I'm looking to invest in some high quality RF lenses for my Canon EOS R5 that I'll be using primarily for video production and filmmaking. Any recommendations on the best RF lenses for video? I'm open to primes and zooms. Thanks!
For video, I highly recommend the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM zooms. The 15-35mm is excellent for wide angle shots and establishing scenes. The 24-70mm is a versatile workhorse that covers a very useful focal range. Both have fast f/2.8 apertures for low light performance and shallow depth of field when needed. The image stabilization helps a lot for handheld shooting. Build quality and optics are top notch as expected from Canon L glass.
Actually surprised no one mentioned the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM yet. Ngl, it is a beast to carry around all day, but the optics are basically unmatched for low light. For video, the focus breathing is surprisingly well-controlled for a lens with this many elements. Ive had mine since launch and it has survived some pretty rough shoots without the AF speed degrading. The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is also a solid choice for more than just close-ups. That Spherical Aberration (SA) control ring is actually super useful for softening up skin tones in interviews without needing a pro-mist filter. The Nano USM motors are basically silent too, which is a big deal if youre running on-camera mics for scratch audio. If you find yourself on a gimbal most of the time, id actually suggest the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM over the f/2.8 version. The weight difference makes a massive impact on motor strain and your own stamina over a 10-hour day. The f/4 aperture is plenty if youre shooting in decent light or pushing the R5 ISO a bit, especially since the IS on that lens is incredibly stable.
For video production, I highly recommended the new released RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z lens.
Yep, this is the way
As a video producer who uses Canon RF mount cameras, my go-to lenses are:
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RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM - A workhorse lens that covers a useful focal range for most video situations. The fast aperture and IS make it ideal for handheld shooting and low-light conditions.
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RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM - Essential for interviews, close-ups, and capturing distant action. The fast aperture and IS help maintain a shallow depth of field and stable footage.
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RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM - A compact, lightweight prime lens with macro capabilities. Perfect for video shooters who need a wide-angle perspective and close-focusing ability.
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RF 85mm f/1.2L USM - A portrait prime with a large aperture, ideal for interviews and creative shallow depth of field shots. The fast aperture is also beneficial in low-light situations.
Remember to invest in high-quality lenses that suit your specific video production needs and budget. The right lenses will help you achieve professional-looking results and expand your creative options.
RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z
For a budget-friendly option that still delivers high quality, check out the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM. It's great for run-and-gun style filming and can handle everything from interviews to B-roll. The image stabilization is a nice touch for smoother handheld shots.
