Best lenses for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The EOS 5D Mark IV uses the Canon EF / EF-S mount with a full-frame sensor. We picked the best lens in each category from 17 native lenses, plus a cheaper alternative where one is worth having. This body has no in-body stabilisation, so we favour stabilised lenses.
Pair the EOS 5D Mark IV with the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 and add the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM for low light and portraits. When you need reach, the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary.
| Category | Best | Budget pick |
|---|---|---|
| Standard zoom Your everyday lens, from wide to short telephoto. | Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (24-70mm eq · £470 used) | — |
| Telephoto zoom For sport, events, wildlife at a distance and compressed portraits. | Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM (70-200mm eq · £1,100 used) | Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary (100-400mm eq · £590 used) |
| Wide-angle For landscapes, architecture, interiors and the night sky. | Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM (16-35mm eq · £360 used) | — |
| Portrait prime Flattering perspective and blurred backgrounds. | Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (85mm eq · £610 used) | Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM (85mm eq · £150 used) |
| Fast standard prime Small, bright and cheap: the best first upgrade from a kit zoom. | Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (50mm eq · £420 used) | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (50mm eq · £90 used) |
| Super-telephoto For birds, wildlife and motorsport. | Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (150-600mm eq · £800 used) | — |
Prices: MPB used where listed for Canon EF / EF-S, otherwise typical new UK price (5 November 2026). Equivalent focal lengths account for the sensor size.
More for the EOS 5D Mark IV
Frequently asked questions
What is the best lens for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV?
For most people, a standard zoom such as the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2, plus a fast prime like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.
What lenses fit the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV?
The EOS 5D Mark IV uses the Canon EF / EF-S mount. Our database lists 17 lenses that fit natively.
Is the kit lens good enough for the EOS 5D Mark IV?
Kit zooms are fine to start with. The biggest improvement usually comes from a brighter prime for low light and portraits, or a better standard zoom.
What telephoto lens should I get for the EOS 5D Mark IV?
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is our top telephoto pick; the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is the budget choice.