Canon unveils top-end telezoom
Posted on May 16, 2023
RF 100-300mm looks perfect for sports and action, but comes at a cost
Canon has unveiled the RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM for its range of mirrorless cameras, which is set to prove popular among sports and action photographers. The new optic effectively combines two mainstays of a sports photographer’s kit – the 70-200mm f/2.8 and 300mm f/2.8 – streamlining workflow and keeping lens changes to a minimum.
The lens is claimed to offer the quality of a prime telephoto with the versatility of a zoom, using a combination of aspheric, UD and fluorite lens elements. The built-in optical image stabilisation system offers up to 5.5 stops of compensation – or six stops if you use an R Series body with IBIS – while the aperture diaphragm is made up of nine blades for improved bokeh.
Focusing from the minimum distance of 1.8m is taken care of by Dual Nano motors – a first for a Canon lens – claimed to offer fast, quiet and precise performance. Further versatility is provided by the customisable lens-control ring and function buttons, plus compatibility with 1.4x and 2x extenders. Using the teleconverters transforms the lens to a 140-420mm f/4 or a 200-600mm f/5.6 respectively, with Canon suggesting there’s no drop in image quality or focusing speed. Advanced weather sealing and shock resistance complete the picture.
Supplied with a soft case, strap and lens hood, the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM costs £11,500 – so start saving!
Article originally published in Issue 107 of Photography News.
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