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Canon has been growing its RF mount lenses every year. So far, they have launched four bright aperture lenses: RF 20mm f1.4L VCM, RF 24mm f1.4L VCM, RF 35mm f1.4L VCM, and RF 50mm f1.4L VCM. Each of these lenses was designed for photographers who wanted fast prime lenses that offer exceptional image quality and controlled aberrations. Now, there are reports of Canon taking it a step further to reveal new f1.2L series lenses to help those who need extra brightness.
According to Canon Rumors, the company had said earlier that they would launch 8 to 10 lenses a year to build the RF mount, just the spectacular lineup of the EF mount. The f1.4L VCM series did a great job, and in our review of the 35mm lens, we found it to have great weather sealing, fast autofocusing speed, sharp image quality, and it was lightweight. Similarly to this series, which follows Canon’s lens-making philosophies, reports state that two prime lenses will be added to the f1.2L lineup. At the moment, there is no information on what focal lengths it could be. However, there is a lot of talk about whether these lenses will be an entirely new focal range or an updated version of existing f1.2L lenses.
The current Canon catalog has the RF 50mm f1.2L USM and two versions of the RF 85mm f1.2L USM lenses. In our review of the 50mm, we found the lens to be exceptionally good at bokeh, weather sealing, fast autofocus, control ring, and built quality. Similarly, the 85mm excelled at snappy autofocus, sharpness, image quality, weather sealing, and the bright aperture. However, both lenses were quite expensive, with 85mm showing some slight vignetting at f1.2.
With the newer VCM version, Canon has found ways to improve its optical quality, so the 50mm and 85mm could benefit from a fresh update since both were launched in 2018 and 2019, respectively. At the same time, photographers also feel that the L series is neglecting their needs, especially when it comes to fast prime lenses. So, it is possible that Canon will launch a new replacement 50mm, which is different from the 85mm version. However, it would be even great if the company launched new focal ranges in the f1.2L series since the options are quite limited. For instance, anyone who wants a wider, brighter lens will have to go for 20mm f1.4L VCM. That’s about it. No wonder many photographers feel Canon is limiting them.
The report also states that many image-makers are keen on the 35mm f1.2 version, along with the inclusion of an aperture ring as seen on VCM models. However, in our test, the iris ring has very limited control over photographers. While there is also a demand for a longer f1.2L series lens, there is also the challenge of cost, size, and weight. A brighter aperture may require more elements, which would take away from the lightweightness of the VCM lenses.
It remains to be seen what Canon has in store for the photography sector, but we hope they listen to the demands of image-makers, just like they pay attention to content creators.
