p.1 #2 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
This lens could make Canon's APS-C bodies a lot more interesting. The existing zooms are very slow, which is something I can tolerate (under the right circumstances) on a full frame body with excellent high ISO performance, but not necessarily on a smaller sensor. F/4 is probably the best compromise between size and performance for small bodies, and this could be a one-and-done lens for many people.
Apr 07, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #3 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
That looks like an interesting option. My wife primarily uses my R7 with the EF-S 15-85 f/3.5-5.6 and this looks like it would be a nice replacement for that lens in RF mount.
p.1 #5 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
If true, this would be a 24-112mm full frame equivalent, which is a pretty useful zoom range. This could be the RF version of the excellent EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.
While a constant aperture is great, f/4 on Canon APS-C is only equivalent to about f/6.3 in terms of background blur. So, we can't expect to achieve the same look at wide apertures as even a slow zoom like the 24-105 f/4 brings on full frame.
Still, this could be good for general shooting if paired with one or two faster primes like the RF 24mm f/1.8 or one of the Sigma APS-C offerings.
I still would like to see Canon bring faster glass to RF-S, but I am glad that third parties are there to fill the gaps.
p.1 #6 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
I expect less resolution in the corners if this is a high-distortion lens like the other recent computational wonders. But it's probably better for the R10, R50, etc. than R7 II.
p.1 #9 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
Mike_5D wrote:
But then it would be a lot bigger and more expensive. Just get the 70-200 f/4 if you need a faster lens.
On a tangent, but Canon should release a non-L reasonably fast, reasonably priced tele-zoom to pair with the 16-28 and 28-70 non-L lenses. Seems like a pretty big gap considering the price point of the 70-200/4L.
p.1 #10 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
rscheffler wrote:
On a tangent, but Canon should release a non-L reasonably fast, reasonably priced tele-zoom to pair with the 16-28 and 28-70 non-L lenses. Seems like a pretty big gap considering the price point of the 70-200/4L.
Yeah I've had the same thought. A 70-140 2.8 STM to complete the 2.8 Affordable Trinity would be cool. It would be really nice to maintain the 67mm filter size from the other two, but I don't know what combination of aperture and focal length that would allow.
p.1 #11 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
Tamron/Nikon have their 70-180/2.8. It theoretically would still work with 67mm filter thread given its 64mm entrance pupil... 140 would IMO be a bit short on FF. Or it could be variable aperture f/2.8-4.0, which I think would be acceptable for such a lens.
p.1 #12 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
I too am hoping for a 70-180 f/2.8 IS STM to complete the "lesser holy Trinity". Assuming optical quality lands in the same zone as the other two, I would choose that lens for travel over the 70-200 f/4L any day. As good as the L-series lens is, the additional aperture is worth a lot to me.
If Canon makes this lens, I imagine it will include stabilization, which will give it an edge on the Nikon / Tamron offerings. Not that I expect anybody would switch systems for optical stabilization, but it is a definite nice to have if you are a Canon shooter.
p.1 #13 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
Given the R8 does not have IBIS, and these lenses are in more of an entry level price range also occupied by the R8, optical IS would make sense. It would be a marketing point in Canon's favour to offset the likely higher price point than 3rd party options for other systems, a space that Canon appears to be trying to fill themselves with the non-L 2.8s
Apr 08, 2026 at 07:12 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #14 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
garyvot wrote:
I too am hoping for a 70-180 f/2.8 IS STM to complete the "lesser holy Trinity". Assuming optical quality lands in the same zone as the other two, I would choose that lens for travel over the 70-200 f/4L any day. As good as the L-series lens is, the additional aperture is worth a lot to me.
If Canon makes this lens, I imagine it will include stabilization, which will give it an edge on the Nikon / Tamron offerings. Not that I expect anybody would switch systems for optical stabilization, but it is a definite nice to have if you are a Canon shooter. ...Show more →
I think a 70-180 f/2.8 or perhaps 70-175 f/2.8, so it is exactly a 2.5X zoom range would be a popular lens. I don't think they will use STM, however. They didn't in even the RF 100-400 f/5.6-8, and this lens will have larger elements than that lens. I think it will likely be a 70-180 f/2.8 IS USM, but of course we won't know until they build it. For price, I would expect it to be $1,500 or $100 more than the Nikon lens. Maybe a couple hundred more, but I don't expect it to be $2000.
p.1 #17 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
Steve Spencer wrote:
I think a 70-180 f/2.8 or perhaps 70-175 f/2.8, so it is exactly a 2.5X zoom range would be a popular lens. I don't think they will use STM, however. They didn't in even the RF 100-400 f/5.6-8, and this lens will have larger elements than that lens. I think it will likely be a 70-180 f/2.8 IS USM, but of course we won't know until they build it. For price, I would expect it to be $1,500 or $100 more than the Nikon lens. Maybe a couple hundred more, but I don't expect it to be $2000.
You could be right about the focusing motor, although the latest generation of STM motors are considerably improved. It also helps that the STM zooms have internal focusing designs that the primes do not benefit from.
Interestingly, Tamron is now onto its second generation 70-180mm f/2.8 model which apparently is even better. (Most believe that the Nikon lenses are rebadged Tamron gen 1 versions.)
p.1 #19 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
Mike_5D wrote:
Good. Hopefully you don't buy it and whine about it online.
Ah’ that depends what ccmeth… I may or may not… let’s wait and see 😎
If it’s priced similar to the 45/1.2 I’ll probably buy, if it’s near the 24-240 it’ll stay on the shelf.
Apr 09, 2026 at 03:55 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #20 · A New Constant f/4 Aperture RF-S Zoom Coming
Pixelpuffin wrote:
Tbh
Given canons recent history
You just know this “ lens” will cost even more than you dared to think… a lot more! 😵💫
Which lens? The rumored APS-C 15-70 f/4 or the potential FF RF 70-180 f/2.8 were were discussing?
