Best lens for the Canon R6 Mark II

If you shoot paid events, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is the lens to buy for the R6 Mark II. If you are starting out or watching your budget, begin with the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and add the zoom later.

The R6 Mark II is full frame, with two SD slots, 12 frames per second on the mechanical shutter and stabilisation in the body. Canon rates it as a 670g camera, so a heavy zoom is more manageable here than on an R50 or R10.

For weddings and events

The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L weighs 900g. Together with the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L at 1070g it covers a whole function, from group photos to a stage across a hall.

If two f/2.8 L zooms are out of reach, the RF 50mm f/1.8 at 160g is far smaller and works well in dim mandaps. You will move your feet more.

Portraits

The RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM at 500g is the affordable portrait lens in the RF range we track. It also focuses close, which helps for ring and detail shots. The RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM at 685g is the serious macro option, and it is a much bigger purchase.

Wide angle

The RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is very small at 165g. It covers wide interiors and venues cheaply, and you can leave it in a bag for when you need it.

Wildlife

Two choices. The RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM at 635g is light and modest in price, and f/8 at the long end needs good light. The RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM at 1370g goes further and is brighter at every length. If wildlife is what you do, buy the 100-500mm. If it is an occasional trip, the 100-400mm is enough.

What to avoid

Avoid RF-S lenses such as the 18-150mm on this body. They mount, but they are made for APS-C sensors and the camera crops to use them.

See all lenses that fit the R6 Mark II and the wedding kit options.

Before you buy

A 900g zoom on a 670g body is a lot to hold for six hours. Before you pay for it, ask the shop to let you hold the pair for a few minutes. Ask too whether the seller can help if the lens needs servicing later, and who you would call.