Canon has pushed hard into some new territory with the RF mount, and they show no signs of stopping, with some particularly interesting lenses currently being tested.
Canon rumor is Report that Canon is testing five new DO super-photographic lenses:
- RF 400mm f/3.5 BECAUSE USUS
- RF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM
- RF 500mm f/4.5 MADE US US
- RF 500mm f / 5 DO IS USM
- RF 800mm f / 9.5 BECAUSE US
Canon has made DO (diffraction optics) lenses before, using special lens elements that allow for a smaller and lighter design. The most notable example is EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM. While the first version of this lens received mixed reviews due to sharpness issues, the second version greatly improved this and became quite successful. Furthermore, while it’s unclear which of these lens designs will make it to market (rumored to only have one), it’s likely that its announcement (whether news full announcement or just development) will coincide with the announcement of the upcoming EOS flagship mirrorless camera R1. If I had to guess, we’d probably see an RF 500mm f/4.5, as Canon already has two RF lenses, 800mm and 400mm f/2.8, and the EF 500mm f/4 L has yet to be replaced. We’ll see what the year brings!
