Three New Canon Lenses: Which Ones For You?

Canon recently released 3 new lenses. The telephoto RF 200-800mm f6.3-9 IS USM, the Hybrid RF 24-105mm F2.8L IS USM Z and the ultra-wide-angle RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens.

We were fortunate enough to be able to get our hands on all three and sent out our very own Ben Wright to see what they could do.

See what he makes of them in this video!

Canon RF 200-800mm f6.3-9 IS USM Lens

First off, we have the 200-800mm f6.3-9 IS USM. The lens features a compact design, measuring approximately 314mm and weighs in at 2050g which is pretty light when you consider the vast focal length that it covers. The construction consists of three UD lenses along with a super spectra coating to reduce chromatic aberration, ghosting and flare.

Using Handheld

While a monopod proved extremely useful for shooting at the zoom end of the lens (especially with the 2x extender attached) I found the lens to be well balanced and very easy to change focal lengths while using handheld even at the 800mm end of the lens. This is due to the Nano USM motor that provides fast, smooth and quiet autofocus and up to 5.5 stops of optical image stabilisation.

Teleconverter Compatible

The lens is compatible with both 1.4x and 2x RF extenders, allowing you to increase your potential focal length up to 1600mm. Here we can see images taken at 200mm, 800mm and 1600mm with the 2x RF Extender attached.

200mm
800mm
1600mm (2x Extender attached)

Conclusion

This lens is very impressive in terms of size and weight when you take into consideration the vast focal length that it covers. I didn’t feel too overwhelmed by carrying this around with me and I found it to be very well balanced. I did struggle with the reduced aperture at times but it was not ideal weather conditions for this sort of shooting at all as it was overcast. I also didn’t get a huge amount of options in terms of subjects to shoot. Had I been able to spend a day with just this lens I would have chosen a zoo or sporting event to highlight its features but I did what I could with what was there.

A very solid telephoto lens and a pretty astonishing focal length for the price.

Key Features:

Super Telephoto Zoom
Nano USM
Up to 5.5 stops of Optical Image Stabilisation
Dust & Moisture Resistant
Super Spectra Coating
UD Lens Elements
Combined Focus/ Control Ring

Click here to view full specifications>

Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Next up, we have the ultra-wide RF-S 10-18mm lens which has been made for APS-C sensor mirrorless cameras. Weighing in at only 150g and being incredibly compact this is an ideal travel lens that lends itself to landscape, architecture and street photography.

Perfect for Vlogging

The RF-S 10-18mm also lends itself to vlogging thanks to its wide-angle of view and STM motor that delivers fast, smooth and quiet focusing. The lens features up to 4 stops of optical image stabilisation but is capable of up to 6 stops when used with compatible EOS R series camera bodies so that you can capture shake-free images even when using handheld.

Conclusion

The RF-S 10-18mm surprised me the most as this was a lot of fun to use. It weighs so little that you don’t even notice that its there and I was pleasantly surprised with the images I got however there was some vignetting when shooting at 10mm. It was very easy to use and a great lens to carry around with you all day.

Key features

10-18mm ultra-wide zoom
0.5x magnification
Up to 6-Stops combined IS
STM motor
Compact and lightweight
PMo and UD elements

Click to view full specifications >

Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8L IS USM Z Lens

World's First

And finally, we have the RF 24-105mm F2.8L IS USM Z Lens and this is something truly special as this is the world’s first 24-105mm ever to have an f2.8 aperture. This makes it perfect for photographers and videographers alike. This gives you a whole stop extra to play with when compared to other lenses of this focal length which can come in very handy for low-light situations and, of course, for creating shots with fantastic depth of field.

Versatile Focal Length

The RF 24-105mm F2.8L versatile focal length reduces the need to change lenses while out in the field.

24mm
105mm at a distance
105mm up-close

A True Hybrid Lens

The RF 24-105mm is a true hybrid lens that has been designed for photographers and cinematographers alike. The lens comes equipped with an Optical Image Stabiliser capable of up to 5.5 stops of stabilisation. This is incredibly useful for videographers who want to shoot handheld. This can be increased up to 8 stops when combined with a compatible camera such as the R5 to ensure get shake-free images and improved performance with or without a gimbal.

Conclusion

The RF 24-105mm F2.8L was the lens that I looked forward to the most and it certainly delivered. It is a heavier and larger lens than other lenses of this focal length but when you factor in the f2.8 aperture and versatile range it wasn't even an issue. The lens was incredibly easy to use with the Iris ring making aperture changes seamless and the zoom ring was easy to adjust with my thumb for effortless positioning. The f2.8 aperture was immensely helpful for low-light and for dialling in those dreamy bokeh shots and the versatile focal length allowed me to attain most of the shots that I was looking for.

Nothing negative to say about this lens. I would happily own one.

Key Features

Professional Standard Zoom for Video and Stills
f/2.8 Constant Aperture
4 UD Elements and 3 Aspherical Elements
ASC and Super Spectra Coatings
Iris Ring
5-5 stop Optical Image Stabiliser
8-stops Co-ordinated IS (OIS + IBIS)
11-Blade Circular Aperture
Dual Nano USM Motor
Focus Breathing Suppression
Electronic Parfocal Focus Stability While Zooming

Click here for full product specifications >

Thank you!

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog, we really do hope they help you out and answer some of your questions. If you still have some unanswered, then please feel free to get in touch with our team of experts.

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By Ben Wright
30 Nov 2023