Canon has produced some exceptional lenses over the years for its SLR lineup, and it seems that they are bringing the same ahead with their mirrorless lineup. If you look at our Canon RF lens guide, you can already see a plethora of options from the company. However, it doesn’t stop here. Canon is already working on new hybrid lenses, which will launch at the end of the month. Now, it seems the lens that could change Canon’s fate is likely to be delayed.
Canon RF 200-500mm f4 L: Lense Unlike Any Other
To give you a brief recap, the RF 200-500mm f4L IS USM is a rumored lens whose speculations began last year. The 200-500mm reach is quite an exciting choice for many photographers needing extra reach. Considering there was A Canon 200–400 mm f/4 L in the EF-mount, it is safe to say that its mirrorless sibling has long been in the wait. An additional increase in focal length could work well with the new EOS R1 camera, which the company claims to be quite exceptional.
Although we don’t know much about it at the moment, many Canon users are hoping for a built-in teleconverter. While this may increase the price for some serious enthusiasts, many are not keen on purchasing additional gear, which may add to the cost.
The Lens May Get Pushed to Next Year
Coming to the main part of the article, the lens is likely to be delayed. As per reports from Canon Rumors (via Asobinet), Ordinary Filmmaker, a channel that tips about upcoming gear, has noted that the lens is likely to be pushed to 2025. This comes at a time when Canon is releasing hybrid lenses and beginning to ship the famed EOS R1. There are rumors of the Canon R6 Mk III’s launch, but Canon Rumors reports it will be delayed until next year.
In another report, Asobinet notes that the source’s record is 50/50, meaning that it could be true or it won’t be. Since Canon themselves teased “hybrid” lenses for October, this rules out the release of RF 200-500mm f/4 L. At the moment, October is rumored to unveil RF 24mm f/1.4L VCM, RF 50mm /1.4L VCM, and RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z. However, we aren’t sure of this. In addition, Canon Rumors also adds that two more lens launches will soon follow. One is likely to be the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual Lens, but there is no clear indication of the second.
A Unique Lens That Canon Must Work On
A year back, there were also rumors about a massive range lens: RF 200-800mm f6.3-9 IS USM. So, if Canon plans to move ahead with 200-500mm f4 L IS USM soon, they can certainly work on a lens that nobody can compete with. Tamron already has a 150-500mm f5-6.7 DI III VC VXD for Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm. On the other hand, Sony has a FE 200–600 mm f5.6–6.3 G OSS, while Nikon, too, has a 180-600mm f5-6.3 VR. Similarly, Sigma also has a 150-600mm f5-6.3. Considering this, Canon really has a great opportunity to be the first with a 200-800mm focal range.
What happens in the remaining year remains to be seen. But from the looks of it, Canon may go out with a bang or choose to play itself. We will have our answers shortly.