Canon recently unveiled RF 24-105mm f/2.8 lens. It is the world's first zoom lens with a maximum f/2.8 constant aperture. The new lens is revealed together with the new RF 200-8000mm telephoto zoom lens.
The newly released lens is expected to be the go-to lens for most photographers and videographers as it covers the focal range needed by most tasks.
But the highlight of this lens is the constant f/2.8 aperture. This breaks the f/4 barrier from previous iterations of the lens such as the Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. It is good news for RF users since the new lens will provide better low light performance and usability in various situations.
There is also a powerzoom adapter for smooth and precise zoom control for videographers.
Hefty price and heavy weight
The new RF 24-105mm f/2.8 lens has an impressive feature set such a Canon USM focus motors, and top-notch autofocus performance. It even has a floating optical system for consistent image quality all over the zoom range.
However, the new lens has sacrificed weight and size to pack all of these features.
This lens weighs 2.9 pounds or 1.3 kilos and is large with an outer diameter of 3.5 inches. It is also long at 7.8 inches.
In comparison, the older Canon EF 24-105 f/4 L lens measures 3.3 inches in diameter and 4.2 inches long. This lens weighs 1.48 pounds.
Lastly, the RF 24-105mm f/2.8 lens is priced at $3,000 which is way over the competitively priced RF 24-105mm f/4 lens at $1,300. The older EF 24-105 f/4 lens is priced at around $400.
The significant price jumpon the new Canon lens is expected due to features and R&D costs.
Moreover, the new lens is expected to cover a huge variety of photography genres. It is priced quite high but with only one lens purchase for professional work, it is a bargain.
New Canon RF 200-800mm telephoto lens also released
Besides the RF 24-105mm f/2.8, Canon users should rejoice with the arrival of the new Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM super telephoto zoom lens.
This lens is ready to give wildlife photographers and action/sports photographers a new lens option.
The new zoom lens is also fairly affordable as it eliminates the need for two more super telephoto lenses.
This telephoto lens weighs 4.5 pounds and is lightweight compared to its other counter parts.
Moreover, the new RF 200-800mm lens features optical image stabilizatio of up to 7.5 stops. It also features a white coating but not as great as the white surface of the L lenses.
The new Canon RF 200-800mm is available for only $1,900 - a bargain for hobbyists and professional photographers alike.