Canon Lens Designers Talk About Latest RF Mount Lenses in Interview

Canon RF 85mm
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DPReview sat down with Canon lens designers (Manabu Kato – Head of EF + RF mount R&D, Yoichi Sato – EOS camera electronics R&D, Shogo Yamaguchi – Optical planning specialist).

The interview was about the new Canon EOS RP, the six RF lenses Canon is set to announce soon, and in general what’s going to happen with the EOS R system.

Excerpts from the interview:

How do you prioritize which [RF mount] lenses to develop?

So the idea for the initial four lenses was we wanted to deliver the surprise factor, so we decided to deliver the 28-70mm, as well as the 50mm F1.2, with stunning resolution. That was the concept behind these two lenses.

With 24-105mm we thought it would be the best match as a standard zoom lens to the EOS R camera, and the 35mm F1.8 was supposed to be an affordable and compact travel companion. Those were the concepts behind the four initial lenses.

With the six additional lenses that we introduced as development announcements this time, we believe we will be able to deliver more surprise factors, for some models compactness. These two concepts with the addition of these models.

About the Defocus Smoothing technology.

Can you give any insight into the DS technology?

With lens such as the 85mm F1.2 bokeh is a really important factor, because it’s a portrait lens. We really wanted to deliver something that was not possible with the conventional lenses, so we decided to develop this technology of defocus smoothing.

The fact with our DS technology is that it’s a coating technology, so it’s relatively easy to apply this technology to a range of different lenses. This is all we can say at this moment.

Read the interview at DPReview.

Here Are Some Lesser-Known Canon EOS R Facts and Settings

Canon Eos R Firmware Update
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Gerald Undone posted a 9 minutes video where he discusses some less known features of the Canon EOS R, and also tips and tricks for settings and customisation. If you have the “left eye issue” then this video might be for you.

Canon EOS R:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

What To Expect From Canon In 2019

Canon Rumors Color Calibration
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Canon announced their mirrorless system, two models are on the market. What’s next for the Japanese industry giant?

Predictions about Canon’s agenda have become quite difficult since the company is pretty secretive. However, some predictions can be made.

In general, Canon will focus on updating product lines and launching new ones, like the ZV-123 instant camera with built-in printer.

Three new PowerShot G series cameras might be announced. We expect the PowerShot G7 X Mark III, PowerShot G5 X Mark II and PowerShot G9 X Mark III to get announced within 2019. Stuff leaked about the PowerShot G7 X Mark III, almost nothing about the other two cameras.

The Canon EOS 80D and EOS 7D Mark II are also ready to be replaced. Rumor has it that Canon may launch one new camera to replace both the EOS 80D and the 7D Mark II. The replacement for the EOS 80D appears to be more likely to be announced this year, we are less confident about the EOS 7D Mark III. Some new Rebels are most likely also on Canon’s agenda. Finally, new Cinema gear and camcorders can be expected to be launched in 2019. We do not think Canon will announced the replacement for the EOS -1D X Mark II in 2019.

A new EOS R model is possible in 2019, although rumors suggest Canon will not announce a new EOS R model. If they do, it will be a high resolution EOS R camera. There are also six new RF lenses Canon already announced they will develop. These six new RR lenses might well be announced in 2019.

And the EOS M system? A new EOS M model is possible in 2019, though we didn’t get any hints so far.

Stay tuned.

Source: Canon Rumors

Next Canon EOS R Firmware Update Coming April 2019

Canon Eos R Firmware Update
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Canon released an advisory about the next firmware update for the Canon EOS R.

The new firmware for EOS R (version 1.2.0) will be available on Canon website from middle of April, 2019.  

Firmware version 1.2.0 incorporates the following enhancements and fixes. 
Enhancements:
1. ​Eye-detection AF 
– Supports Servo AF when shooting still images.
– Now available when shooting movies regardless of “Movie Servo AF” setting.
2. Small AF Frame Size
– Supports Servo AF when shooting still images.
– Now available when shooting movies regardless of “Movie Servo AF” setting.

Fixes:
​1. Under certain conditions the electronic level displayed in the electronic viewfinder did not display properly.
2. Under certain conditions information displayed in the electronic viewfinder was not properly rotated.
3. Under certain conditions updating the firmware for the wireless file transmitter WFT-E7 was not possible.

Samyang MF 85mm f/1.4 RF Review (on Canon EOS R)

Samyang MF 85mm
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De.Light Photo reviewed the Samyang MF 85mm f/1.4 RF, a manual lens for the Canon EOS R system.

From his conclusion:

After first mixed feelings: I am pretty excited about the lens. In terms of the results you get from this lens: it is just wow!!! Very decent images, excellent image quality – if you know how to use the lens. And in terms of useability (nice buttery manual focusing) and weather sealing it is really remarkable.

For whom is this lens for?

– It is made for owners of the R-Mount cameras – but the EF version will show similar results.

– Everybody who likes a lightweight high performance lens.

– When to take the RF Mount version instead of the EF mount? This is a very good question. For my taste: if you have decided to got with the R-Mount and/or you do discontinue with EF Mount: go for it. It is lighter and easier to handle.

– It is more a lens for enthusiasts, for people who like to shoot manual focus.

– But manual focus is so much fun to use on the Canon mirrorless cameras….

But the lens has a bit of weaknesses too:

– It is not native RF: I guess a lens designed for the 54mm bajonett diameter and the short flange distance can be even smaller and lighter

– I miss an EXIF chip – this would be even better

– The minimum focal distance: the 1.1m minimum focal distance is a sad thing. There announcement to bring this value down to 1 m will make it a bit better. I would prefer it much shorter, even shorter than the usual 85 mm…

– Not a real weakness but a wish to the designers @ Samyang: instead of a color mark please but something you can feel that you can mount the lens on the body without looking at it….

But if I look at the lens at a glance:  I give the lens a highly recommended!!!


De.Light Photo’s review of the Samyang MF 85mm f/1.4 RF comes wth a huge set of sample photos.

Deal: Canon EOS R at $1815, EOS R with RF 24-105mm f/4L IS at $2599 (import model)

Canon Eos R With Aps-c
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Canon EOS R at a glance:

Seller einfinityshop4 (99.7% positive ratings) has two good deals on the Canon EOS R.

Please note: this is an import model, 1 year US seller warranty applies. Import models are legally imported from another country through channels other than the maker’s official distribution system.