Announced today by Canon, two more high-end lenses for the full-frame EOS R system are rapidly approaching a Mike’s Camera near you. The 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS USM completes the f/2.8 trinity, making traditional pro shooting on the RF system a real possibility from 15mm to 200mm. On the cutting edge, the RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS introduces a brand new, acronym-worthy lens technology to Canon’s repertoire.
RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS
Not to be confused with the already-existing RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM, the RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS adds Defocus Smoothing to the highly-rated original version. The practical result for your photography: ultra-soft rendering of the areas not in focus, without compromising on the sharpness of the area intended to be in focus. Rudy Winston explains…
We don’t know a whole lot about the technology yet, but it seems to be based on a new coating and additional apodization elements (lens elements designed to alter the light coming through in a non-uniform way, kind of like Curves in Photoshop). Click here for an example. The ultimate in high-tech optics, the lens also features Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics to minimize chromatic aberration, and don’t forget that bright, bright, bright f/1.2 aperture.
RF 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
One of the most addicting lens types available, a 70–200mm f/2.8 for the RF mount has been eagerly anticipated since the announcement of the system… and now it’s here! The RF 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS USM joins the RF 15–35mm f/2.8 L IS USM and the RF 24–70mm /f2.8 L IS USM to complete the trinity of lenses usually forming the basic elements in a pro’s universal pack.
Remarkably, the RF 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS USM is two inches shorter and about a pound lighter than the EF 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS III USM, the smallest and lightest 70–200mm f/2.8 ever made by Canon. Now that’s the benefit of mirrorless! The signature RF-lens control ring adds an extra degree of human-machine interface; an incredibly clever lens hood with a sliding opening to allow for manipulation of filters is the cherry on top. Canon shooters looking to lighten your load, this is it.
