New L-series tele-zoom lens for Canon EOS R cameras

The new RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens. (Source: Canon.)

Targeted primarily at enthusiasts and professionals capturing sport, wildlife and aviation, the compact and versatile RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is weather-sealed, enabling it to be used in challenging environments.  Its optical design includes one Super UD lens and six UD elements to suppress chromatic aberration and ghosting/flare across the entire zoom range. In-lens Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) provides five stops of shake correction on older EOS R bodies or six stops when used with the EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras. Dual Nano USM AF motor technology ensures quiet, accurate and high-speed autofocus, while an innovative floating focusing mechanism allows close focusing down to 0.9 metres. The programmable Lens Control Ring on the barrel allows photographers to change settings without taking their eye off the viewfinder, while the zoom ring has adjustable torque that can be tweaked to suit individual photographers’ needs. Three IS modes enable users to match stabilisation to different subject types. The table below lists key specifications for this lens.

RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
Mount	Canon RF
Focal length range	100-500 mm
Maximum aperture	f/4.5-7.1
Minimum focusing distance	90 cm at 100mm
Maximum magnification	0.33x at 500mm
Lens construction	20 elements in 14 groups
Special glass elements	1x Super UD, 6x UD
Coatings	ASC, fluorine on front element
Diaphragm blades	9 (circular aperture)
Stabilisation	Yes; 5 stops OIS
Filter diameter	77 mm
Dimensions (d x l)	Approx. 93.8 mm x 207.6 mm
Weight	Approx. 1370 grams (without tripod mount)
Lens cap	E-77II (supplied)
Lens hood	ET-83F (supplied)
Lens case	LZ1328 (supplied)

This lens is due to go on sale in September.  The leaked US price is US$2699 (roughly AU$3864). Footnote: Our estimate, based on leaked US pricing. was wildly out with Canon’s online store listing this lens at AU$5799. The best local pricing we’ve found is AU$4599.