Fun & Affordable Canon 5D mark II Lenses
- Nathaniel Stephan
- May 18, 2025
Table of Contents
Canon released 162 EF lenses that can be used with the 5D mark II. That includes different versions of lenses with the same focal length or focal range.
EF-S and EF-M lenses are not compatible. They will not mount to the camera.
It was released in 2008 for $2,700, but has depreciated faster than lenses. Currently, you should be able to find one for less than $300.
Lenses that were less expensive on release, can not be more expensive on the used market. That’s in part because EF lenses are easily adapted to mirrorless systems, while still being able to autofocus.
I’ve tried to make recommendations that won’t drain your wallet, but there are some lenses that are too good not to include.
Keep in mind that an upgrade to a 5D mark III isn’t very expensive. 5D mark IV’s are holding their value as photographers hold back from switching to mirrorless.
Lens Acronyms
Image stabilization is the feature you want.
If you’re planning on shooting video, gets lenses that have an STM motor. They are quieter, so focusing noises won’t be as loud.
- IS - Image stabilization. This is helpful for reducing the effects of camera shake, producing sharper images.
- IF - Internal Focus. The lens will not extend or retract when focusing.
- L - Luxury. They have a red ring around the front of the lens. These are the highest quality lenses, designed for professional use.
- USM - The lens has an UltraSonic Motor.
- STM - The lens has a stepper motor, which is quieter than an USM lens. Better for video.
- EF-S - The lens will have a white square for aligning mounting. They will not work on the 5D mark II.
- EF - Indicates the lens is full frame.
- I, II, or III - Signifies the generation of the lens.
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My Favorite Lens
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 - 1987
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II - 1990
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM - 2015
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is my favorite Canon EF lens. I like that it has a metal lens mount and STM motor.
Avoid the second version because it has a black plastic lens mount. Plastic gets brittle with age and I worry about them breaking.
If you want to try to save some money, look for the first version. They use the same optical formula, though coatings may have been improved with the STM version.
The 50mm focal length is my favorite because of how easy it makes framing. What you see with your eyes is going to be close to what you get.
It is compact and light. I would much rather carry it around all day than one of the larger zooms.
The f1.8 aperture is good for low-light, like you’ll find indoors. Additionally, it’s great for travel, portraits, street, landscapes, and daily life.
If you want to learn photography or just enjoy the camera, there is not better choice.
See current price and more information on:
Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM - 2005
- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM - 2016
The first version was the kit lens option. Both are popular because of the nice balance of zoom range and weight.
That makes it a perfect travel lens. because of it’s versatility.
The Canon 24-105mm f4L is the ideal choice if you want one lens to do it all.
The zoom range covers everything outside of niche needs,
and the aperture keeps the weight reasonable.
It’s going to be more comfortable to carry around than a 24 to 70 2.8
and you get better reach.
The second version can be found for less than $600.
It was the kit lens for the 5D series.
They’re very common,
so hunting for a deal will pay off.
If that’s still too much,
It’s a great lens, that’s capable of handling almost anything.
The fixed f4 aperture keeps the size and weight reasonable.
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Primes
28mm f2.8
The small size makes it a great walking around lens.
It’s perfect for street, architecture, or landscapes.
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20mm f2.8
Cheap and wide, what’s not to love?
This is the next option, after the 28mm f2.8. It’s a film lens, so don’t set your expectations too high.
The wider zooms and faster primes all cost hundreds more.
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85mm f1.8
The entry level portrait lens.
If you want bokeh, this is the lens to get.
They’re currently being dumped on the used market as people upgrade to RF cameras. That makes them an incredible value.
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Wide Zooms
- 17-40mm f4
- 16-35mm f4
- 16-35mm f2.8L (Three versions)
- 24-70mm f2.8L (There are so many versions)
Sports, Action, and Wildlife Lenses
- 70-300mm f4.5-5.6
- 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L
- 70-200mm f2.8L (There are 4 versions)
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
The G2 is a big improvement over the first version of the lens.
Most likely the best price to performance. Everyone is switching to the RF mount, causing prices to plummet.
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Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM
There is also a sport option that has an improved build quality.
This should be in the same price range as the Tamron.
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Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II USM
This one is going to be more expensive.
Image quality will be a bit better and it is lighter.
See current price and more information on:
EF-S Lenses Are Not Compatible
There are 20 Canon EF-S lenses. They are not compatible with the Canon 5D mark II.
They will have EF-S on the name plate and a white square to indicate alignment for mounting.
I find it annoying Canon did this for market segmentation. It feels like such a hostile thing to do to customers. Nikon and Sony didn’t do this.