Today, Canon officially announced two lenses we knew were coming: the RF 85mm f/1.2 DS and RF 70-200mm f/2.8 mirrorless lenses. The 85mm ships in early December for $3000, while the 70-200mm ships in late November for $2700.
These are the ninth and tenth lenses released so far for Canon’s EOS R full-frame mirrorless system. The ten total lenses (with the new ones bolded) are below:
- 15-35mm f/2.8
- 24-70mm f/2.8
- 24-105mm f/4
- 24-240mm f/4-6.3
- 28-70mm f/2
- 70-200mm f/2.8
- 35mm f/1.8 Macro
- 50mm f/1.2
- 85mm f/1.2
- 85mm f/1.2 DS
So, what do we know about the two new lenses? Here’s the information Canon announced today.
RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS
The 85mm f/1.2 DS is not the first 85mm f/1.2 Canon has made for its R system, as you may notice from the list above. The other version (non-DS) has been shipping since June and sells for $2700. The one announced today sells for $3000 and sports an additional “Defocus Smoothing” designation.
Defocus Smoothing is not an additional setting on the lens – unlike Nikon’s “Defocus Control” on the 105mm f/2 and 135mm f/2 F-Mount lenses. Rather, it is simply a lens coating, albeit one we have never seen before. Whether or not it is worth the additional $300 remains to be seen.
Canon claims that Defocus Smoothing is “designed to enhance the appearance of bokeh in the images captured with the lens.” They go on to explain that DS “allows off-axis flux to pass through the periphery of the lens that gradually decreases the transmittance of light, which results in images with beautifully blurred backgrounds.” It’s hard to know exactly what this entails without seeing sample images, but there’s no denying that bokeh is a critical reason why photographers buy wide-aperture 85mm lenses in the first place.
Here are the specifications for the 85mm f/1.2 DS:
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Aperture Blades: 9 rounded
- Lens Construction: 13 elements, 9 groups
- Aspherical Elements: One
- UD Glass Elements: One
- Fluorine Coating: Yes
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.85 meters (2.79 feet)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.12×
- Focusing Motor: USM (ultrasonic motor)
- Internal Focusing: Yes
- Filter Thread: 82mm
- Image Stabilization: No
- Size (Diameter × Length): 103.2 × 117.3 mm (4.06 × 4.62 inches)
- Weight: 1195 g (2.63 lb)
You can pre-order the RF 85mm f/1.2 DS here at B&H.
RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Of the two lenses announced today, the bigger news is arguably the highly-anticipated RF 70-200mm f/2.8L, which will sell for $2700. In addition to the usual interest around 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, this one in particular caught photographers’ eyes because of how small it looked in Canon’s prototypes. That bears out with the lens’s announcement today.
Officially, Canon didn’t say how much the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 weighs, nor give the length. However, the press release states that it is “27 percent shorter and 28 percent lighter than its EF counterpart.”
That’s pretty simple to calculate, given the EF 70-200mm f/2.8 III as the “counterpart” in question. That lens is 7.83 inches long (199 mm) and weighs 3.3 pounds (1480 g). So, the new RF lens will be about 5.71 inches long (145 mm) and weigh about 2.45 pounds (1066 g). That is very impressive for a 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom.
Note, however, that the new 70-200mm does extend as you zoom in. As nice as it would have been to get an internal zoom, that just wasn’t going to happen at the small size of this lens. Canon still rates the lens as dust and weather resistant.
Here are the specifications we know for the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8:
- Focal Length: 70-200mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Lens Construction: 17 elements, 13 groups
- Aspherical Elements: Two
- UD Glass Elements: 1 Super UD, 4 UD
- Fluorine Coating: Yes
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.70 meters (2.3 feet)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.23×
- Focusing Motor: USM (ultrasonic motor)
- Filter Thread: 77 mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes, 5 stops (CIPA)
- Size (Length): 145 mm (5.71 inches)
- Weight: 1066 g (2.45 lb)
You can pre-order the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 here at B&H.
Press Release
The RF Family Grows By Two: Canon RF 70-200MM F2.8L IS USM Lens Is The World’s Shortest And Lightest Lens In Its Class And RF 85MM F1.2L USM DS Is The First Lens To Feature Defocus Smoothing
New RF L-Series Lenses Aim to Provide Impeccable Performance, Handling and Unique Features to Photographers Shooting with EOS R and EOS RP Cameras
MELVILLE, NY, October 24, 2019 – Completing the “trinity” of RF lenses for the EOS R Full-Frame mirrorless camera system, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM telephoto lens. Additionally, the company also announced its first lens to feature Defocus Smoothing lens coating, the Canon RF 85 F1.2L DS. The ninth and tenth lenses in the RF family are both powerful tools for photographers using the EOS R or EOS RP cameras, in particular, those shooting sports or wildlife photography with the RF 70-200mm F2.8L or portrait photography with the RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS.
