Canon’s New And Less Annoying Lens Cap

credits: Canon

Alongside the new EOS R6 V and RF 20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ lens, Canon also quietly announced a small accessory update last week that is getting a surprisingly big reaction from photographers, a redesigned RF lens cap. It may sound minor, but for longtime Canon users, this has apparently been a long time coming.

Since the launch of the original EOS R system back in 2018, Canon’s standard RF lens dust cap has been a regular source of frustration because it only attached in one specific position. Unlike older EF lens caps that could lock into place from multiple angles, the original RF cap required you to line up a single alignment notch every time you mounted it. It is a tiny thing, but when changing lenses quickly, especially during events or fast-paced shooting, it became one of those small design flaws photographers constantly complained about.

The new Canon Lens Dust Cap RF II finally changes that by adding three mounting points, much closer to how Canon’s older EF caps worked. Canon says the new cap will start shipping with future RF lenses, although older stock already sitting with retailers will still include the original version for now. Interestingly, Canon has already reported major shortages of the new cap in Japan because of unexpectedly high demand. Outside Japan, retailers like B&H already list it as a top seller ahead of launch. The cap is priced at around $8, with worldwide shipping expected to begin on July 7.