Last Updated on 11/22/2024 by Nilofer Khan
When it comes to lens rumors, we often know that the final product will not be the same as the initial report. We have been reporting that Canon is working on a 200-500mm lens that could rival Nikon and Sigma’s lenses. It now appears that the Canon 200-500mm is undergoing some specification changes, which could actually lead to people losing interest in the upcoming lens. How so? Discover more here.
The 200-500mm Lens Will Have a Smaller Aperture
According to Canon Rumors, the sources closer to the publication stated that instead of a Canon RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM, the company is now working on the RF 200-500mm f/5.6L IS USM. The publication notes that the rumor is solid despite it coming from “people with spotty records.”
If you are wondering why that is the case, then one of the reasons for that could be the price point. The EF version of the same lens featured a 1.4x teleconverter, which was about $11,000. With the teleconverter on, Canon Rumors says the lens will be 280–560mm (f/5.6). However, our readers pointed out that it would actually be 700mm on the long end. This may make a big difference in certain situations. An extra reach can be very significant in wildlife or bird photography. So, it is possible that the company will likely have a teleconverter attached, making it a more appealing suggestion for you. However, this would also lead to a smaller aperture.
Weight is a Concern
In addition to this, there is also the issue of weight, which one has to consider. The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4x weighs 8 lbs, but with time, Canon reduced the weight. For instance, the EF 500 f/4L IS USM II was 1 lb lighter. Weight is a great consideration as such lenses are used for safari rides and birding. So, a lighter lens, which is also cheaper, will be more appealing to a variety of people.
Furthermore, the company already has expensive lenses, which are also lightweight. The examples are RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600 f/4L IS USM. However, they cost thousands of dollars. So, having a lens that can compete on the price market and weighs the same will be exciting. Furthermore, the lens also needs to compete with RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM, which has already received great reviews from us. So, the 200-500mm has to be at par or exceed the performance.
Users Still Want an F4
We stand at a point where lenses are really pushing boundaries, such as the newly unveiled variable-shaped aperture lens and a zoom shift lens. So, with how things are going, Canon loyalists still believe it would be best if they had a lens with an f4. However, the question of how many would actually buy it is also a great question.
There is also the question that Canon will work with a diffractive optics design that can reduce the size of the Canon 200-500mm. However, that would also shoot the cost up the roof. Canon Rumors also notes that they haven’t seen the patent for an f5.6, while an f4 has multiple designs. So, there is a 50/50 percentage charge that the 200-500 f5.6 lens will be launched before we see the patent.
It remains to be seen what Canon will do in the future, but we hope the lens is truly something unique. Otherwise, it will be like any other lens.