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The Canon RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM is much smaller and half the weight of Canon’s previous ultra-wide angle zoom, the EF 11-24mm F4 L USM.

Canon has announced the RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM, a full-frame, ultra-wide, rectilinear zoom lens for RF-mount mirrorless cameras.

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What may be most notable about the lens is its size, which Canon claims it was able to achieve thanks to the short flange distance of the mirrorless lens mount. By pushing the lens’s rear element closer to the sensor, Canon says it was able to make the front element smaller, with the added benefit of allowing the path of light through the lens to be straighter, causing less aberration.

The practical result is that the RF 10-20mm F4 L weighs 570g (1.25 lbs), half the weight of Canon’s previous ultra-wide zoom, the EF 11-24mm F4 L (1170g). Despite the smaller size, Canon claims the new lens surpasses the earlier lens in image quality.


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As its name implies, the 10-20mm F4 L IS STM includes in-lens image stabilization, providing up to 5 stops of stabilization independently and up to 6 stops combined with in-body image stabilization. Canon says the IS system on this lens is specifically tuned to prevent peripheral blurring at the edges of the frame, even from the slightest camera movement.

This is the first Canon L lens to feature an ‘STM’ stepper motor to drive autofocus, which should provide quiet AF when capturing video. Additionally, the AF system includes a position sensor so the lens can return to the previous AF setting when the camera’s power is cycled off.

Other features include an integrated lens hood, 9-bladed aperture, fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements to reduce smudging, and dust- and water-resistant construction. There’s also a rear filter holder for gelatin filters.

The RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM will be available in November for a recommended price of $2,299.

Press release:

Going Wide: Canon introduces the RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM to its lens lineup

MELVILLE, NY, October 11, 2023 – Today, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced the launch of the RF10-20MM F4 L IS STM lens, a full-frame ultra wide- angle lens that can help the work of a professional photographer or serious enthusiast stand out from the crowd.

Opening the door to supreme full-frame visual possibilities, the RF10-20MM F4 L IS STM lens continues Canon’s respected reputation for optical excellence associated with L-series lenses. This new addition enhances optical performance with a modern mirrorless lens design that is fully equipped with key features, including:

  • New Image Stabilization (IS) technology, to help minimize wide-angle “fluttering” at outer areas of frame
  • Impressively compact size and light weight (1.25lbs/570g) at half the weight of EF series 11-24mm f/4 L lens
  • Super quiet Canon STM focus drive motor, which is ideal for video and marking the first time this technology appears in a Canon L-series lens

Speaking directly to the professional video and stills visual storyteller, the RF10-20MM F4 L IS STM features a built-in lens hood and lens function button on the barrel for customizing functions such as AF settings, Pre-Recording, Zebras and more. For landscapes, cityscapes, architectural, real estate and weddings, the RF10-20MM F4 L IS STM lens is a widely important lens for any professional to have at the ready.

Price & Availability

The Canon RF10-20MM F4 L IS STM lens is expected to be available in November for an estimated retail price of $2,299.00*. For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.

* Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

Canon RF 10-20m F4 L IS STM Specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 10–20 mm
Image stabilization Yes
CIPA Image stabilization rating 5 stop(s)
Lens mount Canon RF
Aperture
Maximum aperture F4
Minimum aperture F22
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 16
Groups 12
Special elements / coatings 1 Super UD, 3 UD, and 3 aspherical lenses
Focus
Minimum focus 0.25 m (9.84)
Maximum magnification 0.12×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter No
Physical
Weight 570 g (1.26 lb)
Diameter 84 mm (3.31)
Length 112 mm (4.41)
Zoom method Rotary (internal)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter notes Gelatin filter holder at rear of lens
Hood supplied Yes
Hood product code Built-in
Tripod collar No


Author:
Dale Baskin
Source: Dpreview

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