Last week — after lots of speculation — Canon finally announced two new R series cameras; the Canon EOS R7 and the EOS R10. These two mirrorless APS-C cameras nicely round out the family of Canon R series cameras; however, there’s still a severe lack of affordable RF mount lenses, especially for professionals.
Canon has made great strides in regards to RF mount lenses; however, many of their premium options are cost-prohibitive. There are a few affordable RF mount lenses like the RF 35mm f/1.8 (our review), the RF 50mm f/1.8 (our review), the RF 24-105mm f4-7.1 and the RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8, but these lenses aren’t exactly pro-grade.
Of course, you could adapt older EF lenses onto Canon’s R series cameras, but why? If you buy into a system, it’s always best to use native glass. This is where third-party lenses from the likes of Sigma and Tamron could help.
Sigma and Tamron lenses — Pro-grade, half the price
Tamron and Sigma were churning out quality, pro-grade lenses for Canon EF and Nikon’s F mount, toward the end of the DSLR’s lifecycle. Lenses from these two companies were so good that many professional photographers felt like they could leave expensive first-party lenses behind.
Of course, many hobbyist and enthusiast photographers also snapped up Sigma’s and Tamron’s APS-C lenses too. The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art, for example, is still one of my favorite lenses of all time. I hope that someday we will see a mirrorless version for Canon’s (and others’) APS-C cameras.
Thanks to third-party lens manufacturers, you could buy top-quality, weather-sealed lenses with exceptional optics for half the price of Canon and Nikon’s offerings. You wouldn’t sacrifice anything in regards to optical quality, either.
The good news is that the promise of professional-grade lenses from third parties for full-frame and APS-C cameras has carried over to a few platforms in the mirrorless age. Users of Sony, L Mount Alliance and Fujifilm cameras have it pretty good. Canon and Nikon shooters, not so much.
Users of Sony, L mount and Fujifilm cameras are reaping the benefits of fantastic third-party lenses like the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 (read our review) and Tamron’s brilliant 35-150mm f/2-2.8 (our review is here). But unfortunately, four years into Canon’s R series camera lifecycle and (Nikon’s Z mount cycle), we’re no closer to seeing third-party support from Tamron and Sigma.
With third-party support, Canon R series camera adoption would boom
Many R series camera users are happy to pay premium prices for RF L series lenses. Surely, though, Canon must know that many thousands of photographers — myself included — are holding off buying into the system until third-party support comes along? I’m not sure who’s to blame here. It could be Canon themselves, or Tamron and Sigma are waiting for more R series camera adoption.
It could well be that Canon is refusing to share their autofocus algorithms just like they did with their DSLRs. Most — if not all — Tamron and Sigma lenses for the EF mount were reverse-engineered. Reverse engineering is complex and not cost-efficient, so you can easily understand the third-party hesitancy. Still, some third-party lenses from the likes of Samyang work very well with Canon’s RF mount. So, it’s possible. However, it would be better for everyone if Canon would share the secret sauce behind their AF algorithms with lens manufacturers.
Whatever the case, Canon’s mirrorless cameras — and many who use them — would welcome broader third-party lens support with open arms. It would be nice to buy lenses like Tamron’s 70-180mm f/2.8 and 28-75mm f/2.8 Di II VXD G2. Sigma’s beautiful, fast primes would also be much easier on the wallet and would deliver the results that professionals need.
Of course, there’s still plenty of time for third-party support. We just wish the powers that be would spring into action a little quicker so we can all enjoy what Canon’s R series cameras have to offer. Do you use a Canon R series camera? What lenses do you use? Would you be interested in seeing full-frame and APS-C RF mount Sigma and Tamron lenses on the platform? Let us know in the comment section below.
I’ve been a long time fan of Sigma lenses and have many in my bag. I also upgraded to the Canon Rp and would love some Sigma glass for the RF mount.
I’ve even asked Sigma when they will be making lenses with the RF mount and so far I’ve only received a note saying “As soon as we are able to we will offer RF mount”.
I have been using Canon APSC cameras for many many years before I decided to turn to full frame 2 and a half years ago. I was pondering for which system to go, Canon, Nikon or Sony, and I made up my mind for the EOS-R with a RF 24-105mm f4 lens. Eventhough I’m very happy and convinced of that camera and lense performance and handling to date, I wouldn’t go for a Canon full frame, had I to make the choice today again. Now and then I even think of changing systems in favor of a Sony. The reason… Read more »
I am a solid investor in Sigma Art lenses. I’m still using the Sigma EF lenses for my RF camera. I am holding off on buying any RF glass until Sigma or even Tamron comes through.
@Brett, very true that Canon has been denying its’ fans (like you and me) moving ahead to enjoy the mirrorless cameras with less expensive third party lenses……
This isn’t a good strategy by Canon……
Sometimes, I feel like switching over to brands which carry friendlier policies with regards to third party lenses……..
If there’s a reasonable trade-in schemes from other brands, I don’t mind trading in my R5, though expensive….
Have been waiting for Sigma lenses to use with my Canon RP. Every time I see a non-RF lens in Sigma Stage Online, it hurts. I believe they will release RF mount this year or early next year. But even then, will the auto-focus work well is a big question because they had auto-focus issues with EF lenses as they had to reverse-engineer. However, with Sony, since the mount was open to third party, the auto-focus of Sigma and Tamron is as good as Sony lenses. I wish Canon opens it’s RF mount to third party. We are missing out… Read more »
You ask what I use.
I so far use my broad range of EF lenses.
But now I use a dozen or so FD,FL and R mount lenses with great success and results.
For example a FL 58mm f1.2 is perfect for portraits and cost about $150. It is amazing and well built.
No RF lenses YET. But they are on the list.
I own an EOS R, but the lack of good third party glass has contributed to my generally leaving it on the counter over the past few months. Canon’s glass is fine, but it seems generally bulky and expensive. On the whole, I’ve returned to my Olympus kit for which I have some awesome native m43 mount glass ootions, all of which are fairly compact, lightweight, capable, and relatively affordable. If I could have purchased some nice lightweight and affordable RF glass from Tamron, or Sigma, I might be using the Canon more than I do. As it stands, I’ve… Read more »
A large selection of lenses (including those by other manufacturers) was precisely why I chose Pentax back in the 1970s. However, in the 2000s Pentax has faded (partly due to their restricting accessories made by other companies), and so I switched systems (a painful decision) to Canon precisely because of the much larger selection of lenses and accessories (again, including those made by other companies). Should Canon change and restrict equipment selection….I will jump off their wagon and go with another manufacturer. I have no brand loyalty. If Canon wants to corner the market they just need to cross the… Read more »
Canon is making a big mistake not allowing for third party manufacturers.
I think Canon WILL lose camera body sales to other manufacturers by not being flexible which means they won’t sell any of their native lenses either.
I have an EOS R5 and a few RF L lenses. I bought into the system waiting for some third party lenses to supplement my L glass, but due to that lack of third party lenses I may switch to Sony when I upgrade to my next camera.
Canon open the RF mount to third party manufacturers!!!!
I am switching to Sony. After waiting a loooong time for Canon to come with a competitive mirrorless I was very happy with my R6. I love the optic quality of the 50mm F1.2 but I hate 50mm as I shot 90% on the EF 35mm 1.4. The 100-500mm is also great but I am not a bird/nature shooter. They are both too big, heavy and too expensive, I mean: The RF lense make the sony GM line look cheap, nvm about sigma art line. The85mm is my portrait lens of choice but the rf is really crazy expensive. Now,… Read more »