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In this post, we review the best lenses for Canon R8.

The Canon EOS R8 is a powerful and versatile mirrorless camera that can be used for various purposes. Whether you want to take stunning landscape photos, capture breathtaking wildlife shots, or create more dynamic portraits, the Canon R8 can do it all with its impressive features and capabilities.

However, to get the most out of your Canon R8 experience, choosing the right lenses for your specific needs is essential. With so many options on the market today, deciding which lens will give you the best results can be overwhelming. To help make this process easier, we have compiled a list of our top recommended lenses for Canon R8 users.

Canon EOS R8 Lens
Best Overall
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Black
Best Budget Option
Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM (4111C002)
Best Telephoto
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Telephoto Zoom Lens, 3792C002
Preview
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Black
Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM (4111C002)
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Telephoto Zoom Lens, 3792C002
Price
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Price not available
Price not available
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Amazon Prime
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Amazon Prime
Best Overall
Canon EOS R8 Lens
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Black
Preview
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Black
Price
Price not available
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Amazon Prime
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Best Budget Option
Canon EOS R8 Lens
Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM (4111C002)
Preview
Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM (4111C002)
Price
Price not available
Prime
-
More Information
Best Telephoto
Canon EOS R8 Lens
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Telephoto Zoom Lens, 3792C002
Preview
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Lens, Telephoto Zoom Lens, 3792C002
Price
Price not available
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Each lens we’ve chosen offers something unique and provides excellent value for money compared to other lenses in their class.

We’ve looked at factors such as image quality, sharpness/contrast levels, autofocus speed/accuracy, and overall build quality when selecting these lenses, so you know you’re getting one of the best options.

So whether you need an ultra-wide angle zoom lens or want something simple yet effective — there’s sure to be an option here that fits your requirements.

Canon EOS R8 Review

The Canon EOS R8 is a groundbreaking full-frame mirrorless camera that performs incredibly well in various situations. It features a 24.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor with 40 fps burst shooting, an ISO range of 100-51200, and 4K/60p video recording capabilities.

The Canon R8 also boasts impressive autofocus performance and a dual-pixel CMOS AF II system, which makes it the perfect camera for making high-quality videos.

The body of the Canon R8 is built around a magnesium alloy chassis and offers excellent ergonomics and weather sealing to protect it against water and dust.

At its heart, you have an EF mount with dust and drip resistance and integrated Bluetooth technology for flawless wireless communication between the camera and compatible devices like smartphones or laptops.

On the downside, one feature that is noticeably missing from the Canon R8 is image stabilization (IS). This means that if you intend to use slower shutter speeds or longer focal lengths, you will need an IS-equipped lens to help compensate for the camera shake. Additionally, battery life isn’t great at only 290 shots per charge, according to CIPA standards.

Overall, the Canon EOS R8 is an incredibly versatile mirrorless camera that offers all the features you would expect from a full-frame DSLR in a much lighter package.

It may not have image stabilization, but its impressive autofocus performance still makes it the perfect choice for photographers who don’t need IS or are willing to work around it with an IS-equipped lens. Professionals who love shooting 4K videos should also consider this their primary camera.

Related:

Best Lenses for Canon R8

Canon R lenses can be quite costly, so we have premium and budget lenses covered from prime to telephoto zoom. We’re sure you’ll find the best lens for your Canon R8.

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

Best Overall Canon R8 Lens

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

Best Overall Canon R8 Lens

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If you’re planning to purchase the Canon EOS R8 camera and are looking for a reliable and high-performing lens, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM is the perfect fit.

This lens has several advanced features that can elevate your photography game to a whole new level. So, let’s dive into the details and understand why this is a must-have lens for your Canon R8.

Unmatched Optical Performance

One of the primary reasons the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM is the best lens for Canon R8 is its exceptional optical performance. With an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/22, this lens boasts an impressive range 

capable of capturing sharp, clear, and detailed images even in low light conditions.

The lens comes with three aspherical elements and three ultra-low dispersion elements that work together to minimize distortion, aberration, and chromatic aberration, resulting in crystal-clear images.

