New Canon Lenses - Bringing the worlds of Stills and Video together!
" Bringing the worlds of stills and video together with new professional hybrid RF lenses "
First Impressions - by John
Intro
It’s fair to say that when Canon unveiled the RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z, we were all amazed that it packed so much into it. Canon later released another hybrid lens, the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM, which like the RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z, has features that video shooters would love. The hybrid lens lineup has now been increased once again, with the inclusion of these very exciting additions: RF 24mm F1.4L VCM, RF 50mm F1.4L VCM and a RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z.
Build quality
The new RF 24mm F1.4L VCM and RF 50mm F1.4L VCM both share the same build quality as the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM, which is of a very high standard. All these feature weather sealing throughout as well as a large rubber gasket at the mount. As with any other Canon L lens, the general mechanics of these lenses work very well in use with a solid feel.
The RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z shares the same build as the RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z, which again, like the other primes mentioned above, is of a very high standard.
Features
As we’ve already seen on the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM, the new RF 24mm F1.4L VCM and RF 50mm F1.4L VCM all sharea clicky control ring which can be customised to your own liking. They have an AF/MF switch for quick and direct access. Below that is one function button, which like the control ring, can be assigned to do something useful. Below that is the iris lock release switch, which allows you to lock the aperture ring in auto mode, or unlocks the ring to provide smooth iris control.
The RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z shares the same features as the RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z, including two programmable function buttons, instead of just one found on the primes. Just like the RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z, it features mounting holes to attach Canons own Servo and Power Zoom accessories, the PZ-E2 and PZ-E2B.
All of these lenses feature an 11-bladed aperture, which helps to provide a soft and pleasing bokeh while the aspheric and ED glass help to suppress any chromatic aberration.
The primes feature VCM and Nano USM focussing motors, which are impressively smooth, but also fast and silent. The RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z utilises dual Nano USM motors helping it to achieve a parfocal look while zooming in.
While the new primes do not feature any built-in lens stabilisation, the new RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z does and can achieve up to 5.5-stops, or up to 8 when paired with a compatible body such as the EOS R5 Mark II.
Conclusion
These lenses from Canon have been designed with hybrid shooters in mind and as such, offer a seamless transition when swapping them around. The size and weights of all three primes makes it very convenient when using a gimbal and you’re required to swap lenses over, as there is no need to re-balance, or change different filters. The same goes with the new RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z as again, it is very similar in its size, weight and feature set to the RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z. There is a clear market for this type of hybrid lens and when paired with a powerful camera like the EOS R5 Mark II, it makes for a potent combo.
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Posted by John H
30th October 2024
