Four new lenses for the Canon EOS R system
Canon is presenting a colorful bouquet of new RF lenses, including two fixed focal lengths with 24 and 50 millimeters, a telephoto zoom and a special lens.
(Image: Canon)
The focus is on quality and video. Three of the four RF lenses presented belong to Canon's so-called hybrid L models. These are lenses that have been optimized to not only deliver high quality for photo shoots, but are also particularly suitable for video. First up are the RF 24mm F1.4L VCM and the RF 50mm F1.4L VCM. These two models complement the series with the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM with a wide-angle lens and a normal focal length. The series is characterized by a number of common features. They all offer a high speed of f/1.4. In addition, with a length of 99 millimetres and a diameter of 67 millimetres, they all have the same dimensions. Other features include a stepless aperture ring and minimized focus breathing. The latter ensures that the image section does not change when focusing, which can be particularly relevant for videographers. This is achieved through a combination of optical and electronic measures.
(Image:Â Canon)
The abbreviation VCM in the model designation reveals which focus drive the lenses use. Compared to conventional USM drives, the VCM motors are designed to work more quietly and faster. The VCM drive, which is responsible for the main lens group, is supported by a so-called Nano USM, which controls the compensation element, which is primarily responsible for the close-up range.
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During development, the manufacturer placed particular emphasis on high optical performance. The sharpness of the RF 24mm F1.4 at open aperture is said to have been significantly improved compared to its older EF counterpart, which is particularly noticeable in the peripheral areas. As the distortion can be easily compensated for digitally, the wide-angle model has focused more on low coma. Low coma is characterized by the fact that, for example, when photographing the night sky, the stars are clear and sharp even in the corners and show no haze.
(Image:Â Canon)
The RF 50mm F1.4 is also trimmed for high quality and should show the same good characteristics at open aperture as the RF 50mm F1.2 at f/1.4, which was previously regarded as the benchmark of what was possible. Compared to the RF 50mm F1.8 and the older EF 50mm F1.4, the imaging performance should be significantly better.
Both lenses should be available in stores from December 2024. The RF 24mm F1.4 is expected to cost 1750 euros, the RF 50mm F1.4 1600 euros.
Telephoto zoom with internal focus
Canon has already launched two RF zoom models in the medium telephoto range from 70 to 200 millimetres, the RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM and the particularly compact RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM. Now, with the EF 70-200mm F2.8 IS USM Z, a third lens has been added to the so-called Z family, which also includes the RF 24-100mm F2.8 IS USM Z. Both lenses have identical dimensions, allowing them to be used more flexibly in video systems, and offer internal focus and zoom as well as minimized focus breathing. The focus point should also not shift when zooming.
(Image:Â Canon)
The Z stands for zoom or, more precisely, power zoom. These models can be equipped with a so-called power zoom adapter (PZ-E28) especially for video applications. This is flanged onto the side of the lens and communicates with the lens and camera via additional contacts. This allows motorized control of the zoom.
A Dual Nano USM is used for the autofocus. As the name suggests, two motors share the task of focusing. In contrast to other fast telephoto zooms, the new version can also be combined with the 1.4x and 2.0x extenders to extend the focal length range.
Sales are scheduled to start on 14.11.2024. Canon plans to offer the lens in a black (video applications) and a white version at a price of 3600 euros.
Stereo optics
The fourth newcomer, the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual, is an exotic lens. As the name suggests, it is two lenses in one housing. This creates a stereoscopic 3D image with one shot. In contrast to previous 3D lenses such as the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual from Canon, the new lens with a focal length of 7.8 millimetres is not a classic fisheye with an aperture angle of up to almost 180 degrees, but offers an aperture angle of around 60 degrees. This makes it ideal for 3D worlds at a distance of between 15 and 50 centimetres –, i.e. miniature landscapes, model railroads or architectural models.
(Image:Â Canon)
To do this, the image or video material from the camera is converted using the EOS VR Utility and then edited in a program such as Premiere Pro so that it can then be viewed using VR glasses or another 3D output. Initially, the new lens is only compatible with the Canon APS-C camera EOS R7. It will be available in stores from November at a price of 550 euros.
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