Canon will release RF versions of the 300mm f/2.8 and 500mm f/4 in early 2022 [CR2]

[MrFotoFool]

A smaller and lighter 500 f4 would be a game changer and would cause a lot of photographers to go into Canon R (if they aren't already). Even their current small and light RF 70-200 2.8 is enough to make me consider to switching back to Canon (I went from EOS to Nikon F two years ago, mostly for the 500 PF lens).

 

[GMCPhotographics]

Yet Sigma had the balls to try it, and refined the design over three revisions. Canon didn't even bother.

I've seen plenty of sports and safari photos shot on the 120-300 that wouldn't have existed without it because, well, it exists and is half the cost of the 300mm 2.8

Is it only half as much lens? Maybe so, but that's better than no lens at all.

Like I said, in my opinion it's a waste of glass and metal. It's AF is ridiculously slow and inaccurate. It's way way heavier than it should be and it's got some serious breathing issues with the optical formula. The build isn't a patch on a Canon L lens either. Put it next to a S/H 300mm f2.8LIS and it'll lose in every metric, and that's an old Canon lens. Canon releases lens revision when there's a good technical upgrade reason to. Sigma put out new revisions every few years with a new paint job...but the same mechanicals.

 

[Fischer]

Agree that the price will likely be between 7.500 to 8.000 USD.

With the "low" RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS price touted today we could see a RF 300mm f/2.8 L IS come out at 6.500$ (maybe I'm hoping against hope here - but certainly the RF 400mm and 600mm were priced very reasonably).

 

[FrenchFry]

Any updates on the 500mm and 300mm RF lens rumors? Early 2022 is just around the corner!

 

[Alan B]

If and when the RF500 comes out, is there any likely hood the EF500f4 MKII will drop in price ?

 

[neuroanatomist]

If and when the RF500 comes out, is there any likely hood the EF500f4 MKII will drop in price ?

Unlikely, if you mean buying new. The 400mm and 600mm EF lenses did not change in price after the RF versions launched. To the extent that the supply of used EF 500mm lenses increases, the cost of used lenses may go down but that hasn't happened with the 400 and 600mm lenses, either. So basically, I'd say don't get your hopes up.

 

[Alan B]

Unlikely, if you mean buying new. The 400mm and 600mm EF lenses did not change in price after the RF versions launched. To the extent that the supply of used EF 500mm lenses increases, the cost of used lenses may go down but that hasn't happened with the 400 and 600mm lenses, either. So basically, I'd say don't get your hopes up.

OK, thanks for the reply and explanation

 

[unfocused]

Unlikely, if you mean buying new. The 400mm and 600mm EF lenses did not change in price after the RF versions launched. To the extent that the supply of used EF 500mm lenses increases, the cost of used lenses may go down but that hasn't happened with the 400 and 600mm lenses, either. So basically, I'd say don't get your hopes up.

A slight clarification is in order. The 400mm and 600mm EF lenses were updated not all that long ago and the 400mm and 600mm RF versions are essentially the same lenses with a new mount. The EF 500mm f4 was rumored to be in line for an update at the same time the 400 and 600 EF lenses were updated. So, the "current" EF 500 lens is a much older model. I expect a new RF 500 will be lighter and have other improvements, making the older EF 500 less desirable and possibly a little (not much) cheaper on the used market.

 

[neuroanatomist]

A slight clarification is in order. The 400mm and 600mm EF lenses were updated not all that long ago and the 400mm and 600mm RF versions are essentially the same lenses with a new mount. The EF 500mm f4 was rumored to be in line for an update at the same time the 400 and 600 EF lenses were updated. So, the "current" EF 500 lens is a much older model. I expect a new RF 500 will be lighter and have other improvements, making the older EF 500 less desirable and possibly a little (not much) cheaper on the used market.

Prices for the ‘less desirable’ used MkII version of the 600/4 didn’t seem to drop, either. But I have no plans to sell mine.

 

[AlanF]

A slight clarification is in order. The 400mm and 600mm EF lenses were updated not all that long ago and the 400mm and 600mm RF versions are essentially the same lenses with a new mount. The EF 500mm f4 was rumored to be in line for an update at the same time the 400 and 600 EF lenses were updated. So, the "current" EF 500 lens is a much older model. I expect a new RF 500 will be lighter and have other improvements, making the older EF 500 less desirable and possibly a little (not much) cheaper on the used market.

