The 15-35mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm f/2.8 L-series lenses for the Canon EOS R set for summer release
Canon is reportedly set to launch its 'Holy Trinity' of L-series lenses – the 15-35mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm f/2.8 – for its full-frame mirrorless RF mount cameras before the end of July.
This would be a major step in the maturity of the R system, meaning that by the summer the Canon EOS R could finally have the essential trio of native lenses to make it a professional-grade tool.
The report comes courtesy of Canon Rumors, which did some digging on an official announcement for the eagerly anticipated optics. "We’re told that all three 'should' be officially announced and available at the same time, and likely before the end of July 2019," wrote the site.
The Holy Trinity of lenses is so-called because it comprises the three main focal ranges that cover the vast majority of photographic work (and thus are the workhorses of a professional's kit bag, meaning that many pros won't adopt a new system until it has them).
The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM covers the wide-angle shooting demands, such as landscapes and environmental work. The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is the must-have standard zoom, while the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM provides telephoto coverage for wildlife and sports.
All three lenses have a fast f/2.8 aperture, again a must-have for professional use, and are part of Canon's red-ringed signature L-series, meaning that they are engineered for premium performance and possess robust build quality and weather sealing.
The addition of these lenses would go a long way to filling the Canon RF lens roadmap – and would deliver half of the manufacturer's promised six lenses for its full-frame mirrorless system by the end of 2019.
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If the report is accurate, it would certainly pave the way for the much-rumored Canon EOS R pro model that is expected to be announced later this year. With a full professional system, many previously reluctant photographers may fully embrace Canon's mirrorless future.
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.