Canon has announced its latest full-frame RF-mount zoom lens. The Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z is the first lens with this focal length range to have a constant maximum aperture of f2.8.
Fast aperture
The headline feature of the new Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens is that constant maximum aperture of f2.8. This will give great low-light performance and allow you to achieve a shallow depth of field at all focal lengths. With an 11-blade aperture, the lens should also give rounded bokeh in out-of-focus parts of your image. Additionally, the new lens has a stepless manual iris ring so you can change exposure smoothly which is essential for video work. You can still lock the iris ring in the auto position if you need to.
Optical construction
The Canon RF 24-105mm lens is constructed with 23 lens elements in 18 groups. These include two glass-molded (GMO) aspherical elements, one replica aspherical element and four ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements. The lens will also focus down to as close as 17.7 inches (0.45 m). In addition, the Dual Nano USM motors deliver quick and accurate autofocus. Importantly for video use, Canon says that the RF 24-105mm lens has an electronic parfocal focus capability while zooming and focus breathing suppression.
Other features
The Canon RF 24-105mm lens features a 5.5-stop optical image stabilizer (OIS). This can additionally provide up to eight stops of stabilization with coordinated IBIS (in-body image stabilization) and OIS. Unfortunately, the wide f2.8 maximum aperture does mean that the new lens is big. It weighs around 3.2 pounds (1430 g) and is 7.8 inches (199 mm) long. Diameter-wise, the 24-105mm lens is 3.5 inches (88.5 mm) with a filter size of 82mm. Thankfully, there’s a removal tripod collar so you can mount the lens to your sticks to protect the camera’s mount.
Power zoom adapters
Canon offers two optional power zoom adapters for RF 24-105mm lens. These allow you to zoom the lens by hand with the built-in rocker switch or even remotely. The adapters operate via Canon’s Camera Connect / EOS Utility applications, Browser Remote function or over IP using Canon’s XC Protocol. The PZ-E2 has a USB port and the PZ-E2B adds a 20-pin connector to support Canon’s Zoom / Focus demands and Zoom Servo Grip.
What we think
Canon has designed its new RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens with video users in mind. The electronic parfocal capability is a great feature, as most photo lenses lose focus when you change focal length. The constant aperture is also another video essential with the added bonus of the wide f2.8 maximum aperture. Credit to Canon as well for including the ability to change the aperture steplessly for video. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 has a professional price tag but delivers a specification to justify that cost. The option to add power zoom functionality makes this the must-have zoom lens for Canon RF shooters.
Pricing and availability
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens is available to pre-order now, with shipping scheduled for mid-December. It retails at $2,999.
The power zoom adaptors will be available in Spring 2024. The PZ-E2 costs $999 and the PZ-E2B will be $1,299.
