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Canon has announced the RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM: a telephoto zoom that offers greater reach than a 70-200mm and becomes a more flexible alternative to lenses such as the existing EF 300mm F2.8s.
In addition to the added flexibility, the RF100-300mm F2.8 L can be used with the company’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconveters: something that isn’t true of the RF70-200mm F2.8 L.
Autofocus is powered by twin Nano USM motors, in a complex design that features 23 elements in 18 groups. Included in that mix is a single Fluorite element, four UD ultra-low dispersion elements and one aspherical lens.
The lens offers 5.5EV of correction, when tested using CIPA standard methods, or the stabilization system can co-ordinate with those in the R3, R5 and R6 models to deliver a rating of 6.0EV.
The lens is 323mm (12.7″) long and 128mm (5.1″) wide. It weighs 2.65Kg (5.8lbs) and accepts 112mm front-mounted filters.
The RF100-300mm F2.8L IS USM will be available from May 2023 at a recommended price of $9499.
CANON INTRODUCES THE RF100-300MM F2.8 L IS USM TO ITS LENS LINEUP
The new lens combines the flexibility of a zoom lens with the quality of a telephoto lens
MELVILLE, NY, April 20, 2023 – Today, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced the launch of the RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens, answering calls from photojournalists and professional level customers for a modern 300mm f/2.8 equivalent lens.
“This lens is an absolute game changer! It gives you the most incredible range, but without sacrificing the f/2.8 aperture. To have this kind of performance at your fingertips is incredible!” Roberto Valenzuela, fashion and wedding photographer
For decades, the 300mm f/2.8 telephoto lens has been an industry standard for photojournalists, professionals, and aspiring enthusiast photographers due to its outstanding image quality, excellent speed for indoor shooting, and relatively light weight for hand-holding. Now, with the launch of the RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM, Canon delivers the flexibility of a zoom lens design with the truly outstanding quality of a 300mm f/2.8 L-series telephoto lens. Exceeding the reach and potential of traditional 70-200mm lenses, and adding zoom flexibility to its Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS predecessor, the RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens brings new value to customers with the following features:
- Wide Focal Range—100-300mm range
- Extended Zoom—Optional RF1.4x and 2x extenders are supported with this lens, enabling a zoom range of up to 600mm
- Spectacular Image Quality—f/2.8 constant wide aperture; Fluorite Aspherical and UD-glass design
- Reliable Stabilization—Up to 5.5 stops correction with in-lens Optical Image Stabilization and up to 6.0 stops correction with in-body coordinated Image Stabilization (CIPA standard)
- Weather and Dust Resistant—Durable in various environmental conditions
- Compact and Lightweight Design—Despite capabilities to zoom over 300mm, this lens is unusually lightweight, just barely heavier than the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II
“I love this lens! It’s incredibly lightweight, versatile, and sharp. Toss on the 2x extender and you can snipe gorgeous frames at a distance, especially with the built in image stabilizer. This lens is going to change the game for live concerts, weddings, and so much more.”
Ben Hagarty, Grammy award-winning cinematographer
This telephoto zoom lens is ideal for professionals who use a Canon EOS R3, EOS R5 or EOS R6 Mark II full-frame mirrorless camera, but can also be a catalyst for users who have developed into serious, aspirational enthusiasts and are looking to step beyond their traditional telephoto lens experience. Best use cases include, but are not limited to, indoor sports, motorsports, outdoor fashion, video and cinema, photojournalism and theater work. For high-level shooters and videographers particularly working in low-light settings and seeking a hand-holdable solution, this lens provides the total answer.
Price & Availability
The Canon RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens is expected to be available in May for an estimated retail price of $9,499.00*. For more information, please visit usa.canon.com
* Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
Canon RF100-300mm F2.8L IS USM specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 100–300 mm |
| Image stabilization | Yes |
| CIPA Image stabilization rating | 5.5 stop(s) |
| Lens mount | Canon RF |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | F22 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 23 |
| Groups | 18 |
| Special elements / coatings | One fluorite element, four UD elements, one aspherical element |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 1.80 m (70.87″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.16× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Nano ultrasonic |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 2650 g (5.84 lb) |
| Diameter | 128 mm (5.04″) |
| Length | 323 mm (12.72″) |
| Materials | Magnesium alloy |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Zoom method | Rotary (extending) |
| Power zoom | No |
| Zoom lock | No |
| Filter thread | 112 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Hood product code | ET-124 |
| Tripod collar | Yes |
Author:
Richard Butler
Source: Dpreview
