Canon launched a trio of RF-mount prime lenses: the RF85mm f/2 IS STM, RF600mm f/11 IS STM & RF800mm f/11 IS STM. The three fixed focal length lenses will appeal to advanced amateurs, especially those focusing on wildlife or portrait photography.
The RF85mm f/2 IS STM offers more flexibility with its ability to shoot both portraits and macro, while the RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM offers super telephoto focal lengths of 600mm and 800m respectively at an affordable price.
“With the unique and advanced characteristics of the EOS R platform, we are now able to design compact and lightweight super telephoto lenses that are affordable and easily accessible by advanced amateurs and professional photographers and content creators”, said Benny Yu, Head of Consumer Imaging and Information Division, Canon Marketing (Philippines). “In addition, the RF85mm f/2 IS STM has all the features one expects from a 85mm portrait lens plus additional features such as a half macro and Optical Image Stabilizer within the lens, which enhances its versatility.”
Lightweight, compact and affordable super telephoto lenses
Breaking the traditional notion that Canon’s EF mount super telephoto lenses are expensive, large and heavy, the newly developed RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM are designed to lower the barriers to purchasing super telephotos by making the lenses more affordable, compact and lightweight. This will encourage budding photographers to venture into super telephoto shooting.
By working together with the DIGIC X image processor and high-performance CMOS sensor in the EOS R series cameras, the RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM are capable of delivering high image quality even at high ISO settings despite their affordable price. All made possible with the RF mount technology that made lenses previously impossible to design possible now. Utilizing a single DO (Diffractive optical element) lens instead of the traditional use of multiple lens elements at the front of the RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM has contributed to the lighter lens weight. The single DO lens not only has the optical characteristics of multiple lenses but is able to produce high image quality with reduced chromatic aberration.
High-strength plastics are used for the main construction of both lenses, contributing further to the lightweight design whereas metal parts are used on parts like the lens mount and tripod ring where strength is crucial. The fixed f/11 apertures of both lenses, which omits the need for an aperture adjustment mechanism, also helps reduce the weight. The incredible reduction in weight of the two super telephoto lenses make them possible for handheld use. In fact, the RF600mm f/11 IS STM is approx. 30% of the weight of the much bigger and heavier EF600mm f/4L IS III USM lens. Similarly, the RF800mm f/11 IS STM is approx. 28% of the weight of the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens.
On top of the significant weight reduction, both lenses have a retractable structure which makes them a lot more portable. Users can easily stow the lens away without having to get a dedicated bag just for the lens. The lens barrel can be extended when shooting, while retracting can be done by rotating the lock ring on the mount before storing the lens away. When retracted, the RF600mm f/11 IS STM is 45% of the length of the EF600mm f/4L IS III USM lens. Meanwhile, the RF800mm f/11 IS STM is 61% of the length of the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens when retracted. With the significant downsize, it makes transportation and storage of these lenses a breeze.
The RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM are also compatible with the new Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x for RF lenses, making it possible to achieve a maximum reach of 1600mm (when RF800mm f/11 IS STM is paired with Extender RF 2x).
Image Stabilizer (IS) function to assist in handheld shooting
The RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM are equipped with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer feature. The RF600mm f/11 IS STM achieves an image stabilization (IS) effect of up to 5 stops (based on CIPA standard) and the RF800mm f/11 IS STM achieves an IS effect of 4 stops (based on CIPA standard). The IS function significantly reduces camera shake, which is particularly noticeable in super telephoto shooting and helps to stabilize the image, making it effective to control focus.
Stunning portraits and creative possibilities with macro function
The EF85mm f/1.8 lens has been one of Canon’s best-selling EF lens line up, and the RF85mm f/2 IS STM continues that legacy with its large f/2 aperture, with macro function and Hybrid Image Stabilization for added performance. The 85mm focal length is ideal for portraits while the large f/2 aperture results in dreamy bokeh and low light shooting capabilities.
With a minimum shooting distance of 0.35m and the ability to achieve 0.5x magnification, the RF85mm f/2 IS STM opens up more opportunities for more creative and unique images. This comes in especially useful for wedding photographers who wants a portrait lens that could double up to shoot details of rings and decorations.
When the RF85mm f/2 IS STM is used with the EOS R5, up to 8 stops of image stabilization can be achieved in tandem with the In-Body Image Stabilizer. This feature greatly expands the possibilities of expression especially when a tripod is not available or cannot be used.
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