Canon released a flurry of announcements leading up to CP+ including the development of the EOS R5 and a new RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L telephoto. The company also shared that it would be releasing 9 RF lens options in 2020. We have our first with the RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM which costs only $399.
Key Features
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Customizable Control Ring
- 12-pin Communication System
- RF Mount
The inexpensive lens is compact and lightweight. Many will look at it as an entry-level or kit lens but it's not to be ignored completely. For how much I question Canon positioning some of its products, I like what they're doing here. They're expanding the EOS R system in an affordable way without giving up too much capability.
Optically, it's designed with 13 elements in 11 groups with one aspherical lens element. It has a 7 blade aperture design and up to 5 stops of optical image stabilization at 105mm when paired with an EOS R camera. The lens is an external zoom which means the lens length will change as you zoom. Some external zooms have an issue with zoom creep. It's when the lens is tipped forward and the force of gravity changes the zoom position. You won't need to worry about it on this Canon lens.
What might be sticking out to most is the F4-7.1 aperture. Yes, it's slower at longer focal lengths when compared to the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM, but it costs $600 less. Canon has made this lens with affordable portability in mind. However, it will be interesting to test both out and see the results. Rounding out its features, the lens uses a stepping motor (STM) for autofocus, and though STM lenses can be a bit slower than USM focusing, I do think it's better suited for video shooters as it's less jarring. It also has a 0.7-1.12 ft (0.2-0.34m) minimum focusing distance which means you can get close to subjects and still be in focus. The lens also has the same customizable control ring as other RF lenses that allows you to set it to adjust focus, shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, among others.
There are currently 11 RF lenses with 9 8 more RF optics yet to be released in 2020. We already know about the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L and the two Extenders (1.4x, 2.0x). We have no details about the remaining 5. Until then, the RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM is by far the least expensive RF lens to date at $399—which is available now. Here's hoping we see more similar price points in the future.
Specs
- Focal Length: 24-105mm
- Maximum Aperture: F4-7.1
- Minimum Focusing Distance:
- During AF: 0.7 - 1.12 ft (0.2 - 0.34m)
- During MF: 0.43 - 1.12 ft (0.13 - 0.34m)
- Maximum Magnification
- AF: 0.4x (105mm)
- During MF: 0.5x (24mm)
- Lens Construction: 13 elements in 11 groups, One Aspherical
- Filter Diameter: 67mm
- Aperture Blades: 7 (circular)
- Stabilization: 5 stops Optical IS w/ EOS R at 105mm
- Focus Drive System: STM + lead screw
- Minimum Overall Length Approx: 3.50 in (88.8mm)
- Weight Approx: 0.87 lbs (395g)
Source: Canon
