Canon Officially Announces the RF 20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ

[Canon Rumors]

Canon has officially announced their first ever L series zoom lens starting at 20mm. It is also the first full-frame lens from Canon that features Power Zoom functionality. The great thing about this lens is that it is made for both photographers and videographers with its dual function zoom ring. You can either use the […]

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[neuroanatomist]

And...ordered. Shipping date is listed as July 24th.

 

[ScreensMatter]

This lens seems fantastic, well done for making a lens that is a true hybrid for photo and video. Is it possible for them to apply the same concept to a telephoto zoom? I sure it is possible!

 

[neuroanatomist]

Is it possible for them to apply the same concept to a telephoto zoom? I sure it is possible!

I might be possible. Might not. The zooming groups in the RF 20-50/4 PZ are relatively small and still need to be driven by two Nano USMs.



The issue would be that a telephoto zoom (e.g., 70-200mm), the lens groups that would need to move with zooming are going to be much larger and heavier than those in the RF 20-50/4. Here are the zooming groups in the RF 70-200/2.8L Z, for example:



That zooming group is larger than the two focusing groups in that lens, and each focusing group has its own Nano USM. In other words, it might not be possible with Nano USM (though they could use Ring USM). The other issue is the travel distance. The zooming groups would need to move much further in a telephoto zoom, and that may present a problem for a repurposed AF motor, I'm not sure.

The other issue is a marketing one – the RF 70-200/2.8L Z lens already exists and with the PZ-E2 accessory mounted it is a Power Zoom lens meaning Canon already sells what you're asking for. But it's not a cheap setup...

OTOH, they could conceivably make an 70-200mm f/4L PZ lens to match the new 20-50/4L. Time will tell.

 

[neuroanatomist]

Bryan/TDP provides a more complete description of the zoom functionality, which turns out to be both of the options that were debated (rocker switch vs. free rotation). That is consistent with what's suggested by the zoom markings on the lens.

When the zoom ring is rotated within the focal length numbers range, the zoom ring provides conventional manual control, though it [is] still electronically powered. Pulling back on the spring-loaded PZ/MZ zoom mode selector switch opens the gate, enabling zoom ring rotation into the W—T range, where the zoom ring electronically imparts adjustments at the rate selected by rotation angle.

 

[Del Paso]

Just got confirmation of my order.
Mine shall be delivered on June 24 to the store in Stuttgart, Germany.

 

[neuroanatomist]

Just got confirmation of my order.
Mine shall be delivered on June 24 to the store in Stuttgart, Germany.

B&H says July 24, not June 24. I wonder which it will actually be.

 

[ChyckenPotPie]

The new rear lens cap is the real story today!