For all the Canon photographers and supporters out there in the world, the wait is finally over. Canon now (finally!!) has a full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera to their line up, the Canon EOS R System! Canon today, on 5th September 2018, announced the Canon EOS R System worldwide! All the rumours on the Canon EOS R System leading up to Canon’s official announcement is finally out of the bag.
This is Canon’s first 35mm full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens digital camera, the Canon EOS R. Along with it, comes a new range of lenses that are pretty impressive, they are brand new RF lenses for the Canon EOS R camera. Personally, I am really excited about the new Canon EOS R and the RF lenses.
This Wednesday 5th September 2018 afternoon, Singapore local time, I was reading the live updates from photography websites DPReview when the Canon EOS R was announced and they were updating it live on their websites. Therefore, I already had a bit of a heads up, gathering information from their websites on the technical specifications, price in USD$ for the USA market.
While I was reading and analysing the Canon EOS R camera system and RF lenses, there were a number of thoughts and views going on inside mind. Let me gather more information, consolidate my thoughts and views of the Canon EOS R system, based on my current readings and findings, accompanied with my knowledge and experiences in using Canon EOS camera system and reviewing Canon EOS and EOS M interchangeable-lens digital camera bodies, over the past decade, into another article that I hope to publish shortly after this article.
When the opportunity to review the Canon EOS R camera body and RF lenses arise in the very near future, I would publish my review article on the new full-frame mirrorless EOS R camera and RF lenses.
For this particular article, I would be sharing key information and details of the Canon EOS R system and the RF lenses. Inside this article, there would also be other lenses announcements as well:
Canon today announced the latest addition to its EOS lineup, the Canon EOS R, Canon’s first 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor mirrorless interchangeable-lens digital camera that features an electronic viewfinder (EVF). Together with the Canon EOS R, Canon also unveiled four brand new RF lenses, two super telephoto EF lenses and one prime EF-M lens. To complete the EOS ecosystem, three types of RF mount adapters are introduced, giving users the flexibility of using their personal EF lenses with the new EOS R. Users can also include the new compact Speedlite for a comprehensive suite of equipment to make their vision a reality.
“Canon is dedicated to raising the bar in imaging technology, and we’ve redefined photography limits with the new Canon EOS R,” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “Equipped with a DIGIC 8 image processor, focus speed of 0.05 seconds and 5,655 focusing positions, the new 30.3MP full-frame camera amalgamates the perfect balance of optical excellence and creative freedom.”
New Opportunities through RF Mount
The new 54mm diameter RF mount places the EOS R a league above the rest. With its short flange focal distance of 20mm and 12-pin contact points for an enhanced communication between the lens and body, the RF mount allows a new breed of compact, high image quality and advance specification lenses to be constructed.
The RF Lenses sends data to correct any diffraction, aberrations, peripheral illumination or distortion through the in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer in-camera, without affecting the shooting speed. The improved data transfer between the camera and the lens enhances Image Stabilization for both stills and video.
Epitome of Image Quality
Delivering crisp details and vivid colours at 30.3 megapixels through the 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor, the EOS R has an ISO sensitivity range of 100-40,000 to make shooting in low-light scenes achievable. Driven by the latest DIGIC 8 imaging processor, the Auto Lighting Optimizer applies gradient to produce intricate details in highlights and shadows for a well-balanced image even in backlit conditions.
The EOS R also employs Dual Sensing IS, which eliminates camera shake with high accuracy to effectively stabilise images. Obtaining image information from the image sensor and the lens’s gyro sensor, the camera can accurately detect low-frequency vibrations. The EOS R achieves image stabilization equivalent to a maximum of 5 shutter speed stops for still shooting, commissioning slower shutter speeds while maintaining sharp image quality.
The EOS R supports Dual Pixel RAW for micro-adjustment, bokeh shift and ghosting reduction. C-RAW format is an optional RAW format with reduced data size, allowing for continuous shooting with ease.
