Over the next handful of months, Canon will release at least three new RF-mount lenses, according to Canon Rumors. They are:
- The Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM
- The Canon RF 70-400mm IS USM (maximum aperture unknown, but potentially f/5.6-7.1)
- The Canon RF 16mm f/2.8
While the new glass is unconfirmed by Canon, Canon Rumors shares a few details (as well as some helpful guesses).
Let’s take a closer look at each item, starting with:
Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM
As explained by Canon Rumors, “expect to see a Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM as a little brother to the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM.”
On the wide end, the lens will offer a breathtaking perspective for landscapes, urban scenics, and architectural photos; on the long end, the lens will feature a conventional 35mm focal length, perfect for tighter landscapes and even the occasional portrait. Plus, you’ll get a respectable f/4 maximum aperture – not enough for easy ultra-shallow depth of field effects or astrophotography, but absolutely usable for standard landscape scenarios assuming you bring your tripod.
Note that the 14-35mm will feature Canon’s “L” lens designation, so you can expect top-notch image quality rivaling some of the best glass on the market. Add in the image stabilization, and you’ve got yourself a relatively versatile wide-angle zoom, perfect for landscape photographers, travel photographers, and more.
Canon RF 70-400mm (maybe f/5.6-7.1) IS USM
The RF 70-400mm will be Canon’s second super-telephoto zoom designed for the RF mount, following in the footsteps of the powerful RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1.
But while the 100-500mm is an L lens – designed for professionals and with a price to match – the 70-400mm will likely be a more casual, portable option. According to Canon Rumors, there’s no “L” label on the 70-400mm, though you can expect image stabilization and a (consistently fast) USM autofocusing motor for wildlife and sports.
While I can only speculate, I suspect the 70-400mm is designed for frequent travelers in need of a portable “do-anything” telephoto, as well as for enthusiast bird and wildlife photographers. Interestingly, Canon offers an EF-mount counterpart, the much-loved 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. Yet the 100-400mm is an L lens, offers an f/5.6 maximum aperture at 400mm, and is very pricey, none of which is likely for the 70-400mm. It’ll be interesting to see how the two lenses stack up and whether Canon’s new lens will venture into the sub-$1000 “budget” superzoom range.
Canon RF 16mm f/2.8
The RF 16mm f/2.8 “is a non-L prime lens,” explains Canon Rumors, and will be especially useful as “a nice and compact 25mm f/2.8…if an APS-C RF-mount camera is coming.”
Still, expect a lens compatible with Canon’s full-frame mirrorless stable. At 16mm, you’ll capture beautiful landscapes and architecture, as well as travel and street photos with an unusually wide perspective. And thanks to the f/2.8 aperture, the RF 16mm should be suitable for serious astrophotography.
At the very least, you can expect a relatively inexpensive, compact lens for Canon’s up-and-coming mirrorless shooters.
Canon to announce three new lenses: final words
Assuming Canon can deliver on expectations discussed above, these three lenses should satisfy plenty of enthusiasts and even the occasional professional.
If you’re a photographer seeking a nice wide-angle perspective for serious landscape work, keep an eye out for the RF 14-35mm, which will cover all but the widest of landscape focal lengths and offer top-notch image quality to boot.
For enthusiasts in need of an all-purpose telephoto zoom, the 70-400mm will be the lens to beat, though I’d recommend you consider image quality reports before buying.
And if you’re in need of a compact, lightweight, ultra-wide prime, the 16mm f/2.8 should be worth a look.
Now over to you:
What do you think of these rumored lenses from Canon? Do any interest you? Do you wish that Canon had prioritized different lenses? Which ones? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
