Re: RF-S Lenses - What We Know and What is Rumored
bclaff wrote:
What we know:
Canon has announced two APS-C R mount cameras the R7 and the R10.
They have also announce two "kit" lenses:
RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM
RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM
From lens construction diagrams on the Canon site we know that the
RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM
has the same optical layout as the
EF-M18-150mm f3.5-6.3 IS STM
And we know that the optical layout of the
RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM
does not correspond to any previous Canon lens design.
What is rumored:
I have seen a list of 5 additional RF-S lenses that are rumored for future release:
RF-S 11-55mm f/4-4.5 IS STM
RF-S 16-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
RF-S 55-250mm f/4.5-7.1 IS STM
RF-S 22mm f/2 STM
RF-S 32mm f/1.4 STM
of these only the two prime lenses correspond to existing EF-M lenses.
So at least 3 of these 5 lenses would be new designs.
Naturally, rumors are only rumors.
Reusing optical designs
While I'm sure there is disagreement I see no issue with reusing optical designs particularly to "jump start" a new product line such as the RF-S lenses.
Resources are limited and it takes a long time to design a new lens from scratch.
Bill, you mention three new designs. Does that mean you are not counting the 55mm-250mm as an existing design? The aperture at the long end is a bit slower than the EF-S model. Maybe that indicates a redesign. Just curious. I happened to buy a 55-250mm a week or so ago and it is a great lens. Great value at $150 used, in excellent condition. I assume it would work well on an adapter.
The RF-S lens catalogue is shaping up nicely. An 11-55mm would be quite interesting, if true. It is unfortunate that the basic kit lens is 18-45mm versus 15-45mm. That 24mm equivalent wide end is nice to have.
I wasn’t interested in the R10 when I briefly tried it in August but with more reviews out and probable expansion of the lens catalogue, it is getting more interesting.