Best Pick

Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM

92.2 Video/Cinema Score
45mm f/1.2 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its standout f/1.2 maximum aperture on a full-frame sensor delivers exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for portraiture. The lens is remarkably compact and lightweight for its speed, and its STM motor and customizable control ring enhance usability. This prime is best for portrait photographers and content creators who prioritize creamy bokeh and a portable, fast-aperture setup over weather sealing or extreme close-focusing.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN

78.1 Video/Cinema Score
16mm f/1.4 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

With an f/1.4 maximum aperture across all three prime lenses, this set provides excellent low-light performance and subject isolation for APS-C cameras. The trio covers a versatile 16mm, 30mm, and 56mm focal length range, offering a complete kit for various shooting scenarios. It is best for portrait photographers and content creators on Canon RF-mount APS-C bodies who prioritize fast primes over a single zoom.

Read Full Review
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN lens
Price CA$600

Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO

67.4 Video/Cinema Score
33mm f/0.95 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its f/0.95 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light capability and a very shallow depth of field, ideal for isolating subjects. The lens incorporates both ED and aspherical elements to control chromatic aberration and distortion, enhancing optical performance. This lens is best for portrait photographers and cinematographers on Canon RF APS-C cameras who prioritize extreme bokeh and low-light shooting over autofocus and portability.

Read Full Review

Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II

65.3 Video/Cinema Score
35mm f/0.95 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its f/0.95 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light capability and very shallow depth of field, supported by a smooth 9-blade diaphragm for pleasing bokeh. The compact 458g manual-focus design offers direct, tactile control for creative adjustments. This lens is best for Canon RF shooters prioritizing artistic control in available-light photography, such as street or environmental portraiture.

Read Full Review

Brightin Star 35mm F1.7

63 Video/Cinema Score
35mm f/1.7 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its compact metal build and F1.7 aperture provide sharp, bright images ideal for low-light photography. The 35mm focal length on APS-C cameras offers a natural perspective perfect for documenting everyday scenes and portraits. This lens is best for photographers using Canon RF-mount mirrorless cameras who prioritize a lightweight, manual-focus prime for street and casual portraiture.

Read Full Review

7Artisans 25mm f/0.95

61.6 Video/Cinema Score
25mm f/0.95 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its f/0.95 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light capability and a very shallow depth of field for creative portraits. The lens is a manual-focus prime built with a substantial 13-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. It is best for portrait photographers on Canon RF APS-C bodies who prioritize artistic control and low-light performance over autofocus convenience.

Read Full Review

TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 Manual Focus

61.3 Video/Cinema Score
50mm f/1.4 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and inclusion of ED and aspherical elements provide excellent sharpness and bokeh for a manual lens. The solid metal build and 12-blade diaphragm offer a premium, tactile experience at a very accessible price point. This lens is best for portrait photographers and filmmakers on Canon RF systems who prioritize manual control and character over autofocus speed.

Read Full Review

TTArtisan APS-C 50mm F1.2 Large Aperture Manual Focus

60.7 Video/Cinema Score
50mm f/1.2 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture delivers excellent low-light performance and creamy bokeh, while its all-metal, 336g construction offers a durable yet lightweight manual focus experience. The 50mm focal length provides a classic 75mm equivalent field of view on APS-C cameras, making it highly specialized for portraiture. This lens is best for photographers on Canon RF APS-C bodies who prioritize manual control and artistic bokeh over autofocus convenience.

Read Full Review

Thypoch RF Simera 28mm f/1.4

59.4 Video/Cinema Score
28mm f/1.4 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a fast f/1.4 aperture and a manual focus design with a declickable aperture ring, offering direct, tactile control. The lens pairs this with a compact 363g build and a classic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. It is best for portrait photographers and filmmakers who prioritize a deliberate, hands-on shooting experience over autofocus speed.

Read Full Review

Samyang 12mm f/2 AF Ultra Wide Angle

57.7 Video/Cinema Score
12mm f/2 Canon RF-S
Why we recommend this

Its 12mm focal length and bright f/2 maximum aperture provide an expansive, fast prime lens for APS-C cameras. The lens incorporates two aspherical and three extra-low dispersion elements for strong optical correction, paired with a quiet linear STM autofocus motor. This lens is best for Canon RF-S shooters needing a compact, wide-angle option for astrophotography or indoor event photography in low light.

Read Full Review
Samyang 12mm f/2 AF Ultra Wide Angle lens
Price CA$601

Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

56.2 Video/Cinema Score
65mm f/2.8 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a true 2:1 maximum magnification, allowing for extreme close-up photography that doubles the subject size on the sensor. The lens incorporates three extra-low dispersion elements for high sharpness and color accuracy, minimizing chromatic aberration even at its widest f/2.8 aperture. This lens is best for dedicated macro photographers and product detail specialists who require greater than life-size reproduction without using extension tubes.

Read Full Review

Meike 10mm f/2 APS-C Manual Focus

55.9 Video/Cinema Score
10mm f/2 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

This 10mm f/2 prime lens offers an extremely wide field of view and a bright aperture, making it capable of capturing expansive scenes in low light. Its 10-blade aperture contributes to smooth bokeh, which is notable for such a wide-angle manual focus optic. This lens is best for Canon APS-C shooters specializing in astrophotography or immersive interior photography where autofocus is less critical.

Read Full Review

Rokinon 12mm f/2 AF Ultra Wide-Angle

54.6 Video/Cinema Score
12mm f/2 Canon RF-S
Why we recommend this

Its 12mm focal length and bright f/2 aperture provide an exceptionally wide and fast field of view for APS-C cameras, making it ideal for astrophotography and indoor shooting. The lens incorporates two aspherical and three extra-low dispersion elements for strong optical correction, paired with a quiet linear STM autofocus motor. This lens is best for Canon RF-S shooters needing a compact, affordable ultra-wide for night skies or tight interior spaces.

Read Full Review
Rokinon 12mm f/2 AF Ultra Wide-Angle lens
Price CA$479

Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

53.1 Video/Cinema Score
90mm f/2.8 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its standout 2:1 maximum magnification and apochromatic APO design deliver exceptional detail and color accuracy for extreme close-up work. The 90mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture also make it a capable portrait lens, offering a versatile dual-purpose design. This lens is best for dedicated macro photographers and scientific imagers who require life-size or greater reproduction ratios without using extension tubes.

Read Full Review
Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO lens
Price CA$685

Laowa Zero-D 9mm f/2.8

49.9 Video/Cinema Score
9mm f/2.8 Canon RF
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a 9mm focal length with a Zero-D design that delivers minimal distortion, making it ideal for architectural and aerial work. The lens is exceptionally compact at 215g and features a bright f/2.8 aperture for low-light shooting. This lens is best for Canon RF shooters who need a portable, ultra-wide prime for landscapes, real estate interiors, and creative close-ups with its 12cm minimum focus distance.

Read Full Review

AstrHori 50mm F1.4 Large Aperture Full Frame Manual 2-in-1 Tilt

48.4 Video/Cinema Score
50mm f/1.4 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the combination of a fast f/1.4 aperture with tilt-shift functionality, allowing for both creative miniature effects and sharp portrait work. The all-metal build and included filter slot contribute to a durable, versatile manual-focus experience ideal for creative control. This lens is best for photographers and videographers specifically looking to experiment with tilt-shift techniques or those who enjoy the tactile process of manual focus lenses.

Read Full Review