Canon's mirrorless lenses have generally been quite impressive, offering exciting levels of image quality and performance, even better than some of the most respected EF lenses. Nonetheless, the RF lens library still has quite a few missing lenses. It looks like Canon will get off to a quick start in 2023, though, with some new high-level options on the way.
Canon Rumors is reporting that three new L lenses are on the way in the first half of 2023. L lenses are Canon's professional options, signified by the red ring near the front of the lens and offering a lot of image quality, reliable performance, and rugged construction. As such, three new L lenses are likely to grab the attention of a lot of creatives. The three rumored models are the RF 35mm f/1.2L or f/1.4L, RF 24mm f/1.4L, and a third undetermined wide angle lens. The EF 35mm and 24mm lenses were both widely respected and quite favored by creatives, and I suspect the subsequent RF models will enjoy the same levels of popularity, particularly given the versatility of those two focal lengths. Given the extreme quality of the RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM, I'm sure we'll see impressive performance from these lenses as well, though we may also see a similar price jump. We'll see what 2023 brings!
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It's nice to see Canon continuing to fill out their RF lens lineup, especially with high build quality L lenses. But I would hardly call any of these lenses "exciting". All 3 are pretty much just normal, standard focal length / aperture combinations that have been around for years. Very ordinary.
Hopefully at some point in the future Canon starts making some truly "exciting" lenses that bring something truly revolutionary in terms of focal length range, minimum focus distance, and aperture combinations. Lenses that are radically different from anything we have ever seen before, like the Sigma 60-600mm f6.3 and the Laowa 25mm 2x Macro Probe. Those lenses are actually exciting.
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There better be. And I hope Canon will reconsider opening their RF mount autofocus protocols for third parties. Cause most people don't have money for all these $2000 L-series lenses.
As a Canon 5D III user, I already have an assortment of zoom and prime lenses from both Canon and third party manufacturers that others already envy. At this point, I really can't think of a single compelling reason to switch to the new RF system. I will continue to add to my system, but probably from the used market.