We were told that development for RF mount super telephoto lenses is underway and that internal documents show that an RF 500mm f/4L IS USM will be the first super telephoto lens for the RF mount.
In the past, we've also been told that an RF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM was also under development, though we have yet to see any RF related patents for super telephoto lens design.
Canon tends to announce super telephoto lenses in pairs, so an RF 300mm f/2.8L IS and RF 500mm f/4L IS being announced alongside each other wouldn't be a surprise.
No timeline was given for such lenses, and I wouldn't think RF mount super telephoto lenses would come until we get that EOS-1D level EOS R body, which is still a ways away.
Thanks Dr Grammar
Its early yet. I mean, they're coming out with, what, their 5th RF lens very soon.
I'll be waiting a while longer before I consider a new body. A couple of generations might encourage a purchase.
This all is predicated on the new 500 not weighing more than the 400 DO II and not being longer than 400 DO X2 and I wouldn't be surprised that's doable... and being somewhat affordable - ugh, now that's another issue.;)
And another thought - they need to get the MFD or these down since they can be very handy for semi-macro work with bugs, etc. Oh, and wouldn't a built-in 1.4X be just so sweet.
So far I see the 600 as just too awkward for hiking around with and not being tied to a tripod is a big plus.
Jack
Jumping from the 300 2.8 II I got similar weight and a slimmer throat along with more reach but didn't appreciate the loss of MFD.
Now we have a lighter 400 2.8 but the performance seems to be quite compromised with the extenders.
When it's all said and done, we're really blessed with great glass no matter how you cut it and yet we, I mean I, long for more reach in a lighter package. The length is not quite as important as the weight but it does factor in relative to airline carry on stipulations and how one manages all the gear.
Jack
When you went from the 300/2.8 to the 400/4, it got lighter because of the 1-stop narrower aperture, and it didn’t get much longer because of the DO element.
1) This would be a sure sign that a sports/action version R body is coming sooner rather than later.
2 )I would not be surprised to see a "development announcement" with the actual release date coming after a new R is announced.
I'm aware that you don't read this forum, however I suggest to create two versions of big whites lenses: EF and RF.
For new and older shooters
Cheers
A.