When it comes to photography, lighting is everything. However, not all lighting situations are ideal, and that’s where having the right lens can make all the difference. A low light lens is a must-have for any photographer who wants to capture stunning photos in dimly lit environments. For Canon camera owners, there are many options available, but finding the best low light lens for Canon can be a daunting task.
When choosing a low light lens for Canon, there are several factors to consider, including aperture, focal length, and image stabilization. The aperture is the opening in the lens that allows light to enter the camera, and the wider the aperture, the more light can enter. Focal length determines the distance between the lens and the camera’s sensor, and it can affect the angle of view and the amount of light that enters the camera. Image stabilization is also important, as it can help reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which low light lens is the best fit for your needs. However, with careful research and testing, it is possible to find the perfect lens for your Canon camera. In this article, we will explore the top low light lenses for Canon and provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Best Low Light Lens for Canon
Low light photography can be a challenge, but having the right lens can make all the difference. Canon cameras are known for their excellent image quality, and pairing them with a great low light lens can produce stunning results. In this roundup, we’ve gathered the best low light lenses for Canon cameras to help you capture amazing photos even in dimly lit environments. From affordable options to high-end lenses, there’s something for every budget and photography style.
Table Of Contents
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
If you’re looking for a high-quality, low-light lens for your Canon camera, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is an excellent choice. Its wide f/1.8 aperture lets in more than 8x the amount of light compared to the standard zoom lens that is provided with your EOS, resulting in sharper images with less motion blur and reduced need to use flash in dimly lit conditions. Its compact size and near-silent STM technology make it a great everyday lens to always carry with your EOS camera.
Pros
- Wide f/1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance
- Compact size makes it easy to carry with your EOS camera
- Near-silent STM technology for quick and quiet focusing
Cons
- 50mm focal length may not be suitable for all types of photography
- No image stabilization
- Build quality may not be as robust as more expensive lenses
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a high-quality, low-light lens that won’t break the bank. Its compact size and near-silent STM technology make it a great everyday lens to always carry with your EOS camera. However, its 50mm focal length may not be suitable for all types of photography, and it lacks image stabilization. Additionally, its build quality may not be as robust as more expensive lenses.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard Lens
If you’re looking for a versatile lens that performs well in low light situations, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard Lens is a great choice.
Pros
- Clear imaging in low light situations with an f/1.4 maximum aperture
- Extra-small Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM) for fast, smooth, and virtually silent autofocus
- Superior peripheral brightness even at the maximum aperture
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with autofocus reliability
- Not as sharp as some other lenses in its class
- Not weather-sealed
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard Lens is a great all-around lens that’s perfect for both casual and professional photographers. Its f/1.4 maximum aperture allows you to shoot in low light situations without sacrificing image quality, while the extra-small Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM) ensures fast and smooth autofocus. However, some users have reported issues with autofocus reliability, and the lens is not as sharp as some other lenses in its class. Additionally, it is not weather-sealed, so it may not be the best choice for outdoor photography in inclement weather.
Despite these drawbacks, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard Lens is still a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile lens that performs well in a variety of shooting situations. Whether you’re a casual photographer looking to up your game or a professional looking for a reliable workhorse lens, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard Lens is definitely worth considering.
Meike 85mm f1.8 Large Aperture Full Frame Auto Focus Telephoto Lens
If you’re looking for an affordable low light lens for your Canon camera, the Meike 85mm f1.8 is a great option that delivers excellent image quality with a few minor drawbacks.
Pros
- Wide aperture range allows for great low light performance and shallow depth of field
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around
- USB connection allows for easy firmware upgrades
Cons
- Autofocus can be slow and noisy
- Flare can be an issue in certain lighting conditions
- Not the best option for video due to autofocus noise
The Meike 85mm f1.8 is a versatile lens that can be used for a wide range of subjects, including portraits, landscapes, and sports photography. The wide aperture range allows for great low light performance and shallow depth of field, making it a great option for indoor and outdoor photography.
The lens construction with 6 groups of 9 pieces delivers excellent image quality with sharp details and vibrant colors. The lens carries the usual electronic contacts, but also a USB connection that can be used to upgrade the lens firmware.
However, the autofocus can be slow and noisy, which can be an issue for some photographers. The flare can also be a problem in certain lighting conditions, so it’s important to be aware of this when shooting. Additionally, the autofocus noise can make it less than ideal for video work.
Overall, the Meike 85mm f1.8 is a great low light lens option for Canon cameras that delivers excellent image quality with a few minor drawbacks. If you’re looking for an affordable lens that can handle a wide range of subjects, this lens is definitely worth considering.
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens
If you’re looking for a high-quality lens for low-light situations, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens is a great option. With its wide aperture and improved autofocus speed, this lens is perfect for portraits, weddings, fashion, and more.
Pros
- Produces beautiful, soft backgrounds
- Works great with eye detection AF feature
- Reduces chromatic aberration
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Large
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens is a great lens for portrait photography, providing a wide aperture and beautiful, soft backgrounds. It works great with the eye detection AF feature found in the EOS R and EOS RP cameras, providing impressive focus on a subject’s eye. Additionally, the lens features blue spectrum refractive optics (BR) to help reduce chromatic aberration and air Sphere coating to help minimize flaring and ghosting.
One downside to this lens is that it is quite expensive, and it is also heavy and large, which may make it difficult to carry around for extended periods of time. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality lens for low-light situations, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens is definitely worth considering.
Overall, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality lens for low-light situations. Its wide aperture, improved autofocus speed, and impressive image quality make it a great choice for portrait photography, weddings, fashion, and more.
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM for Canon Full Frame Mirrorless
A versatile lens that is compact, lightweight and perfect for low-light photography and creative background blur.
Pros
- Large f/1.8 aperture for low-light photography and circular bokeh
- Compact and lightweight
- Smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording
Cons
- Fixed 50mm focal length may not be suitable for all situations
- No image stabilization
- No weather sealing
The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM lens is a great addition to any Canon EOS R series camera. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around and its large f/1.8 aperture allows for great low-light photography and creative background blur. The smooth and quiet continuous AF makes it perfect for video recording. However, the fixed 50mm focal length may not be suitable for all situations and there is no image stabilization or weather sealing.
Despite its limitations, the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM lens is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile lens that is perfect for low-light photography and creative background blur.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best low light lens for your Canon camera, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Aperture
The aperture of a lens determines how much light it can let in. A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light to enter the lens, making it ideal for low light situations. Look for lenses with apertures of f/1.8 or wider for the best low light performance.
Focal Length
The focal length of a lens determines its field of view and magnification. For low light photography, a wider angle lens can be beneficial, as it allows more light to enter the lens. However, a longer focal length can also be useful for isolating subjects and creating a shallow depth of field.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization is a feature that helps to reduce camera shake and blur in low light situations. Look for lenses with built-in image stabilization for the best results.
Compatibility
Make sure to choose a lens that is compatible with your Canon camera. Some lenses are designed specifically for crop sensor cameras, while others are designed for full frame cameras. Additionally, make sure the lens mount is compatible with your camera.
Brand and Price
There are many different brands and price points to choose from when it comes to low light lenses for Canon cameras. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that a higher quality lens will generally produce better results. Consider your budget and do some research to find the best lens for your needs.