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Posts Tagged ‘70200mm’

Nikon’s Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S lens is being delayed ‘due to production reasons’

01 Feb

Nikon Japan has announced [translated] that the much-anticipated Nikkor Z 70–200mm F2.8 VR S lens and three of its accessories will be postponed.

Originally set to be released on February 14, 2020, Nikon Japan says the lens has been ‘postponed due to production reasons.’ No specific details have been given regarding production issue at hand and no timeframe is given for the new release date. Nikon Japan says it ‘apologize[s] for any inconvenience this may cause to customers waiting for this product.’

DPReview has contacted Nikon for a comment and will update this article accordingly when we receive a response.

We will provide further updates regarding the situation as they become available.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hands-on with the Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 S

10 Jan

Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2.8 S

Nikon’s just-announced Z 70-200mm F2.8 S looks like a powerful option for Z-series photographers, joining the Z 24-70mm F2.8 S as the second part in Nikon’s ‘holy trinity’ of F2.8 zooms for Z mount. We got our hands on an early working sample at CES. Click through for some initial impressions and a breakdown of the key features.

Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2.8 S

Physically, the Z 70-200mm F2.8 S is very similar to the older AF-S 70-200mm F2.8. Its external dimensions are about the same, as is its weight. But while the optical design bears some relation to its F-mount forebear, this is a very different, and very advanced design.

Featuring 21 elements in 18 groups, the Z 70-200mm F2.8 S is Nikon’s most ambitious Z-mount zoom yet, featuring no fewer than six ED (extra low-dispersion) elements, two aspherical elements and one fluorite element.

It also includes a new ‘SR’ (short wavelength refractive) element, which is, in Nikon’s words, ‘a specialized-dispersion glass lens featuring characteristics that greatly refract light with wavelengths shorter than that of blue.’ This appears to be a comparable technology to Canon’s Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics (BR) found on lenses such as the EF 35mm F1.4L II and RF 85mm F1.2L.

This should mean that chromatic aberration is kept to an absolute minimum, something we want to test as soon as possible. Nano crystal coating and Nikon’s new Arneo coating also help keep contrast high and flare low when shooting into, or just off-axis, from bright light sources.

Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2.8 S

This view shows the standard A|M switch for focus and a simple focus limiter, to stop the lens from hunting through its entire range for distant subjects. Close focus (should you need it) is 1m at 200mm, and 0.5m at 70mm – a nice improvement over Nikon’s previous 70-200mm designs for DSLRs.

The Z 70-200mm F2.8 S offers an impressive built-in VR system, capable of 5 stops of correction, Nikon’s highest-ever rating (per CIPA). So what’s missing? The Z 70-200mm F2.8 S does not feature the familiar VR mode switch found on many Nikon lenses; instead, VR is toggled and controlled via the camera body.

Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2.8 S

Twin Fn buttons on the barrel can be customized to fulfill various other requirements, basically matching the options available in-camera for the Z6 and Z7’s own Fn buttons. The tripod collar is fixed, but the foot can be removed when not required.

Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2.8 S

As we’ve seen on the Z 24-70mm F2.8 S (as well as the new Noct) the 70-200mm features a small display on the barrel itself, which can be switched (via the ‘DISP’ button) to display aperture and focus position.

This shot also shows the zoom and focus ring arrangement, which matches that of the AF-S 70-200mm. Some photographers love having zoom positioned towards the tip of the lens, and some photographers hate it, but hopefully all Z-series shooters will appreciate the customizable control ring, positioned at the opposite end of the Z 70-200mm F2.8 S, which can be used for quick control over exposure compensation and/or aperture.

Videographers will also appreciate that this lens provides parfocal support. In other words, the focus position doesn’t shift when the lens is zoomed. It’s not clear at this point whether the lens is optically parfocal or if it makes a real-time focus adjustment to provide a parfocal effect, but either way it should negate the need to pull focus during or after zooming.

Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2.8 S

As we’d expect, the Z 70-200mm F2.8 S is sealed against dust and moisture incursion. You may just be able to make out the slim rubber sealing ring around the lensmount in this shot.

Notice too the relatively recessed rear element, which is unusual in Nikon’s current Z-mount lens lineup.

Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2.8 S

The Z 70-200mm F2.8 S features a nine-bladed aperture for circular bokeh at wide apertures, and a 77mm filter thread. It will be available next month for $ 2,599.99.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon’s RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM will get a firmware update to fix the focusing issue next month

27 Dec

Next month, Canon will release a firmware update that fixes an autofocus problem reported by RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM telephoto lens owners. The company says it’s confirmed this lens may produce a ‘slightly front-focused’ image when the photo is captured at close range with the focus distance set to around the 200mm end of the scale.

Canon will release the firmware with a bug fix for this problem in January 2020, the company revealed on its US website. The new firmware will be intended for RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM lenses running firmware version 1.0.5 or earlier, something that can be checked within the camera’s menu.

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM telephoto lens is available from B&H Photo and other retailers for $ 2,699.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon users are reporting front-focusing issues with the RF 70-200mm F2.8

14 Dec

Update: Canon has offered the following official response: “Canon has become aware of this phenomenon, which occurs when focusing on a close subject at 200mm,
and is preparing a firmware update that will be released as quickly as possible.”

Canon may have an issue on its hands as multiple users of its new RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM lens report that it misses focus when used at the closest minimum distance. A thread on our forums as well as posts on Fred Miranda state that when used at the longer focal lengths, and with subjects at the closest focusing point, the lens focuses in front of the area under the AF point in use.

DPReview forum member pokesfan posted some tests which he says demonstrate that the lens focuses about 3cm in front of the active AF point when uses at the closest focusing distance while at the 200mm setting.

Tests carried out by users report the fault is most pronounced at the longer ends of the focal range and that it gradually reduces as the lens is brought back to the 70mm setting. More distant subjects also avoid any issues, as it seems to happen only close up.

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 is said by owners to be exceptional in every other situation, but this will be something that needs attention. Forum member pokesfan says that his lens was sent to Canon to be checked and the service engineers claimed there was nothing wrong with it.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lensrentals teardown reveals the inside of the ‘Strong like Bull’ Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 lens

10 Dec

Image credits: Images (and excerpts) shared with kind permission from Roger and the Lensental team.


Canon’s new RF 70-200mm lens is one of the most interesting lenses we’ve come across in recent memory—so much so we deemed it a ‘modern marvel’ in our sample gallery and crowned it the ‘Zoom Lens Winner of the Year’ award.

While we’ve shared our thoughts on the image quality and overall performance of the lens, we haven’t taken too deep a look into the construction of the lens. Thankfully, Roger and his team over at Lensrentalss have done a complete teardown of the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 lens to show off just what Canon has put into this compact lens that’s part of the ‘holy trinity’ in the photo world.

A look at the PCB in the rear of the lens.

To start off the teardown, Roger recounts a little anecdote wherein a Canon engineer tossed a box on his workbench and pulled out a mock-up version of the RF 70-200mm F2.8 lens. Roger admits he isn’t easily impressed, but when he laid eyes on the mockup, he said his jaw dropped and the only words to leave his mouth were ‘that’s going to sell you a lot of cameras.’ Now, a good while later, a full-functioning version of the lens was sitting on his workbench once again; and this time it wasn’t leaving without going through a little operation.

Before cracking open the lens, Roger first addresses the redesigned optics of the lens, pointing out the dual focus group design and the extending lens barrel, addressing the latter by saying:

Some of you HATE extending barrel lenses. That’s cool; don’t get one. Some of you like to call them dust pumps. That’s cool, too, although it’s incorrect. (We take care of over 20,000 lenses. The most common ‘dusters’ among current lenses all happen to be primes that don’t zoom at all.)

The breathable filter (which lets in air, but keeps out dirt and dust) around the lens barrel.

From there, it’s onto the teardown, which starts with the hinged tripod ring. He notes it’s not the most robust tripod ring he’s come across, but when attached to the camera, it’s ‘quite sturdy.’ With the tripod collar off, it was onto the front of the barrel, which came off with a few external screws. Upon looking over the front ring, Roger discovered a foam sealing between the filter barrel and front element, as well as a new breathable filter, that will allow air to pass through the front of the lens without allowing particles to get in.

The front lens element was then removed with ease, which lead to the ‘reasonably large IS unit,’ which stopped the team in their tracks and lead them to turning the lens over and tearing it down from the back.

A close-up of the ‘reasonably large’ IS unit.

The rear lens mount proved fairly standard as far as Canon’s RF lenses go. It was packed tight with the PCB and ribbon cables, as well as a few springs to add the tactile feedback to Canon’s programmable ‘Control Ring.’

