Best Lenses for Canon 6D – Top 12 Picks (2023 Ultimate Guide)

This is a guide covering the best lenses for the Canon 6D.

Believe me, I know how exciting, yet difficult it can be to find the perfect lens for your camera especially since it can be an investment.

Because of this, I dive into each lens to uncover the pros and cons in terms of quality, build, important features, etc.

Make sure to read the post until the end. That way you can make the best decision for you! If you choose a lens outside of this list, make sure it is a Canon EF lens as that is the lens mount compatible with the Canon 6D.

In a hurry? Here’s a quick overview:

• ⭐ Best Overall Lens for the Canon 6D
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

• 👩 Best Portrait Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

• 🌄 Best Landscape Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D
  • Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
  • Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM

• 🚗 Best Street Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
  • Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD

• ⚾ Best Sports Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D
  • Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
  • Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD

• 🌹 Best Macro Photography Lens for the Canon 6D
  • Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM

• 🔭 Best Telephoto Lenses for the Canon 6D
  • Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
  • Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM

• 💸 Best Budget Lens for the Canon 6D
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

How to Choose the Best Lens for the Canon 6D?

Focal length: The focal length of a lens determines the angle of view and the amount of magnification. For example, a wide-angle lens such as the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM is great for landscapes and architecture, while a telephoto lens such as the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is ideal for sports and wildlife photography.

Aperture: The aperture of a lens is the size of the opening that lets light into the camera. A larger aperture (smaller f-stop number) will allow more light in, which is great for low-light situations and shallow depths of field. For example, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is a great lens for portraits due to its wide aperture.

Image stabilization: Image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake and blur in low-light situations. Lenses such as the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM and the Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD have image stabilization feature which can help in low light and action photography.

Autofocus: The autofocus system is an important factor to consider, especially for action and sports photography. Lenses such as the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM and the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM have fast and accurate autofocus systems that are ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Budget: Ultimately, the budget is also an important factor to consider when choosing a lens. Lenses such as the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD are great options for photographers on a budget.

12 Best Lenses for Canon 6D

1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 50 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F1.4
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Weight: 290 g (0.64 lb)
• Diameter: 74 mm (2.91″)
• Length: 51 mm (1.99″)
• Sealing: No

The best lens for Canon 6D is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM.

Is Canon 6D a full-frame camera that can be used for different applications? Yes. It’s such a handy camera not only for advanced hobbyists but even for professional photographers too.

So what’s the best overall lens the Canon 6D?

With a number of things considered, we find the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM to be the one that trumps them all.

A 50mm focal length is ideal for most shooting requirements. This prime lens can be used for portrait, macro photography, and even for travel photography.

It provides you with great aperture, crisp images, and silent autofocus to not distract your subject.

The only downside with this lens is that the USM motor is quite sensitive. It could easily get damaged by a few bumps.

This is also the reason why you get complaints from some photographers that their lens isn’t focusing like it used to.

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2. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 100 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes (4-stop Hybrid IS)
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Minimum aperture: F32
• Weight: 625 g (1.38 lb)
• Diameter: 78 mm (3.06″)
• Length: 123 mm (4.84″)
• Sealing: Yes

The best macro lens for the Canon 6D is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM.

It is known for its true macro magnification ratio. It means that the subject you are trying to shoot is the same size on your camera sensor.

You also don’t have to worry in case you are shooting without a tripod. It has built-in hybrid image stabilization to offer superb images and compensate for minor shakes.

It is also known for its robust design perfect for different shooting conditions. The L-Series is known for its weather-sealed design perfect for shooting small subjects such as insects when you are outdoors.

But if you are going to use this lens, you might as well rely on manual focusing. It usually doesn’t give you the results you need if you rely only on its autofocus feature.

Also, check out the full list of the best Canon macro lenses.

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3. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is II USM

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 70–300 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F4–5.6
• Minimum aperture: F32–45
• Weight: 710 g (1.57 lb)
• Diameter: 80 mm (3.15″)
• Length: 146 mm (5.75″)
• Sealing: No

The best telephoto lens for the Canon 6D is the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is II USM.

The Canon EF 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 lens may not cover the greatest distance, but this can still be a good option for those who are looking for a lens to do sports photography.

With high-speed and near-silent autofocus, it is possible to get your shots discreetly without disturbing your subject.

It is also known for its high-quality optics that can produce great images with vivid colors.

And to minimize wasted shots, it has an image stabilizer that makes can boost your handheld performance.

But the frustrating thing about this lens is that you will have to use your camera to get to manual focus mode.

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4. Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 35 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F2
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Weight: 335 g (0.74 lb)
• Diameter: 78 mm (3.07″)
• Length: 63 mm (2.48″)
• Sealing: No

The best travel lens for the Canon 6D is the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM.

Wide-angle lenses are handy for travel. The Canon 35mm f2 IS USM Wide Angle Lens is perfect for shooting landscapes and even some portraits, especially during the daytime.

This lens offers image stabilization and superior image quality on your shots. It provides vivid colors bringing out the best life in every shot.

It does well in both manual focus mode and auto-focus mode. However, this lens is said to be a bit heavy.

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5. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 50 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Weight: 159 g (0.35 lb)
• Diameter: 69 mm (2.72″)
• Length: 39 mm (1.54″)
• Sealing: No

The Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM lens is a handy choice for most photographers.

