Canon Releases New RF Telephoto and Portrait Lenses
Canon has just announced two new lenses for its RF-mount mirrorless system – the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM, and the RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM.
Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM
Leading the announcement is the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM, a versatile yet compact zoom aimed at all types of photographers. Offering 10x zoom, the focal length starts at a wide 24mm, capable of capturing sweeping landscapes and groups of people. Going up to 240mm, the lens is also ideal for alluring portraits or wildlife close-ups.
Despite the extensive zoom range, Canon confirms that the lens will maintain excellent image quality at longer focal lengths, thanks to built-in stabilisation. It is the first full-frame lens with Canon’s Dynamic Image Stabilisation, providing stability even at extremely low shutter speeds. This is useful in low light situations when shooting handheld, providing five-stops of stabilisation.
Featuring built in Nano USM autofocusing, the lens is near-silent when in operation whilst remaining fast for stills and smooth for video. This is combined with the ‘world’s fastest autofocus system’ of the EOS R body. If you’d rather use manual focus, then a precision focus ring is also on offer.
With a seven-bladed, circular aperture, smooth and natural bokeh is easily created. This is combined with a clickless 1/8-stop aperture control, so you can change during shooting. Aspheric and ultra-dispersal lens elements help prevent aberration and ghosting, whilst a Super Spectra coating protects the lens from damage.
Weighing just 750g, the 24-240mm is a portable and lightweight option for those looking to take their cameras abroad or on long shoots.
Priced at £899.99, the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM will be available from September 2019.
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Also announced is the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM, touted as the fastest ever prime portrait lens for the R system, as well as offering Canon’s highest resolution yet.
This resolution is made possible by Canon’s unique BR optic technology, existing in only this lens and the EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM. This effectively corrects axial chromatic aberration that cannot be fully corrected using a traditional combination of glass lenses. Resolution and sharpness is further improved thanks to the aspherical and UD lens elements.
Wielding an extremely low aperture of f/1.2, the lens is one of Canon’s fastest ever performers when coupled with the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus of the R system. Offering shallow depth of field, maximum bokeh and background separation at f/1.2, a nine-aperture blade system helps make this lens ideal for portraiture. The low aperture also allows much more light to enter the lens when shooting in difficult lighting conditions – transmitting 50 percent more light than an f/1.4 lens.
USM technology allows for smooth, near-silent autofocusing, whist a full-time manual focus ring can be used without needing to switch to MF mode. Designed for outdoor shoots, the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is also weatherproofed and sealed to protect from the elements.
Priced at £2,799.99, the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is available now.