Advanced Autofocus System

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM comes equipped with Nano USM AF System, which offers fast and accurate autofocus. This advanced autofocus system ensures you capture sharp and precise shots, even when shooting fast-moving subjects or in low-light conditions.

Customizable Control Ring

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM also features a customizable control ring that allows you to customize the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation. This feature lets you quickly capture the perfect shot with your preferred shooting settings.

Excellent Image Stabilization

The lens’s Optical Image Stabilizer provides excellent image stabilization, allowing you to capture blur-free images even when shooting handheld in low light conditions. This feature is handy when you are shooting videos.

Durable and Reliable

As Canon’s flagship L-series lens, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM is built to last. It comes with durable construction and is weather-sealed, ensuring you can take it wherever you go without worrying about damage from harsh weather conditions.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting, this lens comes packed with advanced features that can elevate your photography to a new level.

With its unmatched optical performance, advanced autofocus system, customizable control ring, exceptional image stabilization, and durable construction, this lens is a must-have for anyone who wants to capture stunning images and videos with their Canon R8.

2. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

Best Budget Lens for Canon R8

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

Best Budget Lens for Canon R8

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Camera lenses can be costly and a potential roadblock for photographers on a budget. But there’s no need to worry because affordable options deliver top-notch results. One of these is the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM, the best budget lens for Canon R8.

Overview of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is an all-in-one zoom lens with a focal length range of 24-105mm, perfect for wide-angle to telephoto shots. It has a center macro focus and 1:2 magnification, ideal for close-up shots.

The lens also has an optical image stabilizer, which ensures that images come out sharp and clear, even when shooting in low light conditions. 

Customizable Control Ring

The customizable control ring is a handy Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens feature. The control ring is located at the base of the lens and can be assigned to various functions.

Depending on your camera settings, the ring can be used for zooming or focusing, giving you more control over your shots. This feature is handy when taking portraits, action shots, or landscape photography.

Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens also features a rounded 7-blade diaphragm. This design results in beautiful, creamy bokeh, which makes your subject stand out even more. Whether you’re shooting at f/4 or f/7.1, the rounded diaphragm blades create an aesthetic that highly mimics more expensive lenses.

Image Quality

At such an affordable price, you might expect the image quality of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM to be inferior. However, this lens delivers sharp and precise images with accurate color reproduction. It’s an excellent all-purpose lens and can be used for various shooting situations. 

To sum it up, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens is a well-rounded and affordable option that offers a wide range of features. Its customizable control ring, optical image stabilizer, and 1:2 magnification macro focus make it a perfect option for photographers who want a versatile lens to take on all their photography needs.

Whether it’s portraits or landscape photos, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM produces quality images, all while being budget-friendly. With all of its benefits, we highly recommend this lens to anyone who owns a Canon R8 camera and wants an affordable lens option.

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

Best Telephoto Lens for Canon R8

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

Best Telephoto Lens for Canon R8

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This unique telephoto zoom lens is specially designed for your Canon R8 camera and offers the best performance, image quality, and user experience. We will discuss the features, benefits, and drawbacks of Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM and explain why it is the ultimate telephoto zoom lens for your Canon R8.

Impressive Aperture Range

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM is an outstanding telephoto zoom lens with an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/32. With such a broad range, this lens can capture stunning photos even in low light conditions while providing incredible depth of field and bokeh effects.

You can use it for portraits, wildlife, sports events, or any other type of photography where you need sharpness, clarity, and detail.

Dual Nano USM AF System

Another impressive aspect of the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM is its Dual Nano USM autofocus system. This means that the lens uses two independent focusing motors built with nano-precision technology.

This unique feature allows you to achieve faster and more accurate focusing, even in challenging situations. Whether shooting moving subjects or still subjects, you can rely on its excellent autofocus performance.

Optical Image Stabilizer

Stability is crucial for telephoto zoom lenses, and the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM doesn’t disappoint. It comes with an advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) that reduces camera shake and blur caused by hand movement.

