Canon Expands Lens Lineup With RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z for Hybrid Photo and Video Use

Canon Expands Lens Lineup With RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z for Hybrid Photo and Video Use

Canon has announced the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z, a new RF L-series telephoto zoom lens designed for professional photographers and videographers.

The lens combines a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, advanced image stabilization, and compatibility with Canon's extenders, offering versatile use across genres, including sports, fashion, and news reporting. With a lightweight, balanced design, the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z is also optimized for smooth operation on gimbals and rigs, supporting hybrid workflows for professionals who regularly transition between photo and video applications.

Key Features

The RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z integrates Canon’s latest stabilization and focusing technologies. Dual Nano USM motors offer fast, silent autofocus for both stills and video, while the three-mode image stabilization system provides up to 5.5 stops of shake reduction or up to 7.5 stops when paired with in-body stabilization. The lens includes an iris ring for precise aperture control during video recording and is compatible with Canon’s Power Zoom Adapter for powered zoom control.

Specifications for the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z

  • Focal Length: 70-200mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 1.61 ft (0.49 m) at 70mm; 2.23 ft (0.68 m) at 200mm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.2x at 70mm; 0.3x at 200mm
  • Angle of View (Diagonal): Approx. 34º to 12º
  • Lens Construction: 18 elements in 15 groups
  • Special Elements: Two Super UD lenses, one UD lens, three aspherical lenses
  • Lens Coating: Canon ASC (Air Sphere Coating), SSC (Super Spectra Coating), fluorine coating
  • Filter Size: 82 mm
  • Aperture Blades: 11
  • Image Stabilization: Three-mode stabilization system
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF Coverage:
    • EOS R: Approx. 88% x 100%
    • EOS R5/R6: Approx. 100% x 100% (with face and tracking priority)
    • EOS R7/R10/R50: Approx. 100% x 100% (with face and tracking priority)
  • Control Ring: Provided for customizable settings
  • Manual Focus Ring: Provided
  • Iris Ring: Included for video aperture control
  • Dust/Weather Resistance: Yes
  • Dimensions: Approx. 3.5 in diameter x 7.8 in length (88.5 mm x 199 mm)
  • Weight: Approx. 2.5 lb (1,115 g) for the white model; 2.4 lb (1,110 g) for the black model

Availability and Pricing

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens is scheduled to be available in November 2024 with an estimated retail price of $2,999.

This addition to Canon's RF lens lineup underscores Canon's dedication to hybrid and video-centric workflows, offering professionals a high-performance telephoto option built for modern content creation.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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