A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming

Craig Blair
3 Min Read
Canon RF-S 15-70 F4 IS STM Mockup
Canon RF-S 15-70mm F4 IS STM Mockup

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Most of us out there are convinced that Canon is going to announce the EOS R7 Mark II in the next couple of months. We're looking at announcement coming in May or June of this year, at least that's what all the signs point to.

With the new “flagship” APS-C EOS R camera, we can also expect at least one higher-end zoom with the “RF-S” badge.

New RF-S Lenses

I do expect at least two new RF-S lenses that are up market from the current offerings this year. I would think a constant aperture zoom lens as well as a new prime would be logical developments.

I have been told that Canon will announce an RF-S 15-70mm F4 IS STM alongside the EOS R7 Mark II. For those hoping for an F2.8, that doesn't appear to be in the cards.

Canon does have the RF 16-28 F2.8 IS STM that would work just fine on crop cameras, even if it only hits the 35mm equivalent of 50mm. The RF 28-70 F2.8 IS STM is another option, but 28mm on the wide end with APS-C isn't the best.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

No EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM Replacement?

I don't think we're going to see another lens like the EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM for the EOS R system. Canon seems to be prioritizing reduction in size and weight with a lot of their Non-L zoom lenses.

A “prosumer” F4 RF-S zoom would sell extremely well, Canon has had no issue selling RF 24-105 F4L IS USM lenses, and this would be a Non-L version of that for crop cameras.

STM and not VCM?

I imagine STM is a more cost effective autofocus solution for non-L lenses as well as the ultra-wide L lenses that don't require moving a bunch of elements great distances. Canon has shrunk the size of the latest generation of STM motors making it an ideal solution for smaller and lighter lenses.

More things should trickle out throughout April as we get closer to May, which is usually a big announcement month in the industry. Hopefully we can still have nice things when the time comes and there aren't any delays.

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Craig is the founder and editorial director for Canon Rumors. He has been writing about all things Canon for more than 17 years. When he's not writing, you can find him shooting professional basketball and travelling the world looking for the next wildlife adventure. The Canon EOS R1 is his camera of choice.

4 comments

  1. Well, a 15-70 f/4 would be a great addition to the lineup. Kind of a jack of many trades type of lens, an APS-C version of something like the well-liked 24-105 f/4L. In fact, in terms of field of view equivalent, it would be a 24-113 mm lens. I'd buy the lens on its own merit for any APS-C R body really.
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  2. Well, a 15-70 f/4 would be a great addition to the lineup. Kind of a jack of many trades type of lens, an APS-C version of something like the well-liked 24-105 f/4L. In fact, in terms of field of view equivalent, it would be a 24-113 mm lens. I'd buy the lens on its own merit for any APS-C R body really.
    Should be a perfect kit lense for the R7 mkII if it's sharp enough.
    • 0

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