Take two: Canon announces a pair of popular lenses for the EOS R system

Canon is steadily fulfilling its 2020 lens roadmap, with the announcement of two new RF lenses for the EOS R full frame mirrorless system – the RF 50mm f1.8 STM lens and the RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM lens.

The RF 50mm f1.8 STM lens is the modern mirrorless take on the popular 'nifty fifty' EF 50mm f1.8 STM lens. It's small and lightweight and features a brand-new optical system. The RF 50mm f1.8 STM’s large aperture and PMo aspherical lenses are optimised for superb image quality even at the maximum aperture, with better separation between the subject and background. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.3m – 5cm closer than the existing EF version – allowing objects to be photographed even closer with a shallow depth-of-field. The 7-blade circular aperture – inherited from the EF 50mm f1.8 – can be used for a defocused background or foreground, as well as beautiful bokeh. The RF 50mm f1.8 STM also features Super Spectra Coating technology, creating a harmonised colour balance which reduces ghosting and flare, as well as aberration.

RF 50mm f1.8 STM key features:
• STM Motor
• Wide f1.8 aperture
• Aspheric lens element
• Super Spectra Coating
• Focus / lens control ring

The RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM lens is the second telephoto lens with this focal length in the RF range, mirroring the line-up in the EF range. Lightweight and compact, the RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM is just 695 grams and measures 11.9cm long when retracted. Even at its fully extended length, the RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM is exceptionally portable for a f4 telephoto zoom lens. This lens features additional improvements, such as Air Sphere Coating, four Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) lenses, and a reduced focusing distance from 1m to 0.6m over the EF 70-200mm f4L IS USM lens. Even at full zoom range, with its 9-blade iris and constant f4 aperture giving superb bokeh, the RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM promises to be a versatile and travel-friendly companion for all sorts of shooting environments.

RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM Key Features:
• f4 constant maximum aperture
• Dual Nano USM focusing motor
• L-series quality
• UD elements and ASC coatings
• 5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer and 7.5-stop combination IS when used with the EOS R5 and EOS R6
• Dust- and water-resistant seals
• Lens Control Ring

Pricing and availability

The RF 50mm f1.8 STM will be available with the following RSPs: £219.99 / €249.99.

The RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM will be available with the following RSPs: £1699.99 / €1969.99.

Canon teases new hybrid lenses

Canon has announced its intention to add new lenses to its hybrid RF L-series range on 30 October 2024, teasing with the image above. Canon’s hybrid lenses are a range of RF L-series primes and zooms designed for high performance stills and video capture. They are able to perform multiple roles and harness technology from Canon’s broadcast, cinema and existing RF lenses to make for a truly versatile range. The first two lenses in the range are the RF 24-105mm f2.8L IS USM Z , launched in November 2023, and the RF 35mm f1.4L VCM lens , announced earlier this year in June. Keep an eye out as full details will be published as soon as they're available on 30 October 2024.

Canon announces EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II as next R system evolution

Canon has today launched two new cameras for the EOS R system – the EOS R1, a new flagship model to take over from the EOS-1D X Mark III, and the EOS R5 Mark II, the next iteration of the ever-popular 5-series. The two camera share much more than just a launch date. They herald the arrival of the next generation of Canon's sensor-based focusing system – Dual Pixel Intelligent AF – as well as offering a raft of improvements over previous R-series cameras. The new features and the improvements alike are powered by a duo of DIGIC processors, one DIGIC X and one DIGIC Accelerator – and by Deep Learning, with the introduction of Action Priority AF for team-based sports. Both cameras sport brand new, purpose-made back illuminated stacked (BSI) sensors; the EOS R1 offers 24.2MP and the EOS R5 Mark II offers 45MP. Rolling shutter effect is reduced, significantly so on the EOS R1. In-camera there's also an up-scaling feature, giving users of both cameras the opportunity to increase res...

RF 28-70mm f2.8 IS STM announced

Canon Europe today announces the RF 28-70mm f2.8 IS STM, a new lightweight lens designed to be a next step for photographers wanting to upgrade from their kit lens. Designed for a variety of shooting scenarios, from portraiture to street and travel, the fast f2.8 constant aperture throughout the zoom range is ideal for shooting in low light conditions, capturing everything from fading ‘blue hour’ light to dimly lit indoor scenes. Built with reliability in mind, this weather-resistant lens also allows for shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds in lower light environments with optical image stabilisation of up to 5.5 stops. Measuring just 92.2mm in length when retracted and weighing 490g, this latest lens is among the lightest of its kind. With a significant weight reduction compared to previous lens options, it pairs perfectly with the smaller full frame EOS R-series bodies, such as the EOS R, RP and R8. The RF 28-70mm f2.8 IS STM offers swift adjustments to shutter spe...

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