Canon unveils a quartet of mirrorless optics
Posted on Dec 6, 2023
The four lenses and one adapter are competitively priced and offer outstanding performance across a variety of fields
Photo giant Canon has announced a quartet of new lenses for its EOS R series mirrorless range, currently in its fifth year, plus one accessory. These include what it calls the world’s widest zoom with AF for full-frame cameras, the RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM lens. This one’s not only the widest full-frame lens on the market at the time of writing (which makes it ideal for shooting landscapes, architecture and interiors), it joins an existing line-up of 14 compatible Canon camera bodies and 35 RF optics so far, barring new additions. Offering 130° coverage as well as a constant f/4 maximum aperture throughout its zoom range, a new image stabilisation feature debuts in ‘Control IS’, which is to correct peripheral motion blur for both stills and video. It’s also Canon’s first premium L-series model to feature an STM motor, to make it faster than the existing 11-24mm EF lens, while also providing a smoother AF performance for video.
At a weight of 570g, it is smaller and lighter than the 11-24mm EF, which its manufacturer is keen to point out makes a huge difference, with built-in image stabilisation boasting a five-stop equivalence. Aimed at professionals, the new model went on sale at the end of last month at a suggested £3029.99.
Newer still, with sales due to start in December, is the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens. Canon describes this as the world’s first super-telephoto zoom up to 800mm that will let enthusiasts get images previously never feasible. It’s not a premium L-series lens, which Canon says makes it affordable and ideal for wildlife and outdoor sports fanatics. The brand also tells us that 1.4x and 2x extenders can be used with this lens without compromising AF performance. Users can get as close as 0.8m at 200mm setting or 3.3m at 800mm. With 5.5 stops of image stabilisation built in, it’s compact and relatively lightweight at just over 2kg. Canon suggests its white paint finish dissipates heat, and weather sealing provides protection. With two AF stop buttons, users can control how fast or slow they want to go via zoom ring torque adjustment. Constructed from 17 elements in 11 groups, the zoom can be used with the EOS R7, R6 II, R3 or R5 and will cost £2299.99.
Also arriving in December, at a more affordable £379.99 price tag, is the RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, described as the widest option in the RF-S range. Pitched as the RF-S version of its popular EF-S lens, but capable of delivering better quality with it, this is a compact and lightweight (at 150g) ultra wide-angle optic great for travel, landscapes and vlogging. Offering up to six stops of stabilisation when used with IBIS, its build comprises 12 elements in ten groups, plus it features two UD lens elements and a combined focus/control ring.
The fourth new lens to be announced this month is the RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z, with the ‘Z’ denoting ‘Power Zoom’. This is the first of a new hybrid line-up of lenses said to be ‘all about the hybrid age and shooting photo and video without compromise’. Canon also told us that both photographers and videographers have been asking for this lens – as it allows most events, including weddings, to be covered with just one optic – and suggested pairing it with the EOS R5 C body. Offering 5.5 stops of image stabilisation, or a whopping eight stops with an IBIS-enabled camera body, the lens itself is constructed with 23 elements in 18 groups. The design and Dual Nano USM motor help suppress focus breathing, while also featured are two lens function buttons and an aperture ring, the latter for use in video mode. It’ll arrive this December at £3439.99.
Finally, there’s a Canon Power Zoom adapter arriving in March. Two versions are offered: a PZ-E2 featuring a USB Type C port and offering compatibility with the 24-105mm, primarily for shooting video. The alternative is the PZ-E2B, offering USB Type C port plus 20-pin connection. Priced at £1149.99 and £1749.99 respectively, power comes courtesy of the RF mount or USB-C and there’s a manual-to-servo switch on the side. The power zoom control allows for a button press to immediately go wide, or alternatively to the telephoto setting, as desired.
Originally featured in Issue 112 of Photography News.
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