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

The Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens seamlessly integrates the adaptability of a zoom lens with the extensive reach and rapid performance characteristic of a beloved telephoto design. This lens is exceptionally suited for capturing indoor sports, events, theater performances, fashion, and various other subjects that benefit from its unique combination of long focal length, high speed, effective image stabilization, and swift autofocus capabilities.

Building upon the esteemed legacy of the widely acclaimed EF 300mm f/2.8 prime lenses, the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 successfully preserves the quality and speed that users of the 300mm f/2.8 demand, while introducing the added flexibility of a zoom range extending to 100mm. The 100-300mm zoom configuration enhances versatility for capturing dynamic subjects, documenting spontaneous moments from a distance, and allowing for a slight retreat from scenes to provide a broader context. Even with the transition to a zoom format, this lens maintains a bright and consistent f/2.8 maximum aperture, which performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions and facilitates a shallow depth of field to effectively separate subjects from a softly blurred background. The entirely new optical design incorporates fluorite elements and ultra-low dispersion glass, along with one aspherical element, to deliver superior clarity and sharpness with minimal distortion. Canon's Air Sphere Coating (ASC) and Super Spectra Coating (SSC) significantly reduce ghosting and flare, enhancing performance in backlit scenarios or under intense lighting conditions.

Autofocus and Image Stabilization

This lens, specifically engineered for sports, events, and dynamic subjects, features optimized autofocus (AF) and image stabilization (IS) functions to ensure rapid and accurate performance. It is designed for use both handheld and with a monopod, depending on the user's preference. The Dual Nano USM system incorporates both a ring-type USM and an STM mechanism, facilitating swift and precise focusing. This nearly silent and smooth focusing capability is well-suited for both photography and videography, and it includes full-time manual focus control.

Two distinct focusing groups operate independently, ensuring enhanced sharpness is maintained across the entire zoom range and at various focus distances. The focus range limiter can be adjusted to cover the full focusing range from 5.9 feet to infinity, or limited to a range from 19.7 feet to infinity for improved efficiency when capturing distant subjects. The optical image stabilization system effectively compensates for up to 5.5 stops of camera shake. When paired with an EOS R camera that features in-body image stabilization, this lens also supports Coordinated IS, providing up to 6 stops of shake correction.

L Series Design and Handling

This RF 100-300mm f/2.8 zoom lens is the first of its kind specifically engineered for mirrorless EOS R cameras. It embodies the durability, weather resistance, and user-friendly design that professionals have come to expect from an L Series lens. The weather-sealed construction allows for operation in challenging conditions, effectively preventing dust and moisture from infiltrating the lens. Additionally, a front fluorine coating is applied to deter water, oils, and other contaminants from adhering to the surface, facilitating easier cleaning.

Remarkably lightweight given its speed and zoom capabilities, this lens weighs 5.8 pounds and has a length of 12.7 inches. Its internal focusing and zooming mechanism ensures that the lens maintains a consistent length during use, which enhances operational speed and reinforces weather sealing.

The integrated rotating tripod mount is designed for use with monopods or tripods, allowing for swift transitions between vertical and horizontal shooting positions. For enhanced handling and focus management, a Focus Preset button is conveniently located near the rear of the lens, enabling users to pre-focus on a specific point, store that focus distance, and return to it instantly with a simple press of the button. Alternatively, a side switch allows this button to function as a secondary Lens Function (L-Fn) button.

Surrounding the front of the lens are four L-Fn buttons, which can be customized to control various lens or camera functions. The Programmable Control Ring facilitates lens-based adjustments for different exposure or camera settings and features a click-stop operation for tactile feedback. This lens is also compatible with optional Extender RF 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, further enhancing its effective reach.