Canon Unveils First RF-System Power Zoom Lens

2023.11.03

In a triple lens announcement today, Canon clearly showed that they are ready to push boundaries with their RF platform of Mirrorless Digital Cameras. Three completely different lenses were revealed and two are completely unique in the industry. One is compatible with a new adapter to make it into a Power Zoom lens.

The most innovative new offering is the Canon RF 24-105mm F/2.8L IS USM Z. This lens covers a fairly known focal-range that spans ultra-wide to short telephoto yet with a bright F/2.8 constant-aperture, which is a full-stop ahead of offerings from the competition. Such focal-range is incredibly versatile with usage from landscapes to portraits and street photography all in a single lens. Its F/2.8 aperture makes it even more appealing for portraits.

Looking at the new Canon RF 24-105mm F/2.8L IS USM Z, one sees a total of four rings and numerous buttons, probably the most on any lens available today. At the front there is a electronic control-ring which is configurable to change various parameters, including focus. Then, there is a Fly-by-Wire focus-ring to activate the ultra-sonic focus-motor inside the lens. The middle of the barrel shows a wide zoom ring and an extra stepless aperture-ring appears close the rear of the lens. To avoid accidental changes, an iris-lock is provided between the aperture and zoom rings.

Five dedicated switches plus customizable buttons are also present. There is a typical focus mode switch, focus limiter plus two buttons to control optical image-stabilization. The lens itself is capable of compensating for up to 5½ stops of shake. Top of the line Canon Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Cameras can stabilize 8-stops of shake, so the effective stabilization for many will be 8-stops. The built optical system in the lens cannot extend this any further which is already best-in-class performance.

The Z in the lens name identifies the RF 24-105mm F/2.8 as a Power-Zoom capable lens. To avoid making the lens heavier than the 1.4kg (3 lbs) it is, Canon decided not to built a zoom motor inside the lens. Instead, they launched two unique Power-Zoom adapters. These USB-C powered devices provide an electronic control to set focal-length and transition smoothly across the range. There are two variants, the PZ-E2 and the PZ-E2B. What sets them apart is that the latter version includes a wired-remote control port.

The Canon RF 24-105mm F/2.8L IS USM Z features all-internal mechanisms, allowing it to maintain its size at all focal-lengths and focus-distances. With a 45cm minimum focus-distance across its range, it can cachivache a high 0.29X magnification. The front of the lens supports a traditional lens hood and 82mm screw-on filters. Near the back, there is a detachable tripod color to mount the lens with better balance. This lens has a weatherproof construction expected by professionals. Unsurprisingly, it has a price to match: $3000 USD or $4100 CAD. Our reputable affiliates B&H Photo and Adorama are already accepting pre-orders for this unique lens which will be expected next month.

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