Every Canon RF Lens I Use for Filming

I lean much more towards Instagram influencer than I do YouTube filmmaker, and yet I shoot most of my content on a mirrorless camera and own 5 different Canon RF lenses (yes, I have a bit of a gear obsession).

But do I really use them all? And would I recommend them all to creators who create similar content to me?

I know trying to figure out which lens to buy for your YouTube channel or Instagram content can be overwhelming, especially when every tutorial online sounds like it’s made for full-on filmmakers.

So in this post, I’m walking you through every Canon RF lens I use for filming, what I actually use them for, and how different focal lengths affect the look and feel of your content.

This isn’t a review. It’s not a deep dive into specs. It’s just me sharing my experience, what I personally shoot with, and what I’ve learned along the way as an influencer-leaning creator who films a lot of her own stuff.

*Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on them and make a purchase, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.*

And if you’re more of a visual learner, I’ve dropped the YouTube video version of this below!

Wait — What Is Focal Length & Why Does It Matter?

Let’s keep this simple.

Focal length is that little number on your lens — like 35mm, 85mm, etc. — and it affects:

• How zoomed in your shot is
• How much of the background you can see
• How distorted or natural your face looks
• How close your camera needs to be to get the shot

So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal — especially when you mostly film yourself, like I do.

Quick PSA on Crop Sensors vs Full Frame

This matters more than you think.

I shoot on the Canon RP, which is a full-frame camera. That means the focal length on my lenses is accurate. But if you shoot on an APS-C crop sensor (like Canon’s EOS R50 or R100), your lens will look more zoomed in than it says.

For example:

• A 35mm lens on a crop sensor looks more like 56mm
• A 50mm lens looks more like 80mm

So if you’re shooting in a small space (like, say, your apartment), that crop can make a big difference.

Every Canon RF Lens I Own as a Content Creator

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM

The All-Around MVP

This was my first RF lens — and it’s still the one I reach for the most.

What I love:

• Super natural field of view
• Great for YouTube sit-downs, IG reels, and casual B-roll
• Wide enough to show the background but still flattering

What it’s not great for:

• Super wide vlogging (you’ll need long arms or a tripod)

Bottom line: If you’re only buying one lens to start with, this is the one I’d point you to.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

The Nostalgia Lens

I had a 50mm on my old crop-sensor DSLR and it was by far my favourite lens. I did a lot of photography with it (like here, here, and here). So when I upgraded to the RF system, I had to grab this one.

What I use it for:

• YouTube videos
• Portrait-style shots
• That creamy blurred background look

What it’s not great for:

• Filming yourself vlog-style.

Bottom line: Gorgeous, but not the most practical solo-filming lens.

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM

The Too-Pretty-to-Use Lens

This one? Chef’s kiss. But I almost never use it because it’s SO impractical.

Why I bought it:

• Everyone on YouTube swore by the 35-50-85mm “trio”
• I got swept up in the hype

Why I don’t reach for it:

• It’s so zoomed in
• I literally don’t have enough space in my apartment to use it properly
• Works best when someone else is holding the camera

Bottom line: Great for portraits and detail shots, not great for people filming themselves

Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

The Travel Hero

This is the only zoom lens I own, and I bought it specifically for travel. It’s so convenient when I don’t want to be swapping lenses on the go.

Why I love it:

• Covers a huge range (24mm to 240mm!)
• Perfect for events, travel vlogs, and B-roll
• Great when I don’t know what I’ll need to shoot

Where it falls short:

• Not as sharp as my prime lenses
• Higher aperture = worse in low light
• Can’t get the same creamy background blur

Bottom line: Not perfect, but so worth it for flexibility.

Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM

The Ultra-Wide Vlog Queen

My 30th birthday gift from my parents, and easily the most fun lens I own.

What it’s amazing for:

• Handheld vlogging
• Room and landscape shots
• Showing your environment

What to keep in mind:

• Can distort your face a little if you’re super close
• Not great for tight talking head videos

Bottom line: If you vlog or want that wide, immersive look — this one’s a gem.

What Focal Length Is Best for You?

Again here’s a look at how the different RF prime lenses (the static/non-zoom lenses) look side-by side.

Here’s a little cheat sheet based on what kind of content you’re creating:

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Every Lens — Just the Right One for You

If you’re just getting started with filming as a content creator, don’t stress about building out a full collection right away. I definitely got caught up in the lens-buying spiral (aka GAS: gear acquisition syndrome), and while I love the variety I have now, I absolutely do not need all these.

Ask yourself:

• Where do I film most often?
• Do I film myself or have help behind the camera?
• What kind of content do I love creating?

Start from there. And if you’re in the Canon ecosystem, the RF 35mm f/1.8 is an amazing all-around lens to begin with.

xUntil Next TIme

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