10 Best Canon Mirrorless Lenses Under $500 2024 (Updated Expert Advice)

What Is The Best Canon Mirrorless Lenses Under $500?

Welcome to the world of Canon mirrorless photography…

…where innovation meets affordability. 

Are you on the lookout for the perfect lens to enhance your creative vision without breaking the bank?

Look no further…!

In this guide, I’ll unveil the top 10 Canon mirrorless lenses under $500, each meticulously chosen to deliver outstanding performance without compromising on quality. 

Join us as we explore the epitome of affordability and excellence in Canon mirrorless lenses.

List Of Top 10 Best Canon Mirrorless Lenses Under $500

1. Canon RF 600/11 STM(N)
2. Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8
3. Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro
4. Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro STM
5. Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro STM
6. Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 STM
7. Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 STM
8. Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM
9. Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM
10. Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM

After extensive hours of research and expert opinion and recommendations, I have shortlisted the top 10 Best Canon Mirrorless Lenses Under $500.

1. Canon RF 600/11 is STM(N) Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Canon
• Focal Length: 600 mm
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Compatible Mountings: Canon RF

Pros

1. Long reach
2. Lightweight
3. Affordable price
4. STM motor for smooth focusing

Cons

1. Fixed aperture
2. Limited versatility
3. Narrow field of view
4. Requires good light conditions

Short Description

The Canon RF 600/11 IS STM(N) Lens offers an impressive 600mm focal length in a lightweight and affordable package. 

While it excels in capturing distant subjects with its long reach, its fixed aperture and narrow field of view may limit its versatility for certain shooting scenarios.

Buy It Now: Canon RF600/11 IS STM(N) Lens

2. Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM

Specifications

• Brand: Canon
• Focal Length Description: Super telephoto ranging from 100mm to 400mm.
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Compatible Mountings: Canon RF

Pros

1. Versatile focal length range
2. Fast and quiet USM focusing
3. Compact and lightweight design
4. High-quality image output

Cons

1. Variable aperture range
2. Limited low-light performance at maximum zoom
3. May require additional support for extended use
4. Higher price point compared to other options

Short Description

The Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Black lens provides photographers with a versatile telephoto option, ranging from 100mm to 400mm.

Its compact design and advanced focusing technology make it a suitable choice for capturing distant subjects with ease. 

However, its variable aperture range and higher price point may be factors to consider when comparing it to other lenses in the market.

Buy It Now: Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens

3. Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Canon
• Focal Length Description: 85 millimeters
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Compatible Mountings: Canon RF

Pros

1. Compact design
2. Versatile focal length
3. Macro capability
4. Smooth and quiet STM focusing

Cons

1. Fixed aperture
2. Limited zoom range
3. Macro functionality may not suit all users
4. May require additional lighting for close-up shots

Short Description

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is a versatile medium-telephoto lens designed for Canon RF mount cameras.

 Its compact design makes it highly portable, while its macro capability adds a new dimension to your photography. 

With smooth and quiet STM focusing, this lens is ideal for capturing portraits, landscapes, and detailed close-up shots. 

However, its fixed aperture and limited zoom range may not meet the needs of every photographer.

Buy It Now: Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens

4. Canon RF24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Canon
• Focal Length Description: 24mm
• Lens Type: Macro
• Compatible Mountings: Canon RF

Pros

1. Wide aperture for low-light shooting
2. Versatile focal length for various subjects
3. Macro capability for detailed close-up shots
4. Smooth and quiet STM focusing

Cons

1. Fixed focal length
2. Limited zoom range
3. Macro functionality may not suit all users
4. May require additional lighting for close-up shots

Short Description

The Canon RF24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens Black is a versatile option for Canon RF mount cameras. With its wide aperture and macro capability, it excels in low-light conditions and close-up photography.

The smooth and quiet STM focusing ensures effortless operation, making it suitable for capturing a wide range of subjects with precision and detail. 

However, its fixed focal length and limited zoom range may not meet the requirements of every photographer.

Buy It Now: Canon RF24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens  

5. Canon RF15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Canon
• Focal Length Description: 15-30 millimeters
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Compatible Mountings: Canon RF

Pros

1. Versatile wide-angle focal length range
2. STM motor for smooth and quiet focusing
3. Compact and lightweight design
4. Suitable for landscape and architectural photography

Cons

1. Variable aperture range
2. Limited low-light performance at maximum zoom
3. May exhibit distortion at wider focal lengths
4. Higher price point compared to prime lenses

Short Description

The Canon RF15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Black offers a versatile wide-angle option for Canon RF mount cameras. With its flexible focal length range, it’s ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and architectural details. 

The STM motor ensures smooth and quiet focusing, while its compact design enhances portability. 

However, photographers should consider its variable aperture range and potential distortion at wider focal lengths when making their selection.

Buy It Now: Canon RF15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens 

6. Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS Macro STM Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Canon
• Focal Length Description: 35 mm
• Lens Type: Macro
• Compatible Mountings: Canon RF

Pros

1. Wide aperture for low-light performance
2. Versatile focal length for various subjects
3. Macro capability for detailed close-up shots
4. Smooth and quiet STM focusing

Cons

1. Fixed focal length
2. Limited zoom range
3. Macro functionality may not suit all users
4. May require additional lighting for close-up shots

Short Description

The Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro STM Lens in Black offers photographers a versatile and high-performing option for Canon RF mount cameras.

With its wide aperture, it excels in low-light conditions and provides beautiful bokeh for creative compositions. The addition of macro capability expands its versatility, allowing for detailed close-up shots. 

