Canon announced RF24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z professional lens

Canon announced RF24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z professional lens recently on 3rd November 2023 along with two other lenses, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM and RF-SRF-S10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM. This is a new professional zoom lens for the. RF mount, there is also the Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2, a compatible accessory that offers smooth, precise zoom control for video creators. This new RF24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is built on the features of two of Canon’s professional RF standard zoom lens classics into one body: the wide focal range of the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, and the outstanding optical quality and large maximum aperture of the RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM.  Yet concurrently, this lens also introduces new design features that meet the needs of professional video creation, such as the RF lens lineup’s first iris ring, a feature usually found on cinema lenses.

“The RF24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z is crafted to meet the dynamic needs of today’s creators, seamlessly merging high-quality still photography with video capabilities in one lens body. Covering a versatile 24-105mm range, it promises sharp performance across varied perspectives, even under challenging light, thanks to its constant f2.8 aperture. The addition of the Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2 accessory further elevates the video creation process, enhancing the RF24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z’s zoom functionalities, making it a formidable tool especially for solo video creators.” Said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

Zoom Closer, Shoot Wider

The RF24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z provides a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 over its entire 24-105mm focal range, with stunning image quality to support high-resolution photography and 8K or 6K video throughout. Users can enjoy greater flexibility in both composition and exposure settings across a wide variety of subjects, especially when shooting in low light conditions or creating bokeh. 

As the first-ever RF lens to feature an iris ring usually found on cinema lenses, it enables silent, intuitive aperture control with smooth torque, ideal for adjusting exposure and bokeh effects during video recording. 

Beautiful circular bokeh can be achieved even with a narrower aperture setting via the lens’ 11 circular diaphragm blades—more than that on any other existing RF lens.

Steady, Consistent Focusing even During Zooming Sequences

Compared to existing RF professional standard zoom lenses, the RF24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z offers better control over the focus fluctuations that tend to occur during zooming. This is due to optimised optical, mechanical, and electrical control including the adoption of two individually driven Nano USMs. Users can enjoy steadier, more consistent focusing when operating the zoom during video or high-speed burst shooting.

The lens also supports focus breathing correction during video shooting on a compatible camera. Users can expect seamless footage even when pulling focus from the closest focusing distance of 0.45m to a position located further away.

Powerful Image Stabilisation with Telephoto Lens-like Controls

The built-in Optical IS alone corrects camera shake by up to 5.5 stops’ equivalent; when combined with Coordinated Control IS on a camera body with In-Body IS, performance increases to up to 8 stops’ equivalent. Sharp, stable images can be captured even at a slower shutter speed, enabling both handheld still and video shooting in low light conditions. 

The RF24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z is also the first standard zoom lens to feature the 3-mode IS mode switch usually found on telephoto lenses, so users can easily change IS modes to suit the situation.

Designed for Smooth Operation 

The RF24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z features a fixed-length lens barrel design, ideal for video shoots that use a gimbal or rig as the centre of gravity remains consistent even during zooming.

In addition to the iris ring and IS mode switches, a new, customisable lens function button provides users with a programmable shortcut to their most-used functions, allowing faster response to changing shooting conditions.

The lens is bundled with a new tripod mount that can be easily attached and detached without special tools. A lens holder, LH-E1 (sold separately) that holds the lens on a rig system is also available.

The Durability of an L-lens

As a professional L-series lens, the RF24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z inherits the reliable build of other lenses in the series, including dust and dirt-resistant fluorine coating on the front lens surface, as well as dust- and drip-resistant weather sealing to withstand unpredictable weather conditions.

Sophisticated Single-Operator Control

The Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2 enables single-operator smooth, precise zoom control during videography. By simply pressing a button, even budding videographers can easily achieve seamless zooming unassisted. Fine control over the zoom speed is available through a dial, so users have greater flexibility to set a speed that suits their creative direction, be it high-speed zoom action, slow, gradual zooming, or in between. Zoom speed can be increased by using an external power supply through the USB Type C port, instead of drawing power from the camera.

A detachable thumb rest and ergonomically placed buttons allow for comfortable handheld operation. Designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, the Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2 can be easily attached and removed without special tools even when the lens is combined with a rig, gimbal, or tripod. 

Pricing and Availability

The RF24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z and Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2 will be launched at the recommended retail price of $4,739 and $1,589. Availability will be advised at a later date.

Technical Specifications 

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Gloo *