Yesterday we reported that a version II of an existing RF mount lens was coming early in 2024. We weren't told which lens, as the source didn't know for certain, but we wrote about 4 RF lenses that we deemed most likely to receive an new version.
The article brought some more information in our inbox, most of which came from anonymous sources, but a few of them were saying the exact same thing. We will be getting a new RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM with an internal zoom some time in 2024.
We have been told that a lot of Canon sports shooters have stuck with their EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II or III for its internal zoom, even if they're not in love with using an adapter. We have learned since yesterday that a lot of sports shooters find the current RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM quite unbalanced and lacks a “consistency in feel”. A few mentioned that the locations of the rings were difficult to get used to, and felt “cramped”.
This makes a ton of sense to us, but we're not sure if this would be considered a “version II”, or an addition to the current lineup. I think there are likely a lot of people that love the compact size of the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, and that this could just be a case of giving consumers choice.
While there are definitely other lenses the Canon community wants to see, we still expect those lenses to come later this year or early next year, as there will be a slew of new RF lenses announced in the next 6 months.
From a business standpoint, a new internal zoom RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM would likely sell a few more teleconverters for Canon.
We didn't put a rating on this post, as it comes from more than one source, but we feel pretty confident in the likelihood of this coming to fruition.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. |
If this is the 'MkII' lens that has been discussed recently I agree that it may not really be a MkII, though I don't know what Canon would end up calling it otherwise. Add an 'N' for new? Add 'IZ' for internal zoom? I'm sure they'll come up with something.
If this happens, it would clearly provide more evidence that Canon listens to its customer base. Of course, it's manifestly obvious that they do, not that such evidence will sway those who somehow can't accept that Canon doesn't listen to them personally, as they complain here.
Right there with ya, the RF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS was actually what pushed me over the edge to buying an EOS R5 and switching to mirrorless. It's life changing having a 70-200mm the size of a 24-70mm, and I couldn't possibly look back. Definitely makes my 100-400mm feel like a massive lens in comparison when I bring it along.
I totally get the sports argument, though I shoot plenty of sports for newspapers with the RF 70-200 and don't personally feel like it's ever gotten in my way. That said, I definitely get know what they're talking about, as the original EF 70-200 had a super short throw on the zoom ring which was nice.
I don't personally care enough about the zoom throw on the RF 70-200 to sacrifice my love of the compact size, so I don't foresee myself picking this up if it's released as the mark II.
I am thinking they might just vary the design enough such that this will be a 70-210mm f/2.8 or something. Would also be a good opportunity to shift the front filter size from 77mm to 82mm to get it in line with the 15-35 and 24-70.
size and extra cost to a lens and sometimes the lens is already too big and complex (like the 28-70 or 50 1.2).
The EF 70-200 2.8 IS Mk II and III are built like absolute tanks and working photogs will keep their equipment going for at least a decade - most of the 70-200s I see on working news and sports shooters cameras get repair and maintenance several times over their lifespan.
I still prefer the EF L lens build quality and materials over the RF.
If there was one change I could make to the 100-300/2.8, it would be to make the tripod ring removable.
Similar elements in the 28-70 are way larger and heavier. and they still have to move for focusing in a speedy manner, don't think there is any space for IS there. In exchange, you get a big image circle enabling the sensor to move around more, therefore making IBIS effective on its own.
Here is why some people don't like the current RF 70-200/2.8 lens:
But to be clear, it's not the complaints that are annoying, it's the asinine predictions of dire consequences for Canon if those specific individuals' complaints are not addressed.
Bur on the other side, I would find pretty frustrating the lack of TC compatibility.
So probably the best move for Canon could really be having a second line (maybe a 70-180 or 70-210 just to differentiate a little) which features the internal zooming, for people who likes that most, and also sporting the the TC compatibility.
If this move will help having more RF 70-200 "Mark I" on the used market for cheap, well, I think that's only positive, maybe in 10 or 15 years I will be able to afford it ahah; but for now it's a no go, my non-IS EF version is tack sharp, while being my least used lens, and on the used market I only can get 400/500€ for it, that's too much difference to cover to reach the RF lens that would see the least usage of me, too.