Two New RF Lenses from Canon: a Nifty Fifty and a 70-200mm f/4 L IS

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.