Canon: We are in talks with other [lens-]manufacturers

Max5150 wrote:

If you are considering the Canon system you should assume no third party autofocus RF lenses in your decision criteria.

That's what it is in reality, but Canon is trying to raise false hope we could see third party RF AF lenses in the future.  That false hope is needed as it will help Canon to sell more RF bodies. The R8 is nice, and it seams great value for money, but once you want to pair it with the good zooms it's pay back time for Canon.

This is Canon we're talking about. If third party lenses are an important consideration in the decision, go Sony.

That's what I did.  The 50GM was 450 euro less than the RF 50mm f/1.2 L, and discount included even 650 less.  A also picked up a used Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DN for 700 euro in stead of 3000 euro for the RF 85mm f/1.2 L, so that's 2300 less. The A7IV was only 2450 euro discount included, so I got that body for free still having 500 euro spare change.

I do realize the RF 85mm f/1.2 L is the better 85mm optically, but the Sigma DN is almost half the weight, and in my opinion the optical performance is pretty close with the amount distortion being the biggest difference - not a big deal in a portrait lens for me. At 85mm I don't need f/1.2 as much as at 50mm, as long as f/1.4 is tack sharp it's good enough for me - and the Sigma DN meets that requirement.

The 50mm f/1.2 GM is clearly a better performer for AF than the RF 50mm L, and optically both lenses are stellar, so for 50mm I think I got the better lens for that focal length.

I don't know what Canon was thinking, but getting a body for free with 32Mp in stead of the 24Mp of the R6II and R8 is a better value to me than that RF 85mm f/1.2 L, as I can use the R5 now to shoot a 28mm f/1.4 or 105mm f/1.4 alongside that 50mm f/1.2 GM without the need for changing lenses to get my 50mm. Beats the 3300 euro 28-70mm f/2.0 L as well imo.

The 28mm is a Sigma, the 50mm is a Sony, the 105mm is a Sigma.....  Sorry Canon. If you want to sell me a lens it has to be better value for money than the current offerings.