Last Updated on 11/04/2020 by Chris Gampat
You can follow along with this blog post by clicking the Listen to The Article button. Give it a try!
We’ve all been waiting a long time for Canon to introduce some more affordable lens options for their Mirrorless cameras. Today, we have been blessed with two such lenses. The big C has finally announced the Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM (hurrah, a new nifty fifty) and the Canon RF 70-200mm f4 L IS USM. At just $199 and $1,599, respectively, these lenses are much easier on the wallet than previous Canon RF mount lenses. We have all the details after the break.
Seriously, one of the biggest downsides to the Canon RF platform has been the cost of the lenses. Canon came out with the big guns for their Mirrorless platform to start off with. While we certainly have a soft spot for the glorious RF mount glass we have been graced with so far, our wallets still cry because of the cost. Now, though, it seems Canon is on a roll when it comes to releasing more affordable glass. We have the $499 35mm f1.8 STM, the $399 24-105mm f4-7.1 STM, the $699 600mm and $899 800mm f11 primes, and now the $199.99 RF 50mm f1.8 STM and the $1,599 RF 70-200mm f4 L IS USM. Let’s break these new lenses down further.
The Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM
Ah, at last, an affordable 50mm lens for the Canon RF system. Canon has always produced fantastic, very affordable 50mm f1.8 lens options. This new RF lens sounds like it will be no exception to that rule. Here are the key features of this lens:
- STM Motor
- 7 aperture blades
- 0.98 feet focusing minimum
- 12 pin communication
- Control ring
- 7 stops of IS on the r5 and r6
- 43mm filter thread
- 160 grams
- $199.99
As you can see from the specs list above, the Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM sounds like a great little lens. At just 160 grams or 0.35lbs, this prime will balance perfectly on any of the current Canon RF mount cameras.
Seven stops of stabilization is absolutely brilliant. A minimum focusing distance of under one foot means you should be able to create some nice bokeh too. A filter thread size of just 43mm should give you some idea of just how small this lens will be. The best thing, though, is the price. At just $199.99, this lens will sell like hotcakes. We will bring you our full review of this lens as soon as possible.
RF 70-200mm f4 L IS USM
Canon has always made some of the best 70-200mm lenses. Period. This trend continued with the RF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM, and it sounds like it will be carried on with the f4 version of this lens as well. Just take a look at the specs below:
- Weather sealing
- 7.5 stops of IS in the r5 and r6
- 5 stops on the lens itself
- 1.96 ft focusing distance
- Four UD elements and Air sphere coating
- Almost the same size as the 24-105mm f4 L
- $1599
- 16 elements in 11 groups
- Floating focus element
- 77mm filter thread
- 780 grams
- Teleconverters arent supported
- IS modes 1, 2 panning, and 3 for IS just before the image is taken
The price of $1,599 means that this iteration of the 70-200mm f4 L IS USM is more expensive than the DSLR model. However, at $1,100 cheaper than the RF 70-200mm f2.8, this lens is shaping up to be a feature-packed, affordable option.
This lens will be perfect for many photographers, especially those who occasionally dabble in portraits, and definitely for landscape and event photographers. 7.5 stops of IBIS exceed even M4/3’s stabilization levels, and at just 1.7lbs, it will be easy to use for long periods. As with the RF 50mm f1.8 STM, we will get our review of this lens to you as soon as possible.
What do you think about these two new Canon RF mount lenses? Will you be picking them up? Lets us know in the comment sections below. If you’d like more information about the lenses, head on over to the official Canon website.