4 Best Budget Lenses for the Canon R50, R10, R7 and R100

Choose by the shot you want

These are field of view comparisons using the approximately 1.6x crop factor. The lens’s physical focal length does not change.

1. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM: portraits

The 50mm is a small way to try a wider aperture and stronger background separation. On these APS-C cameras, I would use its tighter view for portraits, products and details.

It is less useful when I cannot back up far enough indoors. At f/1.8, focus placement matters, and stopping down can improve sharpness when I have enough light.

• Autofocus and a compact body make it simple to carry.
• The f/1.8 aperture is useful when I want more light or background blur.
• There is no optical stabilization or weather sealing to rely on.

Compare the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. Choose the RF version; the similarly named EF lens requires an appropriate adapter.

2. 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 Macro: small details

The 7artisans macro is the specialist lens in this group. Its 1:1 maximum reproduction ratio makes it useful for flowers, insects, products and other small subjects.

It is fully manual. I set focus and aperture on the lens, and close focus work often calls for careful positioning, extra light or a tripod. The metal construction and mechanical rings are part of its appeal to me.

I liked it most at close distances. I would not choose it as a general autofocus portrait lens just because its price is low.

Compare the 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 Mark II Macro. The linked choice page includes a Canon RF version at B&H. Select Canon RF explicitly; the same lens name is sold for other mounts. Do not assume this APS-C lens covers a full frame sensor.

3. Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM: a wider everyday view

On a Canon APS-C body, the 16mm frames more like a roughly 26mm lens on full frame. That makes it a useful everyday wide view, rather than the very wide perspective it gives on a full frame R8.

I would compare it for travel, environmental photos and video that includes the surroundings. Its small size keeps the camera easy to carry.

The center looked sharp in my use. The corners are less of a concern on APS-C because the smaller sensor uses less of the lens’s image circle. There is no optical stabilization, so check handheld video with the settings you plan to use.

Check the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM. Digital stabilization can tighten the view further, which matters when filming at arm’s length.

4. Canon RF 100-400mm: reach outdoors

The 100-400mm is the one I would compare for wildlife, outdoor sports and details I cannot approach. On APS-C, its narrow field of view makes distant subjects much easier to fill the frame with.

Optical stabilization helps with camera shake, and USM autofocus is useful for moving subjects. I still need a shutter speed fast enough for the subject’s movement.

The f/5.6 to f/8 maximum aperture is the main compromise. It suits good outdoor light more readily than dim indoor sport. It is also larger than the other three lenses and is not weather sealed.

Compare the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM. Include the size of the whole kit when deciding whether I will carry it regularly.

What I would buy first

My original guide discussed roughly $180 for the 50mm and macro, $299 for the 16mm and $650 for the telephoto. Those were reference prices from the guide, rather than current offers.

For portraits, I would start with the RF 50mm. For a wider view, I would compare the RF 16mm. Macro and telephoto lenses are worth adding when I actually need their close focus or reach.

Check the mount, lens version and included accessories before buying. One lens that solves a regular problem is more useful than four lenses bought to complete a list.