In a few hours, this unique 2020 year will draw to a close. Let’s hope 2021 is a lot less chaotic than how 2020 turned out. All the best to our CPW readers in 2021!
It’s a CPW tradition to countdown the popular Canon items of the year. We compiled statistics via our street price program as well as through our posted deals (new and refurbished), and we sorted by number of copies purchased. You can compare with 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016’s list.
- EOS 1D-X Mark III (Honorable Mention)
The year has been so long, it’s easy to forget that the EOS 1D-X Mark III was also introduced at the beginning of the year, in January. It barely missed the list, at #11 in sales. Many expect that this was Canon’s last 1-series EF-mount camera, but time will tell.
- RF 100-500mm f/4-7.1L IS USM
Despite all the early supply challenges this unique lens has proven to the most popular of Canon’s 2020 lens releases, and a good-warmup before the rumored RF 100-400mm.
- EOS 5D Mark IV
We said last year that the 5D Mark IV would drop off the list, after two years at #1 and one year at #2. We were wrong! The camera continues to be popular in its fourth full year, grabbing #9 on this year’s list.
- EOS 90D
The EOS 90D was the first crop-sensor body to have made it onto our annual top-10 list, and we’re surprised to see it cling on for yet another year. If the rumors turn out to be true, its position on the list will be replaced by an RF-mount crop-sensor body next year.
- EOS RP
With a stint at $899 for the EOS RP (and $999 when paired with the respectable RF 24-105 STM), the RP has continued to be popular and keeps its position relative to the similarly-classed EOS R.
- EOS R
This camera was #1 last year, the first time a mirrorless product topped our list, a clear sign of Canon imaging’s transformation away from SLRs. We knew its position was only temporary, paving the way for newer mirrorless cameras and products to come. This camera is still a great performer and fills an important niche and price point.
- RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
- RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
- RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
No surprise, the RF zoom trinity is together on our list! At #5 and #4, respectively, are the RF 15-35mm and RF 24-70mm “twin” lenses, designed with a similar aesthetic, launched on the same day, and with an identical price. They continued to have almost identical sales figures through the year with the RF 24-70mm slightly ahead due to a great end-of-year refurbished deal. The final member of the f/2.8 zoom trinity (and in our opinion the lens most worth upgrading to), the RF 70-200mm, joined them on this year’s list, and pulled ahead to the #3 position with an incredible end-of-year refurbished deal. We expect these mainstays to be on the top 10 lists for years to come. Cameras come and go, but great lenses are forever. - EOS R6
In any other year, the EOS R6 would have been a #1 camera. Next-generation mirrorless, with 12 fps, 4K60 video, and in-body image stabilization, all at a $2499 introductory price point? This is a very impressive camera and many copies were purchased, but it will forever be overshadowed by the next item on our list. - EOS R5
Overheating problems? Supply issues? Conspiracy theories? The EOS R5 was definitely the most talked about camera in 2020 — especially with its groundbreaking 8K video (albeit only 20 minutes at a time). Many questioned whether the “overheating issue” was an excuse for a camera deliberately crippled via software. For the first months, with the cameras impossible to find, conspiracy theories abounded about secret recalls and supply issues.The explanation was simpler though: this is an astounding camera and everyone wanted it, we’ve seen more interest on this camera than any other item in the last ten years of tracking Canon. In the end Canon pulled through and supplied enough EOS R5 to make it also the best selling item this year (at least amongst our readers!), and the top of our list. Will it stay there in 2021, or does Canon have more in-store for RF mount? An exciting time to be a Canon shooter.
The RF 28 – 70 f2.0 is no slouch and should be more popular IMHO.
It’s up there on the list, also barely missing the top 10. It was passed this year by the RF 24-70; the price point is the major issue.
as a long time Canon camera user from the ‘film days’.. Canon has sold out on us DSLR users for mirrorless– threw us ‘under the bus’ to try and compete with the likes of Sony, Nikon and Fuji.. just another marketing gimmick with the R5 and R6 overpriced with many problems including supply issues,. EVF lag, overheating video and most noteworthy their EF to RF adapter that is just about non-existent to get a hold of one..
All fair points. Do you remember the outrage about the EF line? Autofocus? People were pissed. I can totally get on board that canon is trying to stay relevant by pushing certain things but the end goal is mirrorless. It’s the future, just as the EF line was in the late 80s. Sometimes change is fast, sometimes change is slow.