Telezoom And Macro Expand Canon RF System Capabilities
While the fixed-aperture supertelephoto lenses from Canon are creating quite a stir, they’re not the only interesting new lenses added to the RF mount system. The new RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM telezoom is another example of what’s achievable when you don’t have to worry about a reflex mirror. Consequently, the 100-500mm is pretty much the same size and weight as the EF mount 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, with a length of 207.6mm (versus 193mm) and a weight of 1,370g (versus 1,380g, both minus the tripodmounting collar). It has built-in optical image stabilisation giving up to five stops of correction for camera shake (and up to six stops when used on the R5 or R6), and uses Canon’s Dual Nano USM AF focusing drive for faster and quieter operation. The minimum focusing distance is 90cm that gives a useful maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.
The optical construction employs 20 elements in 14 groups, with one a Super UD type and six UD types. These special elements have ultra-low dispersion characteristics to help minimise chromatic aberrations.
Multi-coating is via Canon’s Air Sphere Coating (ASC) technology. This combines the conventional vapour-deposited multilayer coatings with an outermost layer that boasts an ultra-low refractive index for more effective correction for ghosting and flare.
Other features of the new RF 100-500mm telezoom include a nine-blade diaphragm (for smoother out-of-focus effects), a detachable tripod-mounting collar, the RF system’s multifunction control ring (to set apertures, shutter speeds, ISO or exposure compensation) and screwthread filter fitting of 77mm. The RF 100-500mm is compatible with the two new RF teleconverters which give a focal range of 140-700mm (1.4x) or 200-1000mm (2.0x).
The new RF 85mm f/2.0 Macro IS
STM focuses down to 35cm to give a reproduction ratio of 1:2 or half lifesize.
Its optical stabilisation provides up to five stops of correction for camera shake on the earlier EOS R bodies or up to eight stops in combination with the IBIS system in the EOS R5 and R6.
The optical construction comprises 12 elements in 11 groups, including one element with ultra-low dispersion characteristics. Autofocusing is via a stepping motor (STM) for faster and smoother operation. The 85mm macro has a nine-blade diaphragm and accepts screwthread filters with a diameter of 67mm. It’s 90.5mm in length and weighs in at 500g.
The new teleconverters – Canon officially labels them “extenders” – have been specifically designed to match the three new RF telephoto lenses and have weather-sealed constructions, a heat shield coating and maintain full autofocusing with EOS R bodies. The 1.4x model has an optical construction which comprises seven elements in four groups and results in onestop reduction in exposure. The 2.0x model’s optical construction employs nine elements in five groups, giving a two-stop reduction in exposure. Both employ high-refraction, lowdispersion optical glass.
The new RF 100-500mm telezoom is priced at $5,799, and the RF 85mm macro at $1,290. The RF Extender 1.4x is $1,110 and RF Extender 2.0x is $1,340. All will be available locally from August and are covered by Canon Australia’s five-year warranty for product purchases made in Australia.