Short and Light With All The Might: Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
The new lens features a large and bright f/2.8 aperture, which, along with the 70-200mm focal zoom ranges, presents an ideal workhorse lens for professional and amateur photographers shooting sports, wildlife, wedding and event action. The new RF lens is 27 percent shorter and 28 percent lighter than its EF counterparti with a large portion of the lens element arrangement closer to the camera body. This arrangement is designed to provide photographers with a more balanced feel and experience even at telephoto end of the zoom range. Additionally, the shorter and lighter design allows the lens to be more easily stowed away in a camera bag when not in-use.
A first for Canon lenses, the new RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM features two Nano USM motors providing an even greater level of high-speed autofocus for still image shooting and quiet and smooth autofocus for video shooting. The lens also incorporates a floating focus control, another Canon first, that drives the two lens groups individually while using the two aforementioned Nano USM motors. The floating focus lens element shortens focusing distance and help reduce breathing, providing users with fast, consistent and reliable performance.
Additional Features of The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Include:
Teaching an Old Dog a New Trick: Canon 85mm F1.2L USM DS
- Customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
- 17 lens elements in 13 groups including two aspherical lenses, one super UD lens and four UD lenses, that help to reduce chromatic aberration
- CIPA standard five stops of image stabilization (IS) including three IS modes with dual-sensing and combination IS
- 12-pin communication system
- L-Series dust and weather resistant build with fluorine coating
- Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) helps minimize lens flare and ghosting
Canon has a rich history spanning over 40 years of producing 85mm lenses with f/1.2 apertures, and the new Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS is no different, or is it? The lens ushers in a new lens coating from Canon, Defocus Smoothingii, designed to enhance the appearance of bokeh in the images captured with the lens. DS coating is a vapor-deposited coating technology that is applied to the front and rear surfaces of a specific lens element inside the lens. The coating allows off-axis flux to pass through the periphery of the lens that gradually decreases the transmittance of light, which results in images with beautifully blurred backgrounds.
In addition, the new lens features a bright f/1.2 aperture which, along with the 85mm focal length, encompasses an ideal lens for portrait photographers. 85mm is often the preferred focal length selected by photographers when shooting portraits because it provides an appropriate depth and perspective of the subject relative to the background, helping to capture high-quality imagery with beautiful and desirable bokeh. The focal length also allows for the photographer and subject to maintain optimum distance apart to support strong communication, while not being too close.
Additional Features of The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS Include:
Pricing and Availability
- Minimum focusing distance of 2.79 feet/0.85 meters
- Customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
- One Aspheric lens and one UD Lens, along with BR optics that help to reduce chromatic aberration
- 12-pin communication system
- L-Series dust and weather resistant build with fluorine coating
- Air Sphere Coating (ASC) that helps minimize lens flare and ghosting
The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS lenses are scheduled to be available late November 2019 and December 2019, respectively for an estimated retail price of $2,699.00 and $2,999.00 respectivelyiii. For additional information, please visit, usa.canon.com.
Canon did it, with their lense lineup they let no doubt that they take the pro-factor very serious with mirror-less; And even the Canon R having some issues, its the gate to this wonderful lens lineup they created so far.
Bravo Canon!
a former Nikon-User which tended to Sony for the Bodies, but the Body changes but the lenses stay.
/K
Just saw a video about the difference between the DS and the non DS 85mm f/1.2
The DS certainly makes a difference in the out of focus areas. Beautiful soft background.
Ideal for portraits. ( but maybe too sharp ;) )
In regards to maximum aperture, in todays modern cameras (both DSLR and Mirrorless), f/4 is the sweet spot for me. Both the weight, performance (and price!) of the Nikon 70-200 f/4 wins the day, (again for me). Also, I’m amazed at how sharp and fine of resolution I can achieve with iso of 3200 and even higher(I’m shooting with a D850, but even my previous D750 was excellent). I also favor internal internal zoom. Now given specific demanding needs, professional or otherwise, sure, 2.8 and lower have value. So does Leica, Hasselblad, Phase one XT with IQ Back :)
Yes it seems Canon needs a better RF camera with IBIS.
But then; They have good lenses. Problem is for a decade, they have not been able to produce a sensor as good as Sony. But i see the 5D Mark IV sensor is catching up.
All In all Nikon has a more logical path, and a better camera and even more in case of a Z8 with sony’s 60mp sensor.
Sony has a big advantage that they have so many good lenses for their system and also third party lenses like the Sigma’s.
Pointless nitpick, but the 24-105 is f/4 right?
I think these lenses are great for those that need and/or can afford them. For me as a hobbyist I prefer the Nikon lineup. Sure, they aren’t cheap either, but the prime lenses are at least within reach.
Thanks Mark, good eye! I fixed it.
