The RF f/4L Zoom Trinity: A Professional Lens “Starter Kit”
There are many ways to build up a lens kit. The f/4L zoom trinity is the perfect combination of professional build and image quality, focal range, and portability. Read on to find out more.
What’s the f/4L trinity?
Canon’s f/4L zoom trinity is a set of three professional-grade (L-series) lenses that all have a maximum aperture of f/4 and seamlessly combine to cover an ultra-wide to telephoto focal range. On the RF mount, the f/4L trinity traditionally consists of (from left):
- 1 ultra-wide-angle lens: RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM
- 1 standard zoom lens: RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM
- 1 telephoto zoom lens: RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM
Photographers who favour shooting at ultra-wide angles may also consider the RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM as an alternative to the RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM, or as an expansion to the traditional trinity.
There are other trinity combinations. Of these, the f/2.8 “holy trinity” is possibly the most well-known. The f/4L trinity is an alternative that provides a good balance between price, performance, and portability.
Features of the classic f/4L trinity
1. All the lenses have a constant f/4 maximum apertures
Unlike variable aperture zoom lenses where the maximum aperture becomes smaller (darker/slower) as you zoom in, you can open the aperture as wide as f/4 even when you zoom to the tele end. This provides more flexibility with other exposure settings, whether it’s to keep the shutter speed fast, the ISO speed low, or create beautiful bokeh.
EOS R5 + RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM @ 61mm, f/4, 1/4 sec, ISO 320
Captured handheld in a ravine on a cloudy day, 20 minutes before sunset. The f/4 maximum aperture helped to ensure sufficient exposure while keeping the ISO speed low, and the built-in 5-stop image stabilisation worked with the camera's In-Body IS to achieve a sharp shot without a tripod despite the slow shutter speed.
2. Weather-sealing
As professional grade lenses, the f/4L trinity lenses are dust- and drip-resistant. This makes them more suitable for frequent outdoor use.
The weather sealing on the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, shown in red, prevents dust and moisture from entering the lens.
3. Balance of quality, build, and portability
The f/4L trinity lenses’ smaller maximum aperture requires less glass, allowing similar professional-grade features in smaller, lighter bodies.
These features make the f/4L trinity lens trio a good starting point for photographers who want the highest possible quality with portability and affordability.
RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM: Ultra- wide-angle hero
EOS R5 + RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 14mm, f/4, 0.8 sec, ISO 2000
Ultra-wide wow
With its 14mm wide end, the RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM is Canon’s second widest ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for full-frame cameras. Its counterparts in other trinities, the RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, both start at 15mm. That extra 1mm can mean a lot when you are shooting in tight spaces or trying to capture more of a grand scene unfolding in front of you! The 35mm long end is a classic focal length that enables easy framing for snapshots and documentary photography. It’s versatile enough to keep on your camera the whole day!
At ultra-wide angles, even 1mm makes a huge difference
EOS R6 Mark II + RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 14mm, f/8, 1/2 sec, ISO 100
Shot at 14mm
The image above was shot at 14mm. It is barely enough to capture the entire scene. What would we get at 15mm or narrower?
The difference between 14mm and 15mm is enough to crop out significant details at the edges. At 14mm, you can include both the top of the indoor waterfall and the edge of the escalator at the bottom instead of deciding between both. That’s enough to change the impact of the shot.
RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM: Key specifications
- Weight: approx. 540g
- Length: 99.88mm (at focal length 22mm)
- Image stabilisation: up to 5.5 stops’ built-in, up to 7 stops’ when combined with In-Body IS
→You can technically get sharp handheld shots at a shutter speed of 1 second or more at 14mm.
RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM: Sample images
(Click or tap on an image to see its EXIF information)
Know this: A new ultra-wide option
For an even wider option, consider the RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM, Canon’s widest non-fisheye zoom lens for the RF mount. Weighing approximately 570g, this groundbreaking lens is around the same size as the lenses in the classic f/4L zoom trinity. It offers up to 5 stops’ built-in image stabilisation, and up to 6 stops’ equivalent with a camera with In-Body IS.
RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM: Sample images
(Click or tap on an image to see its EXIF information)
RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM: A versatile standard
EOS R + RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM @ 105mm, f/5.6, 1/13 sec, ISO 400
More flexibility, more mileage
A standard zoom lens is a very versatile lens, and it’s likely to be the lens that stays on your camera most of the time. Get the most out of it with the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM’s fast f/4 constant aperture and wide 24 to 105mm focal range, which make it even more versatile! Turn on the 1.6x crop mode to reach even further—up to 168mm equivalent.
EOS R5 + RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM @ 105mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec, ISO 100
Small things, lovely bokeh
Do you spot the bee in the flower? The 105mm end is long enough to fill the frame with small objects and draw our attention to tiny ones! The medium telephoto focal length and wide aperture combine to create beautiful bokeh that separates the subject from its surroundings.
RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM: Key specifications
- Weight: approx. 700g
- Length: approx. 107mm (retracted)
- Image stabilisation: up to 5 stops built-in, up to 8 stops when combined with In-Body IS.
→You can technically get sharp handheld shots with a shutter speed of around 1/8 seconds at 105mm.
RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM: Sample images
(Click or tap on an image to see its EXIF information)
RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM: Long and light
EOS R6 + RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM @ 158mm, f/11, 1/500 sec, ISO 400
The RF70-200mm f4L IS USM is one of the most portable telephoto zoom lenses around. In fact, at approximately 705g, it was the world’s smallest and lightest 70-200mm f/4 lens when it was released. It still holds the distinction as of December 2023. This makes it perfect for bringing on hikes and long walks, whether you are capturing scenery and architecture from a distance or leveraging on compression.
Liberate yourself from tripods and fast shutter speeds
The lens’ compact size and image stabilisation capabilities (5 stops built-in, 7.5 stops with a camera with In-Body IS) work together to combat camera shake, which tends to become more visible on telephoto images. This paves the way for cleaner low ISO images when it gets dark—and more creative slow shutter speed possibilities!
EOS R6 Mark II + RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM @ 200mm, f/4, 0.6 sec, ISO 200
A 0.6-second handheld exposure at 200mm—enough for visible light trails. There is minimal visible camera shake although the shutter speed is 7 stops’ slower than 1/200 seconds, the usual rule-of-thumb for avoiding camera shake according to the 1/(focal length) rule.
Your outdoor photography best buddy
EOS R6 + RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM @ 191mm, f/13, 1/640 sec, ISO 400
You’ll need the reach of a telephoto lens to capture scenes like this from across rivers, gorges, and vast, empty spaces. With its hike-friendly portability and durable shock-proof and dust- and moisture-resistant body, the RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM is built for the outdoorsy photographer.
The lens is compact enough to fit into a small camera bag when even attached to the camera.
Get close to tiny details
EOS R6 + RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM @ 70mm, f/4, 1/320 sec, ISO 100
EOS R6 + RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM @ 200mm, f/4, 1/1250 sec, ISO 400
Take a closer look at the tiny things around you: the lens offers a 0.6m closest focusing distance over its entire focal range, delivering a maximum magnification of 0.28x at the 200mm end. Using the maximum aperture delivers beautiful creamy bokeh with the in-focus area sharp and well-resolved—these are apparent in the images above.
RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM: Key specifications
- Weight: approx. 695g
- Length: approx. 119mm (wide angle)
- Image stabilisation: up to 5 stops’ built-in, up to 7.5 stops’ when combined with In-Body IS
→You can technically get sharp handheld shots with a shutter speed of around 0.8 seconds at 200mm.
RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM: Sample images
(Click or tap on an image to see its EXIF information)
Things to consider
- If you shoot video or use lens filters: The RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM, RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, and RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM have the same 77mm filter thread. They can share the same screw-on ND filter/CPL.
- If you are deciding between the f/2.8 and f/4 trinities: If budget isn’t an issue, the choice boils down to better low light performance versus portability. If you travel frequently or tend to walk around a lot to get your pictures, the portability of the f/4L trinity would make a huge difference.
More helpful articles for choosing a new lens:
10 Concepts to Know Before Buying Your Second Lens
RF Lenses vs EF Lenses: What's the Difference and How to Decide?
What’s the Difference Between RF-S and RF Lenses?
