When shopping for the best lenses for Canon 5D Mark IV, it is essential to consider your budget, focal length, and maximum aperture. I’ve included my favorite products below based on these features. So continue reading if you want to learn more about why they matter.
I don’t own the Canon 5D Mark IV anymore but I have used on in many photography shoots. It is a full-frame camera with robust features suitable for a wide range of applications. But no matter how powerful this DSLR can be, it performs even better with the right lenses.
This article will walk you through the seven best lenses for the Canon 5D Mark IV. I incorporated my own experience but also researched numerous articles and photographer reviews to confirm these top picks. I will discuss each one in detail to help you decide if it can meet your particular needs.
So sit back, relax, and read this in-depth article about the best lenses for the Canon 5D Mark IV!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
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Is It Worth Buying the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV?
If you already own a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, feel free to skip this section and jump into our top picks.
But to those who are planning to buy a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, you can continue reading this section to know if this particular DSLR is still worth buying today.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the latest model from the popular 5D series, which introduced full-frame cameras to the hands of enthusiast shooters. And although it came out in 2016, it is still relevant today due to its impressive performance and versatility.
This Canon powerhouse features a 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor. It delivers stunning image quality in nearly any lighting situation.
With the new DIGIC 6+ Image Processor, the 5D Mark IV also ensures fast operation no matter the situation. It can even shoot up to 7 fps in burst shooting mode that lets you freeze high-speed action.
The advanced 61-point AF system and revolutionary Dual Pixel CMOS AF are also among this camera’s selling points. It provides accurate, quick autofocus for both photos and videos.
Speaking of video, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV can record up to 4K footage. Although it is only limited to a 1.3x crop, the high-definition 1080p resolution makes up for this flaw.
In terms of the build, this full-frame DSLR camera has a robust, weather-sealed body. It can withstand heat and moisture when shooting at an outdoor location. Meanwhile, the grip is pretty comfortable, even for users with small hands.
The 5D Mark IV also includes a 3.2-inch touch screen. It is not an articulating display, which may frustrate some photographers and videographers, but the interface is among the most intuitive on the market. The buttons and dials offer varying degrees of customization, primarily designed with the photographer in mind.
Overall, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a versatile powerhouse suitable for both photographers and videographers. It is still worth buying today despite all the recent technological advancements. We recommend getting one if you do not need the full 4K video, flip screen, and in-body stabilization.
7 Best Lenses for Canon 5D Mark IV
Below are our top recommendations for the best lenses for Canon 5D Mark IV. Every product on this list has a specialized autofocus system and is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Canon models.
1. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM – Best Kit Lens
Specifications:
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Focal Length: 24-105mm
- Angle of View: 84° to 23°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 17.76 inches (45 cm)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.24x
- Filter Thread Size: 77mm
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.3 x 3.3 inches
- Weight: 1.75 lb
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV can come bundled with either the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM or the 24-70mm f/4. We recommend getting the former because of its more versatile focal range and better overall performance.
This standard zoom lens opens wide at f/4 to let more light into the sensor. It offers a decent narrow depth of field, ideal for general photography. It also ensures quality images in most lighting conditions, although sharpness deteriorates during nighttime shooting.
Meanwhile, the 24-105mm focal range is more than enough to cover various subjects, including landscapes, group photos, and headshots.
Moreover, it includes a ring-type ultrasonic motor to deliver silent and fast autofocusing. It also allows full-time manual focusing for total control over the lens.
There is even a built-in image stabilization to correct camera shake. It enables handheld shooting at up to four shutter speeds slower than usual.
On top of all these benefits, this kit lens features a weather-resistant construction. It can withstand the rigors of professional use and harsh outdoor conditions.
To sum up, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is our preferred kit lens for the Canon 5D Mark IV. The only downsides we can point out are the soft focus and chromatic aberration based on user reviews. Otherwise, it is a great piece of glass for full-frame cameras.
Pros:
- Versatile zoom range
- Distinct background blur
- Decent in low-light conditions
- A built-in image stabilization system ensures sharpness in handheld shooting
- Weather-sealed lens
Cons:
- The f/4 maximum aperture is not ideal for nighttime shooting
- Inconsistent autofocus results in softer photos
- A few users reported chromatic aberration
2. Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD – Best All-in-One Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/3.5-6.3
- Focal Length: 28-300mm
- Angle of View : 75° to 8°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 19.3 inches (49 cm)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.29x
- Filter Thread Size: 67mm
- Dimensions: 3.78 x 2.91 x 2.91 inches
- Weight: 1.19 lb
If you are looking for an all-in-one lens for the Canon 5D Mark IV, consider checking out the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD.