Focusing on What Matters
The Canon EOS R boasts the world’s fastest[1]near instantaneous focusing speed of 0.05seconds. Made possible through Dual Pixel CMOS AF, users can catch that fleeting moment as quick as it happens. Users now have the freedom to define as many as 5,655 AF positions, allowing for better composition opportunities. The large focusing area covers approximately 100 percent (vertically) x 88 percent (horizontally) when used with compatible lenses. Shooting portraits at wide open aperture is made easier with Eye Detection AF, which detects the subject’s pupil(s) and ensures that the eyes are always in focus.
The breakthrough in low-light focus of EV-6 limit allows the EOS R to attain precise focus even in extreme low-light conditions where the human eye would have difficulty discerning details.
Seamless Union of OLED and Screen for Extra Control
Looking through the customisable 3.69-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), the EOS R provides users with an accurate depiction of the shot with the desired setting. A customisable multifunction bar with tap and slide functions, allows silent adjustments, suitable even for video recording. Along with the control ring on the RF lenses and the sub-electronic trapezoidal dial on-top, users have full control of the camera and the shot, without having to take their eyes off the scene to adjust settings.
The touch & drag AF allows the users to shift the AF point around using the touch screen, even while looking through the EVF. With a vari-angle LCD screen, users can shoot from unconventional angles.
The EOS R is the first Canon camera to feature FV exposure mode, which enables auto and direct control in one single mode for shutter speed, aperture and ISO sensitivity – all done without looking away from the EVF. Silent Shutter benefits users who do stills photography, shooting stealthily during a performance, conference or recital. A dot-matrix LCD is located at the top of the camera, providing crucial information at a glance without looking through the EVF or at the LCD screen.
The ergonomic design of the EOS R is well depicted through its deep grip and well balanced design. Together with a dust and moisture resistant sealing, the magnesium alloy body, ensures that the EOS R is ready to perform, rain or shine.
Cinematography Capabilities
The EOS R records in Ultra High Definition 4K at 30p/25p (3840 x 2160 pixels) video. The camera supports Canon’s proprietary Canon Log, which has proven results with the Cinema EOS System of video production equipment. The EOS R offers flexible control over shadows and highlights to achieve better subtle details in the bright and dark areas during post-processing and colour grading. 4K video is displayed with a rich 10-bit output gradation and a wide colour gamut through the HDMI terminal.
Paired with RF lenses, the EOS R can make 1/8 stops aperture adjustments during video recording, allowing precise control over exposure to match lighting conditions. MF peaking function allows accurate focusing when using manual focus by highlighting areas in focus. The Focus Guide function displays an indication whether the subject is in focus, front focus or rear focus, enabling users to achieve accurate clarity with better control.
Glass of the Future
The new RF lenses are a step towards the future, providing extremely high image quality. In addition to the focus ring and zoom ring found on conventional EF lenses, the RF lenses feature an additional new control ring for exposure adjustments.
RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Compact and lightweight, the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM kit lens delivers superior quality for stills photography as well as videography, thanks to its Nano USM drive which ensures smooth and high speed autofocusing. The focal length and constant aperture of f/4 makes this lens a great combination with the EOS R as a portable camera system.
Equipped with Canon’s latest microprocessor, the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM achieves 5 stops[2]of image stabilisation, the most ever achieved by any Canon lens. The lens also supports Dual Sensing IS for stills while video capture utilises Combination IS, a feature in which the optical IS of the lens works together with the electronic IS of the camera body to produce a superior image stabilization effect.
RF50mm f/1.2L USM
The RF50mm f/1.2L USM lens builds on the wide diameter and short back focus that characterizes the RF mount to achieve a brighter aperture of f/1.2, making low-light photography a breeze. Ideal for portrait photography, the lens makes near perfect circular bokeh effects with 10 blades and delivers incredible sharpness.
The lens produces amazing smooth blur and background separation with its large aperture. A shorter focusing distance of 0.4m and 0.19x magnification allows tighter composition.
