Best Lenses for Canon EOS R100

The Canon EOS R100 is the latest APS-C format mirrorless camera from Canon. As an APS-C camera, it can use both RF-mount lenses designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless cameras, as well as RF-S lenses made for APS-C sensor sizes. This gives R100 owners a wide range of lens options to choose from. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best RF and RF-S lenses to consider for getting the most out of the 26.2-megapixel sensor in the EOS R100.

Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

The Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is the kit lens that Canon bundles with the EOS R100 camera body. It covers wide-angle to standard focal lengths which are very versatile for everyday shooting. The variable maximum aperture isn’t incredibly fast, but the advantage is that it helps keep the size and cost of the lens down. Importantly, image stabilization helps counter camera shake when shooting handheld videos or in low light. Focusing is smooth and quiet thanks to the STM motor. At just 130g, this handy little zoom lens lets you be nimble and casual with the compact R100 body. It’s a great starter lens, providing nice image quality in a lightweight package.

Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM

Want to get more dramatic shots with some extra wide perspective? Check out the compact Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM lens. As an APS-C camera, the Canon EOS R100 will give you an equivalent focal length of around 26mm with this lens attached. It lets you squeeze a lot more of the scene into the frame, allowing you to capture expansive landscapes, tight interior spaces, and get creative with dramatic angles in your photography. A bright f/2.8 maximum aperture gives you the ability to shoot handheld in low light and create soft, defocused backgrounds to isolate your subject. Focus breathing is minimized for better video capture as well when pulling focus or zooming. The STM motor also provides smooth, quiet autofocus that’s ideal for both stills and video recording. It’s wonderfully portable at just 40g too.

Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

Need an affordable wide zoom lens for landscapes, cityscapes, interiors, and real estate photography? Check out the Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM. With a 35mm equivalent focal length range covering 16-29mm, it’s ideal for fitting more of a scene into the frame. The optical image stabilization counteracts camera shake by up to five stops, allowing you to shoot clear handheld shots even at slower shutter speeds. STM focusing is both smooth and quiet, plus the lens has a shorter minimum focusing distance of just 13cm so you can hone in tight on close-up subjects and add some unique perspectives to your photography. Weighing in at just 125g, you’ll barely notice it in your bag or hanging from the R100 all day via its control ring.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a compact, affordable prime lens that offers amazing value for Canon EOS R100 shooters. Also known as a “nifty fifty”, its 80mm equivalent focal length closely mimics natural vision making it intuitive and comfortable for a huge range of photography types and experience levels. With a bright f/1.8 aperture, the RF 50mm f/1.8 produces pleasing background defocusing and performs wonderfully when light levels drop. Coupled with great center sharpness even wide open at f/1.8, it’s also a delight to use for portrait sessions – isolating your subject against a softly blurred background. Up close, its 13cm minimum focusing distance also makes it surprisingly adept at food, detail and creative shots too.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM

Want to capture tiny details in eye-catching enlargements? The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lens lets EOS R100 shooters reveal the miniature world. Offering life-sized 1:1 magnification ratio reproduction, the internal lens mechanics provide superb image quality at short working distances. With its 56mm focal length equivalent in full frame terms, the RF 35mm f/1.8 maintains comfortable working distances so you don’t need to be practically touching your subjects. Two key features make this macro lens particularly effective: Image stabilization provides up to 5 stops of shake correction, hugely benefiting handheld shooting. STM focusing drives smooth and silent transitions while focusing precisely on fine detail. Compact and lightweight (305g), it focuses as close as 12cm for intricate close-ups filled with detail and color.

Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM

If you love shooting environmental portraits, documentary coverage, weddings or travel photography, the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is a must-have prime lens for your EOS R100 kit bag. In full frame terms, its 45mm equivalent focal length sits between wide angle and standard lenses. This makes it versatile in squeezing more interesting compositions into the frame without significant distortion. Its bright f/2.8 aperture creates nice background defocusing to isolate the main subject while letting lots of light in for shooting interiors, city streets, dimly lit venues and any other low light situations. Videographers will also love its natural focal length that avoids the overly distorted or compressed look. The STM focus motor also provides whisper-quiet, smooth refocusing and tracking for video recording – crucial for events, interviews and Vlogging. Weighing just 100g, you’ll barely notice carrying this little wonder.

Some Final Recommendations

The Canon EOS R100 is all about portable, versatile imaging power. Ideally, you want to pair it with lenses that maintain the compact, lightweight concept while still offering premium performance. The Canon RF and RF-S lenses showcased here provide the best range and versatility for most users – from wide angle vistas and cityscapes to flattering portrait primes and macro close-ups.

Our top all-rounder pick is the tiny RF 16mm f/2.8 STM lens. Incredibly compact yet bursting with potential, its super wide perspective combined with bright f/2.8 aperture makes it hugely fun and creative for everything from landscapes and environmental portraits to food photography and videography.

Shooters wanting to step up their portrait, documentary and general short telephoto ability should also seriously look at the RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM. Razor sharp from distances or up close for detail macros, its image stabilization and bright f/1.8 aperture excel for people, events, weddings and still life imagery.

Of course, the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM bundled kit lens lets you hit the ground running at this focal range too. While slower in aperture, its zoom versatility, compact size and affordability make it the perfect pairing for everyday R100 shooting.