Best fast prime lenses for Canon EF: Top Picks

Our catalogue lists 98 fast prime lenses for Canon EF. Fixed lenses with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 or wider, for low light and shallow depth of field.

How these were picked. Lenses are ranked using only data in our catalogue: those with editorial notes first, then those with a photo and a buying link, newer release years where known, and faster maximum apertures as a tie-breaker. This is a data-based shortlist, not a hands-on test ranking.

1. 

   1.Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

   85mm · f/1.4 · Canon EF

   The L-series 85mm f/1.4 with in-lens image stabilization and weather sealing, aimed at portrait and event work on full-frame EF bodies.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art
2. 

   2.Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

   14mm · f/1.8 · Canon EF

   An ultra-wide f/1.8 prime for full-frame DSLRs. It is widely used for astrophotography.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
3. 

   3.Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

   50mm · f/1.8 · Canon EF

   Compact 50mm f/1.8 prime with an STM stepping motor and a metal mount, replacing the older f/1.8 II. Covers full frame and works on APS-C EOS bodies.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 24mm F1.4L II USM
4. 

   4.Canon EF 24mm F1.4L II USM

   24mm · f/1.4 · Canon EF

   The EF 24mm F1.4L II USM is a fast wide-angle prime for full-frame Canon bodies with weather sealing and improved optics over the original. Used for astro, interiors and environmental portraits.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 50mm F1.2L USM
5. 

   5.Canon EF 50mm F1.2L USM

   50mm · f/1.2 · Canon EF

   Canon's f/1.2 standard prime from the L line, with dust and moisture resistance and a ring USM motor. Built for shallow depth of field and low light on full-frame bodies.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
6. 

   6.Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

   35mm · f/1.4 · Canon EF

   The lens that launched Sigma's Art line, a 35mm f/1.4 prime with a hypersonic motor. It weighs about 665 g.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
7. 

   7.Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

   50mm · f/1.4 · Canon EF

   A large 50mm f/1.4 prime from Sigma's Art line with a hypersonic motor. It weighs about 815 g and uses a 77mm filter thread.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM
8. 

   8.Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM

   35mm · f/1.4 · Canon EF

   A fast 35mm f/1.4 L prime with weather sealing and an improved optical design using a blue-spectrum refractive element. For full-frame EF shooters.

   Specs Compare with EF 50mm F1.0L USM
9. 

   9.Canon EF 50mm F1.0L USM

   50mm · f/1.0 · Canon EF

   An f/1.0 normal lens from 1989, the fastest autofocus lens in Canon's EF line. It is large and now a collector's item.

   Specs Compare with EF 200mm f/1.8L USM
10. 

    10.Canon EF 200mm f/1.8L USM

    200mm · f/1.8 · Canon EF

    An enormous 1988 telephoto prime with f/1.8 as its widest aperture. It is a collector's lens more than a practical field tool.

    Specs Compare with EF 50mm F1.8 II
11. 

    11.Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II

    50mm · f/1.8 · Canon EF

    The 1990 version of Canon's 50mm f/1.8 for EF mount: tiny and light, with a plastic mount and a basic micro motor. It fits any EF-mount body.

    Specs Compare with 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF
12. 

    12.Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF

    85mm · f/1.4 · Canon EF

    A manual-focus 85mm portrait prime for full-frame DSLRs with an f/1.4 aperture. It delivers smooth background blur.

    Specs