In May photographers and videographers will be able to get their hands on Canon’s new fast super telephoto zoom lens, the RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.8m with a 0.16x maximum magnification, constant aperture, tough build and outstanding image quality. This is a pro lens with special appeal to sports and wildlife photographers. Indoor shooters will appreciate the constant f/2.8 to help in low light conditions.
The RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM weighs in a at 2.59kg – only about 190g heavier than the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM fixed lens. It’s fully compatible with the range of Canon RF extenders, the RF 1.4x extender can be used throughout the zoom range to produce a 140-420mm f/4 lens, while the RF 2x extender can be used to produce a 200-600mm f/5.6 lens. This gives you an insane amount of flexibility, from one zoom lens.
IMAGE QUALITY
As mentioned, the fast f/2.8 fixed aperture is ideal for shooting in low light conditions and controlling depth of field. The 9-blade circular aperture also creates bokeh characteristics. This is supported by the new Image Stabiliser mechanism, based on the IS systems found in Canon’s L-series super telephoto lenses. When used by itself, it is capable of 5.5 stops of stabilisation, which increases up to 6.0 stops when combined with a camera body with In-Body Image Stabilisation, thanks to the high-speed RF communication. The system can even detect when a tripod is used, turning off the IS automatically.
Featuring a Dual Nano USM motor, the RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM ensures high-speed focusing and high image quality throughout the zoom range as two focusing groups are controlled independently. The use of one fluorite lens and four UD lenses corrects chromatic aberration for incredibly sharp images with little colour blurring, while a moulded glass aspheric lens is used to ensure high resolution from the centre to the edge of the image.
FOR THE PROS
It features dust and weather seals to provide resistance to adverse weather and harsh environments, as well as fluorine coatings to allow the outer element to be easily cleaned. The same heat-shield coating introduced on the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM has been used for the exterior of the RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM – this is now standard for all RF super telephoto lenses, reducing the temperature of the lens when shooting in hot conditions. The lens hood ET-124, lens soft case LS100-300 and E-122 lens cap which come bundled with the lens also provide additional support and protection.
| RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM | |
| Mount | RF |
| Focal Length | 100-300mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 1.8m |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.06x (at 100mm) & 0.16x (at 300mm) |
| Lens Construction | 23 elements in 18 groups |
| Filter Size Diameter | 112mm |
| Aperture Blades | 9 |
| Image Stabilisation | 5.5 stops (In-lens Optical IS) 6.0 stops (with IBIS coordinated control) |
| Focus Drive System | 2x Nano USMs |
| Dimensions | 323.4mm (length), 89.2mm (diameter) |
| Weight | 2,590g |
| Lens Hood | E-112(included) |
| Lens Cap | ET-124(included) |
| Lens Pouch | LS100-300(included) |
Pricing and availability
The RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM will be supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller.
Pricing will be set at dealers’ discretion, with the RRP to be confirmed. In the US it’s going for $9,499.00 USD. The lens will be available in Australia from May, 2023.