Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Introducing the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM, a high-performance telephoto zoom lens that combines the flexibility of a zoom with the remarkable reach and speed of a cherished telephoto concept. This lens is well-suited for indoor sports, events, theater, fashion, and other subjects that benefit from its unique blend of long reach, high speed, exceptional image stabilization, and rapid autofocus.

Zoom Evolution
Drawing inspiration from the renowned EF 300mm f/2.8 prime lenses, the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 inherits their quality and speed while introducing the versatility of a zoom that extends from 100mm to 300mm. This zoom design offers enhanced versatility for tracking moving subjects, capturing candid moments from a distance, and providing a wider frame for contextual storytelling.

Despite the transition to a zoom mechanism, this lens maintains a bright and constant f/2.8 maximum aperture. This aperture excels in various lighting conditions and enables shallow depth of field, allowing subjects to be isolated against beautifully blurred backgrounds.

Advanced Optical Design
The lens incorporates a brand-new optical design that includes fluorite elements, ultra-low dispersion glass, and an aspherical element. This combination delivers outstanding clarity, sharpness, and virtually distortion-free images.

Canon’s Air Sphere Coating (ASC) and Super Spectra Coating (SSC) have been applied to minimize ghosting and flare, enabling photographers to work confidently in challenging backlit situations and when facing strong lighting conditions.

Autofocus and Image Stabilization
Optimized for sports, events, and other subjects in motion, the autofocus (AF) and image stabilization (IS) functions of this lens have been finely tuned to ensure quick and precise performance. Whether handheld or used with a monopod, the lens delivers reliable results.

The Dual Nano USM system combines a ring-type USM motor and an STM mechanism, providing fast and accurate focusing. The smooth and near-silent operation of the autofocus system caters to both photography and video applications, with full-time manual focus control available.

To maintain sharpness throughout the zoom range and at different focus distances, the lens employs two separate focusing groups that are independently actuated. Additionally, a focus range limiter allows for quick performance by limiting the focusing range to either the full range from 5.9′ to infinity or a range from 19.7′ to infinity for distant subjects.

The lens features optical image stabilization compensating for up to 5.5 stops of camera shake. When paired with an EOS R camera equipped with in-body image stabilization, the lens supports Coordinated IS, providing up to 6 stops of shake correction.

L Series Design and Handling
Designed specifically for mirrorless EOS R cameras, this RF 100-300mm f/2.8 zoom lens embodies the durability, weather sealing, and intuitive design that professionals expect from an L Series lens.

The weather-sealed construction ensures reliable performance in harsh environments and prevents dust and moisture from penetrating the lens. Additionally, a fluorine coating on the front element repels water, oils, and other residues, making the lens easier to clean.

Impressively lightweight considering its speed and zoom range, this lens weighs just 5.8 lb and measures 12.7″ in length. Its internal focusing and zooming mechanism maintain a consistent lens length during operation and contribute to improved weather sealing.

A built-in rotating tripod mount allows for effortless switching between vertical and horizontal shooting orientations and facilitates stability when using a monopod or tripod.

For intuitive handling and focus control, a Focus Preset button is conveniently located near the rear of the lens. This button enables pre-focusing on a specific spot, memorizing the focus distance, and swiftly returning to that position with a

single press. Alternatively, the button can be assigned as a secondary Lens Function (L-Fn) button using a side switch.

Four L-Fn buttons surround the front of the lens, providing customizable controls for a variety of lens or camera functions.

The lens also features a programmable Control Ring that can be used to adjust various exposure or camera settings. By default, the Control Ring provides tactile feedback with click-stop operation.

Furthermore, the lens is compatible with optional Extender RF 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, further extending its effective reach for even greater versatility in capturing distant subjects.