You can confidently shoot handheld, knowing your images will be sharp and steady, even at slower shutter speeds. This feature makes it an ideal choice for nature photographers who need to capture sharp images without a tripod.

Customizable Control Ring

One of the most exciting features of the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM is its customizable control ring. This unique ring allows you to change the camera settings quickly and easily without going through menus or buttons.

You can customize it to control the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, or any other setting you need. This feature gives you more creative freedom and control over your photography.

Detachable, Rotatable Tripod Collar

Finally, the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM comes with a detachable, rotatable tripod collar that makes it easier to mount the lens on a tripod.

This collar allows you to switch between horizontal and vertical shooting positions quickly without having to readjust the tripod.

Moreover, it also protects the lens from unnecessary strain and damage caused by mounting on a tripod.

If you are looking for the best telephoto zoom lens for your Canon R8 camera, you can go right with the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM. 

This lens offers a perfect combination of optical performance, speed, versatility, and convenience and will take your photography to the next level. With its fast aperture, Dual Nano USM autofocus, Optical Image Stabilizer, customizable control ring, and detachable tripod collar, you can capture stunning images that stand out.

4. Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

Best Travel Lens for Canon R8

Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

Best Travel Lens for Canon R8

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Traveling to new places is always exciting — experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, and exploring hidden gems. For photography enthusiasts, traveling offers a great opportunity to capture these moments and add to their collection of beautiful memories. 

Choosing the right one for travel can be overwhelming. We introduce the best travel lens for Canon R8: the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM.

Nano USM AF System

One of the critical features of the Canon RF 24-240mm lens is its Nano USM autofocus system. This technology combines the benefits of both ultrasonic and stepping motors, allowing for fast and silent autofocus. 

This feature is beneficial when traveling as it lets you easily capture even the most spontaneous moments. Whether photographing a street performance or a sunset at the beach, this lens will ensure you don’t miss a single shot.

Optical Image Stabilizer and Dynamic IS

Another essential feature of the Canon RF 24-240mm lens is its Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) system. This feature ensures that your shots stay steady even at slower shutter speeds or low-light conditions.

Moreover, the Dynamic IS feature makes it easier to shoot video while walking or moving around. You can capture your walking tours, hiking trips, or even kids playing without worrying about shaky footage.

Customizable Control Ring

Most photographers have their preferences when it comes to camera settings. The Canon RF 24-240mm lens considers this with its customizable control ring.

This ring allows you to adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO with just one hand. This feature increases your ease of use and enables you to capture those perfect moments without fumbling around with settings.

Wide Zoom Range

With a 24-240mm zoom range, the Canon RF 24-240mm lens is perfect for travel photography. Whether you need to capture wide-angle landscapes or zoom in on a distant subject, this lens has got you covered. This versatility minimizes the need to switch between lenses, making it more convenient to carry around.

Compact and Lightweight

When it comes to traveling, every gram counts. The Canon RF 24-240mm lens is relatively compact and lightweight, making it easier to pack and carry around. You can easily fit it in your camera bag without adding much bulk or weight. This feature is beneficial when you’re moving from one location to another or have limited space.

The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is an exceptional travel lens that offers fast and silent autofocus, optical image stabilization, and customizable controls, all in a compact and lightweight package.

Its wide zoom range makes it even more versatile and helps you easily capture those precious moments.

5. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM

Best Portrait Lens for Canon R8

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM

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As a portrait photographer, choosing the right lens is crucial to capture striking and memorable images. If you own a Canon R8 camera, one of the best portrait lenses you can invest in is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM.

Aperture Range

One of the most notable features of the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is its wide aperture range from f/1.2 to f/16. A wide aperture is crucial for portrait photography because it allows you to create a blurry effect in the background or foreground, making your subject the focus of the image. 

With a wide aperture, you can also capture sharp, detailed images even in low or challenging lighting conditions.

Optical Quality

The quality of the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens is exceptional, making it a favorite among professional photographers. The lens includes one UD element and one aspherical element, resulting in clear, sharp images with minimal distortion or aberration.

This lens also includes a rounded 10-blade diaphragm, which results in a pleasing and smooth bokeh effect that accentuates your subject and isolates them from the background.

Autofocus System

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM boasts a quick, silent, and accurate ring-type ultrasonic motor autofocus system. This autofocus system is ideal for shooting portraits or any fast-moving subjects.

It also performs well in low-light situations, making it easier for you to capture images that are well-focused and sharp.

Weather Resistance

As a professional photographer, you may shoot in various weather conditions – from bright sunshine to rain and snow.

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM includes a weather-resistant construction that enables you to continue shooting even when the weather conditions are less than ideal. With this lens in your camera bag, you can keep shooting even in challenging environments.

Versatility

While the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is an ideal portrait photography lens, it is also versatile enough for other types of photography. Its f/1.2 aperture makes it an excellent night or street photography choice. It is also helpful for shooting video, as the silent autofocus motor prevents any unwanted noise in the recording.

Overall, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is a must-have lens for portrait photographers using a Canon R8 camera. Its wide aperture, high-quality optics, lightning-quick autofocus system, weather-resistant construction, and versatility make it a worthy investment.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or an aspiring one, you will be satisfied with this lens in your bag.

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

Best Landscape Lens for Canon R8

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

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Capture scenic landscapes with precision using the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens. This is an ideal lens for photographers who love wide-angle shots and need versatility and speed when they explore urban, rural, or wild landscapes.

From dramatic coastal vistas to sweeping mountains, the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is a powerful tool that offers speed, precision, and high-quality image stabilization for Canon R8 users. 

Fast Wide-Angle Zoom

The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is designed with image quality in mind. The fast f/2.8 wide-angle zoom offers sharpness and clarity unmatched in its class.

Moreover, it has a fast aperture for low-light scenarios and allows for a bright image, so you can create amazing images with blurred backgrounds that accentuate your subject.

This lens is perfect for landscape photographers who enjoy capturing wide, sweeping scenes and want to maintain stunning detail in every shot.

Nano USM AF System

The Nano USM is a high-speed autofocus mechanism that offers seamless shifting between phase-detection and contrast-detection focusing. That means that focusing is faster, more precise, and more reliable.

For landscape photographers who need autofocus to remain responsive, the Nano USM is a boon. It works silently and allows you to focus rapidly, no matter your subject. 

Optical Image Stabilizer

This Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens also provides the following:

  • Excellent image stabilization.
  • Offering up to five stops of shake correction.
  • Resulting in sharper handheld shots.

That’s essential for photographers who don’t want to haul a tripod and value being nimble and quick when shooting. You get less camera shake at slower shutter speeds, which is particularly helpful when you’re shooting in low light or need to use longer focal lengths for closer subjects.

Weather-Resistant Design

The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is built to handle rugged terrain and extreme weather, making it one of the best landscape lenses for rugged outdoor photography.

It is built with a sealing system that helps safeguard against dust and moisture, so you can use it confidently under challenging conditions without worrying about lens damage. Whether you’re navigating the rocky terrain of the desert or enduring harsh rainstorms, this lens is built to last.

The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is an ideal landscape lens for Canon R8 users. It combines superb image quality with the latest autofocus, image stabilization, and weather-resistant technologies, making it one of the best landscape lenses on the market.

Whether you’re a professional or enthusiast photographer, this lens delivers reliability and speed, helping you capture all the nuances, details, and beauty of the natural world. With this lens, you can confidently explore a broader range of landscapes and capture unforgettable images that will last a lifetime.

7. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM

Best Macro Lens for Canon R8

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM

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Do you love taking close-up shots of small creatures and flowers? What’s better than capturing those little details that we usually overlook in our day-to-day lives?

Having the perfect macro lens can make all the difference in the world, whether for personal or commercial use.

Fortunately for Canon R8 users, they have access to one of the most outstanding macro lenses in the market — the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM. 

Why It’s Great for Macro Photography on the Canon EOS R8

One of the standout features of the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is its optical design with 10 elements in 9 groups, which provides excellent image quality and sharpness.

