The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens is the latest L-series lens from the photographic brand. The brand-new telephoto lens builds on the legacy of the ever-popular Canon Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens. The RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens features a Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, a 100-300mm wide focal range, 5.5-stops of optical image stabilisation and lightening fast autofocus motors. The lens is aimed at professional photojournalists, wedding and indoor sports photographers looking for all the benefits of a zoom lens with all the qualities of a prime lens.
Immaculate Image Quality
The lens’ stunning image quality is due to its excellent optical design. It features a fluorite lens, 4 UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass elements, fluorine coating, and Canon SSC (Super Spectra Coating), which assist with minimising ghosting and flare.
If there’s one thing to take away from this excellent lens is its incredible speed. It’s blazingly fast, responsive and precise to a T, thanks to its Dual USM Focusing System. The Dual USM Focusing System empowers photographers to capture lightning-speed subjects without ever missing a shot. Whether you’re documenting a war zone or trying to catch record-breaking sports achievements, the Dual Nano USMs are independently actuated. This allows for more precise and faster focusing of the lens, especially when tracking fast-moving subjects.
The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens features a high performing f/2.8 maximum aperture that remains constant throughout the zoom range. This allows for significant control of the depth of field, low-light shooting and smooth bokeh. The lens features a 9-blade circular aperture that delivers the most stunning bokeh.
The lens’ built-in optical image stabiliser has up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. When paired with the In-Body Image Stabilisation of an EOS R-series camera, photographers can expect up to 6 stops of shake correction. When shooting handheld with the Canon RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens, photographers can expect crystal clear images with minimal blur, even in low-light shooting conditions.
Ergonomics and Design
The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens is built to L-series lens specifications. The lens is highly durable and features a dust and water-resistant construction, which protects the lens when shooting in inclement weather conditions. The lens’ fluorine coating prevents water, oil and other residues from obstructing the lens and ruining the shot.
The control ring, found towards the end of the barrel, allows photographers to adjust their shooting settings easily. They can change their shutter speeds, aperture, exposure compensation and more by gently rotating the control ring.
The lens’ focus preset button and AF/MF switch are comfortably located on the top end of the lens, which means photographers can easily adjust their focus.
While the zooming capabilities of the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM lens are excellent, if photographers want to get even closer to their subjects, they have the Extender RF1.4x or Extender RF2x available to them. The Extender RF1.4x allows for an extension of 140-420mm at f/4, and the Extender RF2 provides an effective extension of 200-600mm at f/5.6.
