New RF lenses from Canon
Posted on Nov 4, 2020
Earlier this year Canon added two innovative fixed aperture long telephotos, the 600mm f/11 and 800mm f/11. Its two latest lenses are a return to more popular focal lengths but Canon is keen to point out that its new lenses embrace the opportunities provided by the wider RF lenses mount so they are not just the equivalent of EF DSLR lenses.
The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a standard lensed featuring a brand-new optical design using Canon PMo aspherical elements for high image quality even at maximum aperture, allowing users to enjoy shallow depth-of-field effects without sacrificing optical performance. The STM focus motor gives fast, controllable AF that while not silent it is very quiet and Super Spectra Coating (SSC) helps to ensure flare-free performance even in strong lighting. There’s no lens image stabiliser but with the Canon EOS 5/6 you still get 7EV benefit thanks to the camera’s integral image stabiliser. Other key features include 30cm minimum focus, 43mm filter thread and customisable control ring.
The second new lens is the RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, a telezoom with a constant f/4 aperture that offers a top performance in a very compact bodyform and weighing just 695g. At 70mm this lens is just 119mm long and with the zoom barrel set to 200mm it is about the same length as the current EF 700-200mm f/4. Core features include a 77mm filter thread, 60cm minimum focus, dust and water resistance and an integral image stabiliser with 5EV benefit – used on an EOS 5/6 the potential combined benefit is 7.5EV. Focusing is silent so suitable for video work and very fast handled by a Dual Nano USM mechanism.
Both lenses are scheduled to go on sale in the first week of this December, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM priced at £219.99 and the RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM at £1699.99.
For more information, please visit the Canon website.
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