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Canon Is Not Discontinuing EF Lenses But Making Sort Of “Spring Cleaning”, Report

Nab 2023 Canon Eos R5 Mark Ii Canon Eos R8 CP+ 2024 Mark Ii Canon EOS Rf 24-50mm R6 Mark Ii Rf Mount Eos R6 Mark Ii Rf 300mm Rf 35mm Canon Eos R100 Rf 24mm F/1.8 Rf-s Canon Eos R7 Eos R100 Canon High Resolution Eos R R10 Eos C5 Canon Canon Eos R1 Eos R5c Canon Rf 16mm Rf 35mm F/1.2L EF Lenses Tilt-shift Lenses Rumor

Eventually Canon reacted to the ongoing rumor suggesting the company is gradually retiring EF lenses in favor of an RF-mount-only future. However, the answer is somewhat ambiguous.

As Inside Imaging reports, Canon is not so much discontinuing EF lenses but putting some order in the line-up. In other words: Canon is removing redundancy, not discontinuing EF lenses. Sounds weird? Here is Canon Australia’s statement on the issue (emphasis mine):

Canon has around 80 lens options for creators to choose from – only 22 of which are RF at this time. Over the past two years, we’ve been focused on building out our range of RF lenses to expand the creative possibilities of our R-System consumers, however our commitment to supporting our EF lens range is unwavering. It’s true, Canon has recently discontinued select EF lenses in our range, however this is a process of series optimisation, not an indication of us abandoning EF lenses. Lenses that have been recently discontinued are lenses that have multiple versions available; comprise technology that’s been superseded by other available options; or, are low volume lenses. There are still many options for creators to choose from in our EF range, while our RF range continues to expand.

Sounds neither like a clear yes nor like a clear no. Also, keep in mind that for sure Canon has large stocks for most of the lenses rumored to get discontinued, and especially that it does not mean those EF lenses are no longer going to be maintained and serviced by Canon.

Here is the list of the allegedly discontinued EF lenses (release year in parenthesis):

  • Canon EF-S 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 USM (2007)
  • Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM II (2007)
  • Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (2009)
  • Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM (2006)
  • Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (2008)
  • Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM (2012)
  • Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM (2012)
  • Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 IS STM Macro (2012)
  • Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM (2012)
  • Canon EF-S 55-250 f/4-5.6 IS STM (2013)
  • Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM (2005)
  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM (1995)
  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM II  (2018)
  • Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM (2010)
  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM II (2006)
  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM (1992)
  • Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM (1991)
  • Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM (1996)
  • Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L USM (1996)
  • Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM (2008)
  • Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM (2010)
  • Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM (2008)

And these lenses are rumored to get retired some time in 2021:

  • Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM (2012)
  • Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM II (2010)
  • Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM II (2014)
  • Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM II (2011)

The future is RF mount, no doubts about that. But EF mount will still be around for a long time, no doubts on that either.

[Inside Imaging via PetaPixel]

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