Canon continues to lock out third events from its RF-mount for full-frame cameras (however not APS-C), however that call feels considerably justified given how energetic it has been in filling out its vary of lenses.
Take the most recent pair of lenses for mirrorless – the Canon RF 14mm F1.4L VCM and Canon RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5 Fisheye STM. They’re two area of interest, ultra-wide lenses that properly fill gaps in Canon’s vary, specifically for astrophotographers and excessive sports activities respectively.
I obtained to strive each lenses at Canon’s HQ within the UK forward of their announcement, albeit not within the sort of situations the place they would actually shine. But my brief hands-on expertise with the 14mm f/1.4 left me super-impressed – this is how I obtained on.
Canon RF 14mm F1.4L VCM – first impressions
The new 14mm F1.4L VCM is the sixth prime in a variety of hybrid lenses, which additionally contains two zooms. It’s simply the widest of the lot, and its 14mm full-frame protection is standard, particularly amongst astrophotographers, and it is also nice for panorama and inside structure pictures, plus weddings and video work.
What instantly impressed me is the dimensions and weight of the 14mm f/1.4 lens – it is simply 20.4oz / 578g, which is just about half the load of the Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG Art and round 10% lighter than the Canon EF 14mm F2.8L II USM for DSLR cameras, which has a smaller f/2.8 most aperture.
It’s a fraction bigger than different VCM lenses (you possibly can see the six primes collectively within the picture beneath), but it surely’s the same weight, and is the one one to characteristic a built-in petal lens hood – that is due to its bulbous entrance lens ingredient (which additionally means there is not any filter thread to connect screw-on lens filters, you may want an elective adapter).
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These lenses are constructed for photograph and video work, with a supremely efficient Voice Coil Motor (VCM) for autofocus, which is each quick and near-silent. An aperture ring options, with an iris management which be set to clicked or easy. Photographers will need the clicked suggestions for aperture modifications, whereas the sleek choice is right for refined transitions throughout video recording.
The ring closest to the entrance of the lens could be personalized, as can the management button on the aspect of the barrel. And, this being an expert ‘L’ sequence lens, construct high quality is prime drawer, and it is weather-sealed.
I paired the RF 14mm F1/.4L VCM with a Canon EOS R5 Mark II (a number of the product images beneath are with the EOS R6 Mark III), and the mixture was a superbly balanced match.
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Optically, there are 18 parts 13 teams, and these embody Canon’s ‘BR’, ‘UD’ and Fluorite parts. Eagle-eyed Canon followers will word the inclusion of expensive Fluorite parts, that are often reserved for Canon’s skilled super-telephoto optics.
There are additionally ‘GMo’ aspheric lenses, which Canon says suppress sagittal coma flare – a distortion that’s the bane of astrophotographers. Given the entire above – the super-wide focal size, extraordinarily shiny most aperture, sagittal coma flare suppression and light-weight weather-resistant construct – the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM sounds good for astrophotography.
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Sadly, my brief hands-on time with the lens was restricted to a stroll outdoors of Canon’s HQ throughout daytime, so I have not pushed the lens to anyplace close to its limits but. Still, my pattern pictures (see the galleries above and beneath, with notes within the captions) demonstrates that it has a powerful deal with on lens flare with solar within the shot, and nook distortion with the lens aperture broad open at f/1.4, plus spectacular sharpness.
Canon’s in-camera lens corrections are working exhausting to right the ultra-wide-angle picture, and for essentially the most half the impression is hardly seen. I see a little bit nook softness, however not a lot. One unavoidable disadvantage, nevertheless, is the 0.24m close-focusing distance, which limits the utmost magnification to 0.11x – that is no macro lens.
As optically wonderful and light-weight because it could be, the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM prices £2,399.99 (US and Australia pricing TBC), which suggests bragging rights go to the Sigma 14mm f/1.4 for worth* – which prices round 35% much less. Canon’s lens is ready to go on sale on Feb 26.
*The Sigma lens is not at present obtainable within the Canon RF mount.
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Canon RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM – what it is advisable to know
During my go to to Canon, my focus was on the 14mm F1.4L VCM lens, however Canon additionally unveiled its first fisheye zoom lens for mirrorless, the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM. It’s wider than the RF 10-20mm F4L USM (which we awarded 5 stars in our overview), and a special sort of fisheye lens to the RF 5.2mm F2.8L Dual Fisheye Lens which is designed for 3D VR imaging.
Canon says its new fisheye lens is wider, sooner and higher optically than its EF 8-15mm F/4 L Fisheye USM for DSLR cameras, from 2012. At 16.8oz / 476g, it is also lighter (the 8-15mm weighs 190z/540g), plus there is a drop-in filter slot close to the rear of the barrel (a characteristic I’d like to have seen on the 14mm F1.4L VCM). The lens comes with a transparent filter, whereas Canon will promote a round polarizer and variable ND individually).
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At its broad finish, the 190-degree angle of view is true fisheye (with round picture inside a visual black body), however zoom in to 14mm and you’ve got a ‘common’ ultra-wide-angle lens, with the picture filling the body. The fisheye picture could be transformed to 2D VR 180-degree, however not 3D just like the 5.2mm different optic.
As a ‘L’ sequence skilled lens, the 7-14mm fisheye is climate sealed. Its shut focusing distance is simply 15cm, which delivers a good 0.35x max magnification. Canon says focus respiratory is suppressed.
The RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM is because of hit shops on February 26, and can value £1719.99 / AU$3,899 (US pricing TBC).
What do you make of Canon’s two new ultra-wide-angle lenses? Let me know within the feedback beneath.
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