What’s next for Canon? Can we expect a more concentrated effort on the EOS R system this year?
‘ They’re playing catch up in a market where Sony already has an extensive range of E-mount lenses’
To keep in the loop and have a good understanding of what’s going on in the world of photography, my daily routine typically starts with making a cup of coffee and reading the top stories on my favourite photography blogs and websites.
The other day I stumbled upon an interesting story about Canon reportedly pausing EF DSLR lens announcements in 2019 so it can concentrate on expanding its line- up of RF mirrorless lenses for its EOS R system. While DSLR users might not be too happy to hear that no new EF lenses are forecast for 2019, Canon isn’t left with much choice on where to direct its lens design and manufacturing resources. After all, it’s playing catch up in a market where Sony already has an extensive range of excellent E-mount lenses for its full-frame system and Nikon has made it known that 12 lenses will be available for its Z series by 2020.
Future lens releases
The lack of any official roadmap for future RF lenses has until very recently left us guessing as to what might follow. Canon told us several fast f/2.8 zoom lenses will arrive between 2019 and 2021, and just before this issue went to press, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM are said to be on their way, along with the RF 24-240mm f/4- 6.3 IS USM, RF 85mm f/1.2L USM and RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS. If Canon follows these six lenses with other rumoured lenses like the RF 70-135mm f/2L USM and RF 50mm f/1.8 IS STM, this would bring the total number of RF-mount optics above ten. It seems likely that the RF 24-240mm f/4- 6.3 IS USM will arrive next, but price and availability are still to be confirmed.
Just as interesting as the direction of the RF lens range is how Canon plans to expand its EOS R system with new camera models. As I mentioned when I reviewed the EOS R, Canon’s first attempt at full-frame mirrorless feels more like an experiment than a refined product built on the popularity and success of Canon DSLRs like the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 5D Mark IV. Now that the wraps are off its latest sub-£1,500 model – the EOS RP (see page 8) – Canon needs to strike with a high- end model that delivers everything serious photographers and the working professional are asking for.
A waiting game
You can’t blame Canon for being bold and attempting to innovate with the EOS R, but as is the case with many first- generation products, I get the feeling lessons have been learned, criticisms will be taken on board and refinements need to be made. For now it’s just a waiting game to see what its next move is. More RF lenses for the system are inevitable and I’d like to see Canon be a bit more ballsy and deliver a full-frame mirrorless camera that’s capable of competing at the highest level, rather than worry about protecting its DSLRs. Nikon did exactly this with the Z 7 and Z 6, so come on Canon, let’s see you up the ante and deliver a camera worthy of the impressive RF lenses already made, those that are soon to arrive and others that might be in the pipeline.