Eventually, Roger hit a point where the ribbon cables looked too fragile to continue, but he and Aaron persisted and eventually removed the rear lens barrel after carefully threading each ribbon cable through the maze of pieces.

A close-up of the meticulously-placed ribbon cables and sensors.

It was at this point Roger paused to ‘salute Canon’s engineers,’ saying:

The flexes are all beautifully laid out and organized, going directly to their appointed place with no wandering about allowed. Notice how all the switches just take up one small flex; there’s not a lot of electron transfer needed to signal ‘on’ or ‘off’ compared to the amount of information that IS or focusing requires.

After composing himself, he and Aaron continued to the inner workings of the lens. Specifically, he draws attention to the elements Canon uses to secure the extending lens barrel. Roger says the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 ‘has about the most robust extending barrel mechanism I’ve ever seen […] There aren’t the usual three cams sliding about to move this barrel, there are three pairs of them, and each is very large and robust.’

A look at the components used to secure the extending lens barrel.

Roger and Aaron eventually strip the outer barrel of the lens and dig further into the most intricate components, including both focus assemblies and the image stabilization unit. Roger notes the focus assembly (motors and optics) will likely be replaced as a whole if any component breaks, so any issue on that front will likely prove to be an expensive fix. However, he does not that he ‘doubt it’s a part that will really ever need replacing’ as the lens ‘is SLB (Strong, Like Bull) engineering, and the area is well protected.’

The aperture diaphragm inside the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 lens.

In all, Roger concludes that a ‘LOT’ of engineering progress has been made in the RF 70-200mm F2.8 lens compared to the likes of the Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8 lens and the Sony 70-200mm F2.8 lens. He states clearly, ‘this lens was a new design from the ground up,’ adding:

There’s no ‘that’s the way we’ve always done it’ holdovers [compared to the iterative updates of past 70-200mm lenses]. That’s a lot more work for the designers, but the result is a beautifully engineered, fully modern lens. It’s clean, functional, and straightforward.

Roger further addresses the build quality of the lens, saying:

‘It’s obviously very robustly engineered from a mechanical standpoint. The internal composites are strong as hell. There are double cams, rods, and posts everywhere. There’s no play in any moving parts. We can’t imagine there will ever be play in the moving parts unless you run over it with a truck. You could describe it as ruggedized, but I’m going to stick with Strong, Like Bull, and suggest we refer to this as the RF-SLB 70-200mm f/2.8 from now on.

In the end, Roger summarizes the teardown with six simple (paraphrased) words: ‘This is how you do it.’

To view the full teardown in all its glory, head on over to the Lensrentalss blog.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Modern marvel: Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM sample gallery

22 Nov

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We’ve been eager to test out Canon’s impressively compact RF 70-200mm F2.8 ever since the company first made it known, and the day has finally come. Its capabilities combined with its small size make it nothing short of a modern marvel – see for yourself.

See our Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8
sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic’s new Lumix S Pro 70-200mm F2.8 offers up to 7 stops of shake reduction

06 Nov

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Panasonic has officially unveiled the Lumix S Pro 70-200mm F2.8 for its full-frame L-mount system, adding a fast-aperture, stabilized telephoto zoom to the native lens lineup. The lens will go on sale early next year for $ 2600.

The 70-200mm F2.8 includes optical stabilization, which can be combined with in-camera ‘Dual IS 2’ system for a total of 7 stops of shake reduction. It’s dust and water-resistant, and offers a minimum focus distance of about 1m (3ft).

The lens weighs 1570g (3.5lbs) and accepts 82mm filters. Optical construction comprises 22 total elements in 17 groups, including one aspherical, three Extra-low Dispersion and two Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion lenses to reduce chromatic aberration.

The Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm F2.8 will arrive alongside the also-announced 16-35mm F4 in January at a price of $ 2600.

Press release:

Panasonic Launches Two New L-Mount Interchangeable Lenses for the LUMIX S Series Full-frame Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera

Newark, NJ (November 6, 2019) – Panasonic is proud to introduce two new interchangeable lenses based on the L-Mount system for the LUMIX S Series Full-frame Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Cameras. Designed for professional use, the LUMIX S Series offers uncompromising photographic expression with its high-quality cameras and lenses.

The LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. (S-E70200) is a large-aperture telephoto zoom lens that boasts high descriptive performance across the entire zoom range. The LUMIX S PRO 16-35mm F4 (S-R1635) is a versatile wide zoom lens that provides high resolution images and a beautiful bokeh despite its compact, light-weight profile. Both high-performing LUMIX S PRO lenses achieve LEICA’s stringent standards.

LUMIX S PRO/S Lens Lineup as of November 2019

  • LUMIX S PRO 50mm F1.4 (S-X50)
  • [NEW] LUMIX S PRO 16-35mm F4 (S-R1635)
  • LUMIX S PRO 24-70mm F2.8 (S-E2470)
  • LUMIX S 24-105mm F4 MACRO O.I.S. (S-R24105)
  • [NEW] LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. (S-E70200)
  • LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F4 O.I.S. (S-R70200)

In addition to Panasonic’s existing portfolio of first-class lenses for the LUMIX S series family of cameras, the company is committed to designing and developing 11 or more lenses with the emphasis on the “LUMIX S PRO” class by March 2021. Currently, more than 46 interchangeable L-Mount lenses are available or will be available from Panasonic, Leica Camera AG and Sigma, opening up a virtually limitless spectrum of new creative possibilities.

LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. (S-E70200)

Designed and developed for professional field shooting, the LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. (S-E70200) uses 2 UED (Ultra Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, 3 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses and optimum alignment comprising 22 elements in 17 groups, effectively suppressing both axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification. Astigmatism is also corrected with an aspherical lens, achieving high resolving performance. Adoption of a double focus system suppresses fluctuation of aberration even at close distances, which results in high descriptive performance from the center to the corners over the entire zoom range despite its large aperture.

Covering from 70mm to 200mm, the use of a Teleconverter allows a maximum 280mm (1.4x, with DMW-STC14) and 400mm (2x, with DMW-STC20) super telephoto shooting*1, with maximum 480 fps focus control for high-speed, high-precision auto focus. The O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) in the lens complies with the camera’s Body I.S. and the 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2*2 makes it possible to use a 7-stop slower shutter speed*3. Adoption of a focus clutch mechanism enables instant AF/MF switching and accurate manual focusing.

The constant F2.8 large aperture provides smooth defocus gradation from the focus peak to the neighboring area of the image to achieve a beautiful bokeh effect as well as a rich perspective. The LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was a fatal problem in all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography.

The rugged, dust/splash-resistant*4 design withstands use under harsh conditions even at 10 degrees below zero for high mobility. The filter size is 82 mm, with an 11-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

LUMIX S PRO 16-35mm F4 (S-R1635)

The LUMIX S PRO 16-35mm F4 (S-R1635) is a versatile wide zoom lens boasts high descriptive performance in both photo shooting and video recording.

Comprising 12 elements in 9 groups, the use of 3 aspherical lenses, an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens and a UHR (Ultra-High Refractive Index) lens and the optimum alignment achieves high MTF performance despite its compact size and light weight. It boasts stunningly high resolution toward the corners even at wide open as well as a beautiful bokeh, suppressing double line bokeh and vignetting.

A double-magnet linear motor is integrated for the AF actuator, featuring high power despite its small size, achieving a maximum 480 fps high-speed sensor drive. This realizes fast, high-precision AF to ensure that photo opportunities are never missed. Like the 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. (S-E70200), the 16-35mm F4 (S-R1635) adopts a focus clutch mechanism, enabling instant AF/MF switching and accurate manual focusing, as well as excels in video recording performance thanks to a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing.

It is also rugged dust/splash-resistant, *4 withstanding harsh conditions even at 10 degrees below zero for high mobility. The filter size is 77 mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

Both lenses will be at retail in January. The LUMIX S PRO 16-35mm F4 will available for $ 1,499 and the LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 is $ 2,599.

*1 Use of the tele converter reduces the effective aperture by one f/stop (DMW-STC14) or two f/stops DMW-STC20)
*2 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2 can be used with the camera LUMIX S1R, S1 and S1H, as of November 6, 2019.
*3 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=200mm, when
LUMIX S1R/S1/S1H is used.]
*4 Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to
direct contact with dust and water.

Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 70–200 mm
Image stabilization Yes (up to 7 stops with Dual IS 2 compatible bodies)
CIPA Image stabilization rating 7 stop(s)
Lens mount Leica SL
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8
Minimum aperture F22
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 11
Optics
Elements 22
Groups 17
Special elements / coatings 1 aspherical + 3 ED + 3 UED elements
Focus
Minimum focus 0.95 m (37.4)
Maximum magnification 0.21×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Linear Motor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter Yes
Physical
Weight 1570 g (3.46 lb)
Diameter 94 mm (3.7)
Length 209 mm (8.23)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter thread 82 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes

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Canon Reveals the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L and the RF 85mm f/1.2L DS Lenses

30 Oct

The post Canon Reveals the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L and the RF 85mm f/1.2L DS Lenses appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

 

Canon-reveals-RF-lensesCanon has announced two new lenses for its mirrorless lineup:

The RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM and the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS.

Let’s take a closer look:

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L Lens

Canon-reveals-RF-lenses

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L offers a classic focal length that’s useful for pretty much everything.

You’ll find a 70-200mm in practically every landscape photographer’s bag for those tight shots that require a longer focal length. Portrait photographers like 70-200mm lenses for their headshot capabilities. Sports photographers love the focal length for powerful action shots. And event photographers appreciate the way a fast 70-200mm zoom lets them shoot without getting in the way.

Up until now, Canon hasn’t produced a lens in this focal length range, unless you count the RF 24-240mm, which is nowhere near as fast as the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L, nor does it have the ‘L’ lens designation. Therefore, many of Canon’s serious mirrorless shooters will jump at the chance to add such a powerful lens to their bags.

Note that the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L seems specially designed for low-light shooters: A combination of an ultra-wide f/2.8 aperture and Canon’s image stabilization technology makes this a formidable piece of kit for any low-light shooting scenario.

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L will debut in November 2019 for $ 2699 USD.

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS Lens

Canon-reveals-RF-lenses

Canon already offers an RF 85mm f/1.2L lens, so what makes this lens stand apart?

The new RF 85mm lens is designed with a brand new DS coating, known as Defocus Smoothing. The DS coating promises a smoother bokeh effect when shooting at wide apertures by darkening the edges of lens elements. While this serves to create a beautiful background quality, it also decreases light transmittance, so you do lose a bit of the light-gathering capabilities that you generally expect from an f/1.2 lens.

That said, the RF 85mm f/1.2L DS is bound to be appreciated by portrait photographers. With the DS coating, you’ll be able to capture some of the creamiest bokeh you’ve ever seen, while the f/1.2 aperture is perfect for creating a beautiful shallow depth-of-field look.

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS will debut in December 2019 for $ 2999 USD.

Do these lenses excite you? Will you add them to your line-up? Share with us in the comments below.

The post Canon Reveals the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L and the RF 85mm f/1.2L DS Lenses appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L and RF 85mm F1.2L DS will arrive before the end of the year

24 Oct

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Canon’s RF 70-200mm F2.8 and 85mm F1.2 DS were announced some time ago, but as of today they’re official. Canon has revealed full details and pricing for these new additions to its full-frame mirrorless lineup.

The RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM boasts an impressively compact design, measuring 146mm (5.8″) in length when at its widest zoom position. It extends when zoomed in towards 200mm, marking a departure from its EF-mount equivalents.

The RF 70-200mm F2.8 includes a floating focus lens element for reduced focus breathing, with a total of 17 elements in 13 groups making up the optical construction. Its image stabilization system is CIPA-rated to 5 stops.

Defocus Smoothing works thanks to a special coating to two of the lens’ thirteen elements

The 85mm F1.2L USM DS sits alongside the standard RF 85mm F1.2, but is differentiated by what Canon calls Defocus Smoothing (DS). Defocus Smoothing works thanks to a special coating to two of the lens’ thirteen elements. This gives out-of-focus highlights smoother edges compared to those rendered by the standard version of the lens.

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM will be available in late November for $ 2700; the RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS is scheduled to arrive in December for $ 3000.

Press release:

THE RF FAMILY GROWS BY TWO: CANON RF 70-200MM F2.8L IS USM LENS IS THE WORLD’S SHORTEST AND LIGHTEST LENS IN ITS CLASS AND RF 85MM F1.2L USM DS IS THE FIRST LENS TO FEATURE DEFOCUS SMOOTHING

New RF L-Series Lenses Aim to Provide Impeccable Performance, Handling and Unique Features to Photographers Shooting with EOS R and EOS RP Cameras

MELVILLE, N.Y., October 24, 2019 – Completing the “trinity” of RF lenses for the EOS R Full-Frame mirrorless camera system, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM telephoto lens. Additionally, the company also announced its first lens to feature Defocus Smoothing lens coating, the Canon RF 85 F1.2L DS. The ninth and tenth lenses in the RF family are both powerful tools for photographers using the EOS R or EOS RP cameras, in particular, those shooting sports or wildlife photography with the RF 70-200mm F2.8L or portrait photography with the RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS.