RF28-70mm f/2L USM
Thanks to the newly developed RF mount, the large-diameter RF28-70mm f/2L USM lens maintains a constant aperture of f/2 across the entire zoom range, a feat difficult to achieve with conventional EF mount lenses. Taking advantage of the wide f/2 aperture, its high optical performance makes it ideal even for weddings and astrophotography.
On par with prime lenses, the RF28-70mm f/2L USM lens enables users to cover the entire 28-70mm shooting range with a single lens.
RF35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM
At 62.8mm long and 305g, the RF35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM lens is an extremely compact and lightweight macro lens. With a wide focal length of 35mm, the lens is ideal for daily snapshots and still-life photography.
Users can get up close to objects to capture textures and details that eludes the human eye with the maximum magnification of 0.5x. At wide open aperture of f/1.8, bokeh effects are simply beautiful. Besides Dual Sensing IS and Combination IS at achieves up to 5 stops of Image Stabilisation, the lens also have Hybrid IS that corrects camera shake with high precision during macro photography.
EF-M32mm f/1.4 STM
Weighing at only 235g, the EF-M32mm f/1.4 STM lens has a focal length of 51mm (35mm sensor equivalent), which is a favourite amongst photographers. Users can compose a tighter image with the 0.25x magnification.
The large aperture of f/1.4 allows spectacular background blur while performing well in low-light conditions. The EF-M32mm f/1.4 STM lens also has a full-time manual focus ability and a metal mount.
EF400mm f/2.8L IS III USM & EF600mm f/4L IS III USM
Two of Canon’s high image quality and popular Super Telephoto lenses feature a retooled lighter body while improving its Image Stabilization, from 3.5 stops to 5 stops. The new carbon reinforced magnesium alloy body reduced the weight of the EF400mm f/2.8L IS III USM by 1,010g, making it the world’s lightest 400mm lens while the EF600mm f/4L IS III USM is 870g lighter, claiming the world’s lightest 600mm lens title.
Revamped with a new sleek design, the two lenses have improved heat management through a new heat shield coating and heat conductivity design. Users will welcome the new adjustable focusing speed to suit their shooting style through the new electronic focusing ring. The ability to have two focus presets and to activate either using the playback ring is especially useful for sports photography.
Abundance of Choice
Constructed with dust and rain resistance in mind, the RF mount adapters feature simple designs and enable the use of existing EF mount lenses[3]with nearly full functionality[4]– ranging from wide-angle to telephoto, fisheye and macro – multiplying the possibilities of greater photographic expression.
Mount Adapter EF-EOS R
Simple, compact and lightweight mount adapter.
Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R
Equipped with a customizable lens control ring similar to the RF lenses, the Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R allows users to enjoy the same convenience while using existing EF lenses.
Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R
These mount adapters are another step up by including a drop-in filter function – circular polarizing filter or variable neutral density filter[5]. Users can directly adjust the polarizing angle or the ND filter density on the adapter, which is especially useful on lenses that do not support filters, such as fish-eye lenses. Users will no longer need different filters for different lenses.
Doubling the Power
Having twice the power in the BG-E22 battery grip for the EOS R allows double the opportunities to capture moments. The battery grip can hold up to two batteries and is the first of its kind to allow direct charging of up to two batteries with PD-E1 USB adapter.
The BG-E22 further adds on the ergonomics of the EOS R, improving on the comfort and providing a firmer grip even when shooting in vertical (portrait) orientation.
Compact Luminance
Built with functionality and convenience in mind, the new Canon Speedlite EL-100 is able to turn the flash-head in all directions of up to 180 degrees, bouncing light off the ceiling and wall in both horizontal and vertical orientation.
First in Canon’s Speedlite lineup, the EL-100 features Continuous Shooting Priority (CSP) mode and Auto mode[6]. The Speedlite reduces its output power and raises ISO to save power, allowing more shots while using the CSP mode. New users of Speedlite can make full use of the Auto Mode, similar to Auto Mode on the cameras with built-in flash to determine how much flash is needed.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing information will be advised at a later date.
