Canon full-frame mirrorless lenses have reached a new low price with the introduction of the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM.
Today, Canon has announced the new RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens which is priced at $399. Previously, the least expensive lens options for R-mount cameras were the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM at $499, then ballooning to $899 for the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM as the second cheapest.
In an interesting move for such a limited lineup of RF lenses, this is also the second 24-105mm lens now available for Canon full-frame mirrorless after the $1,099 RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM.
The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM weighs in at 0.87 pounds and measures 3.5 inches long by 3.02 inches in diameter. Inside, the lens is constructed of 13 elements in 11 groups, 1 of which is aspherical. The elements also utilize multi-layered Super Spectra coating to minimize flare and ghosting effects. The image stabilization is capable of up to 5 stops of compensation. There are 7 circular aperture blades and the front threading will fit 67mm filters.
Minimum focusing distance for autofocus is 0.2 meters at the wide end and 0.34 meters at the telephoto end, which is a 0.4x maximum magnification. In manual focus, the minimum focusing distance shrinks to 0.13 meters at the wide end for a 0.5x maximum magnification.
The outside features a Control Ring in front of the zoom which can be set to work as a manual focus ring or work in Control Ring operation with the flip of a switch. There’s also an on-off switch for the lens stabilization. Canon told me that the lens will have moderate, consumer-level weather sealing and does have a metal lens mount for durability.
Soon, the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens will also be available as a kit lens paired with the EOS R and EOS RP cameras with pricing still to be determined.
Wow, that's the darkest aperture zoom I think I've seen. The EF-M 15-45mm is 3.5-6.3, but this is takes it a whole stop...well, it's a 3rd...
If I shot Canon R I'd much prefer a 24-105 3.5-5.6 even if it was a bit bigger than this. Especially considering that the two current R bodies have no IBIS, so that f/7.1 would be a b*tch in anything other than daylight. Or even something like a 24-90/4 or 28-90/4. Something with a bit more range than 24-70 but a constant f/4. Shouldn't have to be too big given how compact my Nikon Z 24-70/4 is.
Really f4 to f7,1, even the cheapest kitlenses for dslr's were always at least f3.5 and mostly only went to f5.6!