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| Image: Canon |
Canon has announced the RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, which it claims is the world’s first 24-105mm F2.8 zoom lens.
Canon says it’s designed to be a true hybrid stills/video lens, and several design elements bolster that claim. So, while it’s targeted at working professional and serious enthusiast photographers, it’s also aimed at video content creators, mixed-use photographers and videographers.
The RF 24-105mm F2.8 features internal zoom and focus, so there’s no movement of the front element or significant shifts in weight. Canon says a floating element AF system allows for the lens’ compact size while supporting fast AF performance.
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A look at the external controls reveals new and familiar elements. In addition to the AF/MF and IS switches, the 24-105mm F2.8 includes a focus limiter switch and an IS mode switch, making it the first non-telephoto RF zoom lens to include such a control.
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| Image: Canon |
What’s most notable, however, is the manual aperture ring. Canon says this is the first EF or RF lens to include one, and it reflects the hybrid intent of the lens to support both photo and video use, allowing stepless control of the aperture/iris. However, there are some important caveats. Notably, the aperture ring won’t work for still photography on any current EOS camera bodies but, we’re told, will do so on new models launching in 2024 or later. When shooting stills on these cameras, setting the ring to ‘A’ will allow it to work like a standard RF lens. However, Iris control using the ring will work on cameras like the C70 when shooting video.
Finally, the outside of the lens barrel includes ports for two alignment pins for connecting a new power zoom adapter, which we’ll get to in a moment.
The lens is constructed from 23 elements in 13 groups, including four UD and three aspherical elements. It also benefits from Canon’s Super Spectra Coating, Air Sphere Coating, and a fluorine coating. There are 11 aperture blades.
Other important features include built-in image stabilization, rated at 5.5 stops for the lens and up to 8.0 stops co-ordinated with in-camera stabilization, and two Nano USM motors to drive autofocus. Minimum focusing distance is 0.45m (1.5 ft) at 24mm at all focal lengths, giving a maximum magnification of 0.29x at 105mm (0.08x at 24mm).
The lens is dust and weather-resistant and accepts 82mm filters. For video users, a front lens support will be available for use on cameras rigged with rails.
Power Zoom Adapter
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Promotional photo showing the PZ-E2 power zoom adapter (PZA) attached to the RF 24-105mm F2.8L IS USM Z. Photo: Canon |
Alongside the 24-105mm F2.8, Canon announced the PZ-E2 power zoom adapter (PZA), which it says is far more versatile than its previous PZA, the PZ-E1, which worked with the EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. It attaches directly to the side of the lens using two pins for alignment. It is available in two versions: a USB version and a version with a 20-pin port, which allows for connection to remote focus control units.
The PZA includes a dial to adjust zoom speed and includes a USB port for PD accessory power, as additional power allows for increased zoom speed. Even without accessory power, the maximum zoom speed will vary by camera model, meaning a camera like the C70 with a larger battery can drive the zoom more quickly.
Price and availability
The RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z is expected to be available in December at a retail price of $2999. The Power Zoom Adapter is expected to be available in spring 2024 at a retail price of $999 for the USB version and $1299 for the version with the 20-pin port.
CANON INTRODUCES THREE NEW LENSES, ENHANCING STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO PRODUCTION FOR ANY SKILL LEVEL
MELVILLE, NY, November 2, 2023 – Photographers aiming to get a powerful, ultra-wide
angle shot, or looking for a superb zoom range, can improve their images with three new lenses announced today by Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions. The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lenses can benefit a wide range of users — from beginners all the way to working professionals.
The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens offers users of APS-C sensor size EOS R-series cameras an ultra wide-angle zoom, helping create strong still images and video. It is an ideal lens for vloggers, travelers, and general shooters. Beginners in video and still photography can make good use of this lens, as well as the more advanced pros. Key features include:
- 10–18mm ultra-wide zoom (equivalent to 16-29mm on full-frame camera).
- Image Stabilization, for even greater hand-held sharpness and video steadiness.
- Compact and lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for travel.
- A new optical design, optimized for RF lens mount and APS-C sensor size.
- An affordable price tag for those just stepping into ultra-wide video and still imaging.
Still and video professionals who want a single lens that can handle most tasks with low-light capabilities will find what they’re looking for with the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. This is the world’s first 24-105mm focal length lens combined with consistent f/2.8 maximum aperture1, offering true portrait-length telephoto coverage resulting in sharp images. High-end photographers, photojournalists, and video content creators can utilize this lens’ other features that include:
- Constant overall length when zooming.
- Manual aperture ring for video use.
- Optimized optics for high-level video.
- Image stabilization.
A new Power Zoom Adapter will also be available for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens, an optional accessory for super-smooth zooming during video operation. This detachable device allows for more natural movement when zooming in and out, and easier control for solo camera operators. A standard version of the Power Zoom Adapter will be available, as well as a 20-pin port version to support zoom and focus demands. The firmware updates that will be available in early December for the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C cameras will add support for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens.
Last, but not least — nature, wildlife, and outdoor sports shooters will find the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM super telephoto zoom lens a great tool to take crystal-clear images of action at a distance. This lens is lightweight and easy to hold in your hand, allowing most users to carry it to help capture a range of subjects, whether it’s a still image of a landscape, or video of a moving target. Unique features of the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens also include:
- Up to 800mm focal length.
- Up to 5.5 stops image stabilization.
- Compatible with optional Canon RF 1.4x and 2x tele extenders.
- Weather-resistant design.
- Rotating tripod mount.
Price & Availability
The new RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and the RF200-
800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lenses are expected to be available in December for estimated retail
prices of $329.99, $2,999.00, and $1,899.00, respectively2. The two versions of the Power Zoom Adapter for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z will be available Spring 2024 for an estimated retail price of $999.99, and $1,299.002 for the version with the 20-pin port. For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.
1 As an AF interchangeable lens for full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras that have already been released as of November 1, 2023. (Based on Canon’s internal survey).
2 Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8L IS USM Z specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 24–105 mm |
| Image stabilization | Yes (5.5EV (8.0 with co-ordinated IS bodies)) |
| CIPA Image stabilization rating | 5.5 stop(s) |
| Lens mount | Canon RF |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | F22 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 11 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 23 |
| Groups | 18 |
| Special elements / coatings | 4 UD elements, 3 Aspheric elements |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.45 m (17.72″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.29× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Nano ultrasonic |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 1330 g (2.93 lb) |
| Diameter | 89 mm (3.5″) |
| Length | 199 mm (7.83″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Zoom method | Rotary (internal) |
| Filter thread | 82 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Hood product code | EW-88E |
| Tripod collar | Yes |
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