Canon has introduced two new L-series zoom lenses for its full-frame mirrorless camera system: the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 24-70mm f2.8L IS USM, and has also announced a firmware update for improved AF and Eye AF functionality for the EOS R and EOS RP cameras. Landscape and architectural photographers will appreciate the wide coverage provided by the 15-35mm in such a small package, while street and event photographers should be eager to include this 24-70mm workhorse in their camera bags.
The RF 15-35mm f/2.8 is the widest zoom in the RF lineup, and is equally as equipped for composing street scenes in the city as it is for rendering sweeping landscapes in the desert. Its bright f/2.8 maximum aperture is supplemented by up to five stops of shake correction to ensure sharp image capture even in low-light conditions and shooting handheld. Canon’s Nano Ultrasonic Motor (USM) technology makes autofocusing fast, quiet, and smooth. A minimum focusing distance of 0.92' (0.28m) makes it possible to get up close and personal when composing your foregrounds.
Three aspherical elements and two Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) elements reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations, while Air Sphere Coating (ASC) minimizes lens flare and ghosting, keeping images sharp and clean. Like other RF lenses, the 15-35mm includes a customizable Control Ring to adapt easily to your shooting style. A weather and dust-resistant build, coupled with fluorine coating on the lens itself, means it can handle less than ideal weather. Weighing 1.85 lb and measuring just under 5" in length, it is easily portable without weighing you down.
The RF 24-70mm f/2.8 shares many of the same impressive qualities as its wider partner, including its fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, Nano USM autofocusing, and five stops of shake correction. One of the most adaptable zoom ranges, the 24-70mm is an ideal everyday lens, especially popular among event photographers who must quickly capture groups and individual portraits without fussing with multiple lenses. A minimum focusing distance of 0.69' (0.21m) when shooting at 24mm and 1.25' (0.38m) when shooting at 70mm gives you plenty of room with which to work.
The 24-70mm has three aspherical and three UD elements to temper distortion, as well as ASC to cut back on lens flare and ghosting. Like the 15-35mm, it includes a customizable Control Ring for quick adjustments when shooting, as well as a fluorine coating and dust- and weather-resistant build. Finally, it is an equally portable lens, weighing only 1.98 lb at 4.95" long.
Alongside the two new lenses, Canon has also announced a firmware update for EOS R and EOS RP mirrorless shooters that improves the accuracy and speed of Eye Detection AF, as well as capture moving subjects that are far away.
Last but not least, Canon has hinted that the RF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM lens will be released by the end of the year, extending the reach of these pro-level RF zooms.
What would you use Canon’s latest mirrorless lenses for? Let us know in the Comments section!
3 Comments
The Lens hoods are not included?
Both the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM lenses include their respective lens hoods.
C'mon Rudy. Hurry up with that 70-200.