Canon Licenses Third-Party Manufacturers for New RF-Mount Lenses

Canon has been criticized for throttling the development of third-party lenses since the introduction of their line of mirrorless cameras with the RF lens mount back in 2018. They've even reportedly sent cease-and-desist letters to manufacturers over patent infringement of Canon's proprietary autofocus technology.

In amazing news for Canon shooters, license agreements have finally been reached resulting in a slew of new lenses announced to hit the market in late 2024.

New Lenses for Underwater Shooters

Here's a rundown of the most important new announcements for underwater shooters.

Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD for Canon RF mount

Designed for APS-C crop sensor camera bodies, this ultra-wide 18-32mm equivalent lens is a great focal length range for underwater photography. Close focus wide angle will be no problem with a minimum focus distance of only 5.9" (15cm). They haven't announced a price for the new lens but the same lens for Sony mount cameras retails at US$829. Tamron indicates that the lens is expected to be available before the end of 2024.

Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary

Touted as the "World's smallest and lightest ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C cameras," the new Sigma 10-18mm promises a really wide perspective on the undewater world. With an effective focal range of 15-27mm (35mm equivalent), 4.6" (11.7cm) minimum focus distance, and a price tag around US$589, it's a really compelling new option for shooting wrecks and reefscapes. The 10-18mm falls in the category of lens releases in "fall of 2024 and onwards" so it may be next year before we get our hands on this one.

Other New Lenses

Five additional Sigma lenses have been announced which aren't as exciting for shooting below the surface, but will surely make it into many photographers gear bags.

SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary

SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary

SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary

SIGMA 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary

SIGMA 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary

Every lens except the 56mm has a minimum focus distance of less than 12 inches, making them suitable for use behind a dome port underwater.

The 56mm theoretically could be used behind a flat port, or behind a dome port with a +4 diopter attached. However, that mid-range focal length has extremely limited usefulness to underwater photographers.