I never thought the transition to mirroless would happen so fast. I remember back in the days (less than 2 years ago) when the D5/D500 debuted people arguing about mirrorless poor capabilities and lack of professional lenses. Nowdays, Sony Alpha A9 is the best pro camera in the business and they have growth their professional lens line up; Tamron and Sigma are producing their first batch of mirrorless third party lenses; Nikon and Canon debuted this year with compelling options and both by next year they will have completed their professional lens lineup…. Wow
Exciting times indeed.
I’ll play the game wait and see to decide which mirroless system I’ll go for: Z, E, RF or L.
??? D5/D500 came out over 3 1/2 years ago, right?
I can’t help but question Canon’s strategy here: super pro lenses with price tag aimed not at the hobbyist market for sure in conjunction with what can be described at best as an enthusiast camera: R and RP.
I get it that they are getting ready for their pro body but so far no sign of that yet. In the meantime what is available of the shelf definitely doesn’t need that class of glass.
I think that Nikon Z has had a better lens strategy from the start. With those f4 zooms and interesting set of 1.8 lenses they clearly managed to capture a lot of attention not only from Nikon users.
Agree. It makes more sense to start with the higher volume, midpriced stuff. Then once thats out you come out with the high end niche products.
Paul, lenses first, bodies second – that’s a good strategy on Canon’s behalf. I wish Nikon followed suit with some high-end lenses. We don’t need a Noct nobody can afford. We need a functional trio of 14-24mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, as well as some others. Personally, I am baffled why Nikon has not prioritized a 70-200mm f/4 in the lens line-up. Look at Canon’s line-up of RF lenses – that’s a very strong line to transition pros to.
Nikon has made high end lenses. They just aren’t super fast lenses. They need to get the 70-200 2.8 out ASAP. Other than that they are doing fine.
I follow Nasim’s reasoning, and I’m a little jealous of the Canon lenses. Also, I don’t see all of Nikon’s Z-lenses as high end:
The 85/1.8 although (or because?) very sharp, can sometimes show a very strange bokeh behaviour.
The 14-30 shows tremendously high distortions.
All of them (except the 24-70/2.8 and the Noct with their electronic displays) don’t feature a proper distance scale wich is a pity because switching OFF and ON will reset the last used distance. And there’s also no longer an entry “distance” in the EXIF, as far as I checked.
And given the not super-low prices, I would have appreciated a second/third function ring on primes/zooms. I like the front and rear dials of the D8xx. The Z dials are rather slippery under my fingers, so an extra ring could help to set aperture or exposure compensation. But admittedly, it’s whining on a high level.
I don’t agree with your assessment of the Nikon Z lenses. I do agree they need to introduce a 70-200 2.8 ASAP.
All the Nikon primes are incredibly sharp and fantastic for professional use. No, they are not F1.4’s but I find that I rarely use that aperture. Mostly F1.8-F2.8 with this type of lens. Also, the 14-30 is awesome. You never see the distortion because of auto-correct, so honestly, I don’t care.
Agree that the Z dials are slippery. It’s one of the reasons I don’t own a Z camera right now (I have full-time access to one and have used it, along with all the primes and 14-30 extensively)
Overall, I am very impressed with the Z6. It has a great viewfinder, very good video (even AF is good) and is reasonably fast and accurate. It also has two major issues (one is a deal breaker for me). First, the obvious one – it needs two card slots. The second issue and deal breaker is the poor tracking AF. For fast moving subjects (like dogs at a flyball or agility competition) I need much better so D5 / D500 / Olympus OMD-1mkII) are still primary choices.
Hey Nasim:
You basically echo with what I’ve been saying to other Nikon users. I don’t understand why Nikon couldn’t have released a 70-200 f/4 lens earlier this year to match up with 24-70 f/4 kit lens because I know it would have certainly sold like hot cakes. Instead they came out with the 24-70 f/2.8, which although is a fantastic piece of glass, it has been rather slow flying off the shelves. All the f/2.8 trinity lenses could have been placed on hold until next year when Nikon comes up with replacements to the Z6 and Z7. Tell me if I’m wrong on this. Thanks.
For us normal users Canon strategy won’t work. We love Nikon 1.8 S lenses. For people like Nasim who are willing to pay a fortune Canon strategy might be OK.
For some reason internet pundits always praise what Canon do and criticize Nikon I don’t know why.
Good luck selling with these price tags.
Believe me, both lenses will sell like hot cakes.
I think they need a better body before they really start selling well. And even then the market for some of them (like the f/2 zoom or the f/1.2 primes) is pretty niche.
There are probably 2-3 areas where EOS R lags behind 5D Mark IV but 5-6 areas where it is better (like always 100% correct focus and AF in near darkness).
If 5D IV is good for professionals, EOS R is also good.
Not usually one to comment negatively, but their mirror-less cameras seem backwards. Quirky controls and no IBIS for starters. These are features that have been available for many years on all their competitors (including M43 cameras). I must admit, their lens lineup for mirror-less is very impressive and bodes well for the the future. I think UrbexMark’ comment is fair.