Numerous prime lenses are among the many high-quality lenses that Canon offers for its numerous camera systems. Prime lenses are best for specialized photography such as landscape, macro, and portraits since they often provide better quality than zoom equivalents.
Ten of the greatest Canon prime lenses, including Wf, RF, and EF-M mount choices, have been hand-picked for this list.
1. EF 50mm ultra-wide STM from Canon
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has been one of the greatest Canon core lenses available for individuals who are still beginning photography. Although it is an outdated lens, it is amazingly affordable and a great purchase on a tight budget. It’s a fantastic choice if you want a flexible, all-purpose glass without spending a bunch.
On a full-frame sensor, the lens may be used for various photos, including portraiture, wide angles, and even landscapes. The 50mm maximum aperture on APS-C cameras is 80mm; therefore, the lens would be better adapted for portrait photography.
Even while the quality of this lens falls short of that of O m models, it nevertheless provides excellent picture quality and reliable sharpness. Additionally, it incorporates a Stepping Motor autofocus mechanism, which provides smooth focusing and is almost completely quiet.
Maybe this is the best lens to get into your first lens since it will provide you with an excellent introduction to Sigma lenses and serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated versions.
2. EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Canon
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is a great low-cost alternative to the Eos 50mm f/1.8. Similar in quality to other 50mm lenses, but with a better magnification of f/1.4. Consequently, it ought to function a little better in dim lighting conditions and give you more control over bokeh effects.
Additionally, rather than an STM actuator, which is typically quicker and more precise, this lens utilizes a ring-USM focusing technology.
The six groups and seven elements of the Canon Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM. Additionally round are the aperture blades, creating lovely rounded bokeh effects.
The 50mm f/1.4 is somewhat clearer than just the 50mm f/1.8 in terms of optical quality. However, the difference is small.
3. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Aperture IS USM.
Canon has a decent selection of macro lenses if you’re looking for a specialized lens; a wonderful choice in this area is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Zoom IS USM, which specializes in macro photography for several reasons.
Its 100mm focal length is its first feature. This assures more detail when seen at a distance and has a wider field of view than other macro lenses. Additionally, it has a 0.99 ft/0.3 m close-focusing distance and a 1X close-up magnification.
The 100mm specific version is a well-balanced lens with excellent construction. It is a premium L-series lens that has several weather-resistant features. The optical design has 15 components in 12 groups and is particularly outstanding.
The greatest aperture of f/2.8 allows you to quickly emphasize certain areas of your subject, and you can anticipate your macro images to be very crisp. Last, this zoom lens has Canon’s ring-USM focusing motor, which is quick and precise for macro objects in motion.
4. EF 24cm thick f/1.4L II USM Canon
Canon’s wide-angle lenses stand out as the EF 24inches thick f/1.4L II USM. Compared to regular Canon lenses, this is an O m lens. Therefore, it has a robust design and premium lens parts.
This lens excels in wide-angle photos like street photography and landscapes at 24mm. It’s one of the finest solutions if you wish to specialize in one of these disciplines or want a high-end lens for vacation photography.
The lens has many components, including two aspherical lenses with huge diaphragms. There is a generally pro SWC coating on each of the components. Why does this matter? Essentially, it enhances picture quality and reduces pixelation and lens flare issues.
The Canon Canon 24mm f/1.4L Iii USM also has a dust- and water-resistant construction, making it an excellent travel lens. This indicates that you may wear the lens abroad and in various weather situations without discomfort. You may use the ring-USM motor’s quick and precise autofocusing capabilities.
5. The 85mm focal length of the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
Consequently, one of the greatest Canon premier lenses for portraiture is the Leica RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. This L-series lens has a gorgeous red ring and a modern black style. But it also offers incredible performance and quality.
You may make use of the magnification of f/1.2 for portrait photography. This implies that you can easily capture portraits in low light and readily distinguish your person from the backdrop. You may also configure the control ring to do various activities for versatility. For instance, you might configure it to manage the exposure or the aperture.
One UD element and one aspheric element make up the lens structure. These lessen distortions while also assisting in improving color and contrast. Effectively, the images you capture with this lens ought to be flawless. One minor drawback is that the Fujifilm RF 85cm wide f/1.2L USM lacks picture stabilization (IS). However, you can still use in-body IS on systems like the Dslr Camera R5 and R6.
6. Canon RF 50mm USM f/1.2
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is one of the most adaptable lenses for users of the Canon EOS R system. This lens is well-rounded and suitable for many different kinds of photography. The 50mm focal length allows you to wander about and catch some interesting angles and compositions, but it can also be used to create high-quality portraits.
