The end of 2018 is quickly approaching and all of the planned goodies from Canon have been announced for the year. Over the next couple of days, we'll be posting polls that will cover your favourite new Canon lens of 2018, your favourite new third-party lens of 2018 as well as your favourite new camera from Canon in 2018.
First up, vote for your favourite new lens from Canon in 2018! (Poll at the bottom of the article)
A few of the lenses in the poll haven't shipped as of yet, but with Canon's ability to make killer L, and super telephoto lenses, I think it's safe to assume the performance of all these lenses will be there. This poll is your “favourite”, not “best”.
We will announce the results on Monday, December 31, 2018.
The Contenders
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM $1099
The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a premium walkaround lens from Canon’s new line of RF lenses within their EOS R full-frame mirrorless system. Characterized by its exceptional focal range and a fixed maximum aperture of f/4, this highly versatile piece of glass is great for capturing more of a scene at the widest focal length, zooming in on faraway objects from a distance at the longest focal length, and covering a variety of shooting scenarios in between. Its nine rounded aperture blades are also designed to produce pleasing circular and velvety smooth bokeh. Shooting sharper images, even in low-light conditions, is made easier with up to five stops of image stabilization.
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM $2999
The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM provides a unique blend of quality and versatility. With a wide-angle to a portrait-length focal range and an impressive constant maximum aperture of f/2, this bright, all-around zoom lens is capable of utilizing faster shutter speeds and delivering professional-quality images for different photography niches like portraiture, landscape, wedding photography, and photojournalism. It’s also capable of performing well in low-light conditions and delivering exceptional bokeh quality with its nine rounded aperture blades, both for isolating subjects and adding more dramatic results while taking photos and recording videos. Equipped with Canon’s reliable Ultrasonic Motor (USM) ring, users can expect fast and quiet AF performance, as well as seamless manual focus control.
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM $499
Known for providing the most natural perspective, the 35mm is yet another photography staple that many shooters simply can’t leave home without. The RF 35MM F/1.8 IS MACRO STM from Canon’s new EOS R full-frame mirrorless system is a versatile tool that can be utilized for travel shooting, close-up work, landscape photography, and more. Compact, lightweight, and travel-friendly, this wide-angle macro prime offers 0.5x magnification with a minimum focusing distance of 6.7 inches, plus it has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 for incredible low-light capabilities and a rounded 9-blade diaphragm for beautiful bokeh. The integrated Dual Sensing IS (5-stop image stabilization) helps combat camera shake while the STM motor ensures silent focusing—both of which make this a great videography lens.
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM $2299
The 50mm prime is a staple lens in every photographer’s arsenal, which is why the RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is an integral part of Canon’s new EOS R full-frame mirrorless system. Designed to deliver tack-sharp results even in low-light situations, this 50mm lens has a large maximum aperture of f/1.2 for increased light-gathering power and stunning bokeh, as well as a ring-type USM AF system for fast and ultra-precise focusing. Like the other core lenses of the EOS R system, it features a tactile control ring near the front of the lens that allows you to adjust exposure settings such as shutter speed and aperture without taking your eye off the electronic viewfinder.
Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM $479
The compact and lightweight EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM is an excellent choice for advanced photographers and videographers looking for high-end, impressive image quality when using their EOS M series camera. The large, f/1.4 maximum aperture helps to let in lots of light for eye-catching detail and color accuracy, while the 32mm focal length, equivalent to 51mm on a full-frame camera, helps you capture breathtaking images and videos in a wide variety of situations. Capture stunning headshots, gorgeous day-to-day moments of the world around you and more, and unlock your imaging potential with the portable and powerful EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II $1299
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS Series II merges performance and portability with its high-quality optics, versatile zoom range, compact lens design, and a durable, weather-sealed body. Designed to supplement various types of photography, from fast-paced sports to portraiture, this lens offers a wide telephoto focal range and a constant f/4 maximum aperture, which ensures consistent low-light capabilities throughout all focal lengths. It also features nine rounded aperture blades for pleasing bokeh, as well as Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization technology, which offers five stops of camera shake correction and a new third mode that delivers active stabilization only during exposure to help conserve battery.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III $2099
Featuring Canon’s most advanced optics and lens technologies, the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS III USM is a versatile L-series telephoto zoom lens with a fast constant f/2.8 maximum aperture for a wide range of shooting conditions. From portraiture to sports and wildlife photography, this lens offers an impressively narrow depth of field that’s great for exposing low-light scenes and isolating subjects with the smoothest out-of-focus blur. Fast, quiet, and highly accurate focusing is made even easier with its ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) and internal focusing system, which also offers full-time manual focus override and a shorter minimum focusing distance of 3.9 feet (1.2 meters). Its 3.5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer allows more freedom to shoot handheld by effectively reducing camera shake.
