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Image: Canon
Canon has announced the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, a telephoto zoom lens aimed at professional photographers and videographers, and designed to work with both EOS and Cinema EOS cameras.
The lens features a non-extending, internal zoom design, with the big news for many users being that it works with Canon's 1.4x and 2x RF-mount teleconverters, enabling focal lengths up to 400mm. It will be available in two colors.
Canon's original 70-200mm F2.8 lens for RF-mount, the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM, featured a collapsible design for compact size but didn't include teleconverter compatibility. A Canon representative told us the new lens should appeal to people who haven’t upgraded from their EF lenses because the original RF version didn't meet their needs. We're told both will remain in the lineup.
Optically, the lens features 18 elements in 15 groups, including two Super UD, one UD, and three aspherical elements. It also includes Canon's Air Sphere coating to control ghosting and flare and has a fluorine-coated front element and an 82mm filter thread.
Buy now:$2999 at Adorama$2999 at B&H Photo$2999 at Canon
Image: Canon
A focusing lens group and a floating focus lens are each driven by Nano USM motors. This design helps give the lens a minimum focus distance of 0.49m (1.61ft) at 70mm, but its maximum magnification of 0.3x occurs at 200mm.
Optical image stabilization is rated up to 5.5 stops at the center of the image and up to 7.5 stops at the center (7.0 stops at the corners) when used on a camera with in-body image stabilization.
The new lens has the same 89mm (3.5") diameter as the collapsible RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM, but at 199mm (7.8") in length, it's a full 53mm longer. A more apt size comparison is Canon's EF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS III USM, the last such lens it made for EF mount, which shares the same dimensions. However, at 1115 g (2.5 lbs), the new lens is about 25% lighter than the EF version.
Canon's telephoto zooms have historically sported a white paint job, but the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z will be available in both black and white variations, including a matching lens hood, reflecting the differing preferences of video and stills shooters.
Image: Canon
In response to one of the most frequent requests it received from owners of its existing 70-200mm lenses, Canon redesigned the zoom ring to operate more quickly, making it possible to "go from 70 to 200mm with the flick of the wrist."
In a nod to hybrid shooters, the lens uses the exact same housing and internal mechanics as the RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, making it easy for video users to switch between the two lenses on a rig without adjustment. It includes weather-sealed electrical contacts and mounting points for Canon's PZ-E2 power zoom adapter, and a clickless aperture ring (compatible with the EOS R5 II and EOS R1) to allow for stepless iris control when shooting video.
Canon claims the lens exhibits minimal focus breathing, though a representative told us it will exhibit the best performance on a camera body that includes breathing corrections.
Price and availability
The RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z is expected to be available in November at a suggested retail price of $2999. That's $200 more than the existing, retractable RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM, which retails for $2799 and will remain in Canon's lineup.
Press release:
Expanding the Range of Expression: Canon Announces Three New L Series Hybrid Lenses
MELVILLE, NY, October 30, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced the launch of three new RF L series hybrid lenses: RF24mm F1.4 L VCM, RF50mm F1.4 L VCM and RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z. Designed for professional visual storytellers who need to switch between photography and video, these three lenses continue Canon’s steadfast commitment to meeting the demands of high-level photo and video content creators.
RF24mm F1.4 L VCM & RF50mm F1.4 L VCM
If you are on a quest for impressive, dramatic content, RF24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF50mm F1.4 L VCM lenses would be excellent additions to your gear bag. For those who are professional photo/video users, journalists or in-house production creators, these two lenses are designed for hybrid use and optimized for those switching from photo and video needs quickly. They feature an optical design that utilizes the RF mount to achieve high quality across the entire image area. Quiet, fast and precise AF are thanks to Canon’s latest actuator and focusing system and the unified exterior helps with easier gimbal adjustments for more efficient shooting. The expressive power of a f/1.4 aperture in combination with a wider field of view than what the human eye can capture, makes perspective more prominent and brings images vividly to life. Additional features include:
Compact, with a length of 3.9 inches, and lightweight: RF24mm F1.4 L VCM is 18.1 ounces and RF50mm F1.4 L VCM is 20.4 ounces
With a combination of VCM and Nano USM actuators, stable video composition with little breathing
Customizable with an iris ring for controlling aperture during shooting, lens function button and customizable control and focus rings
RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z
A telephoto lens that is versatile across the spectrum – including sports, fashion and news reporting – the RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z is an RF L series lens that takes into consideration functions end-users value most. Taking the same exterior case design and internal mechanics of the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, the RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z lens balances well as a companion on gimbals and rigs. Compatible with extenders, the RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z produces high-quality images with its large f/2.8 zoom aperture and has minimal focus breathing, ideal for content creators. Its iris ring enables fine-tuned video recording and its compatibility with power zoom adapters makes it a strong addition for video production needs. Additional features include:
Close up shooting with a maximum magnification of 0.3x
Image stabilization equal up to 5.5 stops in the center on the lens alone, or up to 7.5 stops in the center, up to 7.0 stops in the corners in coordinate control within-body IS
Dust and drip resistant construction as well as light weight at approximately 1,100 grams
Pricing and Availability
The Canon RF24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF50mm F1.4 L VCM lenses are expected to be available in December at estimated retail price of $1,499.00* and $1,399.00,* respectively.
Canon RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z lens is expected to be available in November at estimatedretail price of $2,999.00*
* Specifications, pricing, and availability subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by dealers and may vary.
RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z specifications
Principal specificationsLens typeZoom lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length70–200 mmImage stabilizationYesCIPA Image stabilization rating5.5 stop(s)Lens mountCanon RFApertureMaximum apertureF2.8Minimum apertureF22Aperture ringYesNumber of diaphragm blades11OpticsElements18Groups15Special elements / coatings2 Super UD, 1 UD, 3 aspherical, Canon ASC (Air Sphere Coating), fluorine coatingFocusMinimum focus0.49 m (19.29″)Maximum magnification0.3×AutofocusYesMotor typeNano ultrasonicFull time manualYesFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoFocus distance limiterYesPhysicalWeight1115 g (2.46 lb)Diameter89 mm (3.48″)Length199 mm (7.83″)SealingYesColourAvailable in black or whiteZoom methodRotary (internal)Power zoomNoFilter thread82 mmHood suppliedYesTripod collarYes
Buy now:$2999 at Adorama$2999 at B&H Photo$2999 at Canon
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