Canon has announced three new additions to its RF series of hybrid lenses.
The RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z, RF 50mm F1.4L VCM and RF 24mm F1.4L VCM lenses are part of a new range of hybrid optics that offer essential video features such as a smooth operation iris ring with an 11-bladed circular aperture, fast and effective low light performance as well as advanced optics and minimal focus breathing.
The RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z is aimed at sport, wildlife, news and hybrid shooting. It offers filmmaking features such as electronic parfocal performance and focus breathing suppression, plus servo zoom via optional Power Zoom Adapters, a built-in 5.5-stop Optical Image Stabiliser and dedicated Iris Ring for smooth aperture control.
The lens is compatible with Canon’s optional RF extenders and the optional Power Zoom Adapters – PZ-E2 or PZ-E2B – can be used by hand or remotely via Canon’s Camera Connect / EOS Utility applications, Browser Remote function or over IP using Canon’s XC Protocol with compatible cameras. The PZ-E2B’s 20-pin interface also supports Canon’s Zoom Servo Grip as well as Zoom/Focus demands for more studio-based applications.
The RF 50mm F1.4L VCM delivers “exceptional sharpness and outstanding image quality, along with a pleasingly natural angle-of-view, close to that of the human eye, making it perfect for low light portraits, reportage or weddings and event videos with a cinematic look.” It is also 40 percent lighter than the RF 50mm F1.2L USM.
The RF 24mm F1.4L VCM, which is around 20 percent lighter than its EF predecessor, offers a wide focal length “making it great for landscapes, architecture and interiors, plus environmental portraits, filmmaking and video interviews where showing the subject in context is important.” The two primes are the same size and shape as the rest of the hybrid prime range.
The RF 50mm F1.4L VCM and RF 24mm F1.4L VCM are the same size as the other hybrid prime lens in the range – the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM – and both offer a fast f/1.4 aperture, and with a Nano USM and Voice Coil Motor the lenses have fast autofocus and near-silent operation. They come in an L-series design housing high-quality glass elements and a water-resistant rubber on the mount. A fluorine coating on the lens’ first surface prevents dirt sticking to the front elements while a dedicated Lens Control Ring, Iris Ring and customisable Lens Function Button bring advanced levels of personalised control.
Key features of the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z
- Essential focal length range with a wide f/2.8 aperture throughout, for a wide variety of shooting scenarios
- Excellent image quality and weather sealing provide added durability – alongside sharp high-contrast images thanks to two Super UD lenses, one UD lens, three aspherical lenses plus ASC and Super Spectra coatings
•Professional electronic parfocal focus capability and focus breathing suppression maintains a consistent field-of-view when shooting movies
• Internal zoom operation means the barrel length is constant, which is better for rigging, weather resistance, and has a smoother operation
• Smooth iris ring operation has 32 steps between stops (no clicks) and a lock release switch for the ‘Auto’ position- 11-blade circular aperture offers great artistic control of bokeh and highlights
- Choice of white heat-resistant coating or standard black
- Weight 1115g (white), 1110g (black) excluding tripod mount
- Measurements 88.5mm (w) x 199mm (L)
Key features of the Canon RF 50mm F1.4L VCM
- Natural 50mm focal length with a fast f/1.4 aperture is ideal for shooting portraits and videos in low light and video with creative depth-of-field control
- Superb image quality thanks to two aspheric lens elements and a UD lens, plus Super Spectra and ASC coatings for excellent sharpness and contrast. L-series weather-sealing for professional durability in challenging conditions
- Smooth iris ring operation has 32 steps between stops (no clicks) and a lock release switch for the ‘Auto’ position
- 11-blade circular aperture offers great artistic control of bokeh and highlights
- VCM and Nano USM motors provide smooth, fast and quiet autofocus
- Custom button and control ring make it easy for customisation and control over camera settings
- Weight 580g
- Measurements: Approx. 76.5x 99.3 mm
Key features of the Canon RF 24mm F1.4L VCM
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Wide 24mm focal length with a fast f/1.4 aperture is ideal for shooting interiors and landscapes in low light and video with creative depth-of-field control
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Excellent image quality is assured thanks to two UD lenses and one aspheric lens, plus Super Spectra, SWC and ASC coatings for superb sharpness and contrast. L-series weather-sealing offers professional durability in challenging conditions
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Smooth iris ring operation has 32 steps between stops (no clicks) and a lock release switch for the ‘Auto’ position
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11-blade circular aperture offers strong artistic control of bokeh and highlights
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VCM and Nano USM motors deliver smooth, fast and quiet autofocus
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Custom button and control ring make it easy for customisation and control over camera settings
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Rear filter holder on back of the lens brings even greater creative control
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Weight 515 g
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Measurements: Approx. 76.5x 99.3 mm
Staff Reporter
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