Step Up Your Game in 2024 With the Canon Holy Trinity of Lenses
- The Canon Holy Trinity Wide-Angle Lens: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- The Canon Holy Trinity Standard-Zoom Lens: Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM
- The Canon Holy Trinity Telephoto Lens: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- Final Thoughts on Canon Holy Trinity Lenses
- Lens Type: Wide-angle zoom lens
- Camera System: Full-Frame
- Lens Mount: Canon RF Mount
- Focal Length: 15-35 mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 28 cm
- Filter Size: 82 mm
- Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
- Maximum Magnification: 0.21x
- Size/Weight: 88.5 x 126.8 mm / 840 grams
- Optical Image Stabilization: Yes
- Pre-Owned Price: $1,599 - $1,749
- Lens Type: Standard zoom lens
- Camera System: Full-Frame
- Lens Mount: Canon RF Mount
- Focal Length: 28-70 mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 39 cm
- Filter Size: 95 mm
- Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
- Maximum Magnification: 0.18x
- Size/Weight: 103.8 x 139.8 mm / 1430 grams
- Optical Image Stabilization: No
- Pre-Owned Price: $2,349 - $2,829
- Lens Type: Telephoto zoom lens
- Camera System: Full-Frame
- Lens Mount: Canon RF Mount
- Focal Length: 70-200 mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/32
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 70 cm
- Filter Size: 77 mm
- Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
- Maximum Magnification: 0.23x
- Size/Weight: 89.9 x 146 mm / 1070 grams
- Optical Image Stabilization: Yes
- Pre-Owned Price: $2,049 - $2,149
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
- Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM
- Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS
- Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
Deciding which lenses to get for your interchangeable lens camera can be challenging, especially for beginner photographers. With that said, a great place to start is always with the holy trinity of lenses—15-35mm, 28-70mm, and 70-200mm. In this Canon lens guide, we’ll examine the Canon holy trinity of lenses for Canon R mirrorless cameras.
This Canon holy trinity of lenses consists of the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM, Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM, and Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM. With these three lenses in your bag, you'll be ready for every photography situation. Additionally, thanks to innovative websites like MPB, buying used Canon RF lenses has never been cheaper and easier.
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We love MPB because, over the years, we have saved thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading in photography equipment on their state-of-the-art online marketplace. You can start saving, too, by visiting their website today. Now, let’s dive in and discover everything you need to know about these three powerful Canon lenses!
Check out the video above by Peter McKinnon to learn more about the Canon holy trinity of lenses every Canon photographer should have in their camera kit.
Table of Contents
The Canon Holy Trinity Wide-Angle Lens: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM
The first Canon holy trinity lens is the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM. It’s a high-end wide-angle lens perfect for photography and videography alike. Two ultra-low dispersion elements and three aspherical elements deliver detailed content with little to no chromatic aberrations and color fringing.
For photographers, it’s ideal for landscape and architecture photography. At the same time, its optical image stabilization adds up to five stops of exposure while simultaneously reducing camera shake, making it a fantastic lens for filmmakers, YouTubers, and vloggers. Moreover, its relatively compact and lightweight size is good for traveling.
Other notable features include its Nano USM focus system and customizable control ring. If it’s out of your budget, two alternative wide-angle lenses are the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM, and the Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM.
Now, here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM:
The Canon Holy Trinity Standard-Zoom Lens: Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM
The next Canon holy trinity lens is the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM. It’s a standard-length zoom lens with unmatched speed and image quality. Its versatile focal makes it a solid choice for capturing everything from dramatic landscapes and real estate photography to tightly-cropped portraits and product photography.
Without a doubt, its signature feature is its bright f/2 constant maximum aperture. The high aperture makes it perform exceptionally well during low-light conditions (nighttime, sunrise/sunset, indoors, etc.) and delivers gorgeous bokeh effects. The bokeh (shallow depth of field) effect is particularly effective when shooting portraits and macro photography.
Other top qualities of this lens are its Ultrasonic motor, luxury glass elements, and weather-sealed coating. If you can only afford one lens, this is the one we suggest purchasing. Alternatively, while it won’t deliver quite the same results, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM is a good budget-friendly option.
Now, here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM:
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The Canon Holy Trinity Telephoto Lens: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Finally, the last Canon holy trinity lens is the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM. It’s an advanced telephoto zoom lens with terrific reach, speed, and brightness. Its reach makes it a go-to lens for taking photos of far-off subjects like mountains and wildlife. In contrast, its speed and brightness are ideal for sports and action photography.
It’s Canon’s lightest and most portable lens ever, making it easier to handle when installed on the camera and pack when traveling or hiking. Furthermore, the Dual Nano USM autofocus system is accurate and remarkably silent.
Other useful features include the lens's smudge-proof Fluoroline coating and optical image stabilization. If it’s out of your price range, consider getting the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM or Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM instead.
Now, here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM:
Final Thoughts on Canon Holy Trinity Lenses
If you own a Canon R mirrorless camera, we highly recommend investing in the Canon holy trinity of lenses above. With those three at your disposal, you can capture breathtaking photos regardless of the type of photography you are shooting.
Check out the list below for the best Canon cameras to pair with the Canon holy trinity of lenses and to browse more excellent Canon lenses. All of them are in stock and on sale now at MPB.
The Best Canon R Mirrorless Cameras
More of the Best Canon RF Lenses
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