Canon has announced the launch of their new RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM lens, marking a new generation of super telephoto zoom lenses for the EOS R System. This groundbreaking lens offers professionals and enthusiasts the flexibility of a zoom lens matched with the performance of a prime lens, all in a compact and lightweight design.
The RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM is designed to satisfy the demand for prime-level quality while reimagining the EF 300mm f/2.8 as a zoom lens. Its zoom range, constant aperture, robust construction, and stunning image quality make it primarily appealing to professionals and enthusiasts who specialize in sports photography, from indoor sports to motorsports.
One of the standout features of the RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM is its unparalleled flexibility. It has a super-compact design and is the lightest zoom lens in its class, weighing only 2.59kg. This compact size and performance are made possible thanks to the RF mount at the heart of the EOS R System. The RF mount enables the lens to maintain a constant f/2.8 fixed aperture throughout the zoom range while offering fast and accurate autofocus and tracking.
The RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM is fully compatible with the range of Canon RF extenders, allowing for even greater flexibility. The RF 1.4x extender can be used throughout the zoom range to produce a 140-420mm F4 lens, while the RF 2x extender can be used to produce a 200-600mm F5.6 lens. This makes the RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM perfect for sports, news, and wildlife photographers who want to avoid switching between lenses during a shoot.
The lens is also the first professional, super telephoto RF lens to feature a control ring, plus a new customizable L.FN button within reach, adding an element of enhanced customization and greater manual control that these photographers desire.
The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM promises to offer impressive optical performance and stunning image quality. Its fast f/2.8 fixed aperture is ideal for shooting in low light conditions and controlling depth of field for more dramatic shots. The 9-blade circular aperture also creates beautiful bokeh characteristics.
The lens features a new Image Stabilizer mechanism based on the IS systems found in Canon’s L-series super telephoto lenses. When used by itself, it is capable of 5.5 stops of stabilization, which increases to 6 stops when combined with the in-body image stabilization, thanks to high-speed RF communication. This stabilization, combined with the ability to shoot in lower light at lower shutter speeds, is ideal for handheld photography and videography when capturing fast-moving subjects.
The RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM is built for professionals and keen enthusiasts. It guarantees excellent durability and reliability for daily professional use. Its construction features dust and weather seals to resist adverse weather and harsh environments, as well as fluorine coatings to allow the outer element to be easily cleaned.
Alongside the lens Canon has also released it’s Neural Network Image Processing Tool, an app that uses deep learning AI technology and Canon’s image expertise to upscale images by 200%. The tool is designed to extract more detail than conventional upscaling processes. It is available as part of Canon’s Neural network Image Processing plan or as a standalone app. The app is built for Windows 10 and 11 users and can be accessed by users with an existing plan at no extra charge.
This new tool demonstrates Canon’s commitment to continuously improving its products and services to meet the needs of photographers and videographers better. With the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM and the Neural network Image Processing Tool, Canon provides professionals with cutting-edge technology to easily capture and process stunning images.
To find out more visit Canon’s website for more information on the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM