This is a guide covering the best lenses for the Canon 6D Mark II.
The Canon 6D Mark II is a favorite by many professional photographers and is the camera I am currently using.
With a robust design and features that can beat most cameras in the market today, this camera comes with several good lens options.
A 26.2MP full-frame sensor, high-speed continuous shooting at 6.5fps, and a 45-point all-cross-type AF are some of the things that make the Canon EOS 6D Mark II stand out as a professional camera.
We’ve come up with a list of the best lenses for Canon 6D Mark II from those made by Canon to those that were made by third-party brands. If you choose a lens outside of this list, make sure it is an EF-Lens as that is the lens mount that is compatible with the Canon 6D Mark II.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Lens for the Canon 6D Mark II
- 👩 Best Portrait Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D Mark II
- 🚗 Best Street Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D Mark II
- 🌄 Best Landscape Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D Mark II
- ⚾ Best Sports Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D Mark II
- 🌹 Best Macro Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D Mark II
- 💸 Best Budget Lens for the Canon 6D Mark II
How to Choose the Best Lens for the Canon 6D Mark II?
Focal length: Consider the type of photography you will be doing and the focal lengths that are most suitable for that type of photography. For example, if you are planning to do portraits, an 85mm lens would be ideal as it will compress the facial features and make them look more pleasing. If you are into landscape photography, a wide-angle lens like 17-40mm would be a good option as it will allow you to capture more of the scene.
Aperture: Larger apertures (smaller f-numbers) allow for better low-light performance and create a shallow depth of field. For example, a lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4 is ideal for low-light photography, while a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 is ideal for creating shallow depth-of-field effects.
Image stabilization: If you plan on shooting in low-light conditions or shooting moving subjects, image stabilization will help to produce sharp images. For example, if you plan on shooting sports or wildlife, a lens with image stabilization will help to reduce the camera shake and produce sharp images.
Build quality: Consider the build quality of the lens and whether it is weather-sealed. For example, if you plan on shooting in harsh weather conditions, a weather-sealed lens would be a good option as it will protect the lens from dust and moisture.
Compatibility: Make sure the lens is compatible with the Canon 6D Mark II, as this camera uses the EF mount.
Table of Contents
12 Best Lenses for Canon 6D Mark II
1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.2
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 580g (1.28 lb)
- Diameter: 86mm (3.38″)
- Length: 66mm (2.58″)
- Materials: Metal barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
The best overall lens for the Canon 6D Mark II is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM.
Of all the top-rated lenses for Canon 6D Mark II, I find the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens the best lens for this DSLR.
First, let’s agree that a prime 50mm lens is a versatile pick for a variety of situations whether in a studio or shooting street photography.
Next, you have a wide aperture at F1.2. It offers beautiful bokeh giving you the ability to focus even on a small part of the subject.
And lastly, you have the USM motor that is nearly silent.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Wide aperture
- Near silent autofocus
- Versatile 50mm lens
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
2. Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F2
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 35mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 335g (0.74 lb)
- Diameter: 78mm (3.07″)
- Length: 63mm (2.48″)
- Sealing: No
The best landscape lens for the Canon 6D Mark II is the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM.
The list of best lenses for Canon 6D Mark II wouldn’t be complete without a prime wide-angle lens. (Also, check out a full list of the best wide-angle lenses for Canon).
The Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Wide Angle Lens can be a good option for taking photographs of cities, nature, and even portraits.
It’s a versatile option having a wider angle than your typical 50mm prime lens. However, an issue with the lens is the visible vignette in the photos.
Some photographers may like this, but there are others who don’t want to edit and crop their photos just to get rid of the vignette.
Also, check out the full list of the best Canon lenses for landscape photography.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Perfect for landscapes and portraits
- Wide aperture
- Sharp images
My Cons With This Lens:
- Minor vignetting
3. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–70mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 805g (1.77 lb)
- Diameter: 89mm (3.48″)
- Length: 113mm (4.45″)
- Materials: Metal barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: Yes
The best lens for wedding photography for the Canon 6D Mark II is the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens is a perfect pick for wedding photographers since you can go for a wide-angle lens or zoom closer to take portraits.
It’s a handy lens that allows you to not miss moments during a wedding. Imagine having multiple lenses in one.
But what makes it one of the top-rated lenses for Canon 6D Mark II is the fact that it has a maximum F2.8 aperture across its zoom range.
This makes it a handy option even when it’s already nighttime. It even has an image stabilization feature to minimize blurry shots.
And with quiet and fast autofocus, it’s one of the best lenses for Canon 6D Mark II.
Also, check out the list of best Canon lenses for wedding photography.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp images
- With image stabilization
- Wide aperture across the zoom range
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
4. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 85mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 950g (2.09 lb)
- Diameter: 87mm (3.43″)
- Length: 105mm (4.13″)
- Materials: Magnesium alloy
- Sealing: Yes
The best macro lens for the Canon 6D Mark II is the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM.
Our list of macro photography lenses wouldn’t be complete without a prime lens that comes with a wide aperture.
The Canon EF 85mm f1.4 IS USM lens can get the job done by capturing small details on a subject.
It has a wide aperture giving you flexibility even in low-light conditions. On top of that, it has an image stabilization feature and a quiet ultrasonic motor.
Some have reported that autofocus is a hit or miss in terms of accuracy.
Also, check out the best Canon macro lenses.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp images
- Wide aperture
- Great bokeh
My Cons With This Lens:
- Some have complained about the autofocus
5. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 159g (0.35 lb)
- Diameter: 69mm (2.72″)
- Length: 39mm (1.54″)
- Sealing: No
Check any website that comes up with a list of the best lenses for Canon 6D Mark II and you will most likely encounter the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 STM lens.
It’s a basic prime lens that comes in handy for different scenarios.
Known for its crisp images and superb autofocus, these are things that make it a good lens in any photographer’s bag.
Though it is a contender for the best pick for Canon 6D Mark II, it comes with a few flaws such as its noisy motor that takes some time to focus despite its accuracy.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Crisp images
- Versatile focal length
- Wide aperture
My Cons With This Lens:
- Motor can be a bit noisy
6. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 85mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 425g (0.94 lb)
- Diameter: 75mm (2.95″)
- Length: 72mm (2.81″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
A lot of photographers tend to shoot portraits from afar.
They do this to be able to let the subject act naturally as if they aren’t around.
The Canon EF 85mm f1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Len can be considered a good pair for the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.
It gives you crisp images and a wide aperture that can create great bokeh, not to mention the ability to focus quietly with its ultrasonic motor.
The only downside is that the lens seems to focus all over the place. This makes it hard to narrow down your subject and shoot quickly.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Focuses quietly
- Sharp images
- Wide aperture
- Beautiful bokeh
- Takes photos of subjects from afar
My Cons With This Lens:
- Some have complained about the accuracy of the focus
7. Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F3.5
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: APS-C/DX
- Focal length: 10–20mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Weight: 520g (1.15 lb)
- Diameter: 87mm (3.44″)
- Length: 88mm (3.47″)
- Sealing: No
The Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 Zoom Wide Angle Lens comes to mind when we talk about the best lenses for Canon 6D Mark II.
It’s made to capture beautiful views whether in the city or nature.
One of the things that make it stand out is the fact that you can use the F3.5 aperture across the entire zoom range of the lens.
The glass elements are also great when it comes to providing sharp images. And lastly, you get a quiet AF mode.
However, you will need to use a tripod if you want to not get too many waste shots.
My Pros With This Lens:
- You can use F3.5 across the zoom range
- Sharp images
- Quiet AF
My Cons With This Lens:
- Hard to get steady shots in some scenarios
8. Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 17–40mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 500g (1.10 lb)
- Diameter: 84mm (3.29″)
- Length: 97mm (3.81″)
- Materials: Metal barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: Yes
Another handy lens for landscape photography on our list is the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Wide Angle Zoom Lens.
With its ability to take sharp and crisp images and fast autofocus, it can be considered as one of the best lenses for Canon 6D Mark II, especially by those who love to do street photography.
It can be used not only for shooting landscapes but even for shooting portraits.
