Canon launches three new RF Zoom Lenses

Canon has unveiled a trio of new RF Zoom lenses, catering to diverse photographic needs. The first in the lineup is the RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM super telephoto zoom, offering impressive versatility. Then there’s the RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, a groundbreaking creation touted as the world’s inaugural 24-105mm F2.8 zoom lens. Lastly, Canon introduces the RF-S 10-18mm f4.5-6.3 IS STM, designed for optimum imagery and enhanced mobility.

Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM

The RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is tailored for budget-conscious users seeking a lightweight telephoto lens. This lens suits a range of enthusiasts, from wildlife photographers and air show aficionados to photojournalists, small media outlets, and videographers requiring extended focal lengths.

Comprising 17 elements in 11 groups, including three UD (ultra-low dispersion) elements and equipped with Canon Super Spectra coating, this lens delivers exceptional image quality. Contrary to rumors, Canon clarifies that this lens does not employ DO (diffractive optics) technology.

Impressively, the lens boasts a robust image stabilization feature, offering 7.5 stops at 200mm and 5.5 stops at 800mm. The lens automatically detects panning movements, adjusting the stabilization accordingly. External controls include an AF/MF button and two user buttons with identical functions. Notably, the lens features a zoom ring, although it lacks a dedicated manual focus ring. Instead, it integrates a single manual focus and control ring combo for ease of use.

Additionally, the lens is compatible with RF 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, extending its focal length to an impressive 1600mm (albeit with a maximum aperture of F18). Remarkably, Canon asserts that this lens, when used with teleconverters, delivers superior image quality compared to the RF 100-500mm lens.

Canon’s latest offerings redefine the possibilities in the realm of photography, promising unparalleled performance and flexibility for photographers and videographers alike.

• Focal Length: 200 to 800mm
• Lens Mount: Canon RF
• Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Maximum Aperture: f/6.3 to 9
• Minimum Aperture: f/54
• Angle of View: 12° to 3° 5′
• Minimum Focus Distance: 2.6′ / 80 cm
• Maximum Magnification: 0.25 to 0.2x
• Optical Design: 17 Elements in 11 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades: 9
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating
• Front Filter Size: 95 mm
• Dimensions: 102.3 x 314.1 mm
• Weight: 4.5 lb / 2 kg
• Price: $1,899 on Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com

Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z

This newly unveiled lens by Canon claims to be the ultimate hybrid solution for both photography and videography enthusiasts, boasting an array of features to support its claims. Targeting professional photographers, serious enthusiasts, videographers, and video content creators, the RF 24-105mm F2.8 showcases a range of design elements to justify its status as a true hybrid photo/video lens.

One of its standout features is its internal zoom and focus mechanism, eliminating any front element movement or significant shifts in weight during operation. Canon emphasizes the importance of the floating element AF system, ensuring a compact lens size while maintaining high AF performance.

Examining the external controls reveals a mix of both new and familiar elements. Beyond the standard AF/MF and IS switches, the 24-105mm F2.8 introduces a focus limiter switch and an IS mode switch, marking it as the first non-telephoto RF zoom lens to include such controls.

The most remarkable addition, however, is the manual aperture ring, a first for EF or RF lenses. This feature underscores the lens’ hybrid functionality, enabling seamless aperture control for both stills and video shooting. Yet, there are specific limitations. The aperture ring will not function for photography on existing EOS cameras, but it’s slated to be compatible with new models set for release in 2024 or later. Interestingly, this aperture control via the ring will be functional on cameras like the C70 when shooting video.

Under the hood, the lens is constructed with 23 elements in 13 groups, incorporating four UD and three aspherical elements. It benefits from Canon Super Spectra, Air Sphere, and fluorine coatings, with an 11-blade diaphragm design for smooth and pleasing bokeh effects.

Additional standout features include in-body image stabilization, delivering an impressive 5.5 stops on the lens alone and up to 8.0 stops when paired with the camera’s in-body stabilization. The lens also incorporates dual Nano USM motors for precise autofocus control, ensuring a seamless shooting experience for users.

• Focal Length: 24 to 105mm
• Lens Mount: Canon RF
• Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Angle of View: 84° to 23° 20′
• Minimum Focus Distance: 17.7″ / 45 cm
• Maximum Magnification: 0.08 to 0.29x
• Optical Design: 23 Elements in 18 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades: 11
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Tripod Collar: Removable
• Front Filter Size: 82 mm
• Dimensions: 88.5 x 199 mm
• Weight: 2.9 lb / 1.3 kg
• Price: $2,999 on Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com

Canon RF-S 10-18mm f4.5-6.3 IS STM

Featuring built-in optical image stabilization offering four stops of correction, or an impressive six stops when paired with a compatible camera using Coordinated IS, the RF-S 10-18mm lens is a powerhouse in the photography realm. Crafted with two ultra-low dispersion elements and one aspherical element, this lens delivers sharper images while significantly reducing both chromatic and spherical aberrations.

Driving the lens’s autofocus capabilities is a lead screw-type STM stepping AF motor, ensuring nearly silent operation for both photo and video applications. What sets this lens apart is its full-time manual focus override, providing users with greater flexibility, especially during close-up work. Additionally, the lens’s seven-blade diaphragm enhances the aesthetic appeal of out-of-focus areas in your frame, adding a touch of visual allure to your shots.

• Focal Length: 10 to 18mm (35mm Equivalent: 16 to 29mm)
• Lens Mount: Canon RF
• Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Maximum Aperture: f/4.5 to 6.3
• Minimum Aperture: f/32
• Angle of View: 107° 30′ to 74° 20′
• Minimum Focus Distance: 5.5″ / 14 cm
• Maximum Magnification: 0.23x
• Optical Design: 12 Elements in 10 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades: 7
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Front Filter Size: 49 mm
• Dimensions: 69 x 44.9 mm
• Weight: 5.3 oz / 150 g
• Price: $329 on Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com