It features a versatile focal range that spans from 28 to 300mm. At its shortest zoom length, this lens offers a wide-angle perspective, ideal for capturing architectural structures, landscapes, and more.
It can also bring distant subjects up close, owing to the maximum zoom length of 300mm. Thus, it is also suitable for sports and wildlife photography.
What’s more, this zoom lens has a reproduction ratio of 1:3.5 when shooting at 300mm. It delivers close-up and macro photos in detail.
Meanwhile, the maximum aperture is variable, meaning it changes depending on the focal length chosen. It is not the best low-light lens on the market by any means, but the built-in optical stabilization makes up for this drawback.
This Vibration Compensation system, as Tamron calls it, minimizes camera shake when shooting in low-light situations. It enables you to use slow shutter speeds and longer focal lengths without a problem.
There is even a Piezo Drive autofocus system that uses a standing-wave ultrasonic motor. It can track subjects instantly across the frame for sharp results.
Finally, the package includes a flower-shaped lens hood on top of the lens itself.
Most customer reviews praised this Tamron lens for its sheer versatility and image quality at a relatively affordable price. But since it is a third-party lens, the focus is soft compared to native Canon lenses. A few users also noticed grain and noise in their images.
Nevertheless, the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 is hard to beat, especially for the value it offers for the money.
Pros:
- Versatile zoom range suitable for different kinds of photography
- 1:3.5 reproduction ratio to capture decent macro photos
- Built-in image stabilization reduces camera shake
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Fairly reasonable price
Cons:
- Variable aperture is not the best in low-light situations
- Soft focus compared to native Canon lenses
- A few users suffered from noisy images
3. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM – Best for Portraits
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Angle of View: 46°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 13.78 inches (35 cm)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.21x
- Filter Thread Size: 49mm
- Dimensions: 1.54 x 2.72 x 2.72 inches
- Weight: 0.35 lb
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is among the best portrait lenses for the Canon 5D Mark IV.
The fixed focal length of 50mm offers the most realistic perspective, close to what the human eye sees. Thus, it captures subjects without noticeable distortion.
Meanwhile, this prime lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8. It creates a distinct narrow depth of field that helps the subject stand out from the background. This smaller f-stop number also lets more light into the sensor, crucial for low-light and nighttime photography.
Furthermore, each element of the lens features a Super Spectra coating. It aims to reduce the ghosting and flare you get from shooting directly in strong lighting conditions. The result is greater contrast and color neutrality in your photos and videos.
There is even a stepping motor (STM) to deliver smooth and silent autofocus. It ensures sharp rendering across the frame, even when you are recording video.
Plus, this 50mm is extremely lightweight and compact. It is easy to carry and pack while traveling, suitable for those who usually switch between different lenses.
Despite all these benefits, the lens has plastic construction, which may feel cheap to other photographers. A few users also said that the autofocus is inconsistent—sometimes the lens will automatically autofocus in low-light, but it works fine during daytime.
The pros far outweigh the cons, though.
For this reason, we highly recommend the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM to every Canon 5D Mark IV owner, especially those who love to shoot portraits.
Pros:
- Natural perspective without distortion
- Stunning bokeh for portraits
- Impressive low-light performance
- A fairly smooth and silent AF system
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- The plastic build may feel cheap
- Inconsistent autofocus
4. Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM – Best for Travel and Walkaround
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Focal Length: 40mm
- Angle of View: 57°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 11.81 inches (30 cm)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.18x
- Filter Thread Size: 52mm
- Dimensions: 0.87 x 2.68 x 2.68 inches
- Weight: 0.28 lb
The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is another excellent prime lens for the Canon 5D Mark IV.
The slightly wider focal length at 40mm enables you to fit more elements into the frame while still being versatile enough for close-up shots. It can help you capture portraits, landscapes, and street photos without noticeable distortion, ideal for travel and walkaround shooting.
The constant maximum aperture at f/2.8 further offers flexibility to photographers. It opens wide to allow more light into the sensor. At the same time, it provides a distinct background blur to make the subject stand out.
What’s more, this prime lens includes a Super Spectra coating to minimize ghosting and flare when shooting in strong lighting conditions. It delivers accurate colors and greater contrast.
Plus, a stepping motor (STM) ensures accurate autofocus for sharper photos.
On top of all these benefits, the 40mm f/2.8 is a pancake lens, meaning that it is less than 1-inch thick. It is slimmer and more compact than the previous 50mm, which makes it ultra-portable.
However, before buying this lens, it is essential to know that vignetting cannot be avoided when shooting wide open. Some users also notice that the autofocus system produces a loud sound and can be slow.
Nevertheless, the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is still among the best lenses for the Canon 5D Mark IV. Its lightweight build and overall versatility are suitable for travel and everyday photography.
