The Canon EOS R mirrorless range is perfect for photographers of all skill levels who want to capture high-quality imagery in a portable package. The two prime lenses we’re discussing today — the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM and the Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM — should be on your watchlist if you want to make the most of these qualities.
Being prime lenses, both are much lighter and more compact than their zoom counterparts. If you're new to prime lenses, our guide on what a prime lens is and which one to buy is a great place to start. But which one should you add to your camera bag? Let’s find out.
Last updated: June 2026
First Contender: Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM
- Maximum aperture: f1.8
- Fast STM AF motor
- Compact & lightweight build
- Super Spectra Coating: reduces ghosting & lens flare
- Image Stabilisation
- Macro capability (1:2 magnification)
The 35mm is a classic focal length, excellent for landscape shots, interior photography, street photography, and travel. If you need your lens to be a bit wider to fit more detail in — but not so wide that you’re constantly trying to get closer for a pleasing composition — the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM is the perfect middle ground.
Thanks to a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, this lens is also ideal for close-up photography, producing macro images in which the subject appears at half life-size To get the most out of the RF 35mm's macro capability, our beginner's guide to macro photography covers essential techniques and settings. — complemented by an impressive closest focus distance of just 17cm.
The fast f1.8 maximum aperture is great for shooting in any light — you can open the aperture to let in more light and use a faster shutter speed than would be possible with a slower lens. This fast aperture also allows for excellent background blur (bokeh), making your photographs more dynamic and polished. Further benefiting those working with natural light, this lens includes an exceptional Image Stabilisation system, so even at slower shutter speeds you can confidently shoot handheld without camera shake spoiling your results.
With its STM autofocus system, this lens operates both quickly and quietly, making it equally successful for video work. The Canon RF 35mm f1.8 also features a customisable control ring that can be assigned for quick adjustment of key settings including aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation.
Second Contender: Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM
- Maximum aperture: f2.8
- Fast STM AF motor
- Quality optical design: includes 3 PMo aspherical elements
- Ultra-compact pancake design
- Weighs just 120g
While the 35mm lens is compact, the Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM is considerably more portable, weighing just 120 grams and classified as a pancake-style lens — meaning it protrudes only a small amount from the front of your camera, making the overall kit remarkably pocketable.
The 28mm focal length delivers a wider field of view than the 35mm, making it excellent for landscapes and street photography. For a deeper look at how 35mm compares to other popular focal lengths for urban shooting, see our guide on the best lens for street photography. While it is full-frame compatible, this lens can also be mounted on smaller-format EOS R cameras, where it provides a “normal” 45mm equivalent field of view.
The maximum aperture of f2.8 is not as fast as the 35mm, but it is still well-suited for available light shooting and depth of field control. Note that this lens does not include Image Stabilisation, so camera shake can become an issue at slower shutter speeds — something to keep in mind if you frequently shoot in low light.
Like the 35mm, the RF 28mm features a fast and whisper-quiet STM AF system for distraction-free video work, and a customisable control ring for quick access to key shooting settings. With its wide focal length, ultra-portable stature, and fast quiet autofocus, this lens is a wonderful choice for vloggers of all skill levels — pair it with a gimbal and you have the basis of an excellent, compact vlogging kit. Complete your vlogging setup with the right illumination by checking out the best LED video lights for vlogging.
So, which one should you choose?
Choose the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM if: you want an everyday prime with a bright aperture, Image Stabilisation, and macro capability. It’s the more versatile of the two — equally at home shooting portraits, landscapes, interiors, and close-up subjects in any lighting condition.
Choose the Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM if: you want to keep your EOS R kit as portable as possible. Its pancake design and 120g weight make it the ideal travel or vlogging companion, and its wider field of view suits street and landscape photography particularly well.
Put together your ideal camera kit with Ted’s
Whether you’re looking for expert tips and photography advice or the latest product roundups, bookmark our photography blog. The friendly staff at your local Ted’s store are always happy to offer guidance — or browse our full range of Canon RF lenses online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 good for portraits?
Yes — the RF 35mm f1.8 is an excellent portrait lens, particularly for environmental portraits where you want to include some background context. Its f1.8 aperture produces pleasing background blur, and its 35mm focal length is flattering without the distortion of wider lenses. For tighter headshots, a longer focal length like 85mm is generally preferred.
Does the Canon RF 28mm f2.8 have image stabilisation?
No — the RF 28mm f2.8 STM does not include optical Image Stabilisation. On Canon EOS R bodies with in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), such as the EOS R5 or R6 series, the camera’s IBIS will still provide stabilisation. On bodies without IBIS, you’ll need to be mindful of shutter speed when shooting handheld in low light.
Can these lenses be used for video?
