This guide to the best Canon EOS RP lenses will give you all the advice you need to build out your perfect camera kit.
One thing I’ve learned after years of shooting is that investing in the right lenses is the number one way to improve your photography and expand your creativity.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS
Go-to lens offering superb image quality, excellent image stabilization, and a versatile zoom range.
As one of the most affordable full-frame mirrorless cameras out there, the EOS RP is a great tool for capturing images.
We’ve selected the best lenses for the RP, factoring in the entry-level price of the camera and its full-frame 26MP sensor.
Side note: if you only have the budget for one lens, go for our Editor’s Choice shown above. It’s great for everyday use.
Let’s take a closer look at the lens recommendations for your Canon EOS RP.
What are the Best Lenses for the Canon EOS RP in 2024?
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS (Best All-Around Zoom Lens for Canon EOS RP)
Pros
Incredible versatility for various photography styles.
Excellent image stabilization reduces camera shake.
Consistent f/4 maximum aperture for reliable exposure settings.
Superior image quality across the zoom range.
Cons
A bit heavy for prolonged handheld use.
Price may be steep for beginners.
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a dream lens for any Canon EOS RP user. This lens is a jack-of-all-trades, ideal for everything from landscapes to portraits.
Its constant f/4 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and depth of field control across its focal length range.
The lens’s image stabilization is a game-changer, making it easier to capture sharp images even when shooting handheld.
This is especially helpful for EOS RP users who love to shoot on the go.
The lens maintains superb image quality throughout its zoom range, ensuring that your photos are crisp and clear, whether you’re shooting at 24mm or 105mm.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, especially for landscape photography, consider the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. It’s much slower but offers incredible image stabilization and quality at a fraction of the price.
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM (Best Budget Prime Lens for Canon EOS RP)
Pros
Affordable price point for beginners.
Exceptional low light performance with f/1.8 aperture.
Compact and lightweight, perfect for everyday use.
Great for achieving beautiful bokeh effects.
Cons
Autofocus can be a bit noisy.
Plastic build, though durable, doesn’t feel premium.
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a fantastic choice for those using the Canon EOS RP, especially if you’re on a budget. This lens is a staple for its affordability and remarkable performance.
Its f/1.8 maximum aperture is a boon for shooting in low light conditions, allowing you to capture stunning images without cranking up the ISO.
Its compact size makes it an ideal everyday lens, perfect for casual outings or street photography.
The lens produces a beautiful bokeh effect, giving your portraits and close-ups that professional look.
The only thing to note is that its autofocus may not be the quietest, which could be a consideration for video work.
Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM (Best Budget Portrait Lens for Canon EOS RP)
Pros
Excellent for portraits with natural-looking compression.
Macro capability adds versatility.
Image stabilization is great for handheld shooting.
F/2 aperture is ideal for creating soft backgrounds.
Cons
Slower autofocus compared to more premium lenses.
Macro magnification isn’t life-size.
The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a versatile and budget-friendly lens for Canon EOS RP users, particularly suited for portrait photography.
The 85mm focal length is perfect for creating flattering portraits with a natural compression effect.
The f/2 aperture allows for lovely background blur, making your subject stand out.
Its macro capability is a bonus, letting you explore close-up photography without needing a separate lens.
Image stabilization is another plus, ensuring sharp images even when shooting handheld, a feature especially valuable in dynamic shooting scenarios.
While the autofocus isn’t the fastest, it’s accurate, making it a great choice for portrait photographers.
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM (Best Premium Portrait Lens for Canon EOS RP)
Pros
Unparalleled image quality and sharpness.
Exceptional bokeh with f/1.2 aperture.
Robust and weather-sealed construction.
Fast and accurate autofocus.
Cons
Quite heavy and bulky.
Premium price tag.
The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a top-tier lens for portrait photography with the Canon EOS RP.
Its f/1.2 aperture is not just about low light; it creates a dreamy bokeh that makes your subject pop with an almost three-dimensional effect.
The image quality is razor-sharp, a hallmark of Canon’s L-series lenses.
This lens is solidly built, with weather sealing that offers peace of mind in various shooting conditions.
Its autofocus is both speedy and precise, capturing fleeting moments with ease.
Keep in mind that it’s a substantial investment and quite hefty, so it might not be the first choice for casual shooters or those on a tight budget.
If this lens is out of your budget, consider the Canon RF100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM, which offers great portrait capabilities and macro functionality at nearly half the price.
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM (Best Premium Zoom Lens for Canon EOS RP)
Pros
Outstanding sharpness and color rendition.
Versatile focal range for various photography genres.
Robust build quality with weather sealing.
