Oh oh! Canon RF 70-200mm MFD Problems - UPDATE

Seems all is not well with Canon's latest technical marvel the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM.

While it's unknown if it's just a batch problem, or a larger design issue with the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM, it seems as if the lens is front focusing when used closer to the MFD (minimum focus distance).

Multiple reports, out of both fredmiranda and dpreview are stating that this is more of a widespread problem.

Now the amount of front focus seems slight, however, it is noticeable. People have tried the latest Canon firmware (version 1.6.0) and the latest lens firmware (1.0.5) and the problem has not gone away. A dpreview user did send their Canon RF 70-200mm to Canon service, however, it came back as "everything within specification" so it's even unclear at this time if Canon even knows there is a problem.

Canon is already having a hard time with the transition to the RF mount, and certainly having one of its flagship professional lenses, not operating correctly is certainly a problem.  

If you never use your Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 at near MFD distances, then it's business as usual and you won't see a problem, however, as someone mentioned on the forums, is that you can't visually tell there is a problem as you are shooting.  The camera confirms focus (even with manual focus) however when you critically inspect the images, it has missed critical focus.

We hope Canon gets in front of this issue, fast.

Update: Canon has responded (via dpreview)

Canon has become aware of this phenomenon, which occurs when focusing on a close subject at 200mm, and is preparing a firmware update that will be released as quickly as possible.

Edits:

- Corrected the firmware versions for camera and lenses.

• Fred Miranda
• Dpreview