Pros:
- Versatile prime lens
- Great in low-light
- Stepper type AF motor for sharper images
- The pancake form factor makes the lens easy to carry
Cons:
- Minor vignetting when shooting wide open
- Autofocus can be loud and slow
5. Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM – Best Wide-Angle Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Focal Length: 17-40mm
- Angle of View: 104° to 57°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 11.02 inches (28 cm)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.24x
- Filter Thread Size: 77mm
- Dimensions: 3.82 x 3.31 x 3.31 inches
- Weight: 1.1 lb
For those who love to shoot vast expanses, the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM might meet your needs.
The variable zoom range of 17-40mm enables you to capture more of the scene in front of you. So whether you want to photograph towering buildings or breathtaking rolling landscapes, this wide-angle zoom lens helps you achieve that.
Meanwhile, the maximum aperture of f/4 stays constant throughout the entire focal range. It does not provide as much of a narrow depth of field as our previous picks. But the chances are that you want to shoot at a smaller aperture of at least f/11 to keep everything in focus. So if you ask us, the f/4 opening is not much of a big deal breaker to architectural and landscape photographers.
Moreover, the Canon zoom lens includes an advanced ultrasonic monitor (USM). This technology offers faster and more accurate autofocus than the standard stepping motor from the previous Canon models.
Finally, this wide-angle lens features water and dust-resistant construction. It can withstand harsh weather, ideal for outdoor photographers.
Most customer reviews for this product are positive. However, some users said the photos are too distorted, especially when shooting at the shortest zoom range. A few also noticed chromatic aberrations in their images.
With that said, we still think the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM is one of the best wide-angle zoom lenses for the Canon 5D Mark IV. We suggest getting one if you are an architectural, nature, and wedding photographer.
Pros:
- Ultra-wide-angle perspective to capture more elements into the frame
- Sharp and detailed photos
- Advanced USM ensures fast and accurate autofocus
- Weather sealing protects the lens against dust and moisture
Cons:
- The maximum aperture of f/4 might not be fast enough for some photographers
- Noticeable distortion when shooting at 17-25mm
- Slight chromatic aberration
6. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM – Best Telephoto Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Focal Length: 70-200mm
- Angle of View : 34° to 12°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 47.28 inches (120 cm)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.21x
- Filter Thread Size: 77mm
- Dimensions: 7.8 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 3.18 lb
If you want to capture subjects from a distance, consider getting a telephoto lens like the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM.
It covers focal lengths of 70 to 200mm that can bring distant subjects up close. So whether you want to take photos of an athlete from the bleachers or a wild animal from your car, this telephoto zoom lens can deliver sharp and detailed results.
It also features a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which is far greater than most telephoto zooms. Thus, it can ensure reliable low-light performance and stunning narrow depth of field.
Furthermore, this telephoto zoom lens comes with an advanced ultrasonic monitor (USM) to help with focusing on the subject.
There is even a built-in optical image stabilization to correct unwanted camera shake by up to 3.5 shutter speed stops. This technology offers two modes for optimal performance. The first one makes it possible to shoot handheld with the lens, while the second mode helps you track a moving subject when panning.
Finally, Canon built the 70-200mm f/2.8L with durability in mind. It boasts dust and water-resistant lens construction with a fluorine coating to guarantee performance in even the most challenging environments.
All these features come in an expensive and bulky package, though, which is expected for telephoto zoom lenses. A few users also said that autofocus performance could be slow.
Nevertheless, we think the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is worth the cost for its overall advanced features. We highly recommend it to action, sports, and wildlife photographers.
Pros:
- The medium telephoto focal range brings distant subjects up close
- Shallow depth of field
- Great in low-light situations
- Accurate and near-silent autofocus
- Built-in image stabilization with two optimized modes
Cons:
- Expensive
- Extremely bulky and heavy
- Some users said that the autofocus is slow
7. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM – Best Macro Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Focal Length: 100mm
- Angle of View: 24°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 11.81 inches (30 cm)
- Maximum Magnification: 1x
- Filter Thread Size: 67mm
- Dimensions: 4.84 x 3.07 x 3.07 inches
- Weight: 1.38 lb
If you ever wanted to photograph small objects in accurate detail, macro lenses like the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM might help you achieve your vision.
It offers a 1:1 magnification to capture subjects as close to their size in real life as possible. Together with the minimum focusing distance of 11.81 inches and 100mm focal length, it can take photos of small subjects with ease. Thus, it is an ideal choice for close-up and macro photography.
Meanwhile, the maximum aperture of f/2.8 ensures reliable performance in low-light situations. It can also create a narrow depth of field for stunning background blur.
There is also a ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) to deliver precise and near-silent autofocus. It even allows full-time manual focus override for total control over the lens.
