5 high-end lenses for Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras

The aperture ratio is less than one - a rather rare thing in lenses. Only a few examples of prime optics have this. Among its number, I would like to highlight the Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF model, produced for full-frame mirrorless mounts Canon RF, Nikon Z and Sony FE.

The focal length of the Laowa prime lens is 35 mm. This is the optimal value for everyday shooting of any subjects, be it street photography, full-length portraits, landscapes or architecture. The closest analogue of the model for the Canon RF system is the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro prime, but in terms of aperture this prime was not even close to the lens in question. The maximum aperture of f/0.95 allows you to completely control the depth of field, literally erasing the background and leaving impeccable detail on the main subject in the frame.

For the sake of such a high aperture ratio, the autofocus system had to be sacrificed - when working with the lens, it is supposed to focus in a purely old-fashioned way, i.e. manually. Fortunately, a detailed scale of focusing distances is printed on the body of the model. At the same time , the fixed lens is equipped with an aperture ring with the ability to select smooth or stepped rotation.

The optical formula of the Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF includes 14 elements in 9 groups with one ultra-low dispersion lens, one aspherical element and four lenses that have an ultra-high refractive index. The picture is complemented by a 15-blade diaphragm, aimed at “drawing” spectacular bokeh. The prime lens from Laowa is designed for leisurely, thoughtful photo and video shooting. In skillful hands, it will become a unique instrument, the likes of which are virtually unmatched.

For portrait photographers, the Canon optics fleet has a very interesting lens : Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. As a replacement or in addition to it, you can also get a longer-range 135mm f/1.8L prime. That's what we'll talk about.

First of all, the lens is aimed at shooting close-up portraits. At the same time, a shallow depth of field effectively separates the object from the background - the model can “draw” bokeh very beautifully. The prime lens produces razor-sharp images even at a maximum aperture of f/1.8. The image also remains sharp in the angles of the frame, although this cannot always be seen due to background blur.

A significant advantage of the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM is the built-in optical stabilization system, which allows you to compensate up to 5.5 stops of shutter speed or frame exposure. With a stub, it’s much easier to shoot handheld at critical shutter speeds, because even the slightest camera movement promises the loss of precious focus. By the way, the USM ultrasonic motor is responsible for focusing the lens - the model’s autofocus system works quickly, clearly and silently.

The prime lens from Canon is housed in a body with reliable dust and moisture protection. The model weighs 935 g. Additionally, there are two programmable buttons on its body, to which you can assign quick access functions from the camera menu. Convenient control of popular shooting parameters will definitely not hinder any enthusiastic photographer.

A wide-angle zoom lens does not necessarily have to have a high aperture, but you still want to see a permanent aperture throughout the entire range of focal lengths. This is exactly how the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4.0L IS USM turned out.

The lens turned out to be exactly 1 mm “wider” than its counterpart - Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM. Moreover, it is more compact and weighs 300 g less. The maximum aperture opening for the “width” in question remains at the same level of f/4.0, regardless of the chosen focal length. And the optical image stabilization system is designed to compensate for the potential lack of aperture, which works up to 5.5 stops on unstabilized cameras and up to 7 shutter speed or exposure steps on cameras with a matrix stabilization.

The model provides an optimal viewing angle for landscape, interior and everyday photography. Its optical design was based on the formula “16 elements in 9 groups” with proprietary SWC and ASC lens coatings to improve image quality. The lens is focused using the Nano USM ultrasonic drive, which quickly engages the subject and operates almost silently(videographers will appreciate it).

The Canon RF 14-35mm f/4.0L IS USM has a 9-blade aperture, three control rings, and reliable dust and moisture protection of the body. Out of the box, the model is equipped with a petal hood. Filters with a size of 77 mm can be installed on the front lens frame. With all its advantages, the wide lens will also cost less than its closest “relative”, the aforementioned 15-35mm f/2.8L lens.

The unspoken standards among zooms for full-frame cameras are considered to be lenses with a set of focal lengths of 24-70 mm and a permanent maximum aperture of f/2.8. However, there is a more interesting specimen in the Canon portfolio - this is a unique model covering the sought-after 28-70 mm range and the highest permanent aperture of f/2.0.

The lens is a more expensive and faster alternative to the standard “luxury” Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM zoom. An extraordinary feature of the model is its maximum f/2.0 aperture across the entire range of focal lengths, which opens up unprecedented opportunities for realizing creative potential in photography. Moreover, the resolution remains consistently high in the center of the frame and the periphery from the very open apertures, and the picture is guaranteed not to be spoiled by aberrations.

The model is perfect for shooting diverse scenes, even in low-light conditions. The only caveat is that it does not have an optical image stabilization system. However, the customer always has the right to rely on the operation of the in-camera stub, which is found in many Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras (but not all). If the lens were equipped with a stabilizer, this would entail a heavier design. And the model already weighs almost one and a half kilograms.

The lens is sharpened by a fast and silent USM autofocus motor. The 9-blade aperture design with a rounded central hole receives special praise in the zoom - bokeh in portrait photography will be obtained at the highest level. Together with the model it is planned to use large filters with an atypical size of 95 mm. And of course, the lens includes reliable dust and moisture protection for comfortable filming in any conditions.

Having at hand a lens with a set of focal lengths of 70-200 mm and an f/2.8 aperture, you can safely go on a photo hunt for shy animals, shoot portraits, sporting events and distant objects.

At the beginning of 2019, a remarkable zoom lens, the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, was rolled out for the full-frame RF system. The model has an optical design of 17 elements in 13 groups and a sliding body - a “trunk” emerges from its front part as the focal length increases. However, this did not prevent the lens from acquiring dust and moisture protection. And when folded, the model turned out to be completely compact (146 mm in length).

The dual Nano USM autofocus drive is responsible for focusing the lens. Moreover, the optical formula of the model includes “floating” elements to minimize the “breathing effect”, which is important when filming video. Videographers will also appreciate optical image stabilization in telephoto cameras with a declared effectiveness of up to 5 shutter speed or exposure steps.

There are several sliders on the lens body for controlling the operation of autofocus and stub, and the model also acquired a customizable control ring - if necessary, functions for adjusting exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO are assigned to it. A tripod foot is supplied with the telephoto. You only need to put up with the considerable weight of the lens - about 1070 g. But it still turned out to be lighter than its counterparts in the 70-200 mm workshop.