What are the best prime lenses for a Canon EOS R6?

Question

Hey everyone! I finally made the jump and upgraded to the Canon EOS R6 a few months ago, and I’ve been absolutely loving the autofocus and that incredible IBIS. So far, I’ve been relying heavily on the RF 24-105mm f/4L kit lens. While it's a fantastic all-rounder, I’m starting to feel the limitations of an f/4 aperture, especially when I'm out shooting during the "blue hour" or trying to get that really shallow depth of field for portraits.

I really want to start building a solid prime lens kit, but the RF mount options are a bit all over the place in terms of price and size. I mainly focus on a mix of candid street photography and environmental portraits of my family. I’ve been eyeing the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM because it seems like a perfect, compact walk-around lens, but I’ve heard mixed things about the autofocus speed and the motor noise compared to the higher-end L-series glass.

On the other end of the spectrum, I’m obsessed with the look of the RF 85mm lenses. I’m torn between the budget-friendly f/2 Macro and saving up for a long time to get the f/1.2L version. Is the f/1.2 truly worth the massive price jump and the extra weight on the R6 body, or does the f/2 hold its own for hobbyist work? I'm also curious if anyone has experience using adapted EF primes like the Sigma Art series on the R6 via the EF-EOS R adapter. Does the setup feel too bulky, or is the performance seamless enough to skip native glass for now?

My goal is to find one or two "must-have" primes that really let the R6 sensor shine without breaking the bank entirely (though I am willing to invest if it's a "buy once, cry once" situation). I'd love to hear what's currently in your camera bag and what you find yourself reaching for most often.

If you could only pick two prime lenses to pair with the R6 for general use and portraits, which ones would you recommend as the best bang for your buck?

GeorgeBeday · Accepted Answer

So basically the consensus is that the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM is the best 'bang for buck' for street, while the 85mm debate really comes down to how much weight you wanna carry. Honestly, the RF lineup is split between tiny budget lenses and massive 'L' glass, which is kinda frustrating when you're trying to build a balanced kit.

Adapting the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art sounds good on paper, but it makes the setup SO front-heavy. I tried it and it basically ruined the ergonomics of the R6 for me. Unfortunately, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is just way too expensive for what most of us need. The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is definitely 'good enough' for family stuff.

**TL;DR:** Native glass is way more convenient. Get the 35mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/2.

**Quick Tip:** Trust your IBIS! You dont always need f/1.2 for low light; the R6 handles slower shutter speeds like a champ. 👍

Benjamin Foster · Answer

yo, congrats on the R6! I've been shooting Canon for like 15 years and honestly, that body is such a sweet spot for everything from family stuff to pro work. I totally get the f/4 frustration—it's a great all-rounder, but it kinda lacks that 'wow' factor for portraits, right?

In my experience, you dont need to spend $3k on L-series glass to get incredible results. Here is what I recommend for the best bang-for-your-buck combo:

1. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM - This is basically glued to my camera for street stuff. People complain about the motor noise, but unless you're shooting silent video in a library, you wont even notice it. It's lowkey one of the sharpest lenses for the price, and the IS works so well with the R6 IBIS.
2. Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM - Seriously, dont feel pressured to get the f/1.2L version. I've used both and unless your getting paid big bucks for high-end weddings, the f/2 is plenty. It's way lighter, and the macro capability is actually super handy for detail shots of the kids...

I also tried adapting my old Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon EF using the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. Performance is seamless—the AF is actually faster on the R6 than it ever was on my old DSLRs! But yeah, it makes the setup feel pretty front-heavy. If ur looking for that "buy once, cry once" vibe without breaking the bank, sticking to those two RF primes is the way to go. I'm super satisfied with them and haven't felt the need to upgrade to the heavy glass yet. gl! 👍

Rowan Henry Thompson · Answer

Basically, sticking with native glass is the safest bet for ur R6 performance.

- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM - great street lens.
- Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM - manageable size.

Market-wise, native RF lenses communicate better with the IBIS... i think adapted Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lenses work but can feel bulky? so yeah, stick to native for reliability!! peace.