We've been able to see Canon's latest RF lenses at Berlin Photo Week, and the eagerly anticipated Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens has an external focusing mechanism that extends like Pinocchio's nose!
We were lucky enough to spot the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, but we didn't have enough hands to take a video of the extending lens in action. Fortunately, Canon Korea posted a video (which was hurriedly made private).
The Canon RF 70-200mm (left) is comparable in length to its EF predecessor (right) when fully extended
The good folks at Canon Rumors captured the above GIF of the mechanism, and as you can see it extends about an extra third – which brings it to roughly the same length as the much longer Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM when fully extended.
When we first laid eyes on the ultra-compact optic, along with the Canon EOS RP, it seemed obvious that a telescoping mechanism would account for its impossibly small size. As Canon told us, the super small form factor when collapsed means that the lens "fits in your bag standing up".
The RF 70-200mm is due for release before the end of the year, and will complete the Canon RF lens roadmap's hotly awaited trinity lens lineup, which includes the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L and Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L.
Externally, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM Defocus Smoothing lens is identical to the "standard" RF 85mm f/1.2L
We also got another look at the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS – the boutique Defocus Smoothing version of the stellar Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. While Canon says it is "absolutely not a Soft Focus lens", it possesses an apodization-like process to provide incredibly pleasing bokeh.
We are told that the DS version of the lens will particularly appeal to portrait lenses, whilst the visually identical plain-vanilla version will be much better suited for lowlight use.
We're very excited to put both lenses to the test, and we'll let you know whether they rank among the best Canon lenses.
Read more:
Canon EOS RP review
The best Canon lenses in 2019: go longer, wider and closer with your Canon camera
The best Canon telephoto lenses in 2019: from budget zooms to pro lenses
