Sony, Fujfiilm, Nikon, Panasonic and OM-System all share one factor in frequent that Canon doesn’t – third-party lenses for his or her mirrorless cameras. And it’s little surprise. In 2023, the likes of Sigma, Tamron and Chinese language manufacturers like Laowa make wonderful proprietary lens alternate options which can be usually higher worth, too. 

If you happen to’re concerned about considered one of Canon’s crop-sensor cameras just like the EOS R7 and EOS R10 – and we wouldn’t blame you as a result of they’re two of the perfect mirrorless cameras for rookies and lovers obtainable – there’s a big x within the field; restricted lens alternative. Nonetheless, that could possibly be about to vary. 

In response to Canon Rumors, the historically closed-off firm is about to open its doorways to 3rd occasion lens makers and it appears to be like like Sigma is first within the cue. The collaborative transfer couldn’t have come sooner. 

Ending its lens monopoly?

Canon makes a few of the greatest mirrorless cameras, and it’s doing an outstanding job of constructing wonderful lenses, particularly for its full-frame mirrorless cameras just like the EOS R5. Stand-out optics embrace the RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM and the most recent model of the RF 70-200mm f/2.eight L IS USM (which is 30% smaller and lighter than equivalents).

Nonetheless, Canon lenses are costlier than these from each different large model, even Sony, and what you received’t discover when in search of Canon glass are low-cost alternate options. In these difficult financial occasions, that’s an enormous strike towards Canon, plus we’ve come to anticipate the better-value likes of Sigma and Tamron to create lenses of comparable technical high quality to proprietary lenses. 

Canon should have its causes for remaining closed with successful by itself lens gross sales being one attainable rationalization, however that doesn’t appear to have stopped each different main digital camera model from cuddling up with outsiders.  

As for Canon’s excellent crop-sensor cameras just like the EOS R7 and EOS R10, there’s an actual lack of native lenses. On the time of writing, there are extra cameras than lenses, with solely three low-end RF-S zoom lenses obtainable. We extremely advocate the aforementioned cameras, however restricted lens alternative is a con that we now have to focus on, given the large half that lenses play within the high quality of our images. 

Catching as much as do

Nikon’s mirrorless cameras which can be a part of its Z-mount have a strikingly comparable variety of lenses to select from as Canon. Nonetheless, Nikon has already partnered with Sigma, and its crop-sensor cameras just like the Nikon Z fc have already got three Sigma f/1.four modern prime lenses to select from. 

Sony has been within the mirrorless sport method longer than Canon and has 49 full-frame and 23 native crop-sensor lenses, plus a military of third-party makers on board. Panasonic and OM-System share the identical micro-four-thirds sensor and provide a lens for each situation and stage. You get the image – each different model is one or a number of steps forward of Canon. 

Canon must open up. Not simply to broaden the attraction to its crop-sensor mirrorless cameras, however to permit higher worth choices for its prospects. 

Which third occasion lenses can we anticipate? 

In response to rumors, there are two Canon RF-mount Sigma lenses within the pipeline. Hypothesis factors towards a full-frame 50mm f/1.four lens, plus a Canon model of Sigma’s current 17-50mm f/2.eight OS DC for crop-sensor cameras. The latter would pair fantastically with the EOS R7.

What’s clear is that within the early adoption days, we’re unlikely to see any overlap between Canon and Sigma RF-mount lenses – potential Sigma lenses might want to carry one thing new to the desk. For Canon’s crop sensor cameras that use RF-S lenses, that’s no exhausting activity. 

Lenses don’t make headlines in the identical method that cameras do, however for these of us that significantly use cameras, we all know how essential lens alternative is and this transfer from Canon is extra thrilling than the launch of one other digital camera. Let’s hope this rumor proves to be correct.