Four new lenses for the Canon EOS R system

Signs point to quality and video. Three of the four RF lenses presented are Canon’s so-called Hybrid L models. These are lenses that have been optimized to not only deliver high quality for photos, but are also particularly well suited 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 wide-angle optics and the usual focal length. The series has some common features. They all offer a high aperture of f/1.4. Furthermore, they all have the same dimensions with a length of 99 millimeters and a diameter of 67 millimeters. Additional features include a stepless aperture ring and minimal focus breathing. The latter ensures that the image section does not change when focusing, which may be especially relevant for videographers. This is achieved through a combination of optical and electronic measures.

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The abbreviation VCM in the model name shows which focus drive the lenses use. VCM motors are intended to operate more quietly and faster than traditional USM drives. 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 close range.

During development, the manufacturer placed special emphasis on high optical performance. With the RF 24mm F1.4, sharpness at wide open apertures is significantly improved compared to the older EF counterpart, which is especially noticeable in peripheral areas. Since distortion can be easily compensated for digitally, wide-angle models have focused more on low coma. A slight coma is characterized by the fact that, for example, in night sky photography, the stars are shown clearly and clearly even in the corners and there is no haze in them.

The RF 50mm F1.4 has also been trimmed to higher quality and should show the same good qualities at wide aperture as the RF 50mm F1.2 at f/1.4, which was previously considered the benchmark of what was possible. Compared to the RF 50mm F1.8 and the older EF 50mm F1.4, the imaging performance is said to be much better.

Both lenses should be available in stores from December 2024. The RF 24mm F1.4 is expected to be priced at 1750 euros, the RF 50mm F1.4 at 1600 euros.

Telephoto zoom with internal focus

In the medium telephoto range of 70 to 200 millimeters, Canon already had two RF zoom models, the RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM and the especially compact RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM. Now a third is being added, the EF 70-200mm F2.8 IS USM Z, which joins the so-called Z family, which currently includes the RF 24-100mm F2.8 IS USM Z. Both lenses have the same dimensions, meaning they can be used more flexibly in video systems, providing internal focus and zoom as well as minimal focus breathing. The focus point should not shift when zooming.

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Z stands for zoom or more precisely power zoom. These models can be equipped with a so-called power zoom adapter (PZ-E28) specifically for video applications. It protrudes towards the side of the lens and communicates with the lens and camera through additional contacts. This allows the zoom to be motorized.

Dual Nano USM is used for autofocus. As the name suggests, two motors share the focusing function. Unlike other bright telephoto zooms, the new version can also be combined with 1.4x and 2.0x extenders and thus extend the focal length range.

The sale is scheduled to begin on November 14, 2024. Canon intends to offer the lens in black (video application) and white version at a price of 3600 euros.

stereo optics

The fourth new lens, the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual, is an overseas model. As you can tell from the name, these are two lenses in one housing. It creates a stereoscopic 3D image in one go. Unlike previous 3D lenses like Canon’s RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual, the new one with a focal length of 7.8 millimeters is not a classic fisheye with an opening angle of close to 180 degrees, but rather it has an opening angle of about 60 degrees. Provides. This makes it ideal for 3D worlds that are between 15 and 50 centimeters in size – i.e. miniature landscapes, model railways or architectural models.

To do this, the image or video content from the camera is converted using the EOS VR utility and then edited in a program like Premiere Pro for viewing with 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.

(pen)