Canon went off the beaten path with its first two RF 70-200mm telezooms for the EOS R mirrorless system, both the standard 70-200mm F2.8 and 70-200mm F4 sport retractable designs that take up less room in your camera bag versus counterparts from the SLR era. It went back to basics with this F2.8 L IS USM Z edition; the barrel is fixed length, so the lens doesn’t change length when changing focal length. It’s more to carry, but leaves enough room to work with a rear teleconverter, a plus for photographers who want the flexibility to use the lens as is, or add a 1.4x (100-280mm F4) or 2.0x (140-400mm F5.6) extender to give the lens more reach for photographing sports, wildlife, and other genres that call for extreme focal lengths.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
The extra versatility comes at a cost, both financial and in bulk. The RF 70-200mm F2.8 Z is the largest, heaviest, and most expensive of Canon’s trio, and since it doesn’t currently allow third parties to make full-frame, autofocusing lenses for RF cameras, Canon photogs are locked into buying the company’s glass. The Z version of the lens measures 7.8 by 3.5 inches (HD), weighs 2.4 pounds, and uses large 82mm front filters, it’s more to carry than the standard 70-200mm F2.8 L (5.8 by 3.5 inches, 2.35 pounds, 77mm filters) or F4 L (4.7 by 3.3 inches, 1.5 pounds, 77mm filters).
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
All three editions are part of Canon’s L series, its designation for its pro-grade glass. Each is fully weather-sealed, includes anti-smudge fluorine on the front glass, and is built to withstand the rigors of regular use outdoors, at wedding receptions, and in the studio. You can get the 70-200mm F2.8 Z in black or white, a change for Canon, as most of its pro telezooms are only available in white.
As mentioned, the lens works with either of Canon’s rear teleconverters. It also works with the PZ-E2 ($1,149) and PZ-E2B ($1,449) Power Zoom Adapters. These are external motors that screw onto the side of the lens so you can zoom in or out with smooth, electronically controlled motion, making the lens suitable for specialized video and cinema applications. The E2B is more expensive, but includes a 20-pin port to connect a wired remote control, an accessory that’s commonly used in broadcast environments and is familiar to Electronic News Gathering (ENG) camera operators.
EOS R5 Mark II, 119mm, f/2.8, 1/160-second, ISO 800 (Credit: Jim Fisher)
The 70-200mm Z also has an integrated tripod collar with a removable foot. The collar rotates 360 degrees and uses a thumb screw to set it and lock it into place. It does not include detents at 90-degree increments like some other lenses, but it includes marks so you can line it up visually. The foot slides on and off without tools, as well; it also uses a thumb screw. It’s a good idea to use the foot as the tripod mounting point instead of the camera’s thread, as it provides a better center of gravity. I’m a little disappointed that Canon doesn’t include Arca-Swiss dovetail cuts on the foot, which means you’ll need to add a quick-release plate or, alternatively, replace Canon’s OEM foot with an aftermarket option—Kirkland Photo makes one for $125.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
Canon includes a zippered soft carrying case, front and rear caps, and a hood with the lens.
