10 Best Canon Lens For Video 2025 in the United States

The Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC lens is a telephoto prime lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras, offering a fixed focal length of 135mm. This makes it a good choice if you need to shoot subjects from a distance, like portraits or certain types of video where a compressed background and subject isolation are desired. The bright f/2.0 aperture is a key strength, allowing you to work well in low light and achieve a shallow depth of field for smooth, professional-looking background blur.

Since this lens is manual focus only, it might require some practice to use effectively for video, especially if you need to quickly change focus during a shot. It does not feature autofocus, which can be a drawback if you prefer automatic focus adjustments. The lens includes ultra multi-coating (UMC) to reduce glare and improve image quality, and it has an extra-low dispersion element to cut down on color fringing. Image stabilization is not included, so you might need a tripod or gimbal for steady shots, particularly at this focal length.

Built for full-frame cameras, it also works on APS-C bodies with a narrower field of view. The 9-blade aperture helps create pleasing bokeh, which is valuable for cinematic video looks. The removable lens hood offers protection and reduces flare. Weighing about 1.8 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight for a telephoto lens, making it easier to handle during longer shoots. This lens is well suited for videographers who want high-quality, sharp images with strong low-light performance and don't mind manual focusing. It’s less ideal for fast-paced shooting that demands quick autofocus or built-in stabilization.

The Canon RF600mm F4 L IS USM is a super-telephoto lens specifically designed for the EOS R-series cameras, making it an excellent choice for videographers who need to capture distant subjects with stunning clarity. The 600mm focal length provides exceptional reach, ideal for wildlife and sports videography. Its wide f/4 maximum aperture allows for impressive low-light performance and beautiful background blur, which enhances the visual quality of videos.

The lens features advanced optical image stabilization with up to 5.5 stops of shake correction, crucial for steady hand-held shooting. It also includes three IS operation modes to adapt to different shooting scenarios, such as panning or stationary subjects. Additionally, the lens coatings minimize ghosting and flare, ensuring high contrast and color fidelity in various lighting conditions.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The minimum focusing distance of 13.78 ft. may limit close-up shots, and the lens's weight of 16.38 pounds makes it less portable and may require additional support equipment like a tripod. The lens is also quite niche, best suited for specific types of videography rather than general use. Its compatibility with Canon RF 1.4x and 2x Extenders offers flexibility in extending the focal length, but it comes at the expense of reduced aperture size. The Canon RF600mm F4 L IS USM lens is a powerful tool for videographers who need top-tier performance in capturing distant subjects, but it may not be practical for all shooting scenarios due to its size, weight, and focusing limitations.

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is a super telephoto prime lens with a 600mm focal length, making it highly suitable for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports events. Its f/4 aperture allows for good light intake, crucial for achieving quality shots in various lighting conditions. The lens is equipped with image stabilization, which is valuable for video recording, helping to reduce camera shake and ensuring steadier footage. This is especially important at such a long focal length where even small movements can be magnified.

The autofocus system in this lens is fast and precise, aiding in maintaining sharp focus on moving subjects, which is beneficial for dynamic video recording. Additionally, the lens features advanced coatings like Super Spectra and Air Sphere to minimize ghosting and flare, enhancing image clarity and quality. Built to withstand harsh conditions, this lens is dust- and water-resistant, making it a dependable choice for outdoor videographers.

On the downside, its 600mm focal length is highly specialized and may not be versatile for all types of video work. The lens is quite large and heavy, which could be cumbersome for handheld shooting and may require additional stabilization equipment like tripods or gimbals. Furthermore, given its professional-grade features and build, it comes with a high price point that may not be suitable for casual videographers or those on a budget.