Catering to more than just photographers’ needs, Canon is making a splash with the introduction of three new hybrid RF lenses as well as the formal announcement of a long-awaited RF-S 7.8mm VR lens. The RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM, RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM, and RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lenses are meant to appeal to both photo and video users, combining fast performance with a design that befits high-end video applications, too. For 3D imaging applications and recording spatial video content, Canon is also finally releasing the anticipated RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual lens—a specialized stereoscopic optic meant for EOS R7 users to record content for headset viewing.
Canon RF Hybrid Lenses
The hybrid lens series was introduced earlier in the year to address the high-end multimedia needs of many shooters who split their time between filmmaking and still photography—the lenses are fast, optically refined, exhibit virtually no focus breathing, and have the L series durability and performance photographers have come to expect. This series was kicked off in June 2024 with the RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM and that wide-angle prime is now being joined by 24mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.4 primes and a 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom.
Looking at the primes first—the RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM and RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM—these lenses bookend the existing 35mm f/1.4 and add wider and narrower focal length options while maintaining the same f/1.4 speed that’s crucial for low-light shooting and depth of field control. The 24mm is a great option for establishing shots, landscapes, cityscapes, and interiors while the 50mm is a standard, “normal” focal length that’s versatile enough for portraits, landscapes, and more selective views within a broader scene.
Both lenses feature a dedicated manual iris ring, a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) linear AF system, and a Nano USM AF system to adjust the floating focus elements for maintained sharpness throughout the focusing range—the 24mm focuses down to 9.4” and the 50mm focuses to 15.7”, giving 0.17x and 0.15x maximum magnifications, respectively.
The VCM rear focusing system is effectively silent and offers smooth movements that makes it ideal for video applications. Also, the lens has extremely well-controlled focus breathing; Canon states it is within 2.5% throughout the entire focusing range and can be reduced to 1% if electronic breathing correction is applied.
Physically, the lenses have the L-series-level durability and weather resistance that is expected, ensuring reliable use in harsh weather conditions. Both lenses have a 67mm threaded filter ring (the 24mm lens also comes with an attachable rear filter holder to lessen the likelihood of vignetting) and both have a programmable lens function button.
Moving onto the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z, this lens follows a similar design strategy as the new primes but also incorporates some more tech that originally debuted in the RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z. More than just serving as a new 70-200mm f/2.8 with a hybrid series ethos, this new lens also answers the demand for an internal zoom, internal focus alternative to the existing RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM—a lens that is very compact but has an externally zooming design, which can be divisive for some shooters. The new 70-200mm f/2.8 Z, on the other hand, has an all-internal design that’s perfect for sports shooters working from a tight, fixed vantage point or filmmakers who need consistent balance when shooting with a gimbal, drone, or car mount.
Canon claims they listened to the high demand for an internal focus, internal zoom option for this workhorse of a lens. And, beyond this essential difference, the Z version of this zoom also sports a shorter zoom ring throw for quick switching between the 70mm and 200mm ends of the range. This new lens also sports a manual, lockable iris ring, two customizable lens function buttons, and an additional customizable control ring. It’s a telephoto zoom built with the same versatility as the 24-105mm Z lens—it’s a perfect match for C400 and C80 shooters as well as R1 and R5 Mark II users.
Some of the other design distinctions include compatibility with the Power Zoom Adapters PZ-E2 and PZ-E2B; compatibility with the 1.4x and 2x RF Extenders; Nano USM AF motors to control dual floating focus units; a 2.2’ minimum focusing distance with a 0.3x maximum magnification; and well-controlled focus breathing throughout the focus and zoom ranges.
One additional, and interesting, design detail is that this 70-200mm f/2.8 will be available in both Black and White color options; the Black version will match the 24-105mm Z and be the more inconspicuous option while the White colorway will appeal more to photographers and those who favor the heat-reducing benefits of Canon’s traditional white telephoto lens design.
These new hybrid series lenses are refined standards for Canon RF shooters—they offer robust performance, durability, and reliability that’s appealing to both filmmakers and photographers alike.
Canon RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual Lens
Looking at a different kind of hybrid, Canon has also formally released their RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual lens—a stereoscopic prime purpose-built for capturing 3D photos and videos, which are meant to be viewed in spatial, 3D 180°, and 3D theater formats on compatible headsets, like the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3.
This unique lens is design to solely be used with the EOS R7 camera for an approachable pathway to create camera-captured 3D content via the Canon EOS VR System. Dual lenses produce a unique level of 3D immersion that isn’t possible from two-dimension content; the lens affords a distinct way to capture daily explorations, memories, and portraits.
The lens itself features a nimble gear-type STM autofocus motor that simultaneously focuses both optics in a precise, quick, and quiet manner. The dual lens has a 60° field of view, which is similar to human vision, and it achieves a minimum focusing distance of 5.9”, with a 0.07x magnification, for close-range shooting of intricate details.
Canon Day at B&H
In conjunction with today’s launches, B&H is also hosting Canon Day. This in-store event, taking place on Wednesday, October 30th from 11am – 7pm ET, will feature Canon’s latest tech along with a series of live demonstrations and talks led by photography, videography, and printing guest speakers.
For more information about the new lenses, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product page for the RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM, RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM, RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z, and RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual lenses. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