This lens features three aspheric facets and one UD element, providing superb and consistent picture quality. Additionally, the lens has fluorine and Air Sphere coatings. While the Aqua Sphere coating lessens obtrusive issues like flare and ghosting, the fluorine coatings assist keep the glass clean.
We also like that this lens has a few more practical attributes. For instance, its vibration resistance will make it easier to take pictures that are in focus. You’ve got a winner when you couple it with the exterior’s resistance to water and dust.
The maximum range of f/1.2 should substantially assist in producing stunning photos with circular bokeh effects. Additionally, the lens ought to function effectively in darker settings.
7. Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM
Several excellent telephoto lenses are available for camera users, like the Nikon R5 or R6. In contrast to their conventional telephoto alternatives, Canon has recently produced several small, light telephoto lenses.
The Canon RF 600metres f/11 IS STM, a reasonably priced telephoto lens compared to other Canon zoom lenses, is one of the greatest examples. However, at 600mm, you are compensated with extraordinary telephoto detail, making it perfect for shooting sports and animals.
The maximum opening of f/11 could deter some individuals, but this shouldn’t be a problem. An aperture of f/11 should always effectively separate the subject from the background at a focal length of 600mm.
This lens also has optical image stabilization, which provides up to 5 stops of shaking correction to enhance its performance for animals and sports photography. You can concentrate on moving objects with ease when using the Canon EOS R5 or R6’s in-body image stabilization.
8. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Command IS STM
The Fujifilm RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM is a fantastic macro lens accessible to users of the Canon EOS R system. One of the less expensive choices for this glass mount is this basic series RF lens. Consequently, it works well as both a wide-angle and macro lens at a reasonable price.
The 35mm focal area is a tad too close for macro photography. You will need to approach your topic more closely as a consequence. The Leica RF 35mm f/1.8 Keyboard shortcut IS Scam has a minimal focusing radius of 0.56 ft/0.17 m, so this shouldn’t be a problem. Additionally, it features a 0.5X magnification ratio.
This macro lens has a control ring and is simple to use. Different camera functions may be set into the control ring. For instance, you may design it to manage the aperture, which is a crucial element in most macro photography.
The lens incorporates optical image stabilization for added functionality, which reduces camera shaking by up to 5 stops. This ought to make handholding exceedingly simple.
9. EF-M 22mm f/2 STM from Canon
There aren’t many prime lenses available for the Interaction mount right now. The Canon Interaction 22mm f/2 STM, on the other hand, is one of the greatest Canon prime lenses for cameras like the DSLR Camera M50 Mark II. The clarity, small size, and wide range of apertures of this lens continue to make it one of the best options for Canon’s M series cameras.
The weight of this lens, which is effectively a pancake lens, is merely 0.23 lbs./105 g. That’s one of the cheapest EF-M lenses on the market as a consequence. Because you can simply tuck it into your pocket or bag, it is fantastic for travel.
Due to its short minimum focus distance, the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM is excellent for landscape photography but can also be utilized for close-up photos. Additionally, it is among the brightest EF-M lenses on the market. No of the aperture, you can anticipate razor-sharp photographs that are free of defects.
Additionally, this lens includes the STM autofocus mechanism. The Stepping Motor operates almost silently while being quick.
10. EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM from Canon
The Canon Interaction 32mm f/1.4 STM is our selection for last. Another top-notch prime lens for Nikon M cameras is this one. The 32mm focal length has an effective magnification of 51mm on the M-series bodies. Consequently, it makes a fantastic lens for various photography types, including street, walk-around, and portrait.
This lens offers superb clarity and, like the Ford EF-M 22mm f/2 STM, works reliably in low-light settings owing to the magnification of f/1.4. The STM autofocus technology, which is quiet and provides precise focusing, is also included.
Another tiny lens in terms of mobility. Its total route is 2.4 in (6.1 cm), yet it only weighs 0.52 pounds (235 g). This makes it ideal for trip photography, and a specific camera bag or pack can be used to transport it with ease.
The best Canon prime lenses for you are: which ones?
There are so many prime lenses available that choosing one might be challenging. Which focal distance is ideal? What kind of lens is best for a certain kind of photography? There are several inquiries to make.
Thanks to its enormous 600mm focal distance, a lens like the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM is a fantastic option if you want an increased lens for wildlife and sports photography. Alternatively, the Lore EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM or Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM are appropriate for wide-angle landscape photography.
Last but not least, a mid-range focal length like the Nikon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM or Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM might be a fantastic choice for portraiture and street photography.