Canon has just announced a brand new telephoto zoom lens for their full frame mirrorless cameras that will surely be highly sought after for almost any telephoto user. The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens is designed to fulfill the needs of professional filmmakers and photographers who demand beautiful bokeh and excellent low-light shooting. This lens is certainly built on the legacy of Canon’s popular 300mm f2.8 lens.
Key Features of the Canon 100-300mm Lens
- Focal range of 100mm to 300mm
- F2.8 aperture at all focal lengths
- 5.5 stops of optical image stabilization
- 5.8 lbs (the lightest F2.8 lens with a 300mm focal length on the market)
- 9 circular aperture blades for bokeh
What to Expect of the Canon 100-300mm Lens
Beautiful Bokeh
Users can expect to see absolutely stunning bokeh from their images when shooting with the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 lens. It contains nine circular aperture blades and a maximum aperture of f2.8 that will ensure that your subject will pop from the background — even at a distance. Best of all, the 100-300mm lens offers a mixed aperture of F2.8 at all focal lengths. This is something that isn’t always the case on many telephoto zooms.
Excellent Image Stabilization
Telephoto users know that creating tack sharp images on a telephoto lens without a tripod can be a challenge. The new RF 100-300mm features 5.5 stops of shake correction. This means you’ll be able to better capture handheld images easily. When paired with a Canon EOS R Series camera featuring in-body image stabilization, you can expect six stops of coordinated IS.
Fantastic Image Quality
We’ve come to expect the highest of image quality from Canon lenses, and this lens is no different. One fluorite lens, four ultra-low dispersion glass elements, fluorine coating, and Canon Super Spectra Coating are used to minimize ghosting and flare — ultimately giving you an excellent image quality.
Lightweight
Coming in as the lightest f2.8 lens with a 300mm focal length, this lens is one that can easily fit in a bag with other lenses. Its 5.8-lb weight — for a telephoto lens with an aperture of F2.8 — is incredible and something that any on-the-go photographer can appreciate. In addition to the light weight on your back, you’ll find greater mobility when actually using the lens.
Who Should Buy the Canon 100-300mm Lens?
Professional Videographers
Having the 100 to 300mm range covered makes for perfect B-roll and interview clips, or any other times where zooming in to your subject would be advantageous. The cherry on top for videographers, though, really is the f2.8 aperture. This will help your subject pop from its surroundings, delivering beautiful and professional quality bokeh.
Sports and Event Photographers
The Canon 300mm lens was already a staple of sports and event photography. This new 100-300mm f2.8 lens only gives you more versatility. With just a simple turn, you can go from 100mm to 300mm, allowing for great opportunities to capture photos at many different focal lengths.
Wildlife Photographers
Even though this lens only covers up to 300mm, wildlife photographers who like to get up close to their subjects will love the beautiful bokeh offered by this lens. In addition, the maximum aperture of f2.8 ensures you’ll continue to capture great images well before sunrise and well beyond sunset.
Cameras for the Canon 100-300mm Lens
The Canon EOS R5 is a perfect choice of camera to fit with the brand new 100-300mm lens. Offering 45 megapixels in a full-frame mirrorless body, you’ll really be able to unlock the full potential of this lens. In addition, you’ll also be able to utilize the increased image stabilization seen when pairing this new lens with EOS R cameras.
For those who demand slightly less resolution from their camera, the 20 megapixel full-frame Canon EOS R6 comes at a lower price point and still allows you to utilize the 6.0 stops of image stabilization.
Don’t overlook this brand new telephoto lens that is sure to be a very popular telephoto lens for years to come. Whether you’re new to telephoto photography, or someone who shoots professionally, you can expect the new 100-300mm F2.8 lens to be your go-to for all things telephoto.
