5 Best Lenses for Canon EOS R1- Canon Rumors

But first, a hearty round of applause, folks! The Canon EOS R1 just snagged the prestigious Camera of the Year award at the 2025 Japan Camera Grand Prix. That’s basically the Oscars for cameras, and the R1 took home the golden statue. Proving once and for all that this isn’t just another fancy mirrorless camera—it’s the camera.

With lightning-fast 40 fps shooting, brainy AI autofocus, and a stacked sensor that sees like an owl at midnight, the R1 is Canon’s new alpha. But even an alpha needs the right pack—so here are five lenses that make this award-winner truly unbeatable.

1. Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM — The Everything-Everywhere Lens

This one’s like your reliable road-trip buddy: packed, ready, and surprisingly good at karaoke. Whether you’re capturing street life in Tokyo or a couple’s first kiss in Tuscany, this lens just works.

Specs:

• Zoom: 24-70mm
• Aperture: Constant f/2.8
• Image Stabilization: Yes, 5 stops

Pros:

• Sharp from edge to edge
• Works for just about any style
• Feels solid and looks classy

Cons:

• It’s a bit of a unit (heavy-ish)
• Price tag stings a little
• Doesn’t go macro

Best For: The all-around shooter who wants flexibility without switching lenses every 5 minutes.

Canon RF24-70mm F2.8 L is USM Lens

4.8

• High image quality and bright f/2.8 aperture zoom RF L lens
• Optical image stabilization of up to 5 Stops of shake correction
• High speed, smooth and quiet autofocus with Nano USM
• Min. Focusing distance of 0.69 ft by 0.21M (wide), 1.25 ft. by 0.38M (tele)
• A control ring for direct setting changes
• Lens compatible with Canon Mirorrless Cameras (EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, EOS R6)

2. Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM — The Zoom That Doesn’t Judge

Got fast-moving kids? Birds in flight? Rock stars mid-jump? This telephoto gem is there for you like your favorite hoodie: comfy, reliable, and makes everything look better.

Specs:

• Zoom: 70-200mm
• Aperture: Constant f/2.8
• Image Stabilization: Yep, 5 stops

Pros:

• Fast AF and dreamy bokeh
• Much lighter than its DSLR cousin
• Incredibly sharp, even wide open

Cons:

• Not extender-compatible (rude)
• A bit bulky
• Still makes your wallet nervous

Best For: Sports shooters, wedding ninjas, and portrait photographers who love a little compression.

Canon RF 70-200mm F4L is USM Lens

4.8

• Constant f/4 Aperture – Maintains exposure across entire zoom range.
• 5-Stop Optical IS – Enhanced handheld stability for stills and video.
• Dual Nano USM – Fast, smooth, and silent autofocus performance.
• Compact & Lightweight – Retracted length of 119.3mm and just 695g.
• Weather-Sealed L-Series – Durable build with dust, water, and heat resistance.

3. Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM — The Wildlife Whisperer

This lens says, “Hey leopard 300 feet away? I see you.” It’s powerful, and surprisingly polite about being in your bag.

Specs:

• Zoom: 100-500mm
• Aperture: Variable f/4.5-7.1
• Image Stabilization: Yes, 5 stops

Pros:

• Reach for days
• Plays well with RF teleconverters
• Surprisingly lightweight for the length

Cons:

• Variable aperture = not so hot in low light
• Gets expensive fast
• Not ideal for tight indoor spaces

Best For: Wildlife pros, airshow fans, and anyone who likes photographing things they can’t physically get near.

Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Lens

4.7

• RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/4.5-7.1 to f/32-54
• Dual Nano USM AF System
• Optical Image Stabilizer
• Weather-Sealed Design
• Customizable Control Ring
• Rotating Zoom Ring, Torque Adjustment
• Compatible with RF Extenders

4. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM — The Heartthrob

Oh hello, bokeh. This isn’t your grandpa’s 50mm. This one comes dressed to impress with an f/1.2 aperture and a look that melts backgrounds (and hearts).

Specs:

• Focal Length: 50mm
• Aperture: f/1.2
• Optical Construction: 15 elements in 9 groups

Pros:

• Jaw-dropping low-light performance
• Dreamy, shallow depth of field
• Tack sharp when it needs to be

Cons:

• Heavy enough to make you notice
• Pricey (but worth it)
• Not exactly stealthy

Best For: Portrait artists, street shooters, and anyone who wants to turn everyday scenes into cinema.

Canon RF50mm F1.4 L VCM

4.8

Key Features

• Bright f/1.4 aperture for shallow DOF
• Linear + VCM focus system
• Aspherical and UD elements for clarity
• Robust L-series design

5. Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — The Show-Off

If this lens were a person, it would wear velvet blazers and drink espresso while quoting poetry. Every portrait pops. Every background disappears. It’s the kind of lens that says, “I mean business.”

Specs:

• Focal Length: 85mm
• Aperture: f/1.2
• Design: 13 elements in 9 groups

Pros:

• Supreme bokeh king
• Flattering compression for portraits
• Beautiful color rendition

Cons:

• Heavy and bold (no hiding this thing)
• Slower AF compared to others
• Premium price

Best For: Portrait professionals, fashion shooters, and anyone who thinks of light as brushstrokes.

Canon Rf 85mm F1.2 L USM

4.8

• Beautiful bokeh with DS* coating
• High image quality and bright f/1.2 aperture mid-telephoto zoom RF L lens.
• Blue spectrum refractive optics (br) Reduces chromatic aberration.
• Minimum focusing distance of 2.79 ft./0.85M.
• Control ring for direct setting changes.
• Lens Type: Macro

Quick Look: Side-by-Side

Final Frame: Your R1 Deserves the Best

Let’s not beat around the lens hood: if you’re shooting with the EOS R1, you’re already playing in the big leagues. These lenses? They’re your dream team. From zooms that bring the action to your doorstep to primes that wrap your subject in creamy bokeh, every pick here helps the R1 live up to its title. Go on, pair your camera of the year with a lens of a lifetime. You’ve earned it.

Now get out there and shoot like you mean it!