Canon Releases 2 New Compact RF Lenses

2020.11.04

Canon is continuing their expansion of the RF Full-Frame mirrorless lens lineup with two new additions today. One prime and one zoom were each announced with new designs that take advantage of having a short flange distance to make these exceptionally compact lenses.

First is the Canon RF 70-200mm F/4L IS USM which is the most compact constant-aperture telephoto zoom on the market. It sports the same 70-200mm F/4 focal-range and aperture as a famous EF-lens. Canon has a long history of producing high-quality optics with moderate apertures that provide a substantial saving in size and weight compared to bright F/2.8 offerings.

With the new RF 70-200mm F/4L IS USM, Canon retains all the greatest of the EF 70-200mm F/4L IS USM in a much more compact and light body. This lens sports an external zoom mechanism and internal ultra-sonic focus-motor. It offers 5-stop of built-in image-stabilization alone yet Canon stabilized mirrorless cameras can push the performance further to 7.5-stops.

This telephoto measures just 12cm in length and weighs under 700g which includes a weatherproof body with a customizable control-ring.

Second is an extremely compact normal prime lens with bright aperture. The new Canon RF 50mm F/1.8 STM also mirrors a famous EF counterpart with the same combination of focal-length and maximum aperture. This one though includes a stepping motor which is quiet for use while recording video.

The RF 50mm F/1.8 STM optimized its size by merging the control-ring found on other RF lenses with a focus-ring. So, instead of the typical AF/MF switch, a slider selects between MF or custom control function. This implies the ring must be fly-by-wire when focusing manually. This entry-level lens weighs a mere 160g and is about 4cm short. This lens does not offer a weatherproof construction.

Both lenses are expected to ship next month. The RF 70-200mm F/4L IS USM is expected slightly later in the month for $1600 USD while the RF 50mm F/1.8 STM will retail for $200 USD.

Along with those two lenses, Canon also unveiled the new PIXMA PRO-200 printer. This new wide-format printer replaces the PRO-100 with a smaller footprint while retaining high output quality thanks to 8 ChromaLife 100+ dye-based inks. The new printer adds paper shift correction previously only available on much more expensive models.

The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 prints 19" x 13" borderless photos with special handling for panoramic formats up to 39" x 13". The new ink formulation is designed to achieve deeper blacks and cover a wider color-gamut. This includes WiFi connectivity for convenience. It is scheduled for availability later this month for $600 USD. Adorama is already accepting pre-orders for this extremely well-priced photo printer.

• Lens