Canon has announced the July availability of three new RF lenses – the RF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM, RF 400mm f2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f4 IS USM super telephoto; along with the development of the EOS R3 mirrorless full-frame camera.
The RF 400mm f2.8L has an RRP of $21,999, while the RF 600mm f4L IS USM is set at $23,999.
But firstly, the Canon EOS R3 – of which there are few details.
The camera will be the first EOS camera with a new 35mm full-frame back illuminated stacked CMOS sensor developed by Canon. It will feature a DIGIC X image processor for high-speed processing that will translate to continuous shooting of up to 30fps with AF/AE tracking when using the electronic shutter. Canon says the camera will significantly reduce image warping – a common challenge with electronic shutters, and will also be ideal for capturing moving subjects in low-light environments.
The Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus will not only track eyes and heads, but also torsos moving at speed. Another new interesting feature is Eye Control Function, which allows photographers to select and move AF points using their eye in the viewfinder.
The EOS R3 body draws inspiration from EOS-1 series bodies, meaning it will be durable, and dust and moisture resistance, and feature an integrated vertical handgrip similar to the EOS 1D series.
That’s it for now!
RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM
These two RF-mount super telephoto lenses are based on the EF versions, but come with ‘next level’ capabilities.
The lenses feature a nine-blade circular aperture, capable of moving in 1/8th steps for smooth aperture transitions during video recording. They also have Ring USM drive, high-speed CPU and optimised AF algorithms for fast auto focus.
‘The RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM boast the stand-out features of Canon’s RF lenses, such as 1/8th stop aperture control for video and enhanced optical IS – a feature enabled by the RF Mount communication system, providing 5.5 stops. In addition, the lenses support a double power drive method for faster AF with current and future R-System interchangeable lens cameras.’
Both lenses have Fluorite and Super UD glass, plus ASX and Super Spectra coating, providing sharpness across the frame.
The RF 400mm weighs 2890 grams, while the RF 600mm is 3090 grams.
RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM
This macro lens has a magnification ratio of 1.4:1, thanks to a floating system and short back focusing.
A major improvement from the EF-mount equivalent is a new variable and adjustable Spherical Aberration Control Ring. ‘Photographers can vary the look of the background and foreground bokeh, while allowing them to create a soft-focus effect on the subject,’ Canon says in the press release.
The camera has 5-stops of Optical Image Stabilisation, and 8-stops of Combined IS when used with the EOS R5 or R6. Dual Nano USM AF provides smooth and accurate focus that’s almost silent, while focus breathing is suppressed, making it ideal for shooting movies and focus stacking.
It weighs 730 grams.
We are shooting weddings with the Canon R6 and it is the greatest camera we have ever used. But the R3 seems to be outstanding. Especially the Eye Control Function feature seems very interesting.