Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Summary

Canon is bolstering the professional RF lens range with the addition of this Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens, a fast telephoto zoom, which is lightest in its class. It arrives packed with features for professional indoor and outdoor sports photographers, highlighting the benefits of the Canon mirrorless camera system, combining the brightness of a prime with the flexibility of a zoom.

The newly developed telephoto lens boasts a bright constant aperture throughout the zoom range, fast Dual Nano USM focus motors and 5.5-stops of optical image stabilisation, which rises to 6-stops when paired with compatible EOS R cameras with IBIS. These include models such as full-frame R3 and R5, along with the formidable APS-C format R7 and its 1.6x crop factor.

The benefits for mirrorless shooters don’t stop there, as the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM also includes a brand new lens function/focus preset button, four further customisable buttons and extensive weather sealing of outdoor assignments. You can even extend the reach by using either of Canon’s RF Extenders, giving you the versatility of a 200-600mm telephoto zoom for wildlife, surveillance and much more. This model is also proficient for video, with minimised focus breathing and breathing correction compatibility.

Key Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Features

• Fast telephoto zoom with constant f/2.8 aperture
• Legendary L Series quality and durability
• Lightest in its class at 2.59kg
• Lightning quick Dual Nano USM focus motors
• 5.5-stops optical image stabilisation, rising to 6-stops with compatible mirrorless cameras
• Professional controls including a new lens function/focus preset button
• Four customisable lens function buttons
• Supports lens breathing correction
• 9-bladed aperture design
• Comprehensive weather sealing and heat shield white coat
• Compatible with Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x

Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens in More Detail

Smaller, lighter and faster

By using Fast Dual Nano focus motors Canon has improved the electronic floating control, which, alongside other developments, provides a series of benefits. The size and weight has been reduced compared to its DSLR counterpart, image quality is improved, as well as focus speed, which is lightning quick. For videography this zoom shows minimal focus breathing and is also compatible with lens breathing correction with real-time software alteration.

High performance optical design

A series of special lens coatings and special glass elements have been adopted in the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens optics, in order to deliver impeccable results across the frame. These include:

• 4 ultra-low dispersion elements to control aberrations, 1 Fluorite element and 1 glass moulded aspherical lens element.
• Air Sphere coating (ASC) has been added to reduce flare and reflections
• Super Spectra Coating minimises internal light refractions in order to achieve higher contrast

Big zoom, smaller lens

Despite offering a versatile 100-300mm telephoto zoom range the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM remains compact and lightweight. At 128mm the diameter is the same as the notorious EF 300mm F/2.8L IS II USM (used), which facilitates 112mm lens filters, while the overall length is just 248mm. It also weighs a class-leading 2.59kg for handheld shooting and portability, although many photographers will still harness the benefits of a monopod when required.

Professional controls at your fingertips

As with all professional Canon RF lenses the RF 100-300mm offers extensive control and customisation, in support of streamlined workflows. These include:

1. A new lens function button which works with the existing AF stop buttons
2. A new lens function/focus preset button on the barrel can be reached while holding the grip
3. Four customisable lens function buttons at the front of the barrel can be assigned with camera functions
4. A de-clickable control ring

RF Extender compatible

By adding one of Canon’s RF Extenders you can reach 140-420mm with Extender RF 1.4x at f/4 and 200-600mm using the Extender RF 2x at f/5.6 with a full-frame camera.

When using an APS-C body the lens gives a reach of 160-480mm natively, which rises to 224-672mm and 320-960mm with the 1.4x and 2x respectively for extremely distant subjects.

Ready for the elements

If you shoot outdoors you can be confident that this zoom is ready for the elements with weather sealing, which matches Canon super telephoto L series lenses. Canon’s signature heat shield white coat has also been employed to protect the lens when working in extremely hot environments.

What’s in the box

• Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens for EOS R mirrorless cameras
• E112 lens cap
• ET-124 lens hood
• L100-300 soft lens case

Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Specifications