Consumer RF mount zoom lenses coming in the first half of 2020 [CR2]

Canon Rumors Guy

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We have been told that Canon will address a big need in the still-evolving lineup of RF mount lenses in the first half of 2020.
While there are a few more RF mount lenses coming in 2020, there will also be a “bunch” of non-L zoom lenses coming in the first half of 2020.
The source claims we will see some unique designs for consumer-grade lenses, including fixed aperture designs alongside variable aperture zooms.
There will also be at least one non-L prime announced, which will most likely be a pancake. A non-L 50mm lens is also in the works and could come later in 2020.
I apologize that the information is vague at the moment, but we hope to confirm this information in the near future.

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Joules

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The source claims we will see some unique designs for consumer-grade lenses, including fixed aperture designs alongside variable aperture zooms.
That doesn't sound like it includes an RF 70-200mm f/4L IS given the same treatment as the f/2.8L. Bummer.
I don’t know, to me it sound exactly like that. An extending 70-200mm 4.0 Is would be pretty unique, right?
 
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An 70-200 f/4L wouldn't fit into the 'non-L zooms' category the rumour is about :) But I sure would appreciate Canon making one!
Maybe it is time for a non-L 70-200 f/4 because the RF 70-200 f/2.8 is so compact that a pro will not buy a more compact / lightweight f/4 alternative anymore.
I tried the f/4 70-200 IS version with adapter on my new RP and it is a looong lens compared to the retracted 2.8 70-200 RF version!
 
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koenkooi

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Maybe it is time for a non-L 70-200 f/4 because the RF 70-200 f/2.8 is so compact that a pro will not buy a more compact / lightweight f/4 alternative anymore.
I tried the f/4 70-200 IS version with adapter on my new RP and it is a looong lens compared to the retracted 2.8 70-200 RF version!

I strongly suspect a non-L would be a f/3.5-5.6, not a constant aperture.
 
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Optics Patent

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I welcome a pancake that puts size as the top priority. A show off “look what we can do” body cap.

I’d expect a pair of kit zooms akin to the Nikon Z50 lenses. Variable aperture and compact. Wide zoom starting at a focal length less than 24 to differentiate. Tele zoom ending above 200. Maybe 18-55 and 55-300. That break at 55 might be low except it’s useful on a future small sensor body.

My wish is for a line of color and contour matched dedicated control ring “conversion adapters” for the big whites that are installed and left in place. Some offering teleconverter capabilities.
 
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Architect1776

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It would be great to see non-L zoom lenses like a 70-200mm f4 or other non-zoom variable aperture non-L zoom lenses. Good to excellent optics but in less robust and expensive constructed barrels. Keep the price point down that way but maintain a high level of optical quality as they did with the FD series lenses as a whole. This will be great for most consumers who do not cover pro football games in the rain but just want good sharp photos edge to edge. Affordable good quality will win.
 
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Architect1776

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A 70-300 f4 zoom(similar to Sigma lens) and an ultrawide zoom similar to Ef-s 10-18mm IS would be really useful.

If Canon could settle on a majority of non-L consumer lenses stay a fixed f4 throughout the range that would be very nice. 300mm would be about max for this concept.
 
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addola

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A 70-300 f4 zoom(similar to Sigma lens) and an ultrawide zoom similar to Ef-s 10-18mm IS would be really useful.
The EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 is a constant aperture, non-L zoom. It would be nice if they have a constant aperture ultra-wide zoom, but I would really want a fast wide-angle pancake prime.
 
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Optics Patent

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Don’t forget that the 24-240 that lists for $899 but cost $500 as an upgrade to the RF kit is context for conzoomer lenses. Updating my prediction above, a $999 pair of wide zoom and tele zoom must extend this range. Maybe to 18-400? 18-100 and 100-400? With the incredible RF 70-200 changing everything (by handling like a do-everything 28-300) and eventually discounting to $1999 maybe the 100-400 should be slotted as a $999 consumer lens, not high end?

A 20-100 and 100-400 would have a mathematical branding sense to them. 5x and 4x gives intuitive 20x that differentiates from the 10x 24-240. The 20-100 can retail for $499 but never sell that way and instead sell $1249 RP kits (Or $749 small sensor?). $1999 if you include the 100-400. Merry Christmas 2020!

Mind you that with all the miraculous corrections turned off and with high performance high ISO sensors these are crappy corner-cutting lenses. But that doesn’t matter because as a system they create great images for their owners. The way I think about L lenses is that they do great work even with all the corrections turned off. Which is fine if you have $2300 for a fast 50.

I understand from a private conversation between a close relative and a Canon executive on the medical imaging side is that their camera market is 15% of what it once was. My take is that the only things they can sell any more are “not a phone”.

I chuckle at the reviewers that point out the uncorrected weaknesses of modern consumer lenses. Imagine if they could deconstruct an iPhone and bemoan the images generated by the lens. But lenses don’t create images. Cameras do. (Actually, photographers do).
 
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Optics Patent

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Lots of comments wishing for constant aperture but less than the L series. I think that’s off track for this segment. This isn’t about helping enthusiasts get more affordable awesome lenses. It’s about selling a big zoom range to non-photographers who aspire to look cool with a clunky camera and use their camera like a point and shoot on the green icon auto setting and never look at the menus.

Cost and zoom range are all that matter. Durability and image quality are good enough even at their worst. A few may even turn out to be useful little gems for enthusiasts like us.
 
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