Canon brings two of its most popular lenses to the RF family

RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Canon’s ‘nifty fifty’ transitions to the EOS R System

Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM
Introducing the world’s shortest and lightest f/4 interchangeable lens in its focal range

Auckland, New Zealand – 4 November 2020 – Continuing its commitment to providing mirrorless solutions for all photographers, Canon New Zealand is today pleased to announce that two of its most-loved EF lenses will now be available in RF form – the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM. The new RF version of Canon’s EF 50mm f/1.8 STM – nicknamed the ‘nifty fifty’ lens for its versatility – is perfect for enthusiast photographers transitioning to the EOS R System. Photographers looking to shoot everything from portraits to landscapes, day or night, can achieve incredible image quality and a unlock a refined ‘nifty fifty’ experience when using the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM.

The RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, also announced today, is a L-series telephoto zoom lens which is the world’s shortest and lightest f/4 interchangeable lens in its focal range . The RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM provides amateur and professional photographers with high-performance, flexibility and a compact design to suit a variety of genres from wildlife and sports to travel and portraiture.

Both lenses join the RF family, which already includes prime, zoom, telephoto and super telephoto lenses and extenders. The announcement of RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM in 2020 has seen Canon New Zealand deliver on its promise to introduce 19 RF lenses in 2020, extending the creative possibilities of all photographers through its leading innovation. Using the RF lenses with Canon’s full-frame mirrorless camera bodies in the revolutionary EOS R System – from the recently launched EOS R5 and EOS R6 to the EOS R and EOS RP – photographers and videographers have greater levels of performance and creative flexibility.

Portable travel companion
Lightweight and compact, the RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM weighs 695 grams and measures 11.9cm long. With a reduction of an incredible 32 per cent in comparison to its EF counterpart, the RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM the ideal companion for on-the-go travel photographers. Even at its fully extended length, the RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is exceptionally portable for a f/4 telephoto zoom lens. It features a reversible hood which sits neatly on top of the lens body, enabling photographers to store tidily between shooting scenarios.

The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM shares this benefit of being compact, measuring smaller in size than the EF version and Mount Adapter combined. Like others in the RF line-up, these lenses give photographers and videographers enhanced shooting capabilities with a kitbag that is much lighter.

Quality without compromise
With a standard 50mm angle of view and a large aperture of f/1.8, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM provides a perspective that’s close to human vision – ideal for portrait photographers capturing beautifully natural looking images in a wide range of shooting scenarios. Featuring a brand-new optical system, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM’s large aperture and PMo aspherical lenses achieve high image quality even at the maximum aperture, with better separation between the subject and background, allowing photographers to shoot in low light. The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM has a minimum focusing distance of 0.3m – 5cm closer than the existing EF version, allowing objects to be photographed even closer with a shallow depth of field. The 7-blade circular aperture – inherited from the EF 50mm f/1.8 – can be used for a defocused background or foreground, as well as beautiful bokeh. The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM also features Super Spectra Coating technology, creating a harmonised colour balance which reduces ghosting and flare, as well as aberration.

The RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM features additional improvements such as Air Sphere Coating, four Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) lenses, and a reduced focusing distance from 1m to 0.6m, demonstrating Canon’s ongoing commitment to developing enhanced image quality for lenses in the RF range. Even at full zoom range, with its 9-blade iris and constant f/4 aperture giving superb bokeh, the RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM provides photographers with incredible detail. With the ability to catch stunning images at all zoom ranges, the RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM’s improved image quality provides sharp edge-to-edge photos. Photographs can be taken in crisp, sharp quality using both these new lenses at their maximum aperture, ideal for portrait photographers capturing subtle facial expressions or others wanting to frame precise details on smaller subjects.

Creative advantage
The RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM features Canon’s 5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer, allowing photographers to focus on pushing creative boundaries while the lens produces high-quality images, with or without a tripod. The RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM boasts Dual Nano USM and up to 7.5-stop image stabilisation when used with the new Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6, achieving sharp, focused images at intense pace, even in low light conditions. With Dual Nano USM, the RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM also offers incredible levels of continuous focusing, allowing videographers to shoot in near silence.

The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM benefits from up to 7-stop image stabilisation when used with either the EOS R5 or EOS R6. It also boasts STM for impeccable AF performance, providing enthusiast videographers with opportunities to try a range of new shooting types whilst filming in near silent, smooth quality.

Built with practicality in mind
Redesigned to allow photographers to capture with comfort, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM introduces a sophisticated and discreet non-click type combined focus and lens control ring, enabling photographers to have intuitive control over the camera and focusing settings, whilst still viewing the subject.

The RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM maximises practicality for use outdoors, featuring a fluorine coating and dust and shock resistance. Boosting the high durability and robustness seen in Canon’s L-series lenses, the RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM features a heat shield coating, and dust and water-resistant construction, making it practical to use in both extreme hot and cold climates.

RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Key Features:
•STM Motor
•Wide f/1.8 aperture
•Aspheric lens element
•RF mount
•Super Spectra Coating
•Focus / lens control ring

For more information, visit the Canon website here: https://www.canon.com.au/camera-lenses/rf-50mm-f1-8-stm 

The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM will be available from authorised local dealers from December 2020. Pricing will be set at dealer discretion. The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM will be supported by Canon New Zealand’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised local dealer .

RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Key Features:
• f/4 constant maximum aperture
•Dual Nano USM focusing motor
•L-series quality
•UD elements and ASC coatings
•5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer and 7.5-stop combination IS when used with the EOS R5 and EOS R6
•Dust and water-resistant seals
•Lens Control Ring

For more information, visit the Canon website here: https://www.canon.com.au/camera-lenses/rf-70-200mm-f-4l-is-usm 

The RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM will be available from authorised local dealers from December 2020. Pricing will be set at dealer discretion, with an RRP of AUD$3,079.00. The RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM will be supported by Canon New Zealand’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised local dealer .

¹ The world's shortest and lightest interchangeable lens with a focal length of 70-200mm f/4 for interchangeable lens cameras (SLR cameras and mirrorless cameras). As of November 3, 2020. Based on Canon's research.

² Lens only, no box or camera attachment included in this measurement

ⁱ Applies to purchases made on or after 25th November 2019 in New Zealand from Canon New Zealand Ltd or authorised distributors, dealers or retailers.

ⁱⁱ Applies to purchases made on or after 25th November 2019 in New Zealand from Canon New Zealand Ltd or authorised distributors, dealers or retailers.