Best Canon R Lenses for Low-Light Photography

Top 5 highest-rated Canon R lenses optimized for Low-Light Photography.

Based on Camera Index Scores

5 Top Lenses

#1Overall WinnerCommunity Favorite

0.0

Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4

Focal Length

50mm

Aperture

f/1.4

Weight

677g

Full FrameAF

Pro

• Lightweight
• Very fast aperture
• Autofocus

Amazon

View Details

0.0

RF 85 mm f/1.2L USM

Focal Length

85mm

Aperture

f/1.2

Weight

1195g

Full FrameAF

Pro

• Very fast aperture
• Autofocus

Amazon

View Details

0.0

RF 135 mm f/1.8L IS USM

Focal Length

135mm

Aperture

f/1.8

Weight

935g

Full FrameWeather SealedISAF

Pro

• Fast aperture
• Autofocus
• Image Stabilization
• Weather Sealed

Amazon

View Details

0.0

RF 28-70 mm f/2L USM

Focal Length

28-70mm

Aperture

f/2

Weight

1430g

Full FrameAF

Pro

• Fast aperture
• Autofocus

Contra

• Heavy

Amazon

View Details

0.0

RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM

Focal Length

50mm

Aperture

f/1.4

Weight

580g

Full FrameWeather SealedAF

Pro

• Lightweight
• Very fast aperture
• Autofocus
• Weather Sealed

Amazon

View Details

	#1 Overall WinnerCommunity Favorite Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4	#2 RF 85 mm f/1.2L USM	#3 RF 135 mm f/1.8L IS USM	#3 RF 28-70 mm f/2L USM	#5 RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM
Camera Index Score	0.0 Overall Sentiment 10.0 Specifications 9.0 Build Quality 9.5	0.0 Overall Sentiment 9.8 Specifications 9.5 Build Quality 9.0	0.0 Overall Sentiment 9.8 Specifications 9.2 Build Quality 9.0	0.0 Overall Sentiment 9.9 Specifications 9.0 Build Quality 9.0	0.0 Overall Sentiment 9.6 Specifications 8.9 Build Quality 9.0
Advantages	✓Lightweight ✓Very fast aperture ✓Autofocus	✓Very fast aperture ✓Autofocus	✓Fast aperture ✓Autofocus ✓Image Stabilization ✓Weather Sealed	✓Fast aperture ✓Autofocus	✓Lightweight ✓Very fast aperture ✓Autofocus ✓Weather Sealed
Limitations	-	-	-	−Heavy	-
Optical Specifications
Focal Length	50mm	85mm	135mm	28-70mm	50mm
Aperture	f/1.4	f/1.2	f/1.8	f/2	f/1.4
Aperture Blades	10	9	9	9	11
Features
Autofocus	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	No	Yes	No	No
Weather Sealed	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Close-up Performance
Min. Focus Distance	0.5 m	0.85 m	0.7 m	0.39 m	0.4 m
Max. Magnification	-	-	0.26×	-	0.15×
Physical Specifications
Weight	677 g	1195 g	935 g	1430 g	580 g
Length	77.4 mm	103.2 mm	89.2 mm	103.8 mm	76.5 mm
Diameter	100 mm	117.3 mm	130.3 mm	139.8 mm	99.3 mm
Filter Thread	67 mm	82 mm	82 mm	95 mm	67 mm
See more
See in shop	Amazon	Amazon	Amazon	Amazon	Amazon
	Full Review →	Full Review →	Full Review →	Full Review →	Full Review →

Detailed Review: Best Canon R Lenses for Low-Light Photography

These 5 Canon R lenses represent the best options for Low-Light Photography, with an average Camera Index score of 9.3/10. Each has been carefully selected based on optical performance, build quality, and user feedback.

1. Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4

Camera Index Score: 9.4/10

Leading our selection with exceptional build quality and exceptional specifications, this well-balanced 50mm high-performance prime with f/1.4 aperture and just 677 g excels at available-light shooting and creative subject isolation.

See all details

2. Canon RF 85 mm f/1.2L USM

Camera Index Score: 9.4/10

At balanced 1195 g, this lens at position 2 with exceptional build quality and exceptional specifications delivers exceptional f/1.2 aperture with precise autofocus. The 85mm focal length flatters portraits with natural perspective and beautiful background blur.

See all details

3. Canon RF 135 mm f/1.8L IS USM

Camera Index Score: 9.3/10

At position 3 in our selection with exceptional build quality and exceptional specifications: The autofocus and image stabilization enables sharp handheld shooting across the entire 135mm range. The 135mm focal length flatters portraits with natural perspective and beautiful background blur. Weather-sealed construction enables reliable operation even in challenging conditions.

See all details

3. Canon RF 28-70 mm f/2L USM

Camera Index Score: 9.3/10

At position 3 with exceptional build quality and exceptional specifications: This 28-70mm zoom combines constant f/2 brightness with 1430 g.

See all details

5. Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM

Camera Index Score: 9.1/10

At balanced 580 g, this lens at position 5 with exceptional build quality and excellent specifications delivers exceptional f/1.4 aperture in robust weather-sealed housing with precise autofocus.

See all details