Predicted Canon RF-S & RF Lens Releases In 2025

[john1970]

Three lenses I am potentially interested in: 1:1 macro zoom, 2nd generation 400 mm f2.8 with built-in TC, and 200-500 mm f4. That is it. Still hopeful that the 200-500 mm f4 is announced this spring, but one never knows.

 

[Exploreshootshare]

Is there one? I don’t see it.

According to rumors, apparently yes. Otherwise, Canon wouldn't have that many lenses in their pipeline and CR guy wouldn't be commenting about them. If the rumors are true, there are four new RF-S lenses coming. As there are only six RF-S lenses available as of now (including the absolute niche lenses 3.9mm and 7.8mm) I´d definitely say: Yes, there is. In real-world use there are only four proper RF-S lenses, so Canon is doubling their RF-S lenses. Sounds like a big need for me.

Furthermore, not offering a single prime lens for RF-S means there definitely is a hole and therefore a need...

Maybe a fast zoom (there was one for EF-S but not for EF-M). Maybe a fast prime (there was one for EF-M but not for EF-S).

Well, apparently there is a need.

In EF-S days the ILC market was 90% APS-S, today it’s around 75% APS-C.

Even if the number has gone down in comparison to FF and other formats, those 75% still need choices. So those numbers don´t prove anything...

Canon is definitely placing an emphasis on more affordable full frame, high-quality lenses.

So far, yes, I´d agree with the statement. But now that have delivered, they might focus on other products. Not really here or there...

For example, the R8 + RF 28-70/2.8 is cheaper and far more capable than the 7D + 17-55/2.8.

My understanding has always been that the 7D and the mkii was aimed at wild-life enthusiasts and especially birders appreciated that camera. So comparing it to the R8 doesn't really makes. Including the 17-55mm F2.8 even less. Imo, the mentioned R8 + 28-70mm F2.8 and it use cases would compare more likely to a 80d model or even 750d camera. Don´t know the pricing about them, but I also don´t care.

So I’m not sure we will see a set of high-end crop lenses from Canon.

I´m not either, I just stated the rumor (which was written with a lot of confidence of those lenses being released) and did a thought experiment. Maybe Canon isn't sure either. But the patents and rumors keep coming up, so they are definitely thinking about it. I guess, they'll watch the Sigma sale numbers and then decide.

But, if Canon decides to compete with the Sony offerings for vlogging, they'll need at least few power zoom crop lenses with video focussed features. A PZ lens with a constant aperture might be more intriguing than f4.5-6.3...

But hey, I was completely wrong about them discontinuing the M series in favor of crop R series bodies, so we will see what actually happens.

Congratulations to you! And to the other hundreds of camera enthusiasts who were right about it! I started reading this forum in 2017/2018 and there have always been numerous people who have "foreseen" the discontinuing of the M series. So what does it prove?

Oh, I had "foreseen" the unusual quick refreshment of the R6mk/ release of the R6mkii. People thrashed me on this forum in Aug, 22 (and before) when I said I believe in a Q1 2023 (or earlier) release of the R6mkii because it is needed to make space in the line-up for the R8. Should I praise myself for it? Or justify other arguments with it? Certainly not because there is no correlation that´d might right again or wrong. I take guesses/ suggests ideas based on the rumors here and elsewhere. Sometimes I am right, sometimes not. Same goes for you. The difference is I listen to other peoples ideas and opinions and I don´t justify arguments with "I was once right..."

 

[neuroanatomist]

Canon still hasn’t released an RF 85mm f/1.4.

Sony still hasn’t released an FE 85mm f/1.2, and Canon has two of those. Sorry, what was your point?

Additionally, they urgently need a new standard f/2 zoom. They’ve lost the lead here—Sony now has four options, all of which are lighter.

Canon standard zooms:

• RF 24-105/2.8L IS
• RF 24-105/4L IS
• RF 24-70/2.8L IS
• RF 24-50/4.5-6.3
• RF 28-70/2L
• RF 28-70/2.8

I think Sony has more than four standard zooms, you may want to count again. If you include 3rd party lenses, I’m certain there are more than the 6 offered by Canon.

But you’re right, Sony’s 28-70/2 is much lighter than Canon’s version. And it only took Sony 6 years longer than Canon to come out with one.

Also, Sony’s nonexistent 24-105/2.8 is infinitely lighter than Canon’s version. Perhaps in another 6 years Sony will launch one that’s lighter.

Where were we? Oh yes, your point. Still waiting for that.

 

[neuroanatomist]

According to rumors, apparently yes. Otherwise, Canon wouldn't have that many lenses in their pipeline and CR guy wouldn't be commenting about them. If the rumors are true, there are four new RF-S lenses coming.

Personally, I count lenses when they’re announced. The 200-500/4 has been ‘coming this year’ since 2023.

