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

Canon has recently unveiled its latest addition to the RF lineup, the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens. According to the company, the lens is specifically designed to cater to the needs of professional users, with a particular emphasis on photojournalists. With the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM, Canon has come up with a lens that is not only lighter but also boasts a focal range that is unmatched in the market at present.

If you are looking for a versatile lens that delivers excellent performance in landscape, sports, and event photography, then the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens is the perfect choice. This lightweight lens packs a punch with its impressive focal range and nine circular aperture blades, enabling you to capture stunning shots even in low-light conditions. And when paired with a Canon EOS camera R Series camera, you can unlock this lens’ full potential, thanks to its six stops of optical image stabilization. At just 5.8 lbs, the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 Lens is the ultimate lightweight lens that you can count on.

Pre-order links:

Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens: $9,499 at B&HAdorama.

Key Features
  • Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
  • Fast L-Series Telephoto Zoom
  • Dual Nano USM AF System
  • 5.5-Stop Image Stabilization
  • Floating Focus Design
  • Internal Zoom and Focusing Design
  • Function/Focus Preset Selector Switch
  • Fluorite, UD, and Aspherical Elements
  • SSC and Fluorine Coatings
  • Weather-Sealed Design

One of the standout features of this lens is its incredible f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, which translates into great low-light performance, incredible bokeh, and fast shutter speeds. With this lens, you can capture stunning images in any lighting condition and freeze the action with ease.

The Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM telephoto lens is a welcome addition to the collection of Canon mirrorless fans who have been eagerly anticipating this release. The lens fills a crucial gap left by the beloved EF 300mm f/2.8 L lens, and its f/2.8 aperture throughout the entire 100-300mm range makes it a great option for low-light photography. Although the lens comes with a hefty price tag, the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L is aimed squarely at the professional luxury market.

The RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L is not only lightweight but also boasts lightning-fast autofocus, thanks to the two built-in nano ultra-sonic motors (USMs) that allow the lens to focus effortlessly from close-up to infinity. Additionally, the lens’s weight and feel have been improved, reducing stress on your hand and wrist while taking handheld shots. And with the inclusion of a focus preset button, photographers can focus on a predetermined distance where they expect the action to occur, making it a great choice for wildlife or sports photography.

But the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L is not just about its impressive features. Canon has also ensured that the lens is built exceptionally well, with one fluorite lens, four ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass elements, a fluorine coating, and a super spectra (SSC) coating to help minimize ghosting and flare. Seals around the mount, switches, and rings prevent dust and moisture from entering the lens, and a specially designed fluorine coating prevents grime from sticking to the exterior.

And if you’re looking to enhance the focal length of this lens, you can use the Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x, which can expand the effective focal length to 140-420mm at f/4 with the Extender RF 1.4x, or to 200-600mm at f/5.6 with the Extender RF 2x.

Press Release:

Canon Introduces the RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM to Its Lens Lineup

The new lens combines the flexibility of a zoom lens with the quality of a telephoto lens

MELVILLE, NY, April 20, 2023 – Today, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced the launch of the RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens, answering calls from photojournalists and professional level customers for a modern 300mm f/2.8 equivalent lens.

“This lens is an absolute game changer! It gives you the most incredible range, but without sacrificing the f/2.8 aperture. To have this kind of performance at your fingertips is incredible!”

Roberto Valenzuela, fashion and wedding photographer

For decades, the 300mm f/2.8 telephoto lens has been an industry standard for photojournalists, professionals, and aspiring enthusiast photographers due to its outstanding image quality, excellent speed for indoor shooting, and relatively light weight for hand-holding. Now, with the launch of the RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM, Canon delivers the flexibility of a zoom lens design with the truly outstanding quality of a 300mm f/2.8 L-series telephoto lens. Exceeding the reach and potential of traditional 70-200mm lenses, and adding zoom flexibility to its Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS predecessor, the RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens brings new value to customers with the following features:

  • Wide Focal Range — 100-300mm range
  • Extended Zoom — Optional RF1.4x and 2x extenders are supported with this lens, enabling a zoom range of up to 600mm
  • Spectacular Image Quality — f/2.8 constant wide aperture; Fluorite Aspherical and UD-glass design
  • Reliable Stabilization — Up to 5.5 stops correction with in-lens Optical Image Stabilization and up to 6.0 stops correction with in-body coordinated Image Stabilization (CIPA standard)
  • Weather and Dust Resistant — Durable in various environmental conditions
  • Compact and Lightweight Design — Despite capabilities to zoom over 300mm, this lens is unusually lightweight, just barely heavier than the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II

“I love this lens! It’s incredibly lightweight, versatile, and sharp. Toss on the 2x extender and you can snipe gorgeous frames at a distance, especially with the built in image stabilizer. This lens is going to change the game for live concerts, weddings, and so much more.”

Ben Hagarty, Grammy award-winning cinematographer

This telephoto zoom lens is ideal for professionals who use a Canon EOS R3, EOS R5 or EOS R6 Mark II full-frame mirrorless camera, but can also be a catalyst for users who have developed into serious, aspirational enthusiasts and are looking to step beyond their traditional telephoto lens experience. Best use cases include, but are not limited to, indoor sports, motorsports, outdoor fashion, video and cinema, photojournalism and theater work. For high-level shooters and videographers particularly working in low-light settings and seeking a hand-holdable solution, this lens provides the total answer.

​​​Price & Availability

​​​​​​​The Canon RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens is expected to be available in May for an estimated retail price of $9,499.00*. For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.

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