LENS TEST
The zoom was used at 240mm to capture this silhouette of a photographer on Camber Sands in East Sussex Canon EOS R, 1/400sec at f/6.3, ISO 250
Testbench
Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM
For a travel zoom to be successful, size, portability and weight are ultimately key. The RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM has a thinner barrel than many of the L-series lenses Canon has released into its RF lineup. With a diameter of 80.4mm, a retracted length of 122.5mm and weighing a respectable 750g, it balances nicely and is well proportioned with Canon’s EOS R models for which it’s designed. Internally, the lens features an optical out sports or wildlife subjects, it’s currently the construction that consists of 21 elements in 15 groups, with seven diaphragm blades. To offset longest and most versatile zoom Canon has handshake and prevent handheld images at made since entering the mirrorless market. telephoto lengths being susceptible to blur, Before analysing its optical performance lets Canon has equipped the lens with a highly take a closer look at its key features. effective five-stop image stabiliser – an Features essential feature given that no available EOS R The RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM is model at the time of writing features in-body compatible with Canon’s EOS R and EOS RP image stabilisation (IBIS). The lens doesn’t full-frame mirrorless cameras. As well as being benefit from Canon’s latest electronic floating sold on its own, it’s available as part of a bundle focus control mechanism that we’ve seen with the EOS RP (£1,649), but not the EOS R. recently in the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM, This, combined with the fact it’s not an L-series but it still promises fast focusing with its lens, emphasises that Canon is targeting it at near-silent single Nano Ultrasonic (USM) motor. amateurs and enthusiasts who already own, or In contrast to existing RF lenses, which who are considering, the EOS RP. include an additional click-stopped
All-in-one zooms have their benefits. Michael Topham discovers if Canon’s example for its EOS R series is a good one with a gruelling test
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t was around this time last year that Canon revealed plans to strengthen its lineup of four lenses that were initially released for the EOS R system by adding six lenses that would arrive over the course of 2019. One of these six was the RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM – an opticallystabilised10x superzoom that addresses one concern surrounding the system, namely the unavailability of an all-in-one lens. The benefit of a zoom like the one we’re looking at in this review is that it covers most bases for trips away when space might be limited or you want to travel light and take only one lens with you. Wide enough to capture stunning landscapes and long enough to pick
subscribe 0330 333 1113 I www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I 14 March 2020
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