Canon reveals three new RF 'hybrid' lenses

By Tim Levy | 31 October 2024

A long time ago, there was the big promise of mirrorless cameras delivering photographers smaller bodies (tick) and smaller lenses (cross).

In fact, and as sensor pixel counts have increased, many mirrorless prime lenses have actually become larger and heavier than their DSLR era predecessors.

When you look at some of Canon's RF primes, such as the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM (950g / 89.8 x 108 mm) and the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM (1,195g / 103.2 x 117.3 mm), they are incredibly large lenses with superb image quality.

Great lenses, but not so great for all day lugging and video gimbal work.

Smaller, lighter weight lenses anyone? The new RF 24mm F1.4L VCM. Image: Canon.

And this leads us to what the modern commercial photographer has become – a hybrid shooter who can cover both stills and video mediums with ease.

Today, Canon has announced three RF lenses to its EOS R system, being the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z, RF 50mm F1.4L VCM and RF 24mm F1.4L VCM.

*RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z (white/black), RF 50mm F1.4L VCM and RF 24mm F1.4L VCM*

Interestingly, the new 24mm and 50mm have almost the identical form factor (and similar weight) of the recently released Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM.

Being the same size makes for easier video rigging / swapping in and out of gimbals. In addition, all three of these lenses utilise a voice coil motor and aperture control ring.

The aperture control ring is handy for shots where there is changing ambient light conditions, such as dollying from an indoor exposure to an outdoor exposure.

Internal view of the new RF 50mm Z lens showing off the voice coil motor.

The VCM (Voice Coil Motor) works in combination with a Nano USM to achieve electronic floating focus control.

The high-thrust VCM actuates the heavy focusing lens group, while a compact, energy-saving Nano USM actuates the lightweight floating lens to deliver fast, reliable and quiet autofocus.

The new RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z (Z denoting zoom) while being only 40g heavier at 1,110g compared to the already superb RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM, it differs by featuring an internal zoom system.

This makes it less compact, adding 5.3 cm in length (89.9 x 146 mm vs. 88.5 x 199 mm).

At 88.5mm (w) x 199mm (L), the new RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z is looking a lot longer than the original RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM which is 89.9 x 146 mm when retracted. But the tradeoff is better focus breathing suppression and the ability to add a zoom motor to complement the internal zooming. Image: Canon.

Apart from the ability to add the optional Power Zoom Adapters – PZ-E2 or PZ-E2B for smooth zooming, this lens is compatible with Canon's RF 1.4x and 2x extenders – something the original RF 70-200mm f/2.8 was lacking.

The lenses will be supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller.

Scheduled to be available in Australia in November, the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Z, is available in white or black, and priced at $5,399 RRP.

Scheduled to be available in Australia in December the RF 50mm F1.4L VCM is priced at $2,429 and the RF 24mm F1.4L VCM, $2,699 RRP.

You can read more about them on the Canon Australia website.