It’s no surprise that Canon’s goal for 2020 was all about its full-frame mirrorless system. With a relatively new lens mount and camera system, Canon spent this year growing the camera and lens sides of the RF mount. On the camera side, there were, of course, the hotly anticipated EOS R5 and ROS R6 releases, and for lenses, the company brought out five new optics, with a pretty noticeable emphasis on the telephoto end of the spectrum. Let’s review Canon’s lens releases from 2020.
RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM
The first lens of the year is one of those lenses that doesn’t necessarily excite and dazzle but is one of those standards that’s important to a comprehensive lens system. The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a straightforward, compact zoom covering wide to telephoto fields of view. Its slightly slower variable maximum aperture of f/4-7.1 gives it an edge in terms of compactness, and an image stabilizer counters this loss of speed with more efficient camera shake reduction.
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One of the other unique features of this lens is a center macro focus position, which offers an impressive 1:2 maximum magnification ratio for working with close-up subjects. The zoom uses an STM autofocus motor that is quick and quiet and, like other RF lenses, there is also a configurable control ring that can be set to adjust aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation.
RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
Increasing in reach, Canon’s second lens of the year is one that had been anticipated for a while beforehand: the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM. It’s the first super-tele zoom for the system, the sole L-series lens of 2020, and filled a missing gap for RF-mount shooters looking for reach and versatility for wildlife and sports applications.
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As an L-series lens, this 100-500mm naturally has some impressive optics, including six ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements and one super UD element that effectively eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing throughout the zoom range. And, as a lens intended for working with fast-moving subjects, it also has an advanced dual nano USM focus system and an image stabilizer and is weather sealed with fluorine-coated outer elements.
RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
A short-tele prime with close-focusing capabilities, the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a double-duty lens that’s as perfectly compact for everyday walk-around portraiture as it is for detailed macro shooting. Even though it’s not the fastest lens out there, the 85mm focal length is a flattering focal length and is suitable for picking out details and isolating subject matter. On the other hand, its 1:2 maximum magnification and 1.2' minimum focusing distance are perfect for close-up work.
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This lens, too, has an optical image stabilizer to control camera shake, uses an advanced optical design to realize high clarity, and features an STM AF system that benefits both photo and video applications as well as supports full-time manual focus override.
RF 600mm f/11 IS STM and RF 800mm f/11 IS STM
We’ll take the last two lenses together because there’s really more that’s similar about them than differentiates them. You can tell just by reading their product names that the RF 600mm f/11 IS STM and RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lenses are rather unique. These sleek primes offer the huge focal lengths of a typical super-telephoto lens, except that they’re a fraction of the size, weight, and price. Positioned as enticing super-tele options for hikers, birders, or even sports shooters, these lenses give you the desired reach in a hand-holdable package.
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There is, of course, the notably slow f/11 maximum aperture that must be considered but, given their intended use and inclusion of an image stabilizer, they’re still viable options for daylight and monopod-based work. Both lenses have a semi-retractable design that contributes to the sleek packable size and both also use dual-layer diffractive optics to control various aberrations and cut down on size and weight. Like other lenses from 2020, these also sport STM focusing systems, have configurable control rings, and are compatible with the Extender RF 1.4x and 2x teleconverters to further increase your reach.
Image may be NSFW.
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What are your thoughts on Canon’s lens releases from 2020? What’s your pick for the company’s lens of the year? What are you hoping to see from Canon in 2021? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section, below.
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