Fast and consistent f/2.8 aperture.
Cons
Higher price point than other zoom lenses.
Heavier, making it less ideal for travel.
The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is a powerhouse lens that’s a perfect match for the Canon EOS RP.
It offers a versatile zoom range that covers wide to short telephoto focal lengths.
The lens delivers exceptional sharpness and color accuracy, making it ideal for everything from landscapes to portraits.
Its robust build and weather sealing make it a reliable companion for outdoor shoots.
The constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range is a significant advantage, particularly in low-light conditions and for achieving a shallow depth of field.
While it’s a premium-priced lens, its performance and build quality justify the investment, especially for serious photographers.
If you’re looking for something faster and don’t mind a higher price, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L is a worthy alternative.
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM (Best Wide-Angle Lens for Canon EOS RP)
Pros
Ultra-wide field of view, perfect for landscapes and architecture.
Impressive f/2.8 maximum aperture for low light photography.
Integrated image stabilization, reducing blur from camera shake.
Exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion.
Cons
Heavier build, potentially challenging for handheld shooting.
Premium pricing might be a consideration for budget-conscious photographers.
The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is a powerhouse for wide-angle photography, offering a dynamic range that brings vast scenes into frame with clarity and detail.
The bright f/2.8 aperture excels in low light, making it a go-to lens for both daytime and nighttime landscapes.
Its built-in image stabilization makes it suitable for handheld shooting, ensuring sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
While its weight and cost may be considerations, its performance justifies the investment, especially for those looking to expand their creative horizons.
For a less expensive option, check out the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L, which also has plenty to offer as a wide-angle lens.
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L (Best Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS RP)
Pros
Razor-sharp image quality at all focal lengths.
Fast f/2.8 aperture, ideal for low light and depth of field control.
Robust image stabilization for handheld shooting.
Compact design, unusual for a lens with this range and aperture.
Cons
Premium price point, reflecting its high-end specifications.
May be heavier than some alternatives, impacting portability.
The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L is a telephoto triumph, merging exceptional clarity and versatility in a surprisingly compact package.
Its f/2.8 aperture affords photographers the ability to capture stunning shots in various light conditions, with a beautiful bokeh effect for portrait and wildlife photography.
The lens’s image stabilization is a key feature, significantly reducing the impact of camera shake.
While its price and weight are points to consider, its performance and build quality make it a valuable asset for serious photographers.
If this lens doesn’t fit your budget, you can also try the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS as a cheaper alternative.
If you’re the type to head out on birding or wildlife adventures, you’d be better suited to the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L, which gives you more reach.
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L (Best Macro Lens for Canon EOS RP)
Pros
Unmatched 1.5x magnification for close-up photography.
Superb image quality with minimal distortion.
Hybrid image stabilization, ideal for macro shooting.
Versatile for both macro and portrait photography.
Cons
Higher price point compared to standard macro lenses.
Heavier design may require additional support for prolonged use.
The Canon RF100mm f/2.8 L is a macro marvel, offering photographers a unique 1.5x magnification ratio that brings the smallest details to life.
This lens excels in rendering crisp, detailed images, perfect for capturing the intricate beauty of nature and small objects.
Its hybrid image stabilization is particularly beneficial for macro photography, where even the slightest movement can affect image clarity.
While the lens is a bit heavier and pricier, its unparalleled close-up capabilities make it a must-have for macro enthusiasts.
Your best option if you’re looking for an ultra-macro lens is the much more affordable Venus Optics Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2X.
What Kind of Lens Does the Canon EOS RP Use?
The Canon EOS RP uses RF mount lenses.
This mount is designed specifically for Canon’s EOS R series of mirrorless cameras.
RF lenses are known for their high image quality and advanced features.
They offer faster communication with the camera body, enhancing autofocus and image stabilization.
You can also use EF and EF-S lenses with an adapter.
This flexibility allows you to access a wide range of Canon lenses, both new and old.
Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or macro, there’s a lens for every need.
How Do You Change Lenses on Canon EOS RP?
Changing lenses on the Canon EOS RP is straightforward and easy.
First, make sure your camera is turned off. This helps to protect the sensor from dust.
Locate the lens release button near the lens mount.
Press and hold this button down.
While holding the button, gently twist the lens counter-clockwise.
The lens will unlock from the camera body.
Now, remove the lens by pulling it straight out.
To attach a new lens, align the lens mount markers on the camera and lens. (The markers are usually a red dot on the Canon EOS RP and lens.)
Gently twist the new lens clockwise until you hear a click.
This click signals that the lens is securely attached.
Always handle lenses with care to avoid damage.
