Canon's new variable super-telephoto lens offers unparalleled versatility
Demonstrating its commitment to the EOS R system with the new RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM lens, Canon offers professionals effortless, stunning image quality
Canon Europe announced the launch of the RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM lens, ushering in a new generation of zoom super-telephoto lenses. Reimagining the EF 300mm f/2.8 as a zoom lens while still meeting the image quality expectations of a prime lens, Canon demonstrates its commitment to expanding the EOS R system and RF lens lineup for photographers and videographers. The RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM offers new levels of versatility and performance in a compact and lightweight lens. Thanks to its wide zoom range with a minimum focusing distance of 1.8m and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.16x, a constant maximum aperture, robust construction, and stunning image quality, the lens appeals primarily to professionals and enthusiasts specializing in sports photography - from indoor sports to motor sports.
Unrivaled versatility
The RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM is a super compact zoom lens, the lightest in its class[i] (2.59 kg) – only 190g heavier than the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM prime lens – offering all the versatility of a zoom lens combined with the image quality of a prime lens. The compact size and top performance of the lens are made possible by the EOS R system's RF lens mount. This innovative lens mount allows the lens to maintain a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range while offering lightning-fast and precise autofocus and tracking.
Fully compatible with Canon's range of RF extenders, the lens transforms into a 140-420mm F4 with the RF 1.4x extender and a 200-600mm F5.6 with the RF 2x extender. This makes the RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM perfect for sports, news, and wildlife photographers who don't want to change lenses during shooting. It is also the first professional RF super telephoto lens to feature a control ring plus a new customizable L.FN button, adding enhanced customization and greater manual control that these photographers enjoy.
Impressive optical performance ensures stunning image quality
The wide constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 is ideal for shooting in low light conditions and for controlling depth of field for more dramatic shots, and the circular 9-blade aperture creates beautiful bokeh effects. This is complemented by the new image stabilization mechanism, based on the IS systems used in Canon's L-series super-telephoto lenses. When used alone, it offers up to 5.5 stops of stabilization, which increases to 6 stops when combined with in-body image stabilization, thanks to the RF mount's high-speed communication. The image stabilizer - in addition to its low-light shooting capability with slow shutter speeds - is ideal for capturing photos and videos handheld of moving subjects. The system can even recognize when a tripod is being used, automatically turning off the image stabilizer.
The RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM is Canon's first super-telephoto lens with a Dual Nano USM motor, providing high-speed focusing and the highest image quality across the zoom range, as two groups of focusing optical elements are controlled independently. One fluorite element and four UD elements correct chromatic aberration for incredibly sharp images with little color fringing, and a molded glass aspherical element ensures high resolution across the entire image area.
Designed for professionals
The RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM guarantees excellent durability and reliability for daily professional use. Its construction includes dust and weather sealing for resistance to adverse weather conditions and harsh environments, as well as fluorine coatings allowing easy cleaning of the exterior optical element. The body of the RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM also features the same heat-insulating coating used in the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lenses - now standard for all RF super-telephoto lenses - reducing the lens temperature when shooting in hot conditions. The ET-124 lens hood, LS100-300 soft case, and E-122 lens cap also provide additional convenience and protection.
Increasing image resolution with the new neural network-based image processing tool
Canon is also introducing a new neural network-based image processing tool for Canon users. Utilizing AI machine learning technology and Canon's imaging expertise, this tool easily increases image resolution by 200%. By understanding the digital capture processes and Canon lens characteristics, the new neural network-based image processing tool can extract a higher level of detail compared to conventional resolution upscaling methods. The tool is available as part of Canon's neural network image processing subscription plan or as a standalone application. Users with an existing subscription plan will have access to this application at no additional cost[ii]. Initially, the application will only be available to Windows 10 and 11 users.
RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM – main features:
- 100-300mm focal length range
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Lightest in its class – 2.59 kgi
- Optical image stabilizer for up to 5.5 stops, 6 stops in combination with a camera with in-body image stabilizer (IBIS)
- Silent and fast autofocus using Dual Nano USM motor
For more information about the RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM, visit:
https://www.canon.bg/lenses/rf-100-300-2-8-l-is-usm/specifications/
