Canon recently unveiled three new lenses for their RF-mount mirrorless cameras: the RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM.
This exciting lens trio aims to enhance still and video camera works for users across various skill levels.
Ultra Wide Zoom Lens for APS-C Cameras
The first lens announced is the RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, an ultra-wide-angle zoom designed specifically for Canon’s APS-C sensor EOS R-series cameras.
Key Features
10-18mm focal length
This gives an angle of view similar to 16-29mm in 35mm full-frame terms. Focal length indicates the zoom range of the lens. So 10-18mm means it covers ultra-wide fields of view up to more moderate wide angles.
Image Stabilization up to 4 stops
This lens incorporates optical image stabilization that compensates for camera shake.
It’s rated up to 4 stops, meaning it allows you to shoot at shutter speeds up to 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible handheld without blur from camera shake.
For example, if you could safely handhold at 1/30s without stabilization, with IS you could potentially get a sharp shot at 1/8s or slower. This is very helpful when shooting stills or video in low-light situations.
Compact, lightweight design
Weighing just 5.3 ounces, this lens is small and portable. This makes it a great travel companion for landscapes and video work while out and about. The compact size also balances well on smaller mirrorless camera bodies.
Affordable pricing
With an expected retail price of $329, this lens is relatively affordable.
This makes it accessible not only to more advanced shooters but also to photography beginners looking to explore the creative possibilities of ultra-wide angles without breaking the bank.
With its ultra-wide perspective in a Vlogging-friendly size, this lens is ideal for travel, landscapes, architecture, interiors, and video work. The relatively fast maximum aperture range of F4.5-6.3 also enables handheld shooting in lower-light situations.
Overall, this ultra-wide zoom lens opens up creative possibilities for crop sensor EOS R-series owners from enthusiasts and vloggers to more advanced content creators.
Constant Aperture Standard Zoom for Professionals
The second lens announced is the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, positioned as a high-performance standard zoom for professionals.
Key Features
F2.8 constant aperture
This lens maintains a fast constant F2.8 maximum aperture throughout its entire 24-105mm zoom range. Most standard zoom lenses have variable apertures that get slower at longer focal lengths. The constant F2.8 gives this lens a low light advantage, allowing shooters to maintain fast shutter speeds and blur-free images even in dim conditions across all zoom settings.
Useful telephoto reach
While 24-105mm is considered a standard zoom range, the 105mm upper end provides a portrait-length minor telephoto perspective. This allows for flattering compression effects on subjects compared to wider views.
Constant physical length when zooming
The lens does not physically extend or contract as you zoom from 24mm to 105mm. This benefits video shooters, allowing them to smoothly zoom during recording without shifts in center of gravity or balance.
Manual aperture ring
The lens barrel features a manual aperture ring that provides smooth, de-clicked aperture control preferred for video recording.
Optimized video optics
The optical design has been optimized for high performance and beautiful rendering suited to 4K and 8K video. Special coatings minimize lens flare and ghosting when shooting into light sources.
5.5 stops of image stabilization
Like the 10-18mm ultra-wide zoom, this lens also features optical stabilization rated up to 5.5 stops. This further expands hand-holdability for low-light stills or video.
Power Zoom Adapter compatible
A new Power Zoom Adapter will also be available as an optional accessory. This enables buttery smooth motorized zoom control.
A standard version will be available, as well as a 20-pin communications port version to support zoom and focus demands when attached to compatible cameras.
With its outstanding optics and video-centric capabilities in a familiar standard zoom range, this lens is ideal as an everyday workhorse for professional hybrid shooters.
Photojournalists, wedding photographers, and video content creators can all benefit from the combination of performance, creative versatility, and convenience this lens offers.
Priced at $2999, it provides exceptional quality and features not found in more affordable standard zoom lenses.
Lightweight 800mm Super Telephoto Zoom
The third and final lens announced is the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM, an incredibly versatile super telephoto zoom optimized for portability.
Key Advantages
Incredible 200-800mm zoom range
This lens provides a remarkable 16x zoom ratio covering everything from wide telephoto to super telephoto focal lengths. This varied perspective range lets you capture everything from sports and wildlife to portraits to sweeping landscapes.
Relatively fast maximum apertures
Despite its long 800mm reach, the lens has a maximum aperture range of just F6.3-9. Many competing 800mm telephoto primes have apertures of F5.6 or slower. The faster F6.3-9 range provides advantages in autofocus speed, brighter views for composing, and handholdability in lower light conditions.
5.5 stop Image Stabilization
Optical IS smoothes out shake for sharper handheld images at slower shutter speeds, up to 5.5 stops slower than otherwise possible. This allows you to capture static or moving subjects in lower light while avoiding blur.
Compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters
Teleconverters further extend the focal length into super-telephoto territory up to 1600mm while maintaining autofocus capability.
Weather-resistant construction
Tight seals throughout the lens body protect the optics from moisture and dust incursion when shooting outdoors in less-than-ideal weather.
This ensures reliable performance when chasing fast-moving subjects in nature and sports environments.
Rotating tripod mount
The tripod collar allows switching from landscape to portrait camera orientation without moving the tripod or head. Convenient for tracking actions that shift from horizontal to vertical framing.
Despite its incredibly long zoom range of up to 800mm, this lens weighs just 4.5 pounds. It is hand-holdable for many shooting situations.
This portability facilitates use for everything from backcountry wildlife photos to your kid’s soccer match from the sidelines. The flexibility and power of an 800mm super-telephoto perspective are made far more accessible thanks to the lightweight design.
The affordable price of $1899 also makes this long zoom suitable for advanced amateur photographers looking to expand their capabilities for wildlife, aviation, and sports photography.
Expanding Creative Possibilities for All Skill Levels
This trio of new lenses provides versatile options well-suited for Canon EOS R-series shooters across experience levels in various genres:
- The ultra wide-angle RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM puts a new creative perspective into reach for travel photographers, vloggers, and all crop sensor shooters on a budget.
- The professional grade RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z empowers photojournalists, wedding pros, and hybrid creators who need outstanding optics with versatile focal lengths plus advanced video capabilities.
- The long zooming RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM super-telephoto unlocks powerful reach for wildlife, sports, and aviation fans who value lightweight portability.
By rounding out the RF lens roadmap with these new ultra-wide, standard, and super telephoto options, Canon furthers the system’s appeal to mirrorless shooters across the experience spectrum.
Photographers and videographers using RF mount cameras now have more choices than ever when it comes to finding lenses tailored to their needs and budgets.
Everyone from beginners dipping their toes into RF lenses to full-time professionals will find lenses in this new trio that enhance their capabilities.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lenses are expected to launch in December 2023.
The estimated retail prices stand at $329 for the 10-18mm ultra-wide zoom, $2999 for the 24-105mm f/2.8 standard zoom, and $1899 for the 200-800mm super-telephoto zoom.
The Power Zoom Adapter accessories compatible with the 24-105mm f/2.8 lens will be available starting in Spring 2024. The standard version will retail for $999, while the version with a 20-pin communications port will go for $1299.
Through the strategic expansion of the RF lens roadmap, Canon continues to offer enhanced choice and versatility to mirrorless shooters across a range of experience levels, photographic interests, and budgets.
This empowers budding amateurs and seasoned pros alike to take their creative visions further with the exciting capabilities of Canon’s RF mirrorless system.
