Along with the new EOS R6 Mark II, Canon has announced the RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM and SPEEDLITE EL-5.
The RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM is a telephoto prime lens and the SPEEDLITE EL-5, is a high-performance Speedlite for capturing weddings and events.
RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM
The successor of the popular Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM, the RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM features a fast f/1.8, 9-blade aperture and 135mm focal length. The lens features a minimum focusing distance of 70cm / 27.55″ that provides a 0.26x magnification. The RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM also employs an Optical Image Stabilizer for up to 5.5 stops of stabilization and up to 8 stops of co-ordinated control stabilization.
Key features
- RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM key features:
- Fast f/1.8, 9-blade circular aperture
- 135mm focal length
- 5.5 stops of stabilization (8 stops with IBIS)
- Advanced optical design featuring three UD elements, ASC and Super Spectra Coating
- Nano USM motor for fast and quiet AF
The advanced optical design features three UD elements that are claimed to ensure high resolution, accurate colour reproduction and reduce chromatic aberrations. With ASC and Super Spectra Coating, the RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM also benefits from minimal ghosting or flare, while the fluorine coating helps to keep the lens free from dirt.
The lens has a Nano USM motor that enables fast and quiet AF operation, which, coupled with Canon’s Eye AF feature, allows the RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM to accurately focus on the subject’s eye. The RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM is Canon’s first-ever lens, other than super-telephoto lenses, to feature two Lens Function buttons, which can be used for AF-stop function or other features. A Control Ring can also be customised to change various settings from the lens such as shutter speed, aperture or ISO.
Weather sealing around the lens mount is said to ensure reliability in an extensive range of shooting conditions.
SPEEDLITE EL-5
The SPEEDLITE EL-5 is a high-performance, reliable Speedlite designed for event photographers. It features a Guide Number of 60 and a fast flash recycle time of 0.1-1.2 seconds.
Key features
- Guide Number of 60, with integrated modelling light
- Fast flash recycle time of 0.1-1.2 secondsiv
- Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack LP-EL
- Canon’s first Speedlite to feature a Multi-Function foot
- Wireless radio control for up to 15 additional Speedlites
A rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack LP-EL enables a long continuous flash count of up to 85 flashes at full power, and up to 350 flashes in a single charge, at full power. For more subtle lighting requirements, the extended manual power setting enables users to set the flash to 1/1024th power.
This is also Canon’s first Speedlite to feature a Multi-Function foot that is compatible with the latest EOS R series cameras. The SPEEDLITE EL-5 uses gold-plated contacts to create a reliable connection with the camera and improved communication. For reliable performance even when shooting with flash for long periods of time, the SPEEDLITE EL-5 is designed with an efficient passive cooling system that allows heat to dissipate more quickly. If you are shooting in inclement weather conditions, the flash features weather sealing.
The SPEEDLITE EL-5 offers a number of features such as wireless radio control for up to 15 additional Speedlites and a Camera Link function that allows photographers to trigger external cameras connected to these Speedlites. The Dual White LED light acts as a modelling light or AF assist lamp, to support focusing in low light situations. With the custom flash mode (C.Flash), users can register flash settings (C1, C2, C3) on the Speedlite and can also ‘link’ these to the camera’s custom modes, which act as a pre-set to speed up workflows in more complex environments. With the same intuitive design and menu system as the SPEEDLITE EL-1, the SPEEDLITE EL-5 offers a familiar joystick and button layout along with a new (Flash) Menu Direct button for easy access to the Speedlite settings menu on the camera.
DPP Cloud Upgrade
Canon has also bolstered its Digital Photo Professional software for advanced photographers, with a new subscription-based Neural Network Image Processing tool that enhances image quality through the power of cloud computing and Canon’s advanced AI technology. Photographers are able to reduce noise, while restoring detail and sharpness, previously not possible at such a high ISO, improve colour accuracy and benefit from lens optimisation.
Price & Availability
The RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM costs $2,099.00 USD, and the SPEEDLITE EL-5 is $399 USD.
The RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM will be supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller. Pricing will be set at dealers’ discretion, with an RRP of $3969 (incl. GST) for the lens and pricing for the SPEEDLITE EL-5 TBC. Both will be available in Australia early 2023.
