Canon has announced two new lenses to add to its line up of glass for its mirrorless full frame cameras: a 50mm f/1.8 STM and the 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM. These are two fascinating additions to the range of RF lenses as both have interesting details which make them special.
Personally, the nifty fifty is the more exciting of the two, especially as it maintains Canon’s tradition of having a very small, lightweight, and affordable prime lens with a standard focal length. Canon’s EF 50mm f/1.8 was the definitive nifty, and at just $199, the new RF version continues the trend.
Its seems to take its design from the EF version with six elements in five groups and seven diaphragm blades, and is exactly the same weight. Minimum focusing distance (11.8 “ / 30 cm) and magnification (0.25 x) are almost identical. Perhaps the major difference is that the control ring can be customized through the addition of a switch that swaps its functionality.
The RF 70-200 f/4 L IS USM packs a lot of performance into what appears to be a very compact form. As an L lens, it's weather-sealed and features some of Canon’s best coatings, as well as Optical Image Stabilizer which can offer up to 7.5 stops of stabilization when paired with either the IBIS of the R5 or R6.
The constant aperture of f/4 means that Canon has shaved some weight, length, and price when compared to its f/2.8 sibling. It weighs a mere 1.5 lb (695 g), is only 4.7 “ (12 cm) in length, and costs $1,599. More than an inch shorter than the f/2.8, there’s no tripod collar and the lens hood is reversible.
Both lenses are expected to be available in December. Will you be placing an order? Let us know in the comments below.
Now, if we could have an RF 50mm f/1.4.
Won't be buying the 50mm. I already have the EF mount and it works splendidly with the adapter.
Totally agree. My adapter is coming this week and I'll be using my 70-200 III with the R5. But I did splurge and get the 28-70 f/2. Other than that, I would say, unless you just have extra $$$, get the $99 adapter and use those EF lenses.
Nope, definitely no extra $$$! That's exactly what I plan to do, just use the EFs. I would like to get at least one RF mount lens but I haven't settled on one just yet.
I paid less for my EF 70-200mm 2.8 nonIS and I guess I'll be keeping it. That's a lot of money for a f4 zoom sheesh.
Excited for the nifty fifty! This will be a very compact full frame setup on the EOS R. Maybe the first RF Lens I will buy...
I have the EF version of both of these, and they work flawlessly with my R6 and the EF-RF adaptor. I'm also curious, am I the only one who doesn't like the telescopic zooms?
I'm personally apathetic on telescopic zooms. I'm all for downsizing my bag (or fitting more in my current bag) if the zoom locks down to be smaller, and I haven't heard any complaints about lenses like the 100-400mm II having any issues with weather sealing or construction being an issue, so I wouldn't worry about long-term wear to them either.
I don't like it but I guess i just live with it as long as they don't hoover in dirt like the 100-400 did
I definitely much prefer a fully internal lens, both for focus and zoom.