It’s easily a favorite among budget-conscious pro-photographers and intermediate users. This lens made it in our list of best lenses for Canon 6D because it is more pocket friendly than your 50mm f1.4 prime lenses.

You still get the bokeh that you need in portrait photography.
50mm is perfect for most shooting conditions.

And also, f1.8 is a decent aperture even for low-light conditions. STM motors are also known for providing silent focusing ideal for those who want to shoot discreetly.

The only issue is the slow focus on the part of the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 lens.

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6. Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 35 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F (FX)
• Maximum aperture: F1.4
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Weight: 815 g (1.80 lb)
• Diameter: 81 mm (3.19″)
• Length: 105 mm (4.13″)
• Sealing: Yes

The Tamron SP 35mm lens is another good option for those who are looking for a wider option for their portrait lens.

But unlike the typical wide-angle lenses, the Tamron SP 35mm has a wide aperture that can isolate the subject and blur the rest of the background, making it perfect for portrait photography. It is also known for having fast and quiet autofocus.

And if you are the type who loves to go shoot portraits outdoors, it has a moisture-resistant structure that can protect all the important parts of your lens.

One comment is that it matches best with pro cameras that have 40MP+ resolutions. However, it can still offer great shots using the Canon 6D.

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7. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 85 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Weight: 425 g (0.94 lb)
• Diameter: 75 mm (2.95″)
• Length: 72 mm (2.81″)
• Sealing: No

The Canon EF 85mm f1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens is a handy lens for those who are looking to use it for macro photography.

It is easily one of the best lenses for Canon 6D considering its maximum aperture, quick focusing, and its ability to capture small details on your subject.

Rarely do you get an 85mm focal length with such a wide aperture.

This is even a good option for those who want to take portraits from afar. However, some are disappointed by the misses that you get from this lens when you use it with the Canon 6D. Shots are either blurry or not focused on where you want them.

You will have to switch towards manual focusing to get the best shot.

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8. Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 70–300 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F4–5.6
• Minimum aperture: F32
• Weight: 435 g (0.96 lb)
• Diameter: 77 mm (3.02″)
• Length: 117 mm (4.59″)

The Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens is a popular lens for different brands. And fortunately, Tamron released a Canon EF mount version of this lens.

This lens is a highly versatile lens because you get to adjust the focal length allowing you to zoom in or zoom out whenever you are shooting a subject.

It’s a good option for shooting small details on your subject making this one of the best lenses for Canon 6D, especially for macro photography.

However, it doesn’t have a large aperture, unlike other lenses that we’ve featured. And also, some users commented that it doesn’t have the sharpness that you expect from a macro lens.

But for someone who doesn’t have a large budget for his or her macro lens, this is a great option.

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9. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM

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Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 100–400 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops)
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F4.5–5.6
• Minimum aperture: F32–40
• Weight: 1570 g (3.46 lb)
• Diameter: 94 mm (3.7″)
• Length: 193 mm (7.6″)
• Sealing: Yes

The Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-4.6L IS II USM Zoom Lens is an ideal option for those who are going to shoot subjects from afar.

Perfect for sports photography or observing wildlife from a distance, this lens is dependable when used in the field. Also, check out a full list of the best wildlife lenses for Canon.

You get a weather-sealed design that can give you the shots that you need whether it’s raining or if it’s a beautiful day.

It produces great images and you’ll notice sharp images with vivid colors. The Canon’s Air Sphere Coating is known for reducing flair on your images.

On top of that, you have fluorine coatings that will reduce smears.

It is known for its optical image stabilizer that allows you to do four shutter speed steps of corrections.

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10. Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 100–400 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F5–6.3
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Weight: 1160 g (2.56 lb)
• Diameter: 86 mm (3.4″)
• Length: 182 mm (7.18″)
• Sealing: Yes

A third-party lens like Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens deserves to be on the best lenses for the Canon 6D list.

For one, it is a good beginner option for those who want to get into wildlife photography and sports photography.

However, the downside is that it doesn’t have an impressive aperture range. But in most conditions, this lens can get the job done.

It has a dust-proof and splash-proof design perfect for different conditions. Also, you get smooth bokeh with minimized flare thanks to its 9-blade diaphragm.

And also, you get the optical stabilizer that detects shakes and helps you get steady shots even without your tripod.

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11. Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM

Lens specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 16–35 mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Weight: 790 g (1.74 lb)
• Diameter: 89 mm (3.48″)
• Length: 128 mm (5.02″)
• Sealing: Yes

If you want a decent range on your focal length plus you want a wide aperture, then the Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8 L IIIUSM Lens makes perfect sense for you.

It’s common to see a lot of photographers think that 35mm isn’t wide enough for them. Now, you get to drop the focal length and cover a wider shot.

But with the crispness of the photos plus the wide angle that it covers, it is perfect for urban explorations to landscapes when you go out of town.

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FAQ

Is Canon 6D still worth buying? Regardless of age, this old camera can still get the job done.

The Canon 6D can still compete against newer models but you need to have the right lenses.

When coupled with the right lens, you can still enjoy high-quality shots that will pass the standards of professional photographers.

With both Canon and third-party lenses included in the list of best lenses for Canon 6D, try to compare each lens and see which one matches your needs and preference.

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