Canon completes its video lens offering

RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z

The first of three lenses announced by Canon follows last year's release of the RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z and shares with the latter its ability to receive an external zoom motor. That is to say that associated with one of the two “powerzooms” PZ-E2 and PZ-E2B sold as options respectively 1,200 € and 1,600 €, the change of focal length can be controlled without rotating the ring for a smoother behavior in video. Added to this is a continuous opening ring with 32 intermediate bearings and a circular diaphragm with 11 blades. If the RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z stood out for its extended focal range associated with a constant f/2.8 aperture, this RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z is more classic. It is nevertheless distinguished from RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM released in 2019 by being less compact – it measures 19 mm long compared to 146 mm for the non-motorisable version – which has the positive consequence of making it compatible with teleconverters while zooming and focusing are carried out internally.

In addition, according to Canon, it would be a parfocal lens whose focus is maintained at a fixed distance during the zoom. The RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z has a unique optical formulation including 18 lenses including 3 aspherical, 1 in UD glass and 2 in Super UD glass, has ASC and Super Spectra anti-reflective coatings and integrates a system stabilization which acts on 5.5 EV whose amplitude can reach 7.5 EV when associated with a box with a stabilized sensor. The autofocus still relies on a double nano USM motor and the minimum focusing distance has been reduced. It is 49 cm at the 70 mm position and 68 cm at 200 mm. The lens accepts 82mm diameter filters and comes with a tripod collar and matching lens hood. For the first time, it will be available in two versions: white for a surface providing a thermal shield during long outdoor shots and black for more discretion in video. Both weigh 1,115 g and 1,110 g respectively excluding foot mount and will be sold during the month of November at a price of €3,600. Or €400 more than the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM.

The RF 24mm f/1.4L VCM and RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM complete an offering of dual motorized autofocus lenses initiated this summer with the release of the RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM. Like him, these two fixed focal lengths combine a fast nano USM motorization with a powerful VCM (moving coil) motorization which applied to a specific lens group ensures focus breathing compensation. They also have a continuous aperture ring with 32 steps and a circular diaphragm with 11 blades and, like all L series lenses, include seals and a fluorine treatment of the front lens. The three lenses share the same dimensions of 76.5 x 99.3 mm and receive 67 mm diameter filters on the front. They also have a customizable key and a configurable notched ring.

The RF 50mm f/1.4L VCM fits between RF 50mm f/1.2L USM And RF 50mm f/1.8 STM of which it shares the focal length and of which it is distinguished by a significantly smaller footprint than that of the first and by a 2/3 EV aperture more generous than that of the second. Its minimum focusing distance is 40 cm, as much as that of the RF 50mm f/1.2 but 10 cm longer than that of the 50mm f/1.8 and its optical formula includes two aspherical lenses and one lens. UD glass. Its lenses have received a double Super Spectra and ASC anti-reflective coating. Its weight is 580 g knowing that that of the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is 950 g but that the reflex version EF 50mm f/1.4 USM weighed only 290 g. The RF 50mm f/1.4L VCM will be marketed in November at a price of €1,600.

The RF 24mm f/1.4L VCM is its wide-angle counterpart, designed around an optical formula comprising two UD glass elements and an aspherical lens, weighing 515 g. It completes a Canon RF mount offering consisting so far of the RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STMless ambitious in aperture, manufacturing and image quality but capable of closer focusing. The minimum distance is 14 cm on this 1:2 ratio macro version and 24 cm on the new 24mm f/1.4L VCM which also has a rear filter holder. Note that Canon already offered a 24mm f/1.4 in EF reflex mount but larger (94 x 87 mm) and heavier. The weight of the RF VCM is 515 g compared to 650 g for the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM released in 2008. The marketing of the RF 24mm f/1.4L VCM is scheduled for November and its price should be 1 €750.