The Super Spectra coating on the lens helps eliminate ghosting and flare, even in high-contrast situations. The 35mm focal length of the lens is ideal for capturing details of insects, flowers, and small animals.

Smooth and Silent

Another advantage the lens has is the STM Stepping AF Motor. It allows for smooth and quiet focusing, vital when capturing shots of living creatures without scaring them away.

The autofocus is fast and accurate, making it easy to capture the perfect shot. The RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM also has a full-time manual focus override, so you can fine-tune your focus manually to get exactly what you want.

Short Focusing Distance

One of the most essential things a macro lens needs to have is the ability to get close to the subject. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM has a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 that lets you get up close and personal with your subject. The minimum focus distance of 0.17m, or 6.7″, allows you to frame your subject in a tight space without compromising your shot. 

Macro photography can be challenging, especially when it comes to shaky hands. But with the RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM’s Optical Image Stabilizer, you can protect your shots from unwanted blur. The lens will detect when there is a camera shake and automatically correct it so your images come out sharp and clear.

If you want to take your macro photography to the next level, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is the perfect lens for you.

With its Super Spectra Coating that minimizes flare, fast STM Stepping AF Motor that focuses quietly, maximum magnification ratio, and Optical Image Stabilizer, you’re guaranteed excellent image quality, sharpness, and clarity. This lens is a must-have for every Canon R8 user who wants to up their macro photography game.

Conclusion

The Canon EOS R8 mirrorless camera is an excellent choice for any photographer looking to capture stunning images. With its advanced features and capabilities, you must choose the right lens to get the most out of your camera.

The lenses we’ve reviewed in this article are some of the best available on the market today, and each brings something unique. Whether you’re a professional or amateur photographer, one of these lenses will help bring your vision into focus and take your photography game up a notch.


Frequently Asked Questions

What lenses are compatible with the Canon R8?

The Canon EOS R8 is compatible with Canon’s RF lenses, as well as any EF and EF-s lenses made since 1987 when used with an EF-RF adapter.

The native lenses explicitly designed for the Canon R8 are all made by Canon, including the RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM, 24-105mm; RF 24-105mm F4.0-7.1 IS STM, 24-105mm; RF 28-70mm F2L USM, 28-70mm; and RF 24-50mm F4 L IS USM.

Other popular lens options for the Canon R8 include the RF 25-50mm F4-6.3 IS STM, $299; RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM, $2,399; RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, $549; and RF 14-35mm F4L USM, $2,999.
The EOS R8 also features Movie Digital IS, which provides five-axis stabilization to reduce the effects of camera shake when shooting handheld video footage without a lens with Image Stabilization (IS).

Overall, a variety of lens options are available for the Canon EOS R8 that can help you capture stunning photos and videos in any situation.

Does Canon R8 have image stabilization?

The Canon EOS R8 does not have image stabilization for still images, only for video. This feature is often included in other cameras, but the R8 forgoes it to achieve its target lightweight, small size, and low cost. While this means that you will not be able to take advantage of the benefits of image stabilization, there are still some great features on the R8.

What is the battery life of the Canon R8?

The Canon R8 is powered by an LP-E17 battery which provides a battery life of 290 shots according to CIPA standards. This rating can be affected by the lens, shutter speed, aperture setting, flash, flicker reduction processing, and battery type used.

In tests, the battery lasted 65 minutes and 150 shots, respectively.
Although the smaller battery of this camera doesn’t offer as many shots as larger cameras, it is still an excellent choice for those who prefer an ultralight and high-speed full-frame camera.

Liya Kravchenkin
About the Author: Liya Kravchenkin

Liya Kravchenkin is an experienced portrait photographer. She has worked with clients worldwide and has even traveled to more than 50 countries. Liya loves photography because it allows her to capture a moment that can never be repeated. Liya also enjoys traveling, learning about new cultures, and seeing the world’s unique natural wonders. Her favorite travel memories are from swimming with dolphins in the Galapagos and eating cheesecake in New York City.

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