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
- 👩 Best Portrait Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D
- 🌄 Best Landscape Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D
- 🚗 Best Street Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D
- ⚾ Best Sports Photography Lenses for the Canon 6D
- 🌹 Best Macro Photography Lens for the Canon 6D
- 🔭 Best Telephoto Lenses for the Canon 6D
- 💸 Best Budget Lens for the Canon 6D
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.
Table of Contents
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.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Good for most shooting requirements
- Can work well in low-light conditions
- Quiet and fast focus
My Cons With This Lens:
- The USM motor is sensitive
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.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Weather-resistant design
- With hybrid image stabilization to prevent shakes
- Clear and beautiful images
My Cons With This Lens:
- Misses a lot when you use the autofocus feature
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.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great quality images and vivid colors
- With image stabilizer
- Fast and silent autofocus
My Cons With This Lens:
- You will have to use the camera to set the lens to manual focus
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.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Wide lens perfect for shooting landscapes
- Great image quality and vivid colors
- Great on both manual and autofocus
My Cons With This Lens:
- The lens is a bit heavy
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.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Decent aperture
- Good for isolating the subject
- Quiet focusing because of the STM motor
My Cons With This Lens:
- Slow focusing
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.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Wider angle than 50mm
- Perfect for day and night shots
- Wide aperture
My Cons With This Lens:
- Designed initially for pro bodies that have 40MP+ resolution
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.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Wide aperture perfect for low-light conditions
- Can isolate the subject well
- Decent focal length for taking close-up shots
My Cons With This Lens:
- Misses autofocusing sometimes
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.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great focus
- You can zoom in or zoom out of your subject
- Budget-friendly option
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t have a large aperture
- It doesn’t produce the sharpest images
9. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM
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.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great for sports and shooting wildlife
- Covers great distance
- Crisp shots
- With an optical image stabilizer
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
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.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Good value
- With smooth bokeh
- Splash-proof and dust-proof
My Cons With This Lens:
- The aperture range isn’t as wide as other telephoto lenses
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.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Decent focal length range
- Wide aperture for landscapes
- Crisp image quality
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
FAQ
What Lens Mount is the Canon 6D?
The Canon 6D has a Canon EF lens mount, which is a type of interchangeable lens mount developed by Canon for their 35mm film and digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.
Who is the Canon 6D For?
The Canon 6D is a full-frame DSLR camera that is designed for professional and enthusiast photographers.
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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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.
