10 Best Low Light Lens For Canon 2025 in the United States

The Samyang AF 12mm F2 RF-S is an ultra-wide-angle prime lens designed specifically for Canon RF-S mount cameras. Its standout feature is the fast f/2 aperture, which is excellent for low-light shooting and helps create images with a nicely blurred background when desired. The 12mm focal length offers a wide field of view, making it ideal for landscapes, architecture, and night sky photography, capturing expansive scenes with minimal distortion.

This lens is built with quality in mind, including special elements that reduce color fringing and other optical flaws, resulting in sharp and clear photos across the frame. Autofocus is handled by a smooth and quiet linear stepping motor, which is great for both photos and video, providing precise and nearly silent focusing. On the downside, this lens does not have built-in image stabilization, so using it handheld in very dark environments might require careful technique or a tripod. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry, which is a big plus for travelers and outdoor photographers.

This lens offers great sharpness and performance in low light, though the ultra-wide perspective may not suit all subjects, particularly portraits. It is well suited for Canon RF-S camera owners looking for a high-quality, wide-angle option that excels in low-light conditions and provides good versatility for creative photography.

The Canon RF28-70mm F2 L USM Lens stands out as an excellent choice for photographers who often work in low-light conditions, especially those using Canon EOS R Series mirrorless cameras. Its constant f/2 aperture is a significant advantage, allowing for better light capture and creating beautiful depth-of-field effects. This is particularly valuable for indoor events or nighttime photography, where lighting can be challenging.

In terms of lens quality, the RF28-70mm is an L-series lens, which means it’s designed for high image quality with superior optics. The lens also features a dust- and water-resistant design with a fluorine coating, making it suitable for outdoor shooting in various weather conditions.

The 28-70mm focal range provides versatility, allowing you to capture wide landscapes or detailed portraits with ease. Additionally, the control ring is a handy feature for quick adjustments on the fly, enhancing the user experience. The lens does have some heft, weighing 3.15 pounds, which might make it a bit cumbersome for extended use or travel. Some users might find the price tag steep, especially if they’re budget-conscious. While the autofocus performance is generally reliable, heavy reliance on autofocus in dim situations can sometimes lead to slower focusing speeds. If you're a Canon user who needs a high-quality, low-light lens for versatile shooting scenarios, the Canon RF28-70mm F2 L USM Lens is a strong contender, but be mindful of its weight and cost when making your decision.

The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens is an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality images in low-light conditions. With its bright f/1.2 aperture, this lens allows a significant amount of light to enter, making it perfect for capturing clear and sharp images even in dim environments. The inclusion of Blue Spectrum Refractive optics helps reduce chromatic aberration, ensuring the images have vivid colors and minimal color fringing.

The lens also features a minimum focusing distance of 2.79 feet (0.85 meters), which can be advantageous for portrait and macro photography, allowing you to get closer to your subjects while maintaining sharpness and detail. The control ring, one aspherical element, and one UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) lens contribute to the quality and ease of use, providing precise control over settings and enhanced image quality.

Furthermore, it is fully compatible with Canon mirrorless full-frame cameras, such as the EOS RP, EOS R, EOS R5, and EOS R6. However, the lens is relatively heavy at 2.64 pounds, which might be a concern for some users, especially when used for extended periods. Additionally, it lacks image stabilization, which could be a drawback for handheld photography, particularly in low-light scenarios. Despite these issues, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens stands out for its superb image quality and performance, making it an exceptional choice for professional photographers and enthusiasts who prioritize image excellence in their work.