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III $11999
The EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM offers you the superb image quality of a Canon L series super telephoto in a new, lightweight form that makes it the world’s lightest 400mm f/2.8 lens*. A meticulous optical redesign means reduced flare and ghosting thanks to Super Spectra Coating (SSC) and Air Sphere (ASC), a shorter minimum focusing distance and additional comfort and portability. Advanced heat-rejecting paint helps you shoot for longer periods of time even under the hot sun. The operation is made easy with full-time manual AF, while two focus presets to help you quickly dial in the spot you want. Combining sharp image quality with high operability, professionals and advanced photographers can take the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM anywhere in order to capture masterful shots of nature, sports and beyond.
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III $12999
Get ready to capture the action. The EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM offers professional and advanced photographers the excellent image quality of a Canon L series super telephoto lens and is the world's lightest 600mm f/4.0 lens^. For brilliantly clear results even in challenging situations, Super Spectra Coatings (SSC) and Air Sphere Coatings (ASC) help minimize ghosting and flare. The inclusion of heat-rejecting paint and two-layer barrel structure helps you shoot longer even in hot weather. Usability is further improved with a shorter minimum focusing distance, full-time manual AF and two easily selectable focus presets to help you quickly dial in the shot you want. Highly versatile, the EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM makes it easy to bring the action clear and up close in virtually any situation.
I chose the RF 50mm 1.2L, and the list disappeared, replaced with a video link and the caption, "Thank you for voting!"
The 85L IS was my favourite this year, picking up the very earliest which were available here in Frankfurt am Main. Great lens!
I second that, it is exactly my thought about this poll, too. Maybe for a different reason.
My favorite lens of the year would be any of these (if they existed):
EF-S 15mm f/2
EF-S 22mm f/2 IS
EF-S (or EF, but not L) 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 IS USM
EF-S 85mm f/2 IS USM (with less focus shift problems than the Tamron)
I know that it is not likely to get any of them, though...
Allthough Canon showed very interesting things with the new RF line.
That's where my vote went to. But you should also have the choice to show that you were not satisfied with the offer.
2018 was a monster year for lenses from Canon.
For me personally, only the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III will find its way into my bag on a permanent basis. I'll give the RF 28-70mm f/2L a whirl too.
Perhaps I could have worded the poll question differently.
I think it's pretty safe to say there won't be any new EF-S lenses from Canon except minor upgrades of kit lenses and other low-end lenses.
These are the lenses of the year. Canon will be paying more attention to actual sales than this poll, so don't feel bad if your true opinion must be written out rather than tabulated.
Meanwhile, I'm holding on to my 10 year old Samsung 46 inch TV with no plans of upgrading for another couple of years. And I'm going to keep using $30 by-the-month flip-phones. I'm borrowing books from the library instead of buying print or digital. Rarely eating at restaurants. Why? Because I fully expect Canon to release a FF mirrorless successor to the inveterate 5D IV. In other words, I want one of the RF lenses on the above list, but I can certainly "get by" and have extra time to save up.
Happy New Year!:geek:
And the RF 50mmf1.2 is definitely a class of its own...
Don't get fooled if you are disappointed of the "R"....
I have chosen the EF-M because for ME it is THE lens in terms of its unique combination of IQ, size, weight, MFD and price. While not having used the RF 50mm prime I think it is a mini-version of that beast.
Certainly a simple thread like that won't be inundated by the usual bitching and moaning that ruins most every thread on CR, will it?
Oops, I guess bitching and moaning is unstoppable on this forum.