The lens’s smooth and quiet STM focusing makes it ideal for both photo and video applications. 

However, photographers should consider its fixed focal length and potential need for additional lighting when utilizing its macro functionality.

Buy It Now: Canon RF35mm F1.8 IS Macro STM Lens  

7. Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Canon
• Focal Length Description: 24-105 millimeters
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Compatible Mountings: Canon RF
• Maximum Focal Length: 24 Millimeters

Pros

1. Versatile focal length range
2. STM motor for smooth and quiet focusing
3. Compact and lightweight design
4. Affordable price point

Cons

1. Variable aperture range
2. Limited low-light performance at maximum zoom
3. May exhibit distortion at wider focal lengths
4. Lower maximum aperture compared to other lenses in its range

Short Description

The Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens offers versatility and affordability for Canon RF mount cameras. 

With its wide focal length range, it covers a variety of shooting scenarios from wide-angle to short telephoto. 

The STM motor ensures smooth and quiet focusing, making it suitable for both photo and video applications. 

While it may not excel in low-light conditions due to its variable aperture range, its compact design and reasonable price point make it an attractive option for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Buy It Now: Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens 

8. Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Canon
• Focal Length Description: 16 mm
• Lens Type: Macro
• Compatible Mountings: Canon RF

Pros

1. Wide aperture for low-light shooting
2. Compact and lightweight design
3. Versatile focal length for various subjects
4. Suitable for close-up photography

Cons

1. Fixed focal length
2. Limited zoom range
3. Macro functionality may not suit all users
4. May require additional lighting for close-up shots

Short Description

The Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM Black lens offers a wide aperture and versatile focal length for Canon RF mount cameras.

Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, while its macro capability adds a new dimension to your photography. 

Despite its fixed focal length and limited zoom range, this lens is ideal for capturing landscapes, architecture, and detailed close-up shots with precision and clarity. 

However, photographers should consider its potential need for additional lighting when utilizing its macro functionality.

Buy It Now: Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens 

9. Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM Lens

Specifications

1. Brand: Canon
2. Focal Length Description: 28 mm
3. Lens Type: Wide Angle
4. Compatible Mountings: Canon RF

Pros

1. Wide aperture for low-light shooting
2. Compact and lightweight design
3. Versatile focal length for various subjects
4. Smooth and quiet STM focusing

Cons

1. Fixed focal length
2. Limited zoom range
3. May exhibit distortion at wider focal lengths
4. Higher price point compared to some alternatives

Short Description

The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens is a versatile wide-angle option for Canon RF mount cameras. 

Its wide aperture ensures excellent performance in low-light conditions, while its compact design enhances portability. 

With smooth and quiet STM focusing, this lens is suitable for capturing a wide range of subjects with precision and detail.

However, photographers should be aware of its fixed focal length and potential distortion at wider focal lengths, as well as its higher price point compared to some alternatives on the market.

Buy It Now: Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens 

10. Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Canon
• Focal Length Description: 50mm, F1.8
• Lens Type: Macro
• Compatible Mountings: Canon RF

Pros

1. Wide aperture for excellent low-light performance
2. Compact and lightweight design
3. Versatile focal length for everyday shooting
4. Affordable price point

Cons

1. Fixed focal length
2. Limited zoom range
3. Macro functionality may not suit all users
4. Bokeh quality could be better

Short Description

The Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens is a versatile and affordable option for Canon RF mount cameras. 

With its wide aperture, it excels in low-light conditions and provides beautiful bokeh for creative compositions. 

Its compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for everyday shooting, while its macro capability adds versatility to your photography.

Although it has a fixed focal length and limited zoom range, its affordability and overall performance make it an excellent choice for photographers seeking high-quality images without breaking the bank.

Buy It Now: Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens 

Conclusion 

These 10 best Canon mirrorless lenses under $500 offer a remarkable combination of affordability, versatility, and quality.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional photographer, there’s a lens on this list to suit your needs. From wide-angle to telephoto, macro to standard, these lenses cover a wide range of focal lengths and shooting scenarios.

With advanced features such as smooth focusing motors, compact designs, and impressive image quality, these lenses prove that exceptional photography doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. 

So, elevate your creativity and capture stunning images with these budget-friendly Canon mirrorless lenses.

Related:

• Best Canon Mirrorless Lenses Under $3000
• Best Canon Mirrorless Lenses Under $2000
• Best Canon Mirrorless Lenses Under $1500
• Best Canon Mirrorless Lenses Under $1000

FAQs

1. Are these lenses compatible with all Canon mirrorless cameras?

Yes, these lenses are designed for Canon RF mount mirrorless cameras.

2. Can these lenses be used for both photography and videography?

Absolutely! Many of these lenses feature smooth and quiet focusing motors, making them suitable for both photo and video applications.

3. Do these lenses have image stabilization?

Some lenses on the list may have built-in image stabilization, but it varies depending on the model. Be sure to check the specifications of each lens.

4. Are these lenses weather-sealed?

While some lenses may offer weather-sealing, it’s not a universal feature among all lenses on the list. If weather-sealing is important to you, make sure to check the individual specifications.

5. Can these lenses achieve professional-level image quality?

Despite their budget-friendly prices, these lenses offer impressive image quality suitable for both amateur and professional photographers.

6. Are these lenses suitable for portraits, landscapes, and other types of photography?

Yes, the lenses on this list cover a wide range of focal lengths and types, making them versatile options for various photography genres.