Canon’s RF mount, which is used for its mirrorless cameras, has been praised for its optical performance and innovative features. However, the company has also faced backlash from some photographers and filmmakers who are frustrated by the lack of third-party lens options for the mount. Canon has been very selective in allowing other lens manufacturers to use its RF mount standard, and has even taken legal action to stop some of them.
Canon’s Strategy: Quality Over Quantity
Canon has stated that its strategy for the RF mount is to focus on quality over quantity, and to create lenses that meet the needs and expectations of its customers. The company has said that it will consider licensing the RF mount to third-party lens makers on a case-by-case basis, depending on how their lenses fit within Canon’s own lens lineup and future plans. Canon has also said that it is currently in communication with several third-party lens companies in this regard.
However, this approach has been criticized by some as being too restrictive and monopolistic, as it limits the choices and affordability of lenses for RF mount users. Some have also accused Canon of being afraid of competition from third-party lens makers, who often offer cheaper or more innovative alternatives to Canon’s own lenses.
Third-Party Lenses: A Mixed Bag
So far, the only third-party lenses that have been officially licensed by Canon for the RF mount are manual focus lenses from Samyang/Rokinon. These lenses do not have autofocus or electronic contacts, and are therefore less convenient and versatile than native RF lenses. However, they are also much cheaper and offer some unique focal lengths and apertures that Canon does not have.
Other third-party lens makers, such as Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and Viltrox, have not been able to produce autofocus lenses for the RF mount yet. Some of them have expressed interest in doing so, but have also faced challenges in reverse-engineering Canon’s proprietary technology and protocols. Viltrox, which managed to release an autofocus 85mm f/1.8 lens for the RF mount in 2020, was later asked by Canon to stop selling it and all other RF mount lenses. This was seen by many as a sign of Canon’s hostility towards third-party lens makers.
The Impact on Photographers and Filmmakers
The lack of third-party lens options for the RF mount has had a negative impact on some photographers and filmmakers who use Canon’s mirrorless cameras. Many of them have complained about the high prices and limited availability of Canon’s own RF lenses, especially compared to other mirrorless platforms such as Sony’s E-mount and Panasonic/Sigma/Leica’s L-mount, which have extensive support from third-party lens manufacturers. Some have also pointed out that Canon’s older EF mount had excellent third-party support from various lens makers, and that they miss having more choices and flexibility for their lenses.
On the other hand, some photographers and filmmakers have defended Canon’s strategy, arguing that the company is justified in protecting its intellectual property and ensuring the quality and compatibility of its lenses. They have also praised Canon’s RF lenses for their superb optical performance, innovative features, such as the control ring and drop-in filters, and wide range of focal lengths and apertures. They have also expressed hope that Canon will eventually open up the RF mount to more third-party lens makers in the future, as long as they meet Canon’s standards.
