A new Canon patent application for two lenses featuring Canon’s new silent USM zoom technology (hence the “Z”).
Canon patent application 2024025100 (Japan, published 02/26/2024) discusses optical formulas and methods for two zoom lenses:
RF 24-105mm f/2.8 Z
RF 15-60mm f/2.8 Z
From the patent literature:
The present invention provides a zoom lens that is compact, has a high zoom ratio, and a large aperture ratio, yet achieves high image quality and high-speed zoom operation.
BACKGROUND ART: As a zoom lens used in an imaging device, there is a demand for a zoom lens that is small and lightweight, and has high optical performance that can satisfactorily correct various aberrations such as chromatic aberration. Additionally, there is a demand for a zoom lens that has a short focal length at the wide-angle end, a large zoom ratio, a small F number, a large aperture ratio, and is easy to manufacture. Additionally, there is a demand for a zoom lens that allows high-speed zoom operations. Patent Document 1 discloses a zoom lens that includes, in order from the object side to the image side, a lens group with positive refractive power, a lens group with negative refractive power, and a rear group having a plurality of lens groups. .
Although the zoom lens disclosed in Patent Document 1 is small, has a high zoom ratio, and a large aperture ratio, it is difficult to achieve high image quality and high-speed zoom operation.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a zoom lens that is compact, has a high zoom ratio, and a large aperture ratio, yet achieves high image quality and high-speed zoom operation.
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 aperture,1 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. For more information on the new firmware updates, please visit here .
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 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.
Canon might release a Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS for the EOS R system, according to a new rumor.
A low rated rumor (by the source itself) suggests Canon might soon release an RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS lens. Says the source:
[…] we have an anonymous report that Canon plans to announce a Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS in the first half of 2023. On the surface, that is a lot of overlap of focal ranges. There is the RF 24-70 f/2.8L IS, RF 24-105 f/4-7.1 IS STM and the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS. Adding a 4th lens to this range just doesn’t feel likely. It does remind us of the EF 24-70 f/4L IS Macro, a lens a lot of people thought didn’t make sense with the overlap, but actually turned out to be a pretty popular lens.
Here is a review of the inexpensive Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM IS lens for the EOS R system. It seems the mechanical quality is the only good thing they found.
In absolute terms, it’s clearly a sub-standard lens. Its native characteristics range from good to downright terrible. The miserable vignetting and distortions have to be seen to be believed. Conversely, the resolution is actually pretty decent – which is a bit of a pity because you just won’t use this lens without auto-correction.
That’s being said – it is highly unlikely that you invest thousands into a high-megapixel camera and then just a few hundred on a cheap kit zoom lens. The pixel-level sharpness increases towards lower sensor resolutions and the vast majority of users have cameras featuring 20 to 30 megapixels (as of the time of this review). Within this context, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM IS makes much more sense. The 24mm setting will still not be perfect here but it’s certainly usable.
[…] the mechanical quality of the lens is pretty good for a kit zoom lens. The used materials are of high quality. The (extending-)inner lens tube is a bit wobbly though and this seems to be a theme across Canon consumer-grade Canon lenses. Read the review at Optical Limits…
Other reviewers have a less negative opinion about this lens. All Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM IS reviews are listed here.
Here is a new Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS review. This lens is getting very popular, both among users and reviewers. Another great lens by Canon, and this one is also affordable. It’s not a Canon boutique lenses but it has a very good performance.
At a glance:
RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
Aperture Range: f/4 to f/22
Super Spectra Coating
Nano USM AF System
Optical Image Stabilizer
Customizable Control Ring
Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
Jacek Sopotnickiposted his Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS review. The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS seems to be an excellent travel lens (in my opinion).
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