The EF 500mm f/4 II is grossly overpriced in the UK (£9559 ~ $13k). It's difficult to understand the pricing. The Sigma 500mm f/4, which has a very good reputation, is half that price. The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF is one third of the price. £6000 for an extra stop over the Nikon just isn't worth it for me: I'd rather go out and buy a new copy of the 500PF and a Z9 for less money. 500 f/4 is betwixt and between the 400/2.8 and 600/4, and would be attractive as a cheaper alternative to its wider shorter length and same f-number longer siblings.

 

[cruso]

is their Any up date on the telephoto Primes they keep bringing new cameras out that fast I cannot keep with them but as for the prime lenses very slow ?

 

[SonicStudios]

I was really hoping 2022 would be the year of the RF 300 and R1. The R5 with the Ninja V+ was a total home run for me. My next step was to move up from R5 to an R1, not interested in anything in between. Then add an RF 300 to my RF primes and call it day.

 

[cruso]

A rf 500 f4 would be nice or 300 2.8 that would take the 1.4 converter I cannot believe that canon brought out the 70-200 2.8 it was stupid because it will not take a 1.4 converter so it was a waste of time ? and I think it will be a flop in comparison to the old ef one

 

[unfocused]

... the 70-200 2.8 it was stupid because it will not take a 1.4 converter so it was a waste of time ? and I think it will be a flop in comparison to the old ef one

Yes it is a terrible flop. Currently out of stock at B&H and Adorama. Used RF versions selling for $400-$500 more than new EF versions. Canon probably hopes they have more flops like that.

 

[neuroanatomist]

I cannot believe that canon brought out the 70-200 2.8 it was stupid because it will not take a 1.4 converter so it was a waste of time ? and I think it will be a flop in comparison to the old ef one

Yes, stupid Canon. It never ceases to amaze me how a few random people on the internet know way more about making and selling cameras and lenses than the global, multibillion dollar company that has dominated the ILC market for two decades.

Speaking for myself, I had the EF 70-200/2.8 IS II for 10 years, and both the 1.4x and 2x TCs (initially the MkII, replaced with the MkIII). I used them regularly with a 300/4 then with the 600/4 II, and occasionally with the TS-E 17/24 and MP-E 65. Over that decade, I used a TC with my 70-200/2.8 maybe 5-6 times. Results were acceptable, but not as good as with the 100-400 or 70-300L.

I sold my EF 70-200/2.8 II and bought the RF 70-200/2.8. I’m very happy with the much shorter collapsed length which makes it easier to pack, and the lighter weight is a great bonus. I’m not at all bothered by the lack of extender compatibility.

Do you supppse maybe Canon did a teensy weensy bit of market research before changing the design of the RF 70-200 lenses? Naaah, they’re stupid, right?

 

[privatebydesign]

...I cannot believe that canon brought out the 70-200 2.8 it was stupid because it will not take a 1.4 converter so it was a waste of time ? and I think it will be a flop in comparison to the old ef one

I sold my EF 70-200/2.8 II and bought the RF 70-200/2.8. I’m very happy with the much shorter collapsed length which makes it easier to pack, and the lighter weight is a great bonus. I’m not at all bothered by the lack of extender compatibility.

I'd think far more people would like the shorter collapsed length than the ability to take TC's, especially when the RF 100-500 is an option for people that wanted to put a TC on their 70-200.

 

[AlanF]

Yes it is a terrible flop. Currently out of stock at B&H and Adorama. Used RF versions selling for $400-$500 more than new EF versions. Canon probably hopes they have more flops like that.

It's readily available from dealers in the UK and also cheaper on the grey market from reliable importers.

 

[YuengLinger]

A rf 500 f4 would be nice or 300 2.8 that would take the 1.4 converter I cannot believe that canon brought out the 70-200 2.8 it was stupid because it will not take a 1.4 converter so it was a waste of time ? and I think it will be a flop in comparison to the old ef one

Using a 1.4x on the EF 70-200mm II was, for me, a waste of time and IQ. And my copy of that lens was otherwise stellar.

Looking forward to learning more about the RF 300mm with a 2x! Hoping it's a prime.

 

[Del Paso]

Using a 1.4x on the EF 70-200mm II was, for me, a waste of time and IQ. And my copy of that lens was otherwise stellar.

Looking forward to learning more about the RF 300mm with a 2x! Hoping it's a prime.

Same here.
My EF 70/200 has never even seen an extender, unlike the 100/400. Someday, i'll buy the RF version, without spending a single thought about using or not using an extender. The RF's compactness weighs far more than extender adaptability in my opinion.

 

[mpmark]

Still waiting on this "500 F/4" you say is coming.