Canon has been extremely aggressive in their approach to RF mount lenses, producing a variety of boundary-pushing and capable lenses. However, it seems they plan on introducing a lens that was not on our bingo card for 2024.
Canon Rumors is reporting that an update for the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is coming in 2024. That might seem strange considering the lens is only a few years old and is a fantastic performer, but the issue seems to be its extending zoom design. While this makes it a very compact device when retracted, it seems many professionals have stuck with the EF equivalents due to a strong dislike for the RF version's design and handling and the consequences of a small footprint, such as difficult to distinguish controls. Anecdotally, a professional sports shooter I know has said he hates the design, and he sticks to using an adapted EF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. That being said, some people (me, for example) like the design, and optically, the lens is absolutely fantastic, so whether this new design with an internal zoom will replace the retracting version or complement it is unclear. Hopefully, we will hear more about the new option soon.
I have a great dislike for externally extending zooms. I own them. I use them. But the user experience is unpleasant because of the extending design. It forces me to hold the lenses in a way that is uncomfortable and awkward. It also allows much more dust to enter the lens. Would gladly pay more for the same lenses in an internally zooming design.
Likely they'll keep both for at least a while. There are a huge number who need light weight and compact for hiking and other non sports activities where size and weight are critical.
I love an internal zoom design but the current RF 70-200 is just so dang small that it doesn't matter much to me. But hey, there's nothing wrong with having more options right?
On one hand the ability to make the lens more compact for travel and storage is nice. On the other hand having the lens change length is annoying and lends itself to dust and moisture issues as folks mentioned here and elsewhere. Overall I think that I prefer the lens whose zoom is internal but a great lens is a great lens in either case.
I call mine the 70-200/2.8 kit lens, I only bought it because I got an insane deal on it, would much prefer a more monolithic handling, fully sealed version, I think the telescoping seals cause drag when zooming, and require the greater zoom ring throw, it's just not tactically as efficient of a action weapon as the traditional setup.
Not be able to use extenders makes this lens not worth it's hefty price
Yeah that's just weird. One of the most common uses for a 70-200mm zoom is to use it for super close up work. Not actual macro, but approaching macro. But if the design does not allow for extenders to be used, then what good is it for that? And if we can't use it for real close-up work with small subjects, then there aren't many other things that the 70-200mm zoom range is good for.