Canon Unveils RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L Telephoto Lens

Today, Canon has unveiled the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens. The lens is of particular interest to wildlife photographers shooting with Canon’s new mirrorless systems.

The announcement comes alongside that of the EOS R5 and R6 cameras, as well as two f/11 telephoto lenses.

Canon continues to bolster its RF-mount range of lenses, and this flexible telephoto zoom lens will no doubt be another popular addition. In part, due to its 100-400mm cousin that has proved popular across many different genres of photography.

The 100-500mm lens is an L-series optic, meaning that it is a professional-grade lens. The two f/11 lenses, however, are not part of the same series.

Consequently, the 100-500mm offers “robust” weather sealing, allowing it to be used in relatively extreme conditions. With the weather-sealing of the R5 camera, the two will no doubt make a good pair.

The lens has one Super UD lens (ultra-low dispersion), as well as six regular UD lenses. This helps to combat chromatic aberration, as well as ghosting and flare.

The 100-500mm lens weighs in at 1,370 grams (lighter than the 100-400mm lens – which weighs 1,570 grams).

It will also offer 5-stops of image stabilisation, but will work with the IBIS of the R5 and R6 cameras to offer 6-stops.

The Dual Nano USM AF motor technology allows for high-speed and quiet autofocus, with a minimum close-focusing range of 0.9 metres.

There is a programmatic Lens Control Ring, allowing you to customise the lens to suit your own preferences.

The lens will go on sale in September at a retail price of $2,699 USD, and is available for pre-order now.