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Two Brand-New Revolutionary Lenses from Canon

by Keenan Hursh
Canon, one of the world’s leading camera and lens manufacturers, is known for creating compelling and high-quality products, to say the least. Over the years they have come out with countless camera bodies and lenses that have significantly shifted the industry and widely impressed both professionals and enthusiasts. From their first DSLR cameras, their stunning L series lenses, and more recently their shift into the mirrorless market it’s safe to say that they know what they’re doing.

And they’re certainly not slowing down anytime soon. Canon very recently released two brand-new products that are both groundbreaking and unlike anything else ever seen on the market. These two new lenses are complete game changers and will surely become very valuable tools for photographers of all levels and disciplines.

In today’s article we’re going to take a look at the brand new Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM and Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lenses. We’re going to break it down and take a look at the key specs behind this impressive new glass and discuss exactly what makes these new lenses so special and unique.

Let’s get into it!

Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens

Specs:
  • Price: $1,899 USD
  • Full-Frame | f/6.3-9 to f/54
  • Nano USM Motor
  • Focus/Control Ring & Two L-Fn Buttons
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • 3 UD Elements
  • Super Spectra Coating
Overview:

Let’s start out with the obvious: this lens has an incredibly unique and unparalleled zoom range of 200-800mm. This expansive range in focal length allows photographers to shoot a vast array of subjects and gives them immense control over composition and framing. If you want to capture a hummingbird that’s a bit farther away you’re covered, if you want to capture an image of a bison surrounded by stunning natural habitat you’re covered. This lens is compatible with both the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters from Canon allowing you to zoom even further if necessary (of course you will need ample light). With a range of 200-800mm a whole new world of creative opportunities is now within reach.

On top of the wild focal range, this lens features plenty of other impressive features. With a relatively lightweight and compact design and 5.5 stops of built-in optical stabilization, this lens can be shot handheld by most users even at the 800mm focal range. And when combined with the IBIS of the canon’s mirrorless bodies the stabilization is only amplified. This also means that this lens can work relatively well in lower light situations considering that it has a maximum aperture range of f/6.3-9. Are there lenses that are better in low light? Of course. But for the price you pay and for the unmatched focal range this thing isn’t bad at all.

On top of that, his lens features a nearly silent, swift, and smooth autofocus system as well. The Canon Nano USM drive is a great bang for your buck. The lens features a focus/control ring that can adjust shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and more. There are also two lens function buttons available on the barrel of the lens to quickly and easily select your preferred settings. Additionally, this lens features a weather-resistant design, a smooth zoom ring, and a rotatable collar for mounting to give users effective control and input.

And when it comes to optics this thing is quite impressive as well. Although Canon isn’t advertising the 200-800mm as an L lens the optics don’t fall too short of their top-of-the-line products. With three ultra-low dispersion elements and super spectra coating this lens effectively eliminates chromatic and spherical aberrations, as well as ghosting and lens flare. For the price point, you’ll be able to capture sharp and detailed images with no problem.

The Canon 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is a first-of-its-kind and truly groundbreaking lens that we’re super excited about here at Backcountry Journeys. If you’re headed out into the field to capture images of wildlife and want a versatile lens that won’t break the bank then this is an excellent option for you!

Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens

Specs:
  • Price: $2,999 USD
  • Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
  • Two Nano USM Motors
  • 11-Blade Diaphragm
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • 3 Aspherical Elements, 4 UD Elements
  • SSC, ASC & Fluorine Coating
Overview

As if the 200-800mm offering wasn’t enough, Canon simultaneously released another truly unique and groundbreaking lens as well. Their brand-new RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens is just as exciting and revolutionary. This is the world’s first 24-105mm f/2.8 lens which is insane! Many people didn’t think a lens like this would ever exist yet here it is. And the excitement doesn’t stop there. Let’s break it down and take a look at all of the key features that make this lens so incredible.

To start this is truly a hybrid lens that will excel at both shooting stills and capturing video. With a flexible and versatile zoom range, you’ll be able to capture all sorts of content from landscapes to portraits, and even wider-angle wildlife shots. One of the key distinguishing features that makes this lens ideal for video use is its compatibility with an optional external power zoom adapter. You can easily attach this device which uses a servo to zoom in and out simply by pressing buttons rather than manually rotating rings on the lens. If you want a superb lens for video that can smoothly zoom in and out at the press of a button, then this lens can get the job done.

And even if you’re not interested in utilizing this nifty attachment there are plenty of other key features that make this lens shine. Obviously, the constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 is incredible and this is unheard of at this focal range. This lens will allow you to beautifully isolate subjects from their background while providing beautiful bokeh with its 11-blade diaphragm. On top of that, this lens will work exceptionally well in low-light situations especially when you take into account the built-in optical stabilization of 5.5 stops and the IBIS of your mirrorless body.

And of course, this is a brand-new L series lens so you know the optics are going to be superb. With four ultra-low dispersion elements and three aspherical elements, you can achieve sharper and crisper images with reduced chromatic and spherical aberrations. The 24-105mm f/2.8 also features Super Spectra, Air Sphere, and Fluorine coatings to reduce ghosting and flare. If you want top-notch image quality and sharpness from Canon, then this lens won’t disappoint.

This lens features impressive and dead silent autofocusing as well. With Canons Silent Nano USM Autofocus system incorporating two motors, you’ll be blown away by just how quickly and smoothly this camera can track subjects without any input. And of course, this lens features full-time manual focusing if you’d prefer to take control. Another crazy feature when it comes to manually focusing is that this lens features tactile feedback meaning that as you rotate the focus ring you’ll feel very soft click-stops to give you a sense of how much you’re adjusting things.

Overall, these are incredibly exciting and truly revolutionary brand-new lenses from Canon. Whether you want the absolute best optics available in an incredibly versatile and high-performance machine with the 24-105mm f/2.8 or you’re more interested in the impressive focal range and approachability of the brand-new 200-800mm f/6.3-9 you won’t be disappointed with these groundbreaking lenses from Canon!

I hope this article has been informative and has highlighted just how incredible and special these two new lenses really are. Until next time!

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 AUTHOR 

Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.

When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.

At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.

Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.

Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.

You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com

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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

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