News Canon Announces Three New L Series Hybrid Lenses + VR Lens

[Tim Mayo]

Canon 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. Canon also announced the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual VR lens.

RF24mm F1.4 L VCM & RF50mm F1.4 L VCM
These two lenses are designed for hybrid use and optimized for those switching from photo and video needs quickly. 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
The RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z is an RF L series internal zoom lens that balances well 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
• Available in white or black

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. The Canon RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z lens is expected to be available in November at estimated retail price of $2,999.00.

Canon RF-S7.8mm F4 STM Dual Lens
Canon also introduced the Canon RF-S7.8mm F4 STM Dual lens for creating VR and 3D content with the EOS R7. The Canon RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens is scheduled to be available in November 2024 for an estimated retail price of $449.99.

B&H Photo Pre-Order Links (Affiliate Links)

• RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM
• RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM
• RF 70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z (White)
• RF 70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z (Black)
• RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual Lens

 

[esheato]

I’m feeling pretty dumb about these VCM lenses…what’s the point? What’s an iris ring and why is it needed? Admittedly, I’m not a videographer and feel like all these things are for video. Considering the price difference between the RF non-VCM stuff, are these too mu;ch of a compromise to deliver high quality stills?

 

[Kamoshika]

I'm all set for lenses, until, maybe, something interesting and much cheaper comes out from Sigma, which will finally be able to make FF lenses for the RF mount.

 

[Tim Mayo]

I’m feeling pretty dumb about these VCM lenses…what’s the point? What’s an iris ring and why is it needed? Admittedly, I’m not a videographer and feel like all these things are for video. Considering the price difference between the RF non-VCM stuff, are these too mu;ch of a compromise to deliver high quality stills?

I think the internal zooming 70-200 will appeal to a lot of people, I've never really enjoyed using external zoom lenses other than packing them into a smaller space in by bag. The iris ring allows you to easily adjust the aperture on the lens body, it's much smoother than doing it using camera controls which is more beneficial for videographers. I have them on a few of my Sony lenses but for photography prefer to adjust the aperture with the camera controls, so it is pretty much redundant and an extra expense unless I start shooting more video.

 

[Tim Mayo]

I'm all set for lenses, until, maybe, something interesting and much cheaper comes out from Sigma, which will finally be able to make FF lenses for the RF mount.

Hopefully once they have released their first bunch of APS-C lenses they will move onto full-frame. Although we don't know what agreement they have in place with Canon. With very few RF-S lenses available Canon might have been happy for them to help out with the APS-C lineup, whilst delaying the full-frame releases. I use the Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN lens on my Sony A1 and it's an amazing lens, I much prefer it to my Sony 200-600 due to the weight savings.