Canon has announced the development of six RF lenses which are expected to be released at various points in 2019.

The six new RF lenses under development include:

  • RF 85mm F1.2 L USM
  • RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS
  • RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
  • RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM
  • RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM
  • RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM

The most captivating has to be the RF 70-200 F2.8L IS USM. The lens is almost impossibly small, yet manages to be as fast as Canon's EF model. The 70-200 will be stabilized, though we won't find out how many stops of shake reduction it provides for some time, as Canon has not yet published specs for any of the upcoming lenses.

Canon will be offering two versions of its RF 85mm F1.2L USM: a 'regular' model and a 'DS' variant. DS stands for Defocus Smoothing, which Canon says 'offers a combination of beautifully smooth defocused bokeh.' While we don't know exactly what that means yet, it seems likely that the DS model includes an Apodization element, of the kind we've seen before in 'APD' and 'STF' lenses from other manufacturers.

The dual model approach echoes Fujifilm's decision to market two versions of its XF 56mm F1.2 - a standard model and an 'APD' variant optimized for bokeh.

Meanwhile, there are two fast zooms on the way: the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM and the RF 24-70 F2.8L IS USM.

Lastly, there's a versatile (but slower) travel zoom lens in the works too - the RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM.

The RF 85mm F1.2 L USM is a large aperture mid-telephoto prime lens. It offers excellent performance for advanced and professional portrait photographers and is a widely popular focal length and aperture speed combination for users.

The RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS, with Defocus Smoothing lens technology, is a uniquely designed lens that offers a combination of beautifully smooth defocused bokeh. Featuring a super-fast F1.2 aperture, the lens will help produce breathtaking portraits that will surely stand out from the crowd.

The RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM is a high-performance, standard zoom lens for professionals and photo enthusiasts alike – ideal for shooting portraits, landscapes, documentaries or weddings.

The RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM, offering a wide angle and fast aperture in a single package, is ideal for a variety of shooting applications including architecture, interiors or landscapes.

The RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM is a must-have for any professional photographer, especially for those shooting weddings, sports or wildlife. This lens is a great all-around, high-speed, medium telephoto zoom lens and does well to round out any camera bag.

The RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM is the ideal lens for amateurs and advanced amateurs who love to travel, no matter the destination. The versatile, all-purpose lens offers a range of focal lengths for capturing extraordinary shots in a form factor that is both compact and lightweight.