The EOS R, RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM and RF50mm f/1.2L USM will be available from October 2018. The availability of the remaining products will be advised at a later date.
Specification Summary
EOS R
RF50mm F1.2 L USM | |
Focal length: | 50mm |
Maximum aperture: | f/1.2 |
Lens construction: | 15 elements in 9 groups |
Minimum focusing distance: | 0.40 m |
Maximum magnification: | 0.19 x |
Drive system: | Ring-Type USM |
Dimension: | 89.8mm x 108mm |
Weight: | Approx. 950g |
RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM | |
Focal length: | 24mm – 105mm |
Maximum aperture: | f/4.0 |
Lens construction: | 18 elements in 14 groups |
Minimum focusing distance: | 0.45m |
Maximum magnification: | 0.24 x |
Drive system: | Nano USM |
Dimension: | 83.5mm x 107.3mm |
Weight: | Approx. 700g |
RF28-70mm f/2L USM | |
Focal length: | 28mm – 70mm |
Maximum aperture: | f/2.0 |
Lens construction: | 19 elements in 13 groups |
Minimum focusing distance: | 0.39m |
Maximum magnification: | 0.18x |
Drive system: | Ring-Type USM |
Dimension: | 103.8mm x 139.8mm |
Weight: | Approx. 1430g |
RF35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM | |
Focal length: | 35mm |
Maximum aperture: | f/1.8 |
Lens construction: | 11 elements in 9 groups |
Minimum focusing distance: | 0.17m |
Maximum magnification: | 0.5x |
Drive system: | Gear-Type STM |
Dimension: | 74.4mm x 62.8mm |
Weight: | Approx. 305g |
EF-M32mm f/1.4 STM | |
Focal length: | 32mm |
Maximum aperture: | f/1.4 |
Lens construction: | 14 elements in 8 groups |
Minimum focusing distance: | 0.23m |
Maximum magnification: | 0.25x |
Drive system: | Gear-type STM |
Dimension: | 60.9mm x 56.5mm |
Weight: | Approx. 235g |
EF400mm f/2.8L IS III USM | |
Focal length: | 400mm |
Maximum aperture: | f/2.8 |
Lens construction: | 17 elements in 13 groups |
Minimum focusing distance: | 2.5 m |
Maximum magnification: | 0.17 x |
Drive system: | Ring-Type USM |
Dimension: | 163mm x 343mm |
Weight: | Approx. 2840g |
EF600mm f/4L IS III USM | |
Focal length: | 600mm |
Maximum aperture: | f/4.0 |
Lens construction: | 17 elements in 13 groups |
Minimum focusing distance: | 4.2 m |
Maximum magnification: | 0.15 x |
Drive system: | Ring-Type USM |
Dimension: | 168mm x 448mm |
Weight: | Approx. 3050g |
Speedlite EL-100 | |
Guide Number (ISO100, in meters/ft.): | 26 / 85.3 |
Flash coverage angle: | 24mm/50mm (when using wide panel) |
Bounce function: | Manual |
Bounce angle: | 90° above / 150° left / 180° right |
Wireless flash function: | Sender/receiver |
Power source: | 2 x AA size alkaline / Ni-MH batteries |
[2]When shooting with the EOS R at a focal length of 105mm. Based on CIPA standards.
[3]Does not include EF-M Lenses or EF Cinema Lenses in the EF Lens series. RF lenses do not require a lens adapter.
[4]Depending on camera specifications, some EF lens functions may not be usable.
[5]Two kits for Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, one with Circular Polarizing Filter and one with Variable Neutral Density Filter. Both comes with a clear filter for normal shooting.
[6]Functions when paired with EOS R.
[7]With AF area selection mode.
[8]143 AF points over an expanded AF area only applicable when paired with compatiblelens.
* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy *