Canon: Canon announces RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM professional telephoto zoom lens – Times of India

Canon has announced the RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM professional telephoto zoom lens for the RF mount. This is Canon’s first-ever f/2.8 constant aperture zoom lens that can cover the 100 to 300mm range. The company claims that the new lens is a lightweight and versatile solution for sports, wildlife, and photographers who require extra reach while shooting at faster shutter speeds. The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM is based upon the EF300mm f/2.8L lens. This is a classic sports and action photography lens which is known for its technology and optical quality.
Canon new telephoto lens: Price and availability
The latest telephoto lens from Canon is priced at Rs 9,19,995 and will be available in May.
Canon new telephoto lens: Key specs and features
The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM’s constant aperture design allows users to utilise the f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, even at the 300mm tele end. With this, users can freeze moments at faster shutter speeds, which gives them a better chance of getting their desired shots. Cancin claims that the bokeh achieved through telephoto shooting at f/2.8 makes the lens “useful for creative expression even in genres such as portraiture, fashion, and weddings.”
This telephoto lens’ 100mm to 300mm zoom capability (160mm to 480mm on an APS-C camera) covers a lot of range. Canon claims that to capture such a range users typically require at least two or three lenses to achieve (combinations previously required to achieve 100-300mm at aperture f/2.8: 70-200mm f/2.8 lens + 300mm f/2.8 prime lens, or 100mm + 135mm + 300mm prime lenses).
Users can now zoom in to track and keep dynamic subjects, such as soccer balls or birds in flight within the frame, even in locations with restricted mobility. This also means users will have less gear to carry.
For occasions that require greater reach, users can simply attach one of the compact, lightweight RF extenders. With Extender RF2x, users can zoom up to 600mm (full-frame camera) or a 960mm full-frame equivalent (APS-C camera/APS-C crop mode) while maintaining a maximum aperture of at least f/5.6.

The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM + EOS R3 combination is lighter than the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x. The weight reduces by 1kg. It also offers mobility savings over the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM while offering 3x zoom functionality.
Driven by precise dual Nano USMs, AF is quick and accurate, complementing deep learning-based subject detection and tracking on cameras like the EOS R3. A new electronic floating focus control system improves image quality while reducing weight, enhancing the signature RF mount L-series optical quality. Canon claims that this would enable sharp shots of swift action, right down to the finest detail. The lens also supports focus breathing correction during video shooting. This helps in delivering professional-looking footage directly from the camera.
This lens also supports up to 5.5 stops’ in-lens image stabilisation and up to 6 stops’ image stabilisation through Coordinated Control IS. The lens also has three different image stabilisation modes which are optimised for different shooting situations. It is equipped with 5 customisable lens function buttons that will help users with direct lens operation regardless of camera orientation. The lens has a white weather and heat-resistant thermal barrier coating with a matching Lens Hood ET-124.