Canon Announces New Hybrid RF Lenses

Canon has announced the launch of three new RF L series hybrid lenses: RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM, RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM,  RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z. Designed for professional visual storytellers who need to switch between photography and video, these three lenses continue Canon’s steadfast commitment to meeting the demands of high-level photo and video content creators.

The company also announced the new RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, designed for social media content creators and enthusiast videographers. All the lenses are now available for pre-order at B&H/ Adorama.

Canon is not just catering to photographers anymore; the company is making waves in the imaging world with the launch of three innovative hybrid RF lenses and the long-anticipated RF-S 7.8mm VR lens. The new RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM, RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM, and RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lenses are carefully designed to appeal to both photo and video enthusiasts. They offer fast performance paired with high-quality design elements, catering to the needs of premium video applications as well. The release of the highly awaited RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual lens is an exciting addition, especially for EOS R7 users looking to create 3D content that can be viewed on VR headsets.

Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM and RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM

Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens: $1,499 at B&H, Adorama.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens: $1,399 at B&H, Adorama.

Focusing on the two new prime lenses, the RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM and RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM, these additions broaden the existing 35mm f/1.4 option by catering to both wider and narrower focal lengths while maintaining the critical f/1.4 aperture. This makes them ideal for low-light conditions and allows for precise depth-of-field control. The 24mm lens is perfect for establishing expansive scenes such as landscapes, cityscapes, and interiors, whereas the 50mm lens serves as a versatile option suitable for portraits and selective views within broader compositions.

Both lenses come equipped with a dedicated manual iris ring and feature Canon’s advanced VCM (Voice Coil Motor) linear AF system. This dual autofocus mechanism allows for smooth, silent adjustments of the floating focus elements, ensuring sharp imaging throughout the focusing range. The RF 24mm can focus as close as 9.4 inches, providing a maximum magnification of 0.17x, while the RF 50mm focuses down to 15.7 inches with a maximum magnification of 0.15x.

The rear focusing system of these lenses is particularly noteworthy for video applications, offering silent performance and smoothness that filmmakers will appreciate. Canon has also implemented exceptionally controlled focus breathing, stating it remains within 2.5% throughout the focusing range, potentially reducing to 1% with electronic breathing correction.

Constructed with L-series durability, these lenses feature weather resistance essential for use in various adverse conditions. Both come with a 67mm threaded filter ring, and the 24mm model includes an attachable rear filter holder to mitigate potential vignetting. Programmable lens function buttons enhance usability.

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens: $2,999 at B&H, Adorama.

The RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens adheres to a similar design ethos as the newly introduced primes but integrates additional technologies that made their debut in the RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens. This isn’t just another 70-200mm f/2.8; it offers an internal zoom and focus mechanism that provides a compact all-internal design, positioning it as a practical alternative to the previous RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM, which has an external zoom mechanism that some photographers find less convenient.

The new lens caters to sports photographers, providing the ability to shoot from tight, fixed positions while also accommodating filmmakers who require consistent balance with gimbals, drones, or car mounts. Canon has responded to repeated requests for an internal focus and zoom mechanism, making this lens highly appealing to its target demographics.

This lens boasts a shorter zoom ring throw, allowing quick transitions between the 70mm and 200mm focal lengths. Additional features include a manual, lockable iris ring, dual customizable lens function buttons, and another customizable control ring. In essence, this telephoto zoom balances versatility and performance similar to that of the 24-105mm Z lens, making it a suitable choice for Canon R1 and R5 Mark II users as well as for C400 and C80 shooters.

Compatibility with the Power Zoom Adapters PZ-E2 and PZ-E2B, as well as 1.4x and 2x RF Extenders, grants added flexibility. The lens features Nano USM AF motors to manage dual floating focus units and maintains a close focusing distance of 2.2 feet, yielding a maximum magnification of 0.3x. Canon emphasizes the lens’ well-regulated focus breathing across varying zoom and focus ranges.

Interestingly, the 70-200mm f/2.8 will be available in both Black and White finishes. The Black variant will pair seamlessly with the 24-105mm Z, making it less conspicuous, while the White option serves those who endorse the traditional heat-dissipating benefits of Canon’s signature telephoto design.

Canon RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual Lens

Canon RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual Lens: $449 at B&H, Adorama.

Shifting focus to a different category, Canon has also introduced the RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual lens. This unique stereoscopic prime lens is crafted for capturing immersive 3D images and videos intended for viewing in various spatial formats on compatible headsets, including the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3.

Designed specifically for use with the EOS R7 camera, this lens opens new avenues for capturing 3D content through the Canon EOS VR System. Its dual lenses offer a level of immersion that conventional 2D lenses cannot achieve, providing users with the ability to document day-to-day experiences, exquisite memories, and striking portraits in an engaging, three-dimensional format.

Both the Canon EOS R5 and the EOS R6 are super hot selling mirrorless cameras on the market .Canon EOS R5 in stock.

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