Furthermore, a built-in optical image stabilizer helps minimize camera shake. Thus, you can shoot at slower shutter speeds and longer focal lengths without a problem.
On top of all these benefits, this medium telephoto prime lens is sealed against dust and moisture for shooting in various environmental conditions.
There are a few cons to this product, though.
First, the image stabilization system is too loud, according to some customer reviews. A few users also said that the lens tends to hunt focus.
With that said, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM is still one of the best macro lenses for the Canon 5D Mark IV.
Pros:
- Life-size 1:1 maximum magnification ratio
- Distinct background blur
- Reliable low-light performance
- Built-in image stabilization for sharper handheld shooting
- Weather-sealed lens
Cons:
- Image stabilizer produces a loud sound
- Some users said the autofocus can be slow
Things to Look for in the Best Lens for Canon 5D Mark IV
If you want to ensure that your chosen lens meets your needs, you need to consider the following factors when buying the best lens for the Canon 5D Mark IV.
Budget
The price is obviously one of the first factors to consider when buying a lens for the Canon 5D Mark IV.
The problem is that high-quality lenses are often expensive, making them out of reach to some photographers. Although in fairness, they are usually worth the cost.
Fortunately, there are still decent lenses that offer impressive optics at a lower price. Consider the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, for instance. At less than $200, it can deliver sharp and detailed images, even in low-light.
So before buying that premium lens, ask yourself if it is necessary for your craft and reasonable for your budget. Maybe, if you consider the other cheaper options, you can find a great alternative to that lens and save yourself hundreds of bucks in the process.
Focal Length
The focal length is another factor to look into before buying a lens for the Canon 5D Mark IV. It determines how much of the scene you want to capture.
Do you want to go as wide as possible? Get yourself a wide-angle lens with a focal length of less than 35mm. It enables you to fit more elements into the frame, suitable for architectural and landscape photography.
If you want to capture subjects from a distance, you will need a telephoto lens. This lens type has a focal range of more than 75mm to take photos of birds, wildlife, and other far subjects with ease.
Meanwhile, invest in a standard lens if you are into portraits and travel. It has a focal length ranging from 35-75mm that offers a realistic perspective without distortion.
Besides these three most common lens types, you also have to choose between a zoom or prime lens.
A zoom lens has a variable focal range that gives you more versatility. The downside is that it is not as sharp and compact.
In contrast, a prime lens has a fixed focal length that can limit its use. However, it is more lightweight and offers better image quality due to its less moveable parts.
It is entirely up to you which type of lens or focal length fits your needs better.
Aperture
After choosing the right focal length, you must consider the maximum aperture of the lens, which is indicated in f-stops or f-numbers. It affects how much light enters the camera sensor and how small (shallow) or large (deep) the depth of field would appear in the image.
The lower the f-stop, the larger the opening (aperture) of the lens to let more light into the sensor. Likewise, a smaller f-stop, like f/1.8 or f/2.8, has a narrower depth of field than those with an f/5 or f/6.3 opening.
So if you are working in dimly lit conditions or want to achieve a distinct background blur, you need a lens with a larger aperture such as f/1.8.
Image Stabilization
The Canon 5D Mark IV lacks in-body image stabilization, which results in camera blur and affects final image quality.
So if you want to ensure sharp images, consider getting a lens with built-in optical stabilization. This technology helps minimize camera shake when shooting handheld, slower shutter speeds, or at longer focal lengths.
Autofocus
Manual focus is not always ideal for photographers and videographers. It might be too slow for fast-moving subjects or inaccurate for small objects.
Fortunately, most lenses today can now do the hard work for you. We recommend getting a lens with a built-in autofocus system. This feature instantly recognizes and locks into the subject so that you do not miss any crucial moment.
Weight
The Canon 5D Mark IV is a full-frame DSLR, meaning that it is already heavier than most digital cameras. So if you add a bulky lens on top of that, you will probably have a hard time shooting handheld for extended periods.
Thus, it is essential to consider the weight of the lens before buying it. No one wants to carry heavy gear all the time, especially if you are traveling.
Warranty
When shopping for the best lenses for the Canon 5D Mark IV, you may also want to review the warranty or guarantee policy, if there are any. Being covered by a warranty makes it easier to ask for a refund or repair from the manufacturer if the lens suddenly stopped working.
Conclusion
That concludes our article on the best lenses for the Canon 5D Mark IV! We recommend every product on this list as they are among the top lenses in each category.
But if we only have to suggest one, it would be the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD. This versatile zoom lens covers almost everything, from landscapes to wildlife. It is also surprisingly lightweight and compact despite the variable focal range. Finally, it features built-in image stabilization and a fast autofocus system to deliver sharp and detailed results.