Canon releases 3 lenses, including a world-first for a constant aperture zoom, and an affordable superzoom

Canon has introduced three new lenses that promise to enhance the world of still photography and video production. These lenses cater to a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals, and yes, one of them is really, really big!

The three new lenses are the RF-S10-18mm f/4.5-6.3, the ground-breaking constant aperture RF24-105mm f/2.8 L, and the ultimate affordable super zoom, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9. Put that lens in your pocket, and people will definitely wonder if you’re pleased to see them.

RF-S10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Canon’s RF-S10-18mm lens ($329.99) is designed for EOS R-series cameras with APS-C sensors. This lens offers an ultra-wide-angle zoom, equivalent to 16-29mm on a full-frame camera.

Key features include image stabilization for steady shots, a compact and lightweight design ideal for travel, and an affordable price of $329.99 for those who are price-conscious or just want to experiment with very wide-angle photography.

It’s not super fast with a variable aperture of f/4.5-6.3 so it probably isn’t going to be the first choice for astrophotography. However, judging by Canon’s other lenses in this range, it’s probably still a very good choice if shooting wide open isn’t a concern.

RF24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens

The RF24-105mm lens ($2,999.00) is the world’s first to combine a 24-105mm focal length with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture. This lens stays the same length while zooming no matter which focal length you’re at. It also has a manual aperture ring for video use. This lens is aimed at higher-end photographers (or anyone willing to drop three grand on a lens) and photojournalists.

The lens should appeal to video shooters as well because of the image stabilization and optimized optics for video production. Additionally, Canon will offer a Power Zoom Adapter for smoother zooming during video shooting, catering to solo camera operators. Firmware updates for the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C cameras in early December will add support for the RF24-105mm lens.

RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens

Possibly the most interesting lens of the three is the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM Lens ($1,899.00). Nature, wildlife, and outdoor sports photographers will find this lens very useful for capturing distant action.

This super-telephoto zoom lens boasts a focal length of up to 800mm, up to 5.5 stops of image stabilization, compatibility with optional tele extenders, a weather-resistant design, and a rotating tripod mount.

Canon says that the lens is light enough to carry around with a weight of just 4.5lb (2 kg). That’s impressive for such a long zoom, however, I’m not sure I’d consider that particularly light!

Sure, it’s not super fast with a variable aperture of f/6.3-9, but when shooting at these extreme focal lengths, you probably want more than just an eyelash in focus, anyway.

Technical specs

	Canon RF-S 10-18mm F/4.5-6.3 IS STM	Canon RF 24-105mm F/2.8L IS USM Z	Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens
Focal Length	10-18mm	24-105mm	200-800mm
Type	Zoom	Zoom	Zoom
Maximum Aperture	f/4.5-6.3	f/2.8	f/6.3-9
Minimum Aperture	f/32	f/22	f/54
Lens Mount	Canon RF	Canon RF	Canon RF
Format Compatibility	APS-C	Full-Frame	Full-Frame
Angle of View	107° 30′ to 74° 20′	84° to 23° 20′	12° to 3° 5′
Maximum Magnification	0.23x	0.08 to 0.29x	0.25 to 0.2x
Minimum Focus Distance	5.5″ / 14 cm	17.7″ / 45 cm	2.6′ / 80 cm
Optical Design	12 Elements in 10 Groups	23 Elements in 18 Groups	17 Elements in 11 Groups
Diaphragm Blades	7	11	9
Focus Type	Autofocus	Autofocus	Autofocus
Image Stabilization	Yes	Yes	Yes
Filter Size	49 mm (Front)	82 mm (Front)	95 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)	2.7 x 1.8″ / 69 x 44.9 mm	3.5 x 7.8″ / 88.5 x 199 mm	4 x 12.4″ / 102.3 x 314.1 mm
Weight	5.3 oz / 150 g	2.9 lb / 1.3 kg	4.5 lb / 2 kg

Price and availability

The RF-S10-18mm lens, the RF24-105mm lens, and the RF200-800mm lens are expected to be available in December. Their estimated retail prices are $329.99, $2,999.00, and $1,899.00, respectively.

Canon will also offer two versions of the Power Zoom Adapter for the RF24-105mm lens in Spring 2024, with estimated retail prices of $999.99 and $1,299.00 for the version with the 20-pin port.