Canon expands horizons with RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM ultra-wide angle lens for the Canon RF mount, the world’s widest (1) full-frame zoom lens . This new RF ultra-wide angle lens offers a wider angle-of-view than the existing EF11-24mm f/4L USM – a lens that has exemplary image quality and a new built-in Optical Image Stabilizer (Optical IS), all inside a significantly smaller body that weighs less than half of the EF version. With such portability, this expands the lens’ possible applications, making it viable for use with a gimbal or rig to provide new cinematic perspectives, or as an additional option for hikes and treks.
“Canon remains steadfast in our commitment to empower photographers with the precise tools necessary to realize their creative visions. As we continue to expand our RF lens portfolio, we remain attuned to the diverse needs of photographers. In addition to our exceptional super telephoto RF lenses, we recognize the significance of wide-angle capabilities. The RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM seamlessly covers the full focal range within our RF ecosystem, boasting an expansive 10mm rectilinear field of view and improved optical image stabilization. Its lightweight design enhances value, addressing photographers’ ultra-wide needs.” Said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.
The Advantage of Going Wider
The wider the focal length, you can view the bigger difference every 1mm makes. At the focal length of 10mm, the area covered by this lens is nearly twice that at 14mm, and 1.4x that at 12mm, which significantly increases possibilities when shooting large subjects in tight spaces.
With this unique perspective effect that exaggerates relative distances, objects near the lens look bigger and more impressive. Concurrently, this wide-angle zoom lens capability allows the flexibility to frame the scene tighter, making this ultra-wide angle EF10-20mm f/4L IS STM lens an asset for expanding creative expression.
When paired with an APS-C EOS R camera, this lens continues to be an ultra-wide angle lens, capturing a field of view from 16 to 32mm on a full-frame lens.
Powerful yet Light
If a lens goes wider while maintaining maximum aperture and performance traditionally meant that it would be a heavier lens. However, this RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM lens goes against this with a dramatic weight reduction. The RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM lens weighs approximately 570g, shaving off over 600g off the EF11-24mm f/4L USM lens, even with its additional Optical IS unit, yet this is of a smilier size to the existing f/4L trinity lenses.
The portability also makes it ideal for handheld shooting and use with gimbal, making the RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM a powerful yet light lens.
Outstanding Image Quality All the Way to the Edges
The RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM lens is Canon’s first ultra-wide angle zoom lens with a focal length under 13mm to equipped with the Optical Image Stabilizer (Optical IS). With this feature, users can now take long exposures hand-held with up to 5 shutter stops of image stabilisation (6 stops through Coordinated Control IS with compatible cameras). Optical IS also works in tandem with Movie Digital IS to achieve image stabilisation during video shooting, ensuring smooth handheld footage even while walking.
The RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM additionally supports the new Peripheral Coordinated Control (2), which effectively compensates the peripheral blurring that tends to occur with ultra-wide-angle lenses. This works with the optimised lens configuration and in-camera correction to control distortion and chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range. This results in outstanding image quality that is on par, if not better than that of the EF11-24mm f/4L USM’s stellar reputation.
Nimble AutoFocus
The lens focusing system, including the STM motor and focusing lens, is designed to optimise AF performance. This ensures swift focusing during still photography, along with high-precision, smooth and quiet AF drive during video recording. Performance is on par, if not better, than the EF11-24mm f/4L USM. It also newly adopts the lens position sensor used in Nano USM lenses, which, when combined with the lead-screw type STM, shortens startup time so users can start shooting quickly from power-on.
Intuitive and Innovative Design
As with the esteemed L-series lenses, the RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM boasts a sturdy and durable design, complete with fluorine coating and dust- and drip-resistance quality. On top of the RF lens’ control ring for exposure control, a new function button can be assigned as a convenient shortcut for various functions and is easily accessible with the left thumb. The lens has a rear gelatin filter holder for those who wants to explore more creative expressions through the use of different filters.
Pricing and Availability
The RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM will be available at Canon authorised dealers from 20 October 2023 at the recommended retail price of $3,599.
Technical Specifications
| Lens Model |
RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM |
| Focal Length |
10-20mm |
| Maximum Aperture |
f/4-4 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance |
0.25m |
| Maximum Magnification |
0.06x (f=10mm), 0.12x (f=20mm) |
| Lens Construction |
16 elements in 12 groups |
| Filter Size Diameter |
Not available. Rear Gelatin filter holder. |
| Aperture Blades |
9 |
| IS (CIPA Standard Correction Effect) |
Yes (up to 5.0 stops) |
| Coordinated Control IS (With IBIS equipped Camera) |
Yes (up to 6.0 stops) |
| Maximum Diameter and length |
approx. 83.7 mm × 112.0mm |
| Weight |
Approx. 570g |
Notes:
- Among all Interchangeable lens for cameras compatible with 35mm full-frame sensor (excluding fisheye lenses). As of October 10, 2023. Based on Canon research.
- Available only on EOS R5 updated to firmware ver. 1.9.0 or later. Movie Digital IS must be turned off.
* Information and picture courtesy of Canon Singapore and Gloo *