Recent rumors have sparked excitement among Canon enthusiasts as whispers of a new Canon RF-S lens reminiscent of the Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM begin to circulate. While specific details about the lens remain elusive, the potential release of an ultra-wide angle lens is precisely what Canon’s exceptional APS-C mirrorless cameras need to maximize their capabilities.
Canon’s APS-C cameras, such as the impressive EOS R7 for wildlife and sports photography, and the beginner-friendly EOS R10, have garnered acclaim. However, the limited lens options available for these cameras have posed a challenge for users. Currently, only three RF-S lenses are available, all of which are moderate zoom lenses with modest maximum apertures. To truly captivate photographers and elevate their performance, prime lenses and premium zooms are the coveted additions that are yet to materialize.
Notably, Nikon’s Z-mount mirrorless camera system faces a similar predicament. Both Canon and Nikon need to display equal enthusiasm for APS-C as they have for full-frame, reflected through the development of a wider range of lenses. The hopeful emergence of the rumored Canon RF-S 11-22mm lens could signify a positive turning point and the promise of more to come.
When comparing the offerings of Sony, Canon, and Nikon, it becomes evident that Sony has achieved a formidable presence in both APS-C and full-frame mirrorless systems, boasting a vast array of lenses for each format. Canon and Nikon, on the other hand, entered the mirrorless camera market later and have focused primarily on developing an extensive range of high-quality full-frame lenses, leaving APS-C with limited options.
As of now, Canon offers 28 RF lenses for full-frame cameras but only three RF-S lenses for APS-C cameras. Nikon, too, has a similar ratio with 30 full-frame lenses and merely four APS-C lenses. While Canon has recently released the EOS R7 and EOS R10 models, it remains understandable that they have only introduced three APS-C lenses thus far. Nevertheless, Canon’s history of modest investment in the APS-C sensor format is worth noting, as their previous EF-M mirrorless system failed to gain traction.
The significance of an ultra-wide lens for APS-C cameras lies in its ability to overcome limitations imposed by the crop factor. While full-frame lenses can be used on APS-C cameras with a crop factor of 1.6x (or 1.5x for Sony and Nikon), the resulting images often require cropping and may not achieve the desired wide-angle perspective. By introducing a native ultra-wide angle lens specifically designed for the APS-C sensor format, Canon can provide users with unparalleled shooting capabilities and eliminate the need for excessive cropping or disproportionate lens sizes.
For those considering purchasing a Canon EOS R7 or EOS R10, the rumored RF-S 11-22mm lens is undoubtedly worth anticipating. The introduction of a high-quality ultra-wide lens tailored for APS-C cameras could unlock the full potential of Canon’s APS-C mirrorless lineup, providing photographers with the tools they need to capture stunning wide-angle shots. Let us hope that Canon delivers an exceptional lens that meets the expectations of APS-C camera enthusiasts.
