Canon RF vs EF Lenses: 4 Reasons to Make the Switch
Canon’s expanding RF lens lineup is giving photographers and hybrid shooters more options and greater control. While the EF series remains well-known and widely used, the newer RF mount, central to Canon’s mirrorless EOS R System, delivers a noticeable leap in performance. With features like smoother bokeh and specialised lenses for 3D and VR content, RF lenses offer capabilities that older systems simply couldn’t support. Visit one of the leading camera shops in Dubai, like National Store, to see how they work!
If you’ve already moved to a Canon mirrorless body or are considering the switch, here are five reasons to start using native RF lenses instead of relying on EF glass with an adapter.
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Access to new lens features
RF lenses have fresh capabilities. Take Canon’s trio of f/2.8 RF zoom lenses, for example, the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM. Together, they cover a wide focal range and all include image stabilisation — a feature missing in their EF equivalents. These lenses help working photographers cover more scenarios without compromise.
Canon has also introduced unique technologies within the RF lineup, such as the RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS, which uses a special Defocus Smoothing coating to produce beautifully soft background blur.
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Improved image quality
The RF mount allows lens elements to be positioned closer to the sensor, reducing the angle at which light enters. This leads to improved sharpness, especially at the edges of the frame, and allows for wider maximum apertures.
The communication between RF lenses and EOS R cameras is also faster and more precise. This enables enhanced correction of optical flaws through digital lens optimisation (DLO), which helps deliver crisp, high-quality results straight out of the camera.
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Innovative lens designs
Canon’s EOS VR System is one of the more recent releases designed for immersive 3D and virtual reality content. It works with select EOS R cameras and includes stereoscopic and VR lenses. These allow you to record two perspectives on a single sensor, simplifying both the shoot and the editing process.
RF lenses are also built to meet the needs of hybrid creators. Several models offer enhanced video features such as a manual Iris Ring with 1/32-stop adjustments and compatibility with Canon Power Zoom adapters, giving filmmakers more control while maintaining strong performance for stills.
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Expanded focal length options
As the RF lens lineup continues to grow, it now covers a broader range of focal lengths than the EF series ever did. The latest RF lenses range from 3.9mm to 1,200mm, and with RF extenders, you can extend that reach up to 2,400mm.
There are also new ultra-wide and compact options available. For instance, the Canon RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM is currently the world’s widest-angle autofocus zoom lens. For those exploring 180-degree VR content, the RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE makes immersive video more accessible than ever.
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