Sony, Fujilm, Nikon, Panasonic and OM-System have one thing in common that Canon doesn’t have – third-party lenses for their mirrorless cameras. And there is nothing strange about it. In 2023, brands like Sigma, Tamron, and Chinese brands like Laowa are making excellent lens alternatives that are often more cost-effective as well.
If you are interested in one of Canon’s crop sensor cameras, e.g EOS R7 AND EOS R10 – and we wouldn’t blame you because those are two of them best mirrorless cameras for beginners and enthusiasts available – there is a significant x in the box; limited choice of lenses. However, that may change.
According to Canon Rumors, a traditionally closed company, is about to open its doors to third-party lens manufacturers, and it looks like Sigma is first in line. Collaboration couldn’t have come sooner.
The end of the lens monopoly?
Canon produces some of them the best mirrorless camerasand does a great job excellent lenses, especially with full-frame mirrorless cameras such as EOS R5. Distinctive optics include the RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM and the latest version of the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM (which is 30% smaller and lighter than its counterparts).
However, Canon lenses are more expensive than lenses from every other major brand, even Sony, and when looking for Canon glass, you won’t find cheap alternatives. In these difficult economic times, this is a big blow to Canon and we also expect better value companies like Sigma and Tamron to create lenses with similar technical quality to the brand lenses.
Canon must have its reasons for staying shut, and one possible explanation is its own lens sales hit, but that doesn’t seem to have stopped every other major camera brand from cuddling with outsiders.
When it comes to Canon’s excellent crop sensor cameras like the EOS R7 and EOS R10, native lenses are lacking. At the time of writing, there are more cameras than lenses, and only three low-end RF-S zoom lenses are available. We highly recommend the cameras mentioned above, but the limited choice of lenses is a con, which we must highlight given the huge role that lenses play in the quality of our photos.
Catch up
Nikon’s Z-mount mirrorless cameras have a strikingly similar number of lenses to choose from as Canon. However, Nikon has already partnered with Sigma and its crop sensor cameras such as Nikon Z fc I already have three contemporary Sigma f/1.4 prime lenses to choose from.
Sony has been in the mirrorless game much longer than Canon and has 49 full-frame and 23 native crop-sensor lenses, plus an army of third-party manufacturers on board. Panasonic and OM-System share the same micro four-thirds sensor and offer a lens for every scenario and level. You’ve got the picture – every other brand is one or more steps ahead of Canon.
Canon needs to open. Not only to increase the appeal of its framing sensor mirrorless cameras, but also to provide customers with better value options.
What third-party lenses can we expect?
According to rumors, two Sigma lenses with Canon RF mount are in preparation. Speculation points to a full-frame 50mm f/1.4 lens and Canon’s version of Sigma’s existing 17-50mm f/2.8 OS DC for crop sensor cameras. The latter would be a perfect match for the EOS R7.
What’s clear is that in the early days of adoption, RF mount Canon and Sigma lenses are unlikely to match – potential Sigma lenses will need to bring something new to the table. For Canon crop sensor cameras that use RF-S lenses, this is not a difficult task.
Lenses don’t hit the headlines the same way cameras do, but for those of us who take cameras seriously, we know how important lens choice is, and this move from Canon is more exciting than launching another camera. Let’s hope this rumor turns out to be true.