Next month Canon will release its RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM super telephoto zoom lens, which offers flexibility and performance in a compact and lightweight design.
Angled view of the new RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM super telephoto zoom lens, shown without the supplied lens hood. (Source: Canon.)
Designed for photographers and videographers alike, the RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM has a super-compact design, with a weight of 2.59 kg and just 323.4 mm in length. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.8 metres with a 0.16x maximum magnification and fast, f/2.8 constant aperture, making it attractive to professionals and serious enthusiasts who specialise in sports photography. The complex optical design consists of 23 elements in 18 groups and includes one fluorite lens and four UD lenses to correct chromatic aberration plus a moulded glass aspheric lens to ensure high resolution from the centre to the edge of the image. Autofocusing is driven by a new Dual Nano USM motor, which is fast and accurate, ensuring high image quality throughout the zoom range as two focusing groups are controlled independently.
A new Image Stabiliser mechanism, based on the IS systems found in Canon’s L-series super telephoto lenses 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 detect when a tripod is used, turning off the IS automatically. The new lens is fully compatible with the range of Canon RF extenders and features the standard Canon ring which allows users to assign often used functions like aperture, shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation, plus a new customisable Lens Function/Focus present button (L.Fn) within easy reach.
Built with dust and weather sealing and fluorine coatings on the outer elements, it has a nine-bladed iris diaphragm with a circular aperture that creates beautiful bokeh characteristics. 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 to reduce 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 provide additional support and protection.
The RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM will be available in Australia from May, 2023. Pricing will be set at dealers’ discretion, with the RRP to be confirmed. It will be supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller. Click here for more information.
