Canon has just announced two new ultra-wide L-series lenses for their ever-more-robust mirrorless RF system! Both are expected to start shipping later this month, so we won’t have to wait very long. Introducing the RF7–14mm f/2.8–3.5 L FISHEYE and the RF14mm f/1.4 L VCM…
RF7–14mm f/2.8–3.5 L FISHEYE
This one will let you get really creative… at 7mm, the lens actually projects a circular light onto a full frame sensor. (At 14mm, it does cover the entire frame, so you can create more traditional images as well.) At the wide end, it also has a mind-boggling 190° field of view, allowing you to put your viewer “in the action” in almost unprecedented ways.
A minimum focusing distance of only 5.9 inches enables extreme close-up immersion. Check out the sample images provided by Canon, below—pretty cool! The focus uses a high-performance Leadscrew-type STM.
As an L-series lens, this is a serious tool, however fun it is. Five Ultra-Low Dispersion elements, two replica aspheric elements, and Air Sphere Coating ensure that the light gets to your sensor in as pure a form as possible. If you want to alter it on purpose, of course, you can—despite that extraordinary bubble in the front of the lens, you can still add filters to the rear via a drop-in slot. The RF7–14mm supports the same filters as are used with the EF-to-EOS R mount adapter. The lens is sealed to resist dust and weather permeations, and the front element is fluorine coated. Given its increased elemental exposure, that’s probably more valuable than usual!
RF14mm f/1.4 L VCM
Claiming the title as Canon’s brightest-ever ultra-wide lens, this lens will be a go-to when you need your camera to drink in more—when you’re totally engulfed by the scene you want to capture, the field of view and wide, 11 bladed aperture guides a torrent of light safely to your sensor. Naturally, low-light performance appears to be exceptional. Check out those star photos below!
Resolution, as expected from an L-series lens, is also exceptional. The sample images have been optimized for the web, but if you’re interested in full-size samples for peeping, drop a line in the comments. The RF14mm‘s focus uses Canon’s top of the line Voice Coil Motor, making focus fast, accurate, very quiet, and with minimal breathing—great for video use! The dedicated iris ring is another appealing feature for filmmakers.
Image quality is of utmost importance. The RF14mm is built using one Fluorite element, one BR (Blue Spectrum Refractive) Optics element, one UD (Ultra Low Dispersion) element, and 3 GMO (Glass Molded Optics) aspheric lenses to minimize chromatic aberration and for incredible quality from edge-to-edge, and SubWavelength Structure Coating and Air Sphere Coating team up to significantly reduce ghosting and flare.
Like the RF7–14mm, the RF14mm is compatible with the EF-to-EOS R rear filters and is sealed against the elements. Add this ultra-wide to your collection of f/1.4s, won’t you? Your future images and those who get to view them will thank you!