Yes — both lenses feature Canon’s STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus, which is fast, smooth, and near-silent during video recording. The RF 35mm f1.8 has the added advantage of Image Stabilisation for steadier handheld video, while the RF 28mm f2.8’s ultra-compact size makes it ideal for gimbal and vlogging setups.
What is a pancake lens?
A pancake lens is an extremely thin, compact prime lens that sits flush against the camera body with minimal protrusion. The Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM is a pancake-style lens, making the camera-and-lens combination remarkably slim and pocketable — ideal for travel and street photography where discretion and portability matter.
Which lens is better for beginners?
Both lenses are excellent for beginners. The RF 28mm f2.8 is the more affordable and portable option, making it a great first prime lens for travel and everyday shooting. The RF 35mm f1.8 offers more versatility with its brighter aperture, Image Stabilisation, and macro capability — making it a slightly better all-rounder if budget allows.
28mm vs 35mm: Which Focal Length Should You Choose?
The choice between 28mm and 35mm comes down to how wide you want your frame. On a full-frame Canon EOS R body, the Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM gives you a broader field of view — ideal for tight interiors, environmental portraits, and street photography where you want more context in the scene. The Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM sits closer to how the human eye naturally sees, making compositions feel more intuitive and natural. If you frequently shoot in confined spaces or want that extra breathing room in your frame, the 28mm wins. If you want a more versatile everyday focal length with a warmer, more natural perspective, the 35mm is the smarter pick for most photographers.
Best 35mm Lens for Canon RF Mount
If you're searching for the best 35mm lens for Canon RF, the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM is the standout choice — and currently the only native RF 35mm prime available. It punches well above its price point, delivering a fast f1.8 aperture for low-light performance, built-in Image Stabilisation for sharp handheld shots, and a genuine 1:2 macro capability that no other lens in this category offers. Whether you're shooting landscapes, street scenes, or close-up detail work, this lens handles it all without adding bulk to your kit. For Canon EOS R users wanting a single versatile prime to leave on their camera, the RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM is the definitive recommendation.
Canon RF 28mm vs 35mm: Our Verdict
Both lenses are excellent compact primes for the Canon EOS R system, but they serve slightly different photographers. Choose the Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM if you prioritise an ultra-slim, pancake-style profile and a wider field of view for travel and street work on a budget. Choose the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM if you want a faster aperture, image stabilisation, and macro versatility in one package — it's the more capable all-rounder. For most photographers, the RF 35mm offers greater long-term value. But if portability and price are your primary concerns, the RF 28mm is a joy to shoot with and genuinely pocketable. Either way, you're getting a sharp, lightweight prime that complements the Canon mirrorless system beautifully.
Hands-On Guide to Creative Lighting with the RF 35mm and RF 28mm
If you're looking for a hands-on guide to creative lighting, both of these lenses reward experimentation. The RF 35mm f1.8 is the stronger creative lighting tool thanks to its wider f1.8 aperture — it lets in significantly more light, allowing you to shoot confidently in low-light environments, use practical light sources like fairy lights or neon signs, and achieve smooth, cinematic background separation. The RF 28mm f2.8 pairs beautifully with wide, even light setups such as softboxes or window light, where its extra field of view helps include environmental context. For moody, dramatic single-subject lighting, the 35mm wins. For bright, lifestyle-style scenes with ambient light, the 28mm holds its own.
Creative Lighting Photography: Which Lens Has the Edge?
Creative lighting photography — think rim lighting, coloured gels, fairy light bokeh, or golden-hour backlight — demands a lens that handles contrast and flare gracefully. The Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM includes Canon's Super Spectra Coating, which actively reduces ghosting and lens flare when shooting into or near strong light sources. This makes it exceptionally well-suited to creative lighting setups where you're deliberately working with challenging light. The wider f1.8 aperture also produces a shallower depth of field, isolating your subject beautifully against out-of-focus light sources. The RF 28mm f2.8 is a capable performer in even light but lacks IS and the same aperture advantage, making the 35mm the clear pick for creative lighting work.
Sunglasses Photoshoot: 35mm or 28mm?
Planning a sunglasses photoshoot? Focal length matters more than you might think. The RF 35mm f1.8 is a popular choice for product-style and editorial sunglasses shots — it's wide enough to include lifestyle context (a beach, urban backdrop, studio setup) while the f1.8 aperture keeps the background beautifully blurred, drawing attention to the frames. Its 1:2 macro capability is a genuine bonus for tight detail shots of the lenses or frame texture. The RF 28mm f2.8 suits wider environmental portraits where you want to show the full scene around your model. For a controlled studio sunglasses shoot, go 35mm. For a wide outdoor lifestyle session, the 28mm adds a relaxed, editorial feel that works surprisingly well.