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Canon has announced the development of six RF lenses which are expected to be released at various points in 2019.
The most captivating has to be the RF 70-200 F2.8L IS USM. The lens is almost impossibly small, yet manages to be as fast as Canon’s EF model. The 70-200 will be stabilized, though we won’t find out how many stops of shake reduction it provides for some time, as Canon has not yet published specs for any of the upcoming lenses.
Canon will be offering two versions of its RF 85mm F1.2L USM: a ‘regular’ model and a ‘DS’ variant. DS stands for Defocus Smoothing, which Canon says ‘offers a combination of beautifully smooth defocused bokeh.’ While we don’t know exactly what that means yet, it seems likely that the DS model includes an Apodization element, of the kind we’ve seen before in ‘APD’ and ‘STF’ lenses from other manufacturers.
The dual model approach echoes Fujifilm’s decision to market two versions of its XF 56mm F1.2 – a standard model and an ‘APD’ variant optimized for bokeh.
Meanwhile, there are two fast zooms on the way: the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM and the RF 24-70 F2.8L IS USM.
Lastly, there’s a versatile (but slower) travel zoom lens in the works too – the RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM.
Press Release:
CANON ENSURES THE SUCCESSFUL FUTURE OF ITS RF MOUNT WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIX NEW LENSES
New Lenses Under Development Cover a Range of Core Focal Lengths
MELVILLE, N.Y., February 13, 2019 – Continuing with the message of “optics at its core,” Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc, is developing six new RF-series lenses, further displaying the company’s commitment to the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera system. Canon’s new RF mount allows for fast, light, and high-performing optics with a large opening diameter and short back focus distance. Each new lens in development will help fulfill the needs of amateur and advanced amateurs to professional photographers and videographers, covering critical focal lengths. In 2019, Canon’s already well-established optical lens heritage will celebrate a production milestone of 140 million EF and RF lenses and the celebration starts with the development announcement of these six lenses[i].
The six new RF lenses under development include:
- RF 85mm F1.2 L USM
- RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS
- RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
- RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM
- RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM
- RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM
“Optics are the critical piece of the visual puzzle that bend light and capture an image as the artist envisioned,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “That is why it is so important for us to strengthen our family of RF lenses for the EOS R camera system. With this collection of new lenses, customers will have more of the tools they need, for the images they desire to create.”
All six RF lenses under development are built around Canon’s new RF mount, which features a large 54mm diameter and shorter back focus distance than on current EOS DSLR cameras. In addition, the RF mount enhances communication and power transmission between the lens and camera body, which has helped Canon to achieve the world’s fastest autofocus speed for a full-frame mirrorless camera system[ii].
The details of the new Canon RF lenses under development are as follows:
The RF 85mm F1.2 L USM is a large aperture mid-telephoto prime lens. It offers excellent performance for advanced and professional portrait photographers and is a widely popular focal length and aperture speed combination for users.
The RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS, with Defocus Smoothing lens technology, is a uniquely designed lens that offers a combination of beautifully smooth defocused bokeh. Featuring a super-fast F1.2 aperture, the lens will help produce breathtaking portraits that will surely stand out from the crowd.
The RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM is a high-performance, standard zoom lens for professionals and photo enthusiasts alike – ideal for shooting portraits, landscapes, documentaries or weddings.
The RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM, offering a wide angle and fast aperture in a single package, is ideal for a variety of shooting applications including architecture, interiors or landscapes.
The RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM is a must-have for any professional photographer, especially for those shooting weddings, sports or wildlife. This lens is a great all-around, high-speed, medium telephoto zoom lens and does well to round out any camera bag.
The RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM is the ideal lens for amateurs and advanced amateurs who love to travel, no matter the destination. The versatile, all-purpose lens offers a range of focal lengths for capturing extraordinary shots in a form factor that is both compact and lightweight.
Availability
All six of the new Canon RF lenses under development are expected to be available later in 2019*. To learn more about the lenses under development and to follow along for the official announcement, please visit usa.canon.com
[i] 140 million milestone figure is the accumulated production as at 19th December 2018. Figure includes RF lenses and Cinema lenses
[ii] As of 13 February 2019, among interchangeable lens digital mirrorless cameras incorporating a 35mm full frame equivalent image sensor with contrast detection AF and phase detection AF on the image plane. Calculated from the results of measured AF speed, based on CIPA guidelines (differs depending on shooting conditions and lens used). Measured using internal methods. Measurement conditions: EV12 (ambient temperature/ISO 100), Manual Mode, using the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM (at a focal length of 24mm) with the following settings: shutter released using the shutter button, 1-point AF (Center AF), One-Shot AF)
*Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
