Mounting Up: Where Does RF-S Sit In Canon’s Lens Ecosystem?
With the arrival of the RF-S series lenses for the new APS-C cropped format EOS R mirrorless range, Canon now has five lens systems on the go – EF, EF-S, EF-M, RF and RF-S. As with EF and EF-S, RF and RF-S share the same lens mount but, differently to the DSLRs, you’re able to fit RF-S lenses to the fullframe EOS R bodies that will, of course, switch to the cropped format… so the effective focal ranges will be the same. And, also as with the full-frame mirrorless bodies, you can fit EF and EF-S lenses via the three mount adapters that Canon currently has available – the EF-EOS R, the EF-EOS R Control Ring adapter or the circular polariser alternative. If you’re planning to switch from your APS-C format EOS DSLR then it’s nice to know that you can keep using your EF-S lenses until there are RF-S alternatives or you have the budget to change over.
The new EOS R10 is also being targeted at users of the EF-M cameras such as the M50/50 II and M6/6 II, so what happens with your EF-M lenses if you decide to switch to the EOS R system? Things aren’t so straightforward here as there isn’t a direct EF-M to R adapter (some tricky technicalities prevent it). So you’d have to go EF-M to EF to R, which a bit clumsy and we’re not sure what functions would be retained via the doubleadapter arrangement.
The new RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM – which is equivalent to 29-72mm – makes the most of the size reductions possible with the mirrorless camera configuration, so it’s just 44.3mm in length and weighs in at 130g. The optical construction comprises seven elements in seven groups with internal focusing and optical image stabilisation. Autofocusing is via a stepping motor (STM) for smoother adjustment when shooting video.
The RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is equivalent to 29-240mm, which makes it handy for a range of applications, especially as a versatile lens for travel photography. It measures 84.5mm in length and weighs a very manageable 310g. The optical construction comprises 17 elements in 13 groups, again with internal focusing via an STM. It also incorporates optical image stabilisation for up to seven stops of correction for camera shake.
Available as separate purchases, the RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is priced at $569 and the RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM at $899. Both will be available in July and are backed by a five-year warranty if purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller.
For more information visit www.canon.com.au.