Photography gear briefs & discussion links
Canon's internal-zoom f/2.8 L telephoto for RF mount, from 2024. Launched at $2,999 (US). Who it suits: sports, event and hybrid photo and video shooters on Canon RF.
Why it exists. Canon calls it "A telephoto lens that is versatile across the spectrum – including sports, fashion and news reporting" (Canon U.S.A. release).
Unlike Canon's earlier RF 70-200mm F2.8, which extends as it zooms, the Z version zooms internally and works with the RF1.4x and RF2x extenders. It also adds an iris ring for video.
Who should buy it? Canon RF shooters covering sports and events who want extender reach and a constant length.
Canon U.S.A. announced the lens on October 30, 2024, at an estimated retail price of $2,999 (Canon U.S.A.).
It uses 18 elements in 15 groups, two Nano USM focus motors and an 11-blade aperture. Image stabilization is rated at 5.5 stops, or 7.5 stops with in-body stabilization.
Key specs for the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, from Canon U.S.A.'s October 30, 2024 release. Source for each row in brackets.
| Format / range | Full-frame RF mount, 70–200mm, f/2.8 [Canon release] |
|---|---|
| Optics | 18 elements in 15 groups [Canon release] |
| Aperture | 11 blades; iris ring [Canon release] |
| Autofocus | Dual Nano USM [Canon release] |
| Stabilization | 5.5 stops; 7.5 stops with in-body IS [Canon release] |
| Zoom | Internal; works with RF1.4x and RF2x extenders [Canon release] |
| Close focus | 0.49 m (W) / 0.68 m (T); 0.2x / 0.3x [Canon release] |
| Filters | 82mm [Canon release] |
| Size / weight | ø88.5 × 199 mm; 1,110 g (black) [Canon release] |
| Announced / price | October 30, 2024; $2,999 (US) [Canon release] |
We could not find enough openly licensed sample photos taken with this lens to build our own gallery. To see what it can do, browse the Canon Japan sample gallery for the RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z (in Japanese).
Canon: Launched at $2,999 in 2024 (US).
Who it's for: Canon RF sports and event photographers, and hybrid shooters who want an iris ring and a lens that does not change length.
Comparing telephoto zooms? See our Lenses by purpose guide.
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