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.

More EOS firmware updates

Canon released a number of firmware updates in March 2024, as follows: EOS R3 – version 1.7.1 1. Enables servo zooming to be remotely controlled from EOS Utility or Camera Connect when Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2/PZ-E2B is attached to a compatible lens. 2. Enables up to 2 TB to be used on CFexpress cards larger than 2 TB. 3. Fixes an issue that may cause the camera, in rare instances, to stop functioning when using GPS. 4. Fixes an issue that may display Error Code 70 when performing anti-flicker shooting at a shutter speed of 1 second or higher. 5. Enhances security for FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Security) connections. 6. Fixes an issue in which Mobile File Transfer may not function when connecting the camera to an iPhone compatible with USB 3.0 and higher. 7. Fixes an issue that, under specific circumstances, may prevent the image from being displayed in the viewfinder or on the screen causing the camera to stop operating, or Error Code 70 may be displayed. 8. Fixes minor issues. EOS

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