Canon Announces Three New RF Lenses

Canon Announces Three New RF Lenses – Including a Unique One That Offers Photographers Next-Generation Capabilities

Sofia, Bulgaria – April 14, 2021 – Today, alongside the announcement of the development of the EOS R3 – a high-speed, high-response professional mirrorless camera designed to give sports photographers and photojournalists the edge in capturing fast-moving action – Canon Europe introduces three new RF lenses.

The RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM join the extensive range of optically excellent and industry-leading RF lenses designed for the Canon EOS R system – a system providing unparalleled capabilities for photographers today and tomorrow. Ideal for professional wildlife and sports photographers, these super telephoto lenses are the first in the RF range to feature dual power drive, enabling cameras to focus faster than ever before, helping professionals track action – even when shooting at 30fps.

Today, Canon also announces the RF 100mm F2.8L MACRO IS USM – the world’s first autofocus macro lens with 1.4x magnification. This lens is essential for all photographers, from enthusiasts to professionals, who want to refine their creative skills with the powerful advantages of the EOS R system cameras and lenses.

RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM – Super Telephoto Lenses with Incredible Focusing Speed

The RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM build upon the incredible performance of the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L III USM respectively – two much-loved super telephoto lenses for professional sports and wildlife photographers. While the optics and mechanics of the lenses are largely the same as the EF versions, the capabilities of these super telephoto lenses are on a next level, as they take full advantage of Canon’s revolutionary EOS R system and RF Mount.

Professionals using these lenses will enjoy incredible focal lengths – even more so when used with 1.4x and 2x RF extenders – ultra-high optical performance, fast focusing, reduced weight, and improved balance when used with a Canon EOS R System camera.

The RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM boast the standout features of Canon’s RF lenses, such as 1/8th stop aperture control for video and enhanced optical image stabilization, a feature enabled by the RF communication system, providing 5.5 stops. In addition to this, the lenses support a dual power drive method for faster AF with future bodies. As a result, professionals can shoot distant, fast-moving action that would be over in milliseconds. Both lenses feature three manual focus speeds for precise control and manual focus – allowing adjustments without switching modes. What's more, professionals can store two focus presets for faster switching – saving time when they need to react quickly and allowing them to pull focus when shooting video. The focusing ring can also be used as a control ring with some EOS R series bodies.

Thanks to the use of Fluorite and Super UD lenses plus ASC and Super Spectra coatings, even at its maximum aperture of f/2.8, the RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM offers exceptional sharpness across the frame. The RF 600mm F4L IS USM also minimizes distortion and flare – even at the lens's maximum aperture of f/4 – ensuring that professional images are of the highest quality from edge to edge. Operating confidently in low-light conditions, the RF 600mm F4L IS USM, thanks to its large f/4 aperture, and the RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM – f/2.8, both lenses support 5.5 stops of image stabilization – reducing camera shake, even in dimly lit conditions, making them ideal for professionals to achieve a successful shot, regardless of the conditions.

Built to inspire confidence, both lenses are lightweight and durable for relentless professional use. Whether photographers are on a rainy sideline or a dusty safari, the lenses stand up to the test with their legendary L-series build quality and heat-reflective white coating.

RF 100mm F2.8L MACRO IS USM – a picture perfect macro and portrait lens

The RF 100mm F2.8L MACRO IS USM is a versatile lens that should be present in the photographic equipment of semi-professionals and enthusiasts. It is suitable for both macro, still life, and portrait photography. Its above-average magnification ratio of 1.4:1 – made possible by the lens's floating system and short focal distance – allows photographers to capture exceptional detail up close. The flattering 100mm focal length at an f/2.8 aperture is ideal for those who want to also take striking portraits.

An addition to its incredible magnification, a remarkable feature and improvement over its EF version – the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM – is the new variable and adjustable spherical aberration control ring. Photographers can change the appearance of the background and foreground bokeh, while also allowing them to create a soft-focus effect on the subject. The maximum f/2.8 aperture with 9 blades gives a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. With its professional image quality seen across Canon's RF lens range, the advanced design of the RF 100mm F2.8L MACRO IS USM ensures sharp, high-contrast images from edge to edge.

The RF 100mm F2.8L MACRO IS USM also features 5 stops of optical image stabilization and 8 stops (using CIPA standards) when used with the EOS R5 and EOS R6, significantly reducing camera shake while shooting handheld. Dual Nano USM AF provides smooth, accurate, and high-speed autofocus that is almost silent. Focus breathing is also suppressed – making it ideal for filmmaking and in post-production for Focus Stacking.

More information about the new lenses can be found here:

RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM: https://www.canon.bg/lenses/canon-rf-100mm-f2-8l-macro-is-usm/

RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM: https://www.canon.bg/lenses/rf-400mm-f2-8l-is-usm/

RF 600mm f/4L IS USM: https://www.canon.bg/lenses/rf-600mm-f4l-is-usm/