As there are only six RF-S lenses available as of now (including the absolute niche lenses 3.9mm and 7.8mm) I´d definitely say: Yes, there is. In real-world use there are only four proper RF-S lenses, so Canon is doubling their RF-S lenses. Sounds like a big need for me.

Canon launched 3 EF-M lenses with the system, then 5 more over the subsequent 6 years. I’m not convinced we’ll see four new RF-S lenses this year.

Furthermore, not offering a single prime lens for RF-S means there definitely is a hole and therefore a need...

There are very good, affordable RF lenses like the 16/2.8 and 28/2.8, those mitigate the need for RF-S primes.

Even if the number has gone down in comparison to FF and other formats, those 75% still need choices. So those numbers don´t prove anything...

Canon has the data, but historical numbers (average of 1.5 lenses per body sold and the continued popularity of entry level two-lens kits) strongly suggest that relatively few APS-C buyers purchase additional lenses beyond what comes in the box with their camera. I’m pretty sure most buyers of additional lenses use FF bodies, and if they don’t Canon wants them to buy one.

Imo, the mentioned R8 + 28-70mm F2.8 and it use cases would compare more likely to a 80d model or even 750d camera.

The 80D combo would still cost more.

But, if Canon decides to compete with the Sony offerings for vlogging, they'll need at least few power zoom crop lenses with video focussed features.

Totally agree.

Sometimes I am right, sometimes not. Same goes for you. The difference is I listen to other peoples ideas and opinions and I don´t justify arguments with "I was once right..."

I stated that I was completely wrong about something (I said Canon wouldn’t launch crop R bodies because the M series was too popular to discontinue). Somehow you interpret that as me justifying a position because ‘I was once right’. Mmmmkay. Maybe you need to work on your reading comprehension.

 

[bn5fg]

Sony still hasn’t released an FE 85mm f/1.2, and Canon has two of those. Sorry, what was your point?

The 85mm f/1.4 is much more practical due to its weight, and Sony's ecosystem offers multiple options here. But yeah, the lack of an 85mm f/1.2 doesn’t look great for Sony.

Canon standard zooms:

• RF 24-105/2.8L IS
• RF 24-105/4L IS
• RF 24-70/2.8L IS
• RF 24-50/4.5-6.3
• RF 28-70/2L
• RF 28-70/2.8

I think Sony has more than four standard zooms, you may want to count again. If you include 3rd party lenses, I’m certain there are more than the 6 offered by Canon.

But you’re right, Sony’s 28-70/2 is much lighter than Canon’s version. And it only took Sony 6 years longer than Canon to come out with one.

Also, Sony’s nonexistent 24-105/2.8 is infinitely lighter than Canon’s version. Perhaps in another 6 years Sony will launch one that’s lighter.

Where were we? Oh yes, your point. Still waiting for that.

I was specifically talking about f/2, in case you missed my message. At f/2.8, Canon is in a good spot now with the new 28-70mm f/2.8 and 24-105mm f/2.8.

Right now, the market includes the Tamron FE 35-150mm f/2-2.8, Samyang FE 35-150mm f/2-2.8, Sigma FE 28-45mm f/1.8, and Sony FE 28-70mm f/2—competing against the old, overweight Canon RF 28-70mm f/2. Canon looks like a dinosaur at this point. However, the RF 28-70mm f/2 was groundbreaking when it was released. Canon needs to step up to regain its edge.

 

[jim]

Okay, some dream lenses...

RF 800mm f/6.3 IS DO with decent close focus or a
RF 500mm f/5.6 IS DO with decent close focus.
RF-M version of 65mm EF-M: 0.5x - 4x life size but with power 'focus'. I find twisting the mag-ratio setting really messes up my handling of this lens.
RF 60mm f/2.8L IS macro - focusing to 2x life size, maybe RF-C version.
RF 70-300mm f/4L IS - focusing to 0.5x life size at 300mm.

 

[neuroanatomist]

I was specifically talking about f/2, in case you missed my message. At f/2.8, Canon is in a good spot now with the new 28-70mm f/2.8 and 24-105mm f/2.8.

Right now, the market includes the Tamron FE 35-150mm f/2-2.8, Samyang FE 35-150mm f/2-2.8, Sigma FE 28-45mm f/1.8, and Sony FE 28-70mm f/2—competing against the old, overweight Canon RF 28-70mm f/2. Canon looks like a dinosaur at this point. However, the RF 28-70mm f/2 was groundbreaking when it was released. Canon needs to step up to regain its edge.

Makes more sense, thanks.

 

[f2_productions]

As I have said often by now, I hope we get the R7 Mark II in summer with decent specs. So if we get the R50V/RV in March/April, the R6 III in May/June then the R7 II might be released in July/August.

 

[blackcoffee17]

Sony still hasn’t released an FE 85mm f/1.2, and Canon has two of those. Sorry, what was your point?


