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
The Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM offers outstanding image quality but this comes with an extremely high price. If you are looking for a more affordable nifty fifty then you may want to take a look at the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM instead.
The ring-type USM (Ultrasonic Motor) is pretty fast and moves the large and heavy glass elements effortlessly, although it’s not as quiet as Canon’s Nano-USM motors found in many of Canon’s RF lenses. Focus accuracy is spot on which is important when shooting at f/1.2.
The lens is constructed of 15 elements in 9 groups and features 10 circular aperture blades. The minimum focussing distance is 1.31 ft. / 0.40m and the lens is weather sealed.
There’s no image stabilization built into the lens but you’ll get 5 stops when used with the R6 Mark II’s in-body stabilization.
On the lens barrel you’ll find a control ring towards the front of the lens and also two switches, a focus limiter switch and a AF/MF switch.
The lens measures approx Φ3.54 in. / Φ89.8mm x 4.25 in. / 108.0mm. It weighs approx. 2.09 lb / 950 g.
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’d like to learn more about the Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM lens then this review from Tony & Chelsea is worth watching.
6. Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens delivers near perfect image quality across the frame even at its maximum aperture of f/1.2. This should really be expected since this is a very expensive lens.
If you’re a portrait, lifestyle or wedding photographer then this is definitely a lens you’ll want to take a much closer look at.
The focus motor isn’t the fastest or quietest which could be an issue for video shooters. There’s also no image stabilization built into the lens but you’ll get 5 stops when used with the R6 Mark II’s in-body stabilization.
The lens is weather sealed and constructed of 13 elements in 9 groups, there are also 9 (circular) aperture blades and a 82mm filter thread. The minimum focus distance is 2.79 ft./0.85 m.
On the lens barrel you’ll find a control ring towards the front of the lens and also two switches. There’s a focus limiter switch and a AF/MF switch.
The lens measures Φ4.06 in. / Φ103.2mm in diameter and 4.62 in. / 117.3 mm in length. It weighs approx. 2.63 lbs. / 1,195g.
Canon’s Rudy Wilson takes a closer look at the design, performance and optics of the RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens.
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’d like to learn more about the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens then this review from Christopher Frost is very useful.
7. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
The Canon RF 70-200 F2.8L IS USM lens is extremely compact compared to it’s EF predecessor yet it still manages to delivery excellent image quality.
With a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and Canon’s L branding this is most definitely not a cheap lens. If you are looking for a more affordable 70-200 lens to mount on your R6 Mark II then take a look at its little brother 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 is both fast and quiet and helps to deliver accurate focus making your job of tracking the action so much easier.
The Canon RF 70-200 F2.8L IS USM lens is a great choice for portraits, events, weddings, sports and many other events.
The lens is constructed of 17 elements in 13 groups, along with aspherical and Super UD elements, SWC and Super Spectra coatings. This L-series lens is weather-sealed and fluorine coatings help to guard against dust and water.
It has a minimum focusing distance of 2.3 ft./0.7m and features a nine-blade (circular) aperture diaphragm.
The filter thread is 77mm and image stabilization is up to 5 stops or 8 stops when paired with a camera with in-body stabilization like the R6 Mark II.
The lens also boasts a customizable control ring at the base of the lens, in addition to the zoom and focus rings. The IS switch offers 3 modes. Mode 1 is for general shooting, Mode 2 panning shots, and Mode 3 only engages the IS system when the shutter is released which helps to conserve battery power by not running the IS constantly.
The lens is approx. Ø3.54 in. / Ø89.9mm in diameter and approx. 5.75 in. / 146.0mm in length. It weighs approx. 2.36 lbs. / 1,070g 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 very helpful.
8. Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM
The Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM is a great macro lens for the R6 Mark II. It features a wide maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a minimum aperture of f/32.
This lens delivers excellent sharpness across the frame, well controlled chromatic aberrations and flare resistance, and a very fast and silent Dual Nano USM focus motor.
The maximum magnification is 1.4x and the minimum focussing distance is just 0.86 ft. (10.2 in.) /0.26 m.
The lens is constructed of 17 elements in 13 groups and it has 9 circular aperture blades. This lens is also weather sealed.
There are 5 stops of optical IS correction in the lens body itself, but this increases to 8 stops when paired with a camera like the R6 Mark II that features IBIS.
The RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM features Canon’s first adjustable Spherical Aberration (SA) control ring on the lens barrel that allows you to adjust the depiction of the image’s background bokeh. This can be used to add a unique emphasis to your imagery. A minus setting creates a dreamy, soft-focused look, while a Plus setting creates a bubble-bokeh-type look.
The lens has a 67mm filter thread and measures approx. 3.21 in x 5.83 in. / 81.5mm x 148mm. it weights in at approx. 1.6 lbs. (25.8 oz) / 730g.
If you are looking for a macro lens for the R6 Mark II then this lens is definitely worth considering.
This video from Canon ambassador and macro photographer Oliver Wright provides a closer look at what this excellent lens is capable of in the right hands.
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 R6 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 then this review from DPReview is very helpful.
9. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM (or Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM)
The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM is a full-frame telephoto lens with L-series build quality.
If you are looking for one of the best RF lenses for shooting sports and wildlife then you don’t really need to look any further than the RF 100-500.
The autofocus is driven by Canon’s Dual Nano USM motors that enable fast, smooth and near silent AF. 5-stops of Image Stabilization which increases to 6 stops when combined with a camera that features IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) such as the R6 Mark II.
This zoom lens has a wide focal length of 100-500mm (160-800mm full-frame equivalent) and a variable maximum aperture of F4.5-7.1, the lens extends to zoom in.
The minimum focusing distance is 90cm at 100mm and 120cm at 500mm. The maximum magnification is 0.33x.
Just like the RF 100-400, the RF 100-500 lens also supports Canon’s RF 1.4x and 2x Extenders. The 1.4x increases the focal length to 140-700mm and aperture to F6.3-13. The 2x increases the focal length to 200-1000mm and 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 lens is constructed from 20 elements in 14 groups and it has 9 aperture blades and a 77mm front filter thread.
The lens features a dedicated zoom, focus and control ring, an MF/AF toggle switch, an IS (image stabilization) on/off switch along with 3 IS modes and a focus distance limiter switch with 2 settings (Full, 3m – Infinity). There’s also a rotation-type torque ring adjustment that adjusts the zoom action from smooth to tight.
An adjustable lens collar allows you to easily rotate the lens when mounted on a tripod or gimbal via the included lens foot / tripod mount.
Being an L lens there are also dust and water resistant seals so you can carry on shooting even if the heavens open, although we would still recommend protecting your gear with a waterproof bag if you are shooting in wet weather for extended periods.
The lens measures approx. 3.69 in. (93.8mm) in diameter and 8.17 in. (207.6mm) in length when retracted, extending the zoom takes it to around 11.71 in. (297.6mm). It weighs in at 53.79 oz. / 3.36 lb. / 1525g with the tripod mount.
The Lens Hood ET-83F (WIII) is included in the box as is 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.
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 recommending watching this excellent review from Christopher Frost.
10. Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
This lens delivers outstanding image quality and very impressive background blur. The maximum f/1.8 aperture together with image stabilization will help you to keep the ISO settings low and reduce noise.
The Nano USM focus motor is both fast and quiet and helps to deliver accurate focus and outstanding image quality.
The Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM lens is a great choice for portraits, events, weddings, sports and many other events.
The lens is constructed of 17 elements in 12 groups, including three Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) elements.
It has a minimum focusing distance of 70cm (27.6″) and uses a nine-blade aperture diaphragm.
There’s a 82mm front filter thread and the lens uses Canon’s Air Sphere Coating for minimizing flares and ghosting, as well as a flourine coating on the front-most element.
Image stabilization is up to 5.5 stops of compensation (CIPA-rated) or 8 stops when paired with a camera with in-body stabilization.
You’ll find a customizable control ring in front of the focus ring and two lens functions buttons. This lens is also weather sealed to help keep moisture and dust at bay.
The lens measures 130mm (5.1″) long by 89mm (3.5″) in diameter and weighs in at around 935g / 32.98 Oz.
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 RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM lens then this review from Christopher Frost is very helpful.
Check Price & Buyer Reviews: Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens
At: B&H Photo | Amazon
And that’s it for our 10 best lens recommendations for the Canon R6 Mark II.
There are of course many more amazing RF lenses that you could pair with your R6 Mk II. Keep scrolling down to view our complete list.
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.
Very informative
Great review. Great camera and lens. Had the R6ii with the 100-500mm lens for a while now. Just wish they would drop the price and do away with the cashback offers – still waiting for my cashback after 3 months!!!!