Canon has long been known for their zoom lenses instead of their primes amongst professional photographers. So when the Canon EOS R6 Mk II came out, we chose some of the best zoom lenses you can get your hands on. Indeed, this is a camera designed for those that need better autofocus and high ISO output. And so we dove into our Reviews Index to find the best lenses for the Canon EOS R6 Mk II. Take a look!
The Phoblographer’s various product round-up features are done in-house. Our philosophy is simple: you wouldn’t get a Wagyu beef steak review from a lifelong vegetarian. And you wouldn’t get photography advice from someone who doesn’t touch the product. We only recommend gear we’ve fully reviewed. If you’re wondering why your favorite product didn’t make the cut, there’s a chance it’s on another list. If we haven’t reviewed it, we won’t recommend it. This method keeps our lists packed with industry-leading knowledge. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Table of Contents
Pro Tips on Using the Zooms in This Guide to the Best Lenses for the Canon EOS R6 Mk II
Here’s some insight into using this guide to the best lenses for the Canon EOS R6 Mk II:
- We selected these as the best lenses for the Canon EOS R6 Mk II because of a few reasons. First off, we think that most photographers getting this camera will be doing portraiture and event-style work. And of the zoom lenses that Canon has in their lineup, these are the top of the line for that stuff. Of course, these are all Canon L lenses, which is the company’s best stuff.
- The best lenses for the Canon EOS R6 Mk II are all weather resistant. So you’ll be able to take the lenses and camera into some of the toughest conditions and know that it will work.
- Canon RF zoom lenses have three or more. One is for programmable functions, another is for focusing, and yet another could be for some special function that’s inherent to the lens.
- We’ve tested all these zoom lenses ourselves. The images you see in this roundup were shot by our staff. There are also links to our full reviews to supplement the quotes here. We recommend you dive into our full reviews to determine whether these lenses are you for.
- The best lenses for the Canon EOS R6 Mk II here are sharp, but they’re not clinical. If you don’t want the clinical look some other brands offer, then reach for Canon lenses. That’s especially the case with the 100mm Macro lens that has a special rendering option.
- Canon, as of this publishing in March 2023, reserves weather resistance for their L-branded lenses. These lenses have a red ring around the front and are affectionately called their Luxury lenses. Weather resistance helps with durability over the long-run, even if you’re not going into inclement weather.
- These lenses tend to be heavy, at least that’s the case with the “L” lenses.
- Take a look at our entire guide to Canon RF L lenses in addition to our guide to all of Canon’s RF lenses. And check out our Canon EOS R6 Mk II review.
CANON RF 15-35MM F2.8 L IS USM
Pros
- Gorgeous bokeh
- Weather sealing
- Pretty fast autofocus, much faster than the DSLR versions
- Build quality is solid.
- The textured, matte feel is nice.
- The control ring around the lens feels like an organic aperture ring.
- People simply look good with this lens attached.
Cons
- Expensive, but when you consider what this lens is, then it makes sense for what you do
- Though it sort of isn’t needed, image stabilization would have been nice due to the size.
What We Think
In our review, we state:
This is the first time I have personally awarded any product a perfect score of five out of five stars. The Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8 L IS USM has truly won me over. Despite a couple of minor things that should be expected (vignetting and a little distortion) with a lens like this, the Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8 L IS USM is perfect, and it would make an excellent addition to any Canon photographer’s library of lenses. If you would like to add one to your collection, you can pick one up for $2,299.
You can buy this lens at Amazon.
Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8 L IS USM
Pros
- Fast-focusing abilities
- Sharp image quality
- Very lightweight
- Built incredibly well
- Well balanced and smaller than the Sony G Master
- Image stabilization
- Fairly priced
Cons
- I don’t have one
What We Think
In our review, we state:
The Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8 L IS USM is an excellent lens for the Canon photographer. It makes the system more usable and sensible. It’s a lens targeted to professional photographers. Those photographers will be able to justify the investment not only because of the image stabilization but also because of the lightweight and small size. The lens is portable when working on location. Beyond that, the image quality is outstanding. While it’s such, it’s still not going to outdo Nikon’s 24-70mm lens. Canon’s zoom lenses have typically been their best, and to me, this isn’t comparing to the 28-70mm f2 that much. If I were to compare the Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8 L IS USM and their RF 28-70mm f2 L USM, I’d say the f2 lens is designed for the photographer who really demands the highest-end image quality and the most innovation. The Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8 L IS USM is more of a lens that helps it catch up to the rest while also providing image stabilization. To that end, it’s a lens I’m considering purchasing because of how satisfied I am with the results (while also balancing the fact that I need a zoom lens these days).
You can buy this lens at Amazon.
CANON RF 70-200MM F2.8 L IS USM
PROS
- It’s small
- See above
- Beautiful bokeh
- Pretty close focusing
- Nice, sharp images
- Fast-focusing and tracking
- Weather sealing
CONS
- The tripod collar is too large for its own good. Rotating it will only guarantee that it gets in the way of using the lens
- The control ring should probably be closer to the front of the lens, but we’re not sure how many folks are using it
What We Think
In our review, we state:
We’re going to be honest here; the Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM isn’t exactly an impulse buy for all of us. But for those who earn taxable income from their photography, it makes sense. Not only is there image stabilization and exceptional build quality, but it’s got beautiful image quality. The bokeh is nice and creamy even though there are better portrait lenses on the market. The colors you’ll get are going to be much better than most of what you see on the market. And finally, with Canon’s great autofocusing abilities, you’re going to nail a shot in the dark. The Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM deserves high marks all around.
You can buy this lens at Adorama.