Best Lenses for Canon EOS R5 Mark II

Short answer: Which lenses are best for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II?

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is the best all-round lens for the EOS R5 Mark II, and the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is the best portrait prime. The R5 Mark II has a 45-megapixel full-frame stacked sensor, so lenses that resolve fine detail make the most of it. Add the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM for landscapes and interiors, the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for sports and portraits, and the RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM for close-ups.

What should a lens for the R5 Mark II offer?

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II has a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor and fast burst shooting, according to Wikipedia's entry on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. A high-resolution body shows lens weaknesses, so sharp optics matter. Look for:

• High resolving power. Canon's L-series lenses are designed for high-resolution bodies.
• Image stabilization. The body has in-body stabilization, and many RF lenses add optical stabilization that works together with it.
• Fast autofocus. Nano USM and ring USM motors keep up with the body's tracking.
• Weather sealing. The R5 Mark II is weather-sealed, so sealed L lenses suit it.

Which lenses are the top picks?

The ranges and apertures are from Canon's lens line-up; check the maker's page for weights, prices and current availability.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

This is the standard workhorse zoom. A constant f/2.8 aperture and image stabilization let it cover wide scenes and half-length portraits without changing lenses. It is a common first L lens for R5-series owners.

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM

For landscapes, architecture and tight interiors, this wide zoom gives a dramatic perspective. The constant f/2.8 aperture also helps in dim interiors and for astrophotography. See the best lenses for architectural photography for alternatives.

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

This telephoto zoom suits sports, portraits and wildlife at moderate distances. It is smaller than Canon's older EF version because it retracts when not in use. For longer reach, a 100-500mm zoom is a common companion. More options are in the best Canon lenses for sports.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

A portrait photographer's lens. The f/1.2 aperture creates strong background blur and works well in low light, though the lens is large and costly. A cheaper option is covered in the best lens for portraits on Canon.

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

This macro lens focuses close for detail work and also makes a flattering portrait lens. Its stabilization helps for handheld close-ups. See the Canon RF macro lens guide.

How to choose

• Pick by subject. Landscapes need a wide zoom; sports need a telephoto; portraits need a fast prime.
• Start with one zoom. A 24-70mm f/2.8 covers most needs before specialist lenses are added.
• Rent before buying. Renting an expensive L lens for a weekend is a low-risk way to test it.
• Compare against the R5. Lens choices for the original EOS R5 also work with the Mark II. See the best lenses for the Canon EOS R5.

More picks

• Canon RF 24–70mm f/2.8L IS USM — View on Amazon
• Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM — View on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Do EF lenses work on the R5 Mark II? Yes, with Canon's EF-EOS R mount adapter, although native RF lenses give the best autofocus performance.

Is the RF 24-105mm f/4L a good alternative? Yes. It is lighter and cheaper than the f/2.8 zoom, and its longer range suits travel.

Are third-party lenses available? Canon restricts third-party autofocus lenses on some RF bodies, so check compatibility before buying.

Which lens is best for video on the R5 Mark II? The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is a common choice because of its stabilization and constant aperture.