Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM First Impressions

July 9, 2020 | Mark Goldstein | Lenses | Comment |

We've spent a little time with the brand new RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM zoom lens for Canon's full-frame mirrorless cameras, so ahead of our full review, check out our first impressions now...

Key Specifications

100-500mm zoom range
One Super UD lens and six UD lenses
5-stops IS (CIPA standard)
Dual Nano USM
Assignable Len Control Ring
L-series weather sealing
Compatible with EXTENDER RF 1.4x / EXTENDER RF 2x (usable focal lengths, from 300 to 500mm)

Key Details

This high-performing and versatile super-telephoto zoom lens features optical stabilization of up to five stops of shake correction with three different IS modes, including standard, panning and during exposure only
Includes a rotation-type zoom ring and torque adjustment that allows for more precise control and feel
Customizable control ring enables photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO

The RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM is a new compact and versatile telephoto zoom that's ideal for capturing sport, wildlife and aviation.

The RF 100-500mm is ever so slightly longer than the popular EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, but crucially its actually 200g lighter than its DSLR cousin.

At the 400m focal length the maximum aperture is still F5.6, matching the EF 100-400mm, but you then get the benefit of a futher 100mm reach at F7.1.

The RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM offers 5-stop of image stabilisation, or 6-stops when used with the EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras.

With one Super UD lens and six UD lenses, the lens effectively suppresses chromatic aberration and ghosting/flare across the entire zoom range for high-resolution, high-contrast image quality from maximum aperture.

Featuring Dual Nano USM AF motor technology, this telephoto zoom lens boasts accurate, quiet and high-speed autofocusing. Canon’s innovative floating focusing system allows for improved close focusing down to 0.9m.

Being a L-series lens, it also features Canon’s renowned weather sealing enabling it to be used in all conditions.

The RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM features a programmable Lens Control Ring on the barrel, just like all the other RF lenses, and also an adjustable torque zoom ring.