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In late 2024, Canon surprised us with the announcement of the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM, a fast zoom in a very small package. Earlier this year, Canon followed that up by launching the RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM.
Both lenses have been well received by the Canon community and for good reasons. This is a new type of lens series from Canon; we didn’t see this in the EF days.
A New ‘Holy Trinity’?
We have made small mentions here and there about a compact 70-200 f/2.8 type of lens in the past. I originally assumed that we were talking about APS-C lenses, but the afformentioned full-frame f/2.8 zooms have changed our view on that.
I think it’s quite clear that Canon isn’t putting a lot of resources into developing RF-S lenses currently. Maybe that’ll change once they start rolling out new crop EOS R cameras.
These new full-frame STM lenses have also garnered interest from APS-C shooters, especially the 16-28mm, which has a 35mm equivalent of 25-45mm, that’s a nice walkabout focal range. Yes, it’s a more expensive option than the RF 24-50 f/4.5-6.3 IS STM that full-frame shooters get, but the focal range is great for a lot of situations, plus you get a faster and constant aperture lens.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have been told through anonymous sources that Canon has a “RF 70-200 f/2.8 IS STM type of lens” coming at some point next year. I’m not sure what “type” means, but maybe it won’t be 200mm on the long end.
RF 28-70 f/2.8 IS STM
Another 70-200 f/2.8 Lens?
Canon currently has 3 70-200mm lenses for the RF mount. We have the $2500 RF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM, the $3300 and brilliant RF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM Z and their little brother the RF 70-200 f/4L IS USM which comes in at around $1500.
The f/2.8 lenses are going to be out of reach for a lot of people, and the f/4 just doesn’t have the same drawing power, even though it’s a great compact lens.
There is room for another f/2.8 70-200 lens in the lineup. Something priced in the neighborhood of the other f/2.8 STM zoom lenses would be an easier pill to swallow for a lot of people. I imagine it would cost a bit more than the other two 2.8s, but nowhere close to $2500+.
Can STM Handle it?
Going back to the “type” quote, perhaps we’ll see something like an RF 70-180mm f/2.8 IS STM? I’m just throwing out an idea for us to think about.
We’ve also improved the focus mechanism, known as a “lead screw type STM (Stepping Motor).” The focus mechanism installed in this lens has been upgraded to the point where it can move lenses that are about twice as heavy as the lenses we used to move.
Canon JapanCan Canon’s new STM focus motor handle doing a telephoto zoom? By the sounds of it, it likely could. The latest STM motors are snappy, silent and accurate.
What has changed since EF?
We never saw these types of lenses in the EF days. At one point, Canon had four different 70-200s to choose from. We had two f/4 variants and two f/2.8 variants. The major difference between the variants was whether or not they had IS. They were all L lenses though.
The EF 70-200mm f/4L USM was around $800, which made it popular with people buying their first 70-200 or L lens. A similar thing would likely happen if Canon did release an f/2.8 70-200 to complete this new ‘Holy Trinity’.
Things that were not possible with the EF mount due to the small amount of communication traffic are now possible with the RF mount thanks to its large capacity and high speed communication. For example, electronic correction of aberrations and IS coordinated control. The amount of data that can be written to the lens itself has also increased, and is several dozen times larger than previous mounts.
Canon JapanThere is going to be the usual “just buy the f/4!” chatter when a lens like this gets a mention. There are going to be some people that will want to spend less money, likely have a lens that is smaller and lighter than the f/4 variant and have the bonus of being a stop faster.
For an event photographer, you’re likely going to prefer an f/2.8 over an f/4. If it costs less money? That’s a bonus too. 70-200s aren’t just about sports, they are used for pretty much every style of photography.
Canon Focus Motors
There is still a level of old thinking when it comes to Canon’s STM out there. Canon has been actively shrinking the size of the motor as well as improving performance in a big way.
Wouldn’t it be nice?
I hope we’re on the path to finding out more about a possible ‘Holy Trinity’ that won’t run you $7000+. Can Canon do one for half the price or less? If they could, they’d have a winner, winner, turkey dinner.
More to come….
The STM in the RF 45mm f/1.2 is unimpressive, I tried the lens last week. It's smooth but very slow.
So far, the only lenses where STM truly seems to be enough are those that don't have that much movement to perform (10-20mm f/4, 16-28mm f/2.8, 28-70mm f/2.8).
I have had no issues with autofocus speed or accuracy. That said the 2.8 STM lenses are a completly different lens design philosophy. The way the focus cluster is designed is really all that matters.
I have had no issues with the 45 as far as autofocus speed and accuracy.
On the other hand, the RF 70-200 f/4 isn't overly expensive, while optically superb and compact...🤔
Continuity seems to be a focus with Canon. We have the VCM (especially) and the f/2.8 Z lens. The two f/2.8 STM lenses feel very similar in form and function.
With the release of the RF 70-200/2,8L Z, an OG RF 70-200/2.8L has become more affordable, especially used.
Meanwhile, there'll be a 70-200 for every ocassion.
What would add something new to the table is an RF 100-300 f/4L. The 70-200 f/4L is so small it could easily be a bit bigger with more reach and be 100mm more amazing for many things.
70-200s are one the most versatile lenses in lineups. They are used for so many things. Events, portrait, wildlife, landscape, general use.... You could shoot some sports with a non-USM motor. Our kids aren't moving at the speed of light like professional athletes.
Most sports Dads aren't going to be dropping $3000 on a lens to shoot Timbits Hockey. 😉 It also becomes far more accessible for people that are shooting with R10s and R50s and that sort of thing.
Canon already makes your preference, so you're good!
Sports are probably what one would shoot less with a budget 2.8.
Its autofocus speed didn't impress me. It's very smooth for a gear type STM, it's the smoothest I ever used (again for a gear type STM), but I found it to be just slightly faster than the 85mm f/2 - I had both side by side.
This is not to trash the lens, I'm actually considering it, but I was hoping for it to be a little snappier.
Yes it does, I'd say the STM implementation in that lens makes it almost as fast as a nano USM, it's great.
24-70 is ok, 24-105 still better.
Just my 2 cents.
They won't make lenses that already exist as such...
Canon RF 70-150mm f/2.8 IS STM Coming To Complete the Trilogy? - Canon Rumors
My preference would still be a 100-300 f/4L. 🙂