What lens to get for your Canon EOS 6D Mark II?

Released in July 2017, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is an entry-level full-format SLR that succeeds the 6D released 5 years earlier, with several improvements.

In terms of technical specifications, it has a 26MP full-format sensor, a Digic 7 processor, and also benefits from the Dual Pixel AF system, as well as a touch screen and swivel screen. For negative points, it has only one memory card port and it does not allow to shoot in 4K but only full HD at 60fps.

Sold alone or in kit with the very good 24-105mm STM, the Canon 6D Mark II can really show you what it’s made of if you combine it with excellent quality lenses.

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Here is a selection of the best lenses compatible with the Canon 6D Mark II that will help you make a good arsenal useful in all situations, whether for travel, portrait or landscape photography. I forgot to mention it, but this selection also applies to the old Canon 6D!

If you don’t find the ideal lens for your 6D Mark II on this page, or if they are too expensive for you, I invite you to read this article even more comprehensive where you will find cheaper alternatives.

Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions or ideas to improve this list!

Note: Product links in this article lead to Amazon.com

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Some terms to know:

Here are some abbreviations and terms to know before choosing a new lens for your Canon EOS 6D Mark II:

EF (Electronic Focus): indicates that the lens is compatible with all Canon full-format cameras but also APS-C. The EF-S lenses are optimized for cameras equipped with an APS-C sensor.

L (L series): a quality label for Canon professional lenses, the top in terms of performance and image quality with added tropicalization and enhanced construction. The lenses of the L series are designed with high quality materials and recognizable by the red border around the lens barrel. They are the best in the Canon EF range.

VR (Vibration Reduction): Indicates that the lens incorporates an optical image stabilizer that helps reduce vibration, thus avoiding motion blur when using the hand-held SLR.

USM (Ultra Sonic Motor): an autofocus motorization technology designed by Canon, which allows fast, accurate and near-quiet autofocusing.

STM (Stepping-Motor): a step-by-step motorization technology, especially practical for video, that allows flexible and silent focusing in video.

IS (Image Stabilizer): Indicates that the lens has an integrated optical image stabilizer.

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Summary

1. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
2. Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USMG
3. Canon 16-35 f/4 IS
4. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM
5. Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II
6. Comparative Table
7. Useful accessories
8. Links

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Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Weight:  805g
Filter size: 82 mm

If you are looking for a versatile lens that can do both landscape and portrait photography, then the Canon 24-70 mm is for you. Its construction quality is excellent, it is tropicalized with a superb finish and a good grip (this is a lens of the L series). It offers images of impressive quality, similar to what you can get with a fixed focal length, which is quite surprising for a zoom. The constant aperture of f/2.8 offers a superb depth of field, its very short focusing distance allows to take interesting shots and its USM autofocus technology is responsive and makes very little noise.

In short, it’s a lens dedicated to professionals or enthusiasts who want an optic that can be used every day. It is close to perfection, despite some minor optical defects (a little vignetting and distortion), a fairly high weight, the lack of integrated optical stabilization and its high price.

Cheaper alternative: the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS II USM

Check the price

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Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM

Weight:  1025g
Filter size:  72 mm

‘Breathtaking’, ‘magical’, ‘a slap in the face’, ‘the best lens Canon has ever created’... these are some of the user feedback that can be found on the net. Just look at some pictures made with this 85mm f/1.2 to see that the bokeh is really extraordinary, and the sharpness is quite incredible. The quality of construction is also remarkable (L series), and the autofocus is very precise.

It’s not a lens for everyone however, first because of its very high price, but also because of its very imposing size (it weighs more than one kilo!) which can make it tiring to use.

If you have the budget and its weight doesn’t scare you, it’s the best for portraits, wedding photography, reporting or any type of event. Just remember to install a good quality filter to avoid damaging the front lens!

Cheaper option: the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art

Check the price

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Canon 16-35 f/4 L IS USM

Weight:   615g
Filter size:  77mm

An excellent wide-angle lens, perhaps the best value in its class. Its optical quality is excellent and it is stabilized! Without being a lightweight, it remains comfortable enough to use and is practical when travelling, whether for architectural or landscape photography. It has the red circle reserved for the lenses of the L series, so what we have here is a lens of excellent construction quality.

Even if there are lenses with wider apertures, the constant aperture of f/4 reduces the price compared to the f/2.8 version. In short, if you’re looking for a wide angle to start with your 6D, this one is great.

Check the price

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Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM

Weight:   625 g
Filter size:  67 mm

One of the best Canon EF lenses available on the market, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is primarily designed for macro photography but is also very effective for portrait photography.

Its sharpness is impressive, there is little vignetting and distortion, and the aperture of f/2.8 offers a really nice bokeh. The minimum focusing distance of 30 cm combined with optical stabilization is very useful to compensate for vibrations and obtain clear images of moving insects, whether butterflies, ladybirds or dragonflies!

In terms of construction, it’s part of the L series, so it’s top of the range, both strong and resistant to dust and humidity. According to some feedback on the net, the focus sometimes slips, but it can of course be used manually.

In short, it’s a must-have that offers great results when mounted on a Canon 6D Mark II.

Check the price

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Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II

Weight: 1490 g
Filter size:  77 mm

This lens received the 2011 TIPA Award in the category “Best Professional Lens” and is considered one of the best Canon zoom lenses by professionals for its superb image quality and overall performance. Very versatile, it is ideal for sports photographers, weddings and other events.

Be careful, it is very expensive and heavy, but it has a constant aperture of f/2.8. This lens is also very robust, tropicalized and possess a good grip (it’s from the L series).

In short, even if it is a little dated, it’s one of the best zoom lenses you can buy for your Canon 6D M2.

Check the price

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COMPARATIVE TABLE

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USEFUL ACCESSORIES