Canon standard zooms:

• RF 24-105/2.8L IS
• RF 24-105/4L IS
• RF 24-70/2.8L IS
• RF 24-50/4.5-6.3
• RF 28-70/2L
• RF 28-70/2.8

I think Sony has more than four standard zooms, you may want to count again. If you include 3rd party lenses, I’m certain there are more than the 6 offered by Canon.

But you’re right, Sony’s 28-70/2 is much lighter than Canon’s version. And it only took Sony 6 years longer than Canon to come out with one.

Also, Sony’s nonexistent 24-105/2.8 is infinitely lighter than Canon’s version. Perhaps in another 6 years Sony will launch one that’s lighter.

Where were we? Oh yes, your point. Still waiting for that.

You forgot the 24-105 F7.1. Canon needs a Sony 20-70 F4 competitor. That's one lens i'm willing to buy a Sony body for.

 

[padam]

RF 800mm f/6.3 IS DO with decent close focus or a
RF 500mm f/5.6 IS DO with decent close focus.

Apart from an industry standard 400/2.8 or 600/4, we can rule out lenses, which already exist in a competitor's lineup.
What is much more likely: RF 400mm f/4 IS DO USM Extender 1.4x
Solves close focus, but it will be significantly more than the old EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM or a Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens.
The other one maybe a RF 600mm f/4 IS DO USM Extender 1.4x (if they dust off that formula once again and utilise the new space for an extender), and it would certainly top a Z 600mm f4 TC VR S with regards to pricing (at least it would be even more portable).
Or maybe they just upgrade the current formula and only aim to match Nikon's price tag.

 

[Exploreshootshare]

Personally, I count lenses when they’re announced. The 200-500/4 has been ‘coming this year’ since 2023.

I usually do, too. But when there are so many rumors, hints and even images about several lenses for a very small existing line-up, I´d still say there seems to be a need.

Canon launched 3 EF-M lenses with the system, then 5 more over the subsequent 6 years. I’m not convinced we’ll see four new RF-S lenses this year.

True, but I also think Canon is currently treating the RF-S/ APS-C line-up very differently from the EOS M line. I was intrigued by the EOS M cameras, but I never had the feeling that there is "more to come". Canon always seemed to handle it like an unloved step-kid.

There are very good, affordable RF lenses like the 16/2.8 and 28/2.8, those mitigate the need for RF-S primes.

Meaning, Canon will leave all APS-C designed primes to Sigma? Having the apparently excellent EF-M 22mm, they could at least transfer one prime.

Canon has the data, but historical numbers (average of 1.5 lenses per body sold and the continued popularity of entry level two-lens kits) strongly suggest that relatively few APS-C buyers purchase additional lenses beyond what comes in the box with their camera. I’m pretty sure most buyers of additional lenses use FF bodies, and if they don’t Canon wants them to buy one.

True, but there was also one of the Canon reports which said that growth lies in existing users buying an additional lens (so maybe three lenses) and that their goal would be to reach out to them. An UWA, standard zoom, telezoom combo makes sense or a prime/ standard zoom/ telezoom as well.

The 80D combo would still cost more.

Interesting. I don´t the numbers, just thought that would be the camera to compare it to.

Totally agree.

I stated that I was completely wrong about something (I said Canon wouldn’t launch crop R bodies because the M series was too popular to discontinue). Somehow you interpret that as me justifying a position because ‘I was once right’. Mmmmkay. Maybe you need to work on your reading comprehension.

Ups, sry. I misread that. My bad

 

[xmarijan]

It is a bit disappointing there is no RF-S 22mm f/2 or similar wide angle, pancake lens in sight.

 

[john1970]

Okay, some dream lenses...

RF 800mm f/6.3 IS DO with decent close focus or a
RF 500mm f/5.6 IS DO with decent close focus.
RF-M version of 65mm EF-M: 0.5x - 4x life size but with power 'focus'. I find twisting the mag-ratio setting really messes up my handling of this lens.
RF 60mm f/2.8L IS macro - focusing to 2x life size, maybe RF-C version.
RF 70-300mm f/4L IS - focusing to 0.5x life size at 300mm.

Another dream lens: A 500 mm f4.5 DO with built in 1.4x TC so one also can have a 700 mm f6.3

 

[Fer_FrontSeven]

The thing here is, at least with RF-S, I’ve been 2 years waiting because “for sure they release a lens f2.8 now that they have the R7”, then “for sure now that they allow sigma enter they will release a lens RF-S 2.8” and today is “now that they will do the R7M2 for sure they release a lens RF-S 2.8”, the reality is they don’t release anything and we are still waiting. For the moment I will move to sigma 18-50, and then we will see if they release anything, i guess in that case I will sell the sigma eventually, but waiting with canon can be endless.

