A couple of days ago we posted about an RF 14-21mm f/1.4L and another “crazy” prime lens would be coming as well. A couple of unknown folks have let us know that an RF 135mm f/1.4L USM is in “some kind of development”, possibly alongside an RF 135mm f/1.8L USM.
One of the sources claims that an RF 135mm lens was shown in a roadmap presentation, but no speed or other specifications were shown, though “f/1.4 or f/1.8” was verbally mentioned. However, it was listed as coming in “late 2020+”.
As with anything [CR1], please take this info with a grain of salt.
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The current 135mm f/2L is black, and AFAIK, only L lenses >=200mm are white.
Honestly the current 135mm f2 could easily be pushed to f1.8 with a 77mm front thread. Then add a great IS unit and be done with it. Super light...super sharp and super capable. Make it's MFD to around 1m and it'll be amazing. A viable prime alternative to a 70-200 f2.8 LIS.
It seems Canon are only concerned in making colossal over sized lenses for the tiny cameras on the Rf mount.
The 135 f2 is showing its age, compared to the Sigma f1.8 and the Samyang f2 it's pretty lousy with softness and CA all over the place. It needed to be upgraded to a II about a decade ago.
Back in 1996 it was stunning. Even by 2009 it was still a good lens. Today it's just another old lens bypassed in Canon's obsession with new-shiny-sexy.
I wonder who works on Canon's assembly lines for lenses like that. It must be tough on their morale.
I have the CN-E version of this lens and I love. It and the 85 are my primary interview lenses. I’ve even put it on one of my 5D’s and shot stills with it and it performed well.
All that being said, a ‘super speed’ version of the 135 would be incredible. But as someone who has demo’d the sigma 105 T1.5, a 135 that speed will not be light(weight), even in a stills configuration. But the weight of most still lenses don’t bother me.
The 28-300mm is >200mm on the long end.
Not as glamorous but important for the RP
I see a future where I adapt Canon RF lenses on Nikon Z-mount bodies. :LOL:
Canon have all their sales statistics, and they are aware of market trends not just what they are doing but also competitors including smart phones. Given how many years it took for Sony to get into a leading position, Canon are now reacting super fast. Developing lenses is time consuming and expensive.