Canon launches the f/1.4 largest angle in its history
And six! The new range of optics cut both for photo and video uses of the Canon RF boxes today receives its sixth soldier: the RF 20 mm f/1.4 L is VCM. A high -end goal for users who need a very wide angle. Because if Canon already had a 24 mm in the range, the four millimeters of difference are very perceptible for use.
The target of this beautiful baby over 500 g? Users photographing skies (ASTRO), landscape and architecture specialists and reporters. Why not have written “astrophotographers” and other “photoreporters”? Simply because this cannon range is really thought of for hybrid use – understanding photo and video.
And to seduce the two audiences, Canon put the package.
Peak lenses
The optical formula of this RF20 mm f/1.4 L (Pro range) IS (stabilization lens) VCM (fast, silent and powerful focus engine) contains only the cream of the cream of barrel glass technologies. Its 15 lenses in 11 groups contain two molded asphanic lenses (GMO), two UD lenses (ultra-faible dispersion), a Super UD lens (improved version of the UD) and a BR element (diffractive of the blue spectrum, important for large angles).
On the surface treatment side, it is just as much the technological festival for this ultra large angle with an ASC treatment (air sphere coating: vaporization of microbubbles deviating the light rays to avoid reflections) SWC (other treatment to avoid reflections) and fluorine treatment on the front lens.
In terms of Bokeh, in addition to the opening of F/1.4, the rendering of this optics should be very soft thanks to the diaphragm in 11 strips. Note that the goal is not one, but two VCM engines (Voice Coil Motor). One for the development, the other for the compensation of the focus Breathing, a shameful defect of the videographers which materializes by a change of frame when changing the development zone.
With these two development groups and a VCM engine (Voice Coil Motora magnetic field engine to cause the elements more quickly), the mechanical partition is therefore not to be outdone. Normal for an L perspective, therefore certified any time by Canon – which has experience in the field.
Limits of the opening ring
If this high -end perspective has something to salivate, there are two small technical hiccups. The first concerns the click of optics. Although activated/deactivable in its competitors like Sony, that of this 20 mm can only be deactivated by the after -sales service. A limit undoubtedly caused by mechanical design. Either it is a poorly adapted design, or the engineers up to Canon have judged that an additional lever would affect the resistance of the optics.
Basically: the photographers may choose to keep the click, but the videographers will probably go through the after-sales box.
The last limit concerns the compatibility of this ring. As reported by the small asterisks of the Technical Optics sheet:
“”Even with the latest firmware update on EOS R models, RpRa, R3,, R5,, R6,, R6 Mark II,, R7,, R8,, R10R50, R100 and EOS R5 C, you cannot adjust the opening value using the diaphragm ring when you take photos.“”
Canon will therefore have to work to update his old boxes, or at least try to care for his communication around this ring.
Price and availability
Weighing 519 g, this high-end perspective is delivered with its dedicated sun visor (EW-73H), the lens case (a classic at Canon) but also the rear filter holder.
The RF20 mm f/1.4 L IS VCM will be available during the month of April to € 1,999.