 

[ashmadux]

The EF8-15/4 is definitely a small niche but may have brought shooters into the ecosystem as there was nothing like it from 15 years ago until Nikon did 8 years ago.
Only Canon would know if they sold more than their TS-E lenses but both are pretty niche.
As niche as the 11-24/4 or the 10-20/4?

PS: why are comments turned off for "the camera market continues to shift" and
"CIPA January 2025 Results" not appearing on the front page and also not having comments turned on?

I personally rented the fisheye many times and it was just great to use on crop and on full frame. If it was cheap enough I wouldn't mind owning the old bird once again how much just a fantastic well-made lens to have some fun with.

Otherwise my first order of business is one of the missing primes whether it's the 32 or the 22. Since I've literally shot with these for 10 years now on EFM and still do, there's no way I can upgrade without one of these. All I need is one of these primes and a proper ultrawide, and I don't even like the latest RFS version but at least it's something. And I still have my 10 to 22 EFS that's been a good landscape friend all over the world. It may not be the smallest but they're handling is just wonderful in spite of.

PS - I'm probably the biggest hater of the current RFS bodies so for me personally those things need to be good and capable. That fat chunky design compared to the m62 this is just untenable for me. If it comes down to that and they don't make something more desirable I'll just have to eat waiting for a small full frame that's not me by canon. Maybe S9 version 2. To invest once again into that 24 MP sensor is this kind of silly regardless of the other new features.imho.

 

[another_mikey]

As stated in the article, a Canon full frame, fast, wide angle lens for nightscape shooting is on my immediate buy list, as it has been since I got my R5. Between 14 and 20 mm, and between f/1.2 to f/2 max aperture, hopefully with an infinity focus lock ability. I would immediately get it if I could afford it, or immediately start saving money if I couldn't afford it yet.

 

[Quack]

Is there one? I don’t see it. Maybe a fast zoom (there was one for EF-S but not for EF-M). Maybe a fast prime (there was one for EF-M but not for EF-S). In EF-S days the ILC market was 90% APS-S, today it’s around 75% APS-C.

Canon is definitely placing an emphasis on more affordable full frame, high-quality lenses. For example, the R8 + RF 28-70/2.8 is cheaper and far more capable than the 7D + 17-55/2.8.

So I’m not sure we will see a set of high-end crop lenses from Canon. But hey, I was completely wrong about them discontinuing the M series in favor of crop R series bodies, so we will see what actually happens.

I don't see it either. I think the two large segments of APC-S users are consumers looking for budget friendly kit, probably having no more than 2 lenses, and bird and wildlife photographers who are buying RF and EF telephoto lenses.

What people seem to forget is that until the release of the 6D in 2012, there were no consumer level FF cameras from Canon, so they had to have a more robust EF-S lineup of lenses (and at $2,099 US, it was still not affordable to most). That is no longer true today.

 

[neuroanatomist]

What people seem to forget is that until the release of the 6D in 2012, there were no consumer level FF cameras from Canon, so they had to have a more robust EF-S lineup of lenses (and at $2,099 US, it was still not affordable to most). That is no longer true today.

Moreover, Canon has actively pushed it the other direction with mirrorless. The EOS RP is still ‘current’ (taking a page from Sony’s book, there)…a FF MILC selling for $800. That’s cheaper than the R10.

Lenses like the 16/2.8, 15-30, 100-400, 600/11 and 800/11 bring FF focal lengths previously exclusive to L-series lenses into the ‘affordable’ range. Lenses like the 16-28/2.8 and 28-70/2.8 also break the old mold, offering L-series optical quality and weather sealing in non-L lenses, costing much less than similar L-series lenses (but also pushing the buyers through the $1000 psychological barrier).

Canon has stated that lenses are more profitable than bodies, and FF lenses are always going to be the bigger (and more expensive) portion of the portfolio. Limiting the higher end of the APS-C lineup would help push buyers into the FF realm, which seeks to be part of Canon’s current strategy.

 

[TostitoBandito]

First time I've heard the fisheye zoom called the 'top' of anything.

That lens is a big deal in the underwater photography world. An RF version would be welcomed. At some point soon the EF version could become hard to find new.

Obviously not a huge sales driver in the big scheme of things, but the same can be said about TS and plenty of other niche lenses.

 

[David - Sydney]

That lens is a big deal in the underwater photography world. An RF version would be welcomed. At some point soon the EF version could become hard to find new.

Obviously not a huge sales driver in the big scheme of things, but the same can be said about TS and plenty of other niche lenses.

Agreed that the fisheye is popular underwater but I am not sure how a RF version would be substantially better than the EF one. It is generally easy to find a second hand EF lens as people get bored with doing weird portraits.
I'm using the fisheye less for underwater now as I can go to 14mm with the RF14-35/4. Best of wide and super-wise angle options.
The fisheye is still fun for astrolandscapes though!