When it comes to RF mount lenses, most photographers still rely on Canon to offer them the best products in the market. For many years, the brand has released some of the most innovative lenses that have received rave reviews from both the pros and beginners.
Video Credit: B&H Photo Video
But just as the year is about to end, Canon has announced that it still has something up its sleeve: the RF 7-200 f/2.8L IS USM lens will be released together with another lens before 2019 wraps up.
According to Canon, these two new products will complete the “holy trinity” of RF lenses for the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera system.
Here’s why it could be the best lens yet for any pro photographer:
It is a workhorse for professional photographers
The new RF 7-200 f/2.8L IS USM lens was designed with the hardworking photographer in mind. It is considered a workhorse for events, wildlife, sports and even wedding photography, and it is highly recommended for photographers who love to use the Canon EOS R or EOS RP.
The RF lens is also 27% shorter than its EF counterpart at just 5.69 inches and 27% lighter at just 37.87oz. According to Canon, this is because “a large portion of the lens element arrangement (is) closer to the camera body.
This arrangement is designed to provide photographers with a more balanced feel and experience even at telephoto end of the zoom range.”
It has a lot of firsts in Canon lenses
The RF 7-200 f/2.8L IS USM lens is the first to use two Nano USM motors that offer quiet and smooth autofocus for video shooting and amazing level of speed for still photography autofocus.
It is also the first to feature a floating focus control, which according to Canon, “…shortens focusing distance and help reduce breathing, providing users with fast, consistent and reliable performance.”
The RF 7-200 f/2.8L IS USM lens is also the first RF lens to have a white body, a color that’s usually reserved for the telephoto L-class optics.
It offers loads of useful features for photographers
True to the Canon brand, the RF 7-200 f/2.8L IS USM lens is packed with features including a customizable control ring to adjust shutter speed, ISO, aperture and exposure compensation, a 5-stop image stabilization (IS) system with three IS modes, 17 elements in 13 groups, a Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) to reduce ghosting and flare, and a 12-pin communication system.
The verdict for Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM
Although it’s too early to tell if the RF 7-200 f/2.8L IS USM lens will be as efficient as it is predicted to be, those who were able to test have high praises for its autofocus.
There is, however, a continuing debate on whether Canon should have stuck with a longer lens or not, but it will all boil down to preference.
The Canon RF 7-200 f/2.8L IS USM lens together with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS will be released in the market in late November and December this year respectively. The RF 7-200 f/2.8L IS USM lens will be sold for $2,700.