Short and Light With All The Might: Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
The new lens features a large and bright f/2.8 aperture, which, along with the 70-200mm focal zoom ranges, presents an ideal workhorse lens for professional and amateur photographers shooting sports, wildlife, wedding and event action. The new RF lens is 27 percent shorter and 28 percent lighter than its EF counterpart with a large portion of the lens element arrangement closer to the camera body. This arrangement is designed to provide photographers with a more balanced feel and experience even at telephoto end of the zoom range. Additionally, the shorter and lighter design allows the lens to be more easily stowed away in a camera bag when not in-use.

A first for Canon lenses, the new RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM features two Nano USM motors providing an even greater level of high-speed autofocus for still image shooting and quiet and smooth autofocus for video shooting. The lens also incorporates a floating focus control, another Canon first, that drives the two lens groups individually while using the two aforementioned Nano USM motors. The floating focus lens element shortens focusing distance and help reduce breathing, providing users with fast, consistent and reliable performance.

Additional Features of The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Include:

  • Customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
  • 17 lens elements in 13 groups including two aspherical lenses, one super UD lens and four UD lenses, that help to reduce chromatic aberration
  • CIPA standard five stops of image stabilization (IS) including three IS modes with dual-sensing and combination IS
  • 12-pin communication system
  • L-Series dust and weather resistant build with fluorine coating
  • Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) helps minimize lens flare and ghosting

Teaching an Old Dog a New Trick: Canon 85mm F1.2L USM DS
Canon has a rich history spanning over 40 years of producing 85mm lenses with f/1.2 apertures, and the new Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS is no different, or is it? The lens ushers in a new lens coating from Canon, Defocus Smoothing , designed to enhance the appearance of bokeh in the images captured with the lens. DS coating is a vapor-deposited coating technology that is applied to the front and rear surfaces of a specific lens element inside the lens. The coating allows off-axis flux to pass through the periphery of the lens that gradually decreases the transmittance of light, which results in images with beautifully blurred backgrounds.

In addition, the new lens features a bright f/1.2 aperture which, along with the 85mm focal length, encompasses an ideal lens for portrait photographers. 85mm is often the preferred focal length selected by photographers when shooting portraits because it provides an appropriate depth and perspective of the subject relative to the background, helping to capture high-quality imagery with beautiful and desirable bokeh. The focal length also allows for the photographer and subject to maintain optimum distance apart to support strong communication, while not being too close.

Additional Features of The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS Include:

  • Minimum focusing distance of 2.79 feet/0.85 meters
  • Customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
  • One Aspheric lens and one UD Lens, along with BR optics that help to reduce chromatic aberration
  • 12-pin communication system
  • L-Series dust and weather resistant build with fluorine coating
  • Air Sphere Coating (ASC) that helps minimize lens flare and ghosting

Pricing and Availability
The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS lenses are scheduled to be available late November 2019 and December 2019, respectively for an estimated retail price of $ 2,699.00 and $ 2,999.00 respectively . For additional information, please visit, usa.canon.com.

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS specifications

  Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS
Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 70–200 mm 85 mm
Image stabilization Yes No
Lens mount Canon RF
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8 F1.2
Aperture ring No
Focus
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter Yes
Physical
Power zoom No
Zoom lock Yes
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon Korea promo video confirms the RF 70-200mm F2.8 lens won’t have internal zoom

10 Oct

A new video from Canon Korea gives us a closer look at Canon’s upcoming RF L F2.8 trinity and confirms what we’ve suspected from the get-go with the upcoming RF 70-200mm F2.8—it won’t be an internal zoom.

The 72-second video shows off sample images and specifications from each of the three lenses Canon showed off earlier this year: the RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM, RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM.

As expected from the first time we saw the ridiculously compact 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM, the lens will have an extending section for when shooting at longer focal lengths, as seen in the animated GIF above. This video marks the first time we’ve seen the extending section in action and as seen in the video, the zoom ring will have a rather short throw when going from 70mm out to 200mm.

Pricing and availability for these three lenses are still up in the air, but we expect to find out before the end of the year based on Canon’s own lens roadmaps.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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