It has a weather-resistant structure making it the perfect lens you can take with you outdoors.
Though it’s a good option for those looking for the “fisheye” effect, the hood doesn’t work at all.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Perfect for street photography
- With fisheye effect
- Sharp and crisp images
- Fast autofocus
My Cons With This Lens:
- Hood doesn’t really work
9. Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F4 – 5.6
- Minimum aperture: F32 – 45
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 75–300mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 480g (1.06 lb)
- Diameter: 71mm (2.8″)
- Length: 122mm (4.8″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
The Canon EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom lens comes in handy when it comes to taking photos from afar.
It has been designed to be lightweight, stripping down unnecessary weight from this telephoto lens.
Sharp images, a slim exterior, and quiet and smooth autofocus, are some of the things that you can expect from the Canon EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom lens.
In a wedding setup especially during the daytime, it is one of the best lenses for Canon 6D Mark II. However, you might want to reconsider using it at night. In low-light scenarios, this becomes useless.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp images
- Slim exterior
- Quiet and smooth AF
My Cons With This Lens:
- Hard to use in low light conditions
10. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 290g (0.64 lb)
- Diameter: 74mm (2.91″)
- Length: 51mm (1.99″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: No
The Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Standard lens is another handy lens for weddings. It’s a good option, especially when there’s no more sunlight.
It allows you to shoot even in low light conditions plus you get to have a beautiful bokeh that can blur the background and focus on people’s faces.
Known for sharp images and quiet autofocus, the Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM standard lens is a favorite by pros and hobbyists alike.
However, compared to the 50mm F1.8, it tends to have a softer shot especially when you have it in F1.4.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Crisp images
- Beautiful bokeh
- Good for low light conditions
My Cons With This Lens:
- Has a softer result
11. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F4.5 – 5.6
- Minimum aperture: F32 – 40
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 100–400mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 1570g (3.46 lb)
- Diameter: 94mm (3.7″)
- Length: 193mm (7.6″)
- Materials: Magnesium
- Sealing: Yes
For those who want to shoot macro photography, the Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L II USM Lens is a handy option that you can pair with the Canon 6D Mark II.
It brings to the table fast autofocus thanks to the ultrasonic motor coupled. On top of that, you get to enjoy sharp images thanks to its superb optics.
It even has image stabilization technology that can lessen shakes.
My Pros With This Lens:
- A quiet ultrasonic motor
- Sharp images
- Good range
- With image stabilization
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
12. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F32
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 100mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- Weight: 625g (1.38 lb)
- Diameter: 78mm (3.06″)
- Length: 123mm (4.84″)
- Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
- Sealing: Yes
The Canon EF 100mm f2.8L IS USM Macro Lens is known for taking crisp photos and its superb construction.
It also allows full-time manual focus and AF with its ultrasonic motor.
The closest distance it can focus on a subject comes at 0.3m.
And since it’s an L series lens, it has a sophisticated image stabilization feature allowing you to work even without a tripod.
However, many complained about the inaccurate autofocus.
My Pros With This Lens:
- With a quiet ultrasonic motor
- Crisp images
- With image stabilization
My Cons With This Lens:
- Autofocus could be faster
Frequently Asked Questions
What Lens Mount is the Canon 6D Mark II?
The Canon 6D Mark II is an EF mount camera. The EF mount (electro-focus) is a lens mount for mounting interchangeable lenses on Canon camera bodies.
Do EF Lenses Work on 6D Mark II?
Yes, EF lenses will work on the Canon 6D Mark II. The 6D Mark II has an EF mount, which means it is compatible with all Canon EF lenses.
Is the Canon 6D Mark II Good for Beginners?
The Canon 6D Mark II is a good camera for beginners who are interested in photography and want to take their skills to the next level.
Concluding Remarks
What is the best lens for Canon 6D Mark II?
It depends on many factors. With this list, you will have a better idea of which lens fits your needs.
When comparing the best lenses for Canon 6D Mark II always know your plans. Are you going to use it for shooting portraits?
Perhaps, you want something for street photography? This way, you can get the best deal with your budget.
Also, check out the full list of the best Canon lenses.
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Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
