Canon’s RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z
Today’s production landscape is always changing in terms of the types of content we are being asked to produce. One production might be corporate or documentary based with a series of interviews and b-roll, the next might be a broadcast based or live event production using multiple cameras and the next production might be a commercial based project. In addition, crews are becoming smaller but client’s expectations of product you deliver is becoming higher.
As a result of the above, the choices we make regarding what cameras & lenses we use (and the features they provide), are becoming even more important. As a result, Canon’s RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z L Series Hybrid Lenses were designed for both stills and video based productions and for almost any production environment. They are true hybrids in every sense.
Both the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z L-series lenses provide outstanding build & image quality and have advanced features built upon Canon’s EOS R and EOS C RF-mount based camera systems.
Each lens has a clickless aperture ring (which is ideal for video production), a programmable Customizable Control Ring and two Lens Function Buttons which can be programmed to perform many functions such as AF point selection, start/stop whole area AF tracking, Eye detection, Peaking, Focus Guide, False Color and Zebras (to name a few). In addition, the focus rings on each lens are in identical positions so swapping between the two lenses when using a follow focus system is both quick and easy.
As such they have become the workhorse lenses in our own productions using RF-mount cameras such as the Canon EOS R5 C, EOS C80 and EOS C400. For our productions they have become our standard A & B camera lenses for most of the work that we do.
Following are some additional features and benefits of the Canon RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lenses…
Robust Build, Internal Zooming and Weather-Sealing
Both lenses are constructed to be robust and durable, with an internal zoom mechanism & weather-sealing that helps protect against dust and moisture. They are designed to withstand the rigors of production which is crucial when shooting outdoors or in demanding environments.
Amazing Optics and Image Quality
Both lenses incorporate groundbreaking optical designs, including Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass elements, aspherical lens elements and specialized Air Sphere Coating (ASC) that significantly reduce chromatic aberrations and lens flare. A “floating” optical system means optimal image quality, even at close focusing distances. These lenses epitomize Canon’s L-series optical performance, and deliver images that are sharp, vibrant, and free from common distortions.
Canon’s Autofocus Technology
The RF mount supports high-speed data communication system between the camera and lens, enabling faster, more precise autofocus. This is particularly beneficial for video production, where capturing moving subjects smoothly and accurately is key.
In addition, when noise is a consideration, the quiet operation of the autofocus motors in these lenses ensures that audio quality remains uncompromised. Combined with Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, RF lenses provide smooth, precise and accurate focusing, which is critical in video production.
Both lenses are also electronically parfocal which is extremely important when shooting video. This allows you to maintain focus while zooming. It also means that as you change focal lengths you don’t need to refocus on your subject (provided your subject doesn’t change location).
Stills Photography Capabilities
While optimized for video, both hybrid lenses are equally at home in still photography applications (including sports, nature, portraiture, event and product based projects). Their fast apertures and IS features make them excellent for capturing portraits, landscapes, and low-light scenes with stunning detail and vibrant colors. The 24-105mm, in particular, can be thought of as a “dream” standard zoom lens for many photographers.
Tripod Collar
Both lenses include a removeable tripod collar which provides better balance and stability when used with a monopod or tripod.
Conclusion
The Canon RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z is the day to day workhorse in our productions. Its constant, F2.8 aperture (a first for a 24-105mm AF lens), is perfect for both A Camera interview situations and as our main lens for b-roll capture. We often use it as a variable prime as the quality of image holds up throughout the entire focal length range (as does the 70-200mm F2.8 Z).
The RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z is our B Camera lens for interviews and is used for our product focused productions. It is also used for much of our b-roll capture when we are looking to really highlight a person or product and want that longer lens look.
The blend of build & image quality of both lenses along with their advanced RF-Mount based features for both stills and motion capture make them ideal for almost any type of production in almost any production environment.
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