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NEW: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8
NEW: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8
by Matt Meisenheimer
Attention wildlife photographers: there's a new lens in town, and it's a game-changer. Albeit, it comes with a high price tag.
Canon has recently announced the release of the RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens, designed specifically for the RF mount cameras. This telephoto zoom lens has been highly anticipated by photographers since its development was first teased by Canon, and it looks like Canon has delivered a lens that exceeds expectations.
With its impressive zoom range and fast aperture, the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM appears like a great tool for wildlife photography. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the features and benefits of this exciting new lens, and why it may be at the top of your list for your next wildlife photography adventure.
Canon has recently announced the release of the RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens, designed specifically for the RF mount cameras. This telephoto zoom lens has been highly anticipated by photographers since its development was first teased by Canon, and it looks like Canon has delivered a lens that exceeds expectations.
With its impressive zoom range and fast aperture, the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM appears like a great tool for wildlife photography. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the features and benefits of this exciting new lens, and why it may be at the top of your list for your next wildlife photography adventure.
Overview of the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 Lens
Key Specifications:
Key Specifications:
- Price: $9,499
- Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
- Fast L-Series Telephoto Zoom
- Dual Nano USM AF System
- 5.5-Stop Image Stabilization
- Floating Focus Design
- Internal Zoom and Focusing Design
- Function/Focus Preset Selector Switch
- Fluorite, UD, and Aspherical Elements
- ASC, SSC, and Fluorine Coatings
- Weather-Sealed Design
The Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 is a telephoto zoom lens designed for use with Canon’s RF mount cameras, such as the Canon EOS R5 and R3. It has a focal length range of 100-300mm, which makes it flexible for many wildlife scenarios. The constant f/2.8 aperture means this lens is fast from 100-300mm and is usable with teleconverters up to 2.0x. Canon has released images of this lens with a TC 2.0x and the results look fantastic. Of course, some sharpness is lost, but a maximum of 600mm f/5.6 is obtainable. Plus, you have the flexibility with focal length, something you don’t get with a fixed prime.
One of the standout features of this lens is its image stabilization system. Canon’s Image Stabilization (IS) technology can compensate for up to five stops of camera shake, which is particularly useful when shooting handheld in low light conditions or when using slower shutter speeds. This means you can shoot at slower shutter speeds without having to worry about blur caused by camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
Another notable feature is the lens’s advanced optical design, which includes a combination of ultra-low dispersion (UD) and aspherical elements. This helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions, resulting in sharper and more accurate colors in your images.
One of the standout features of this lens is its image stabilization system. Canon’s Image Stabilization (IS) technology can compensate for up to five stops of camera shake, which is particularly useful when shooting handheld in low light conditions or when using slower shutter speeds. This means you can shoot at slower shutter speeds without having to worry about blur caused by camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
Another notable feature is the lens’s advanced optical design, which includes a combination of ultra-low dispersion (UD) and aspherical elements. This helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions, resulting in sharper and more accurate colors in your images.
Build and Handling
The Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 is built to withstand tough outdoor conditions. It features a dust and moisture-resistant design, which means you can take it out into the field without having to worry about damaging the lens. The lens also has a durable metal construction, which adds to its robustness.
In terms of handling, the lens is relatively large and heavy, which is to be expected given its focal length and maximum aperture. However, it is well balanced and comfortable to hold, with a rubberized focus ring that provides a smooth and precise focus control. The lens also features a customizable control ring, which can be assigned to control various settings such as aperture, shutter speed, or ISO. It is still smaller and lighter than the super telephoto RF primes.
The Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 is built to withstand tough outdoor conditions. It features a dust and moisture-resistant design, which means you can take it out into the field without having to worry about damaging the lens. The lens also has a durable metal construction, which adds to its robustness.
In terms of handling, the lens is relatively large and heavy, which is to be expected given its focal length and maximum aperture. However, it is well balanced and comfortable to hold, with a rubberized focus ring that provides a smooth and precise focus control. The lens also features a customizable control ring, which can be assigned to control various settings such as aperture, shutter speed, or ISO. It is still smaller and lighter than the super telephoto RF primes.
Performance
The Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 lens delivers outstanding performance when it comes to wildlife photography. The fast f/2.8 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, which can help to isolate your subject from the background and create a beautiful bokeh effect.
The lens’s advanced optical design ensures sharp and accurate colors, even in challenging lighting conditions. The combination of UD and aspherical elements helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions, resulting in images that are sharp and well-defined.
The lens’s image stabilization system is particularly useful when shooting handheld in low light conditions or when using slower shutter speeds. This allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without worrying about camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
In terms of autofocus performance, the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 is fast and accurate, thanks to its dual Nano USM motor system. This makes it easy to track moving subjects, such as birds in flight or animals on the move.
As mentioned, this lens can be used with teleconverters up to 2.0x. We will have to see how performance is after rigorous testing, but if the results are excellent (as Canon claims) with a TC 2.0x, it makes this lens very interesting, as it can be modified to a maximum effective 200-600mm f/5.6.
The Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 lens delivers outstanding performance when it comes to wildlife photography. The fast f/2.8 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, which can help to isolate your subject from the background and create a beautiful bokeh effect.
The lens’s advanced optical design ensures sharp and accurate colors, even in challenging lighting conditions. The combination of UD and aspherical elements helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions, resulting in images that are sharp and well-defined.
The lens’s image stabilization system is particularly useful when shooting handheld in low light conditions or when using slower shutter speeds. This allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without worrying about camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
In terms of autofocus performance, the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 is fast and accurate, thanks to its dual Nano USM motor system. This makes it easy to track moving subjects, such as birds in flight or animals on the move.
As mentioned, this lens can be used with teleconverters up to 2.0x. We will have to see how performance is after rigorous testing, but if the results are excellent (as Canon claims) with a TC 2.0x, it makes this lens very interesting, as it can be modified to a maximum effective 200-600mm f/5.6.
Conclusion
Overall, the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 should be an excellent lens for wildlife photographers. Its combination of a versatile focal length range, fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, and advanced optical design make it ideal for capturing wildlife images. 300mm is limited in many situations, but the fast aperture should make this lens a great choice for teleconverter use.
The lens’s image stabilization system and fast autofocus performance make it easy to shoot handheld in challenging conditions, while its rugged construction and weather-sealed design ensure that it can withstand the demands of the outdoors. Additionally, the lens’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, allowing wildlife photographers to easily move around and capture images without being weighed down.
With its exceptional image quality, fast autofocus performance, and advanced features, the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 is a good option for wildlife photographers who demand the best in their gear.
The only downsides are the high price, the size/weight, and the fact that you will need to use teleconverters to achieve longer focal lengths (if quality hold sup, this point could be moot).
Overall, the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 should be an excellent lens for wildlife photographers. Its combination of a versatile focal length range, fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, and advanced optical design make it ideal for capturing wildlife images. 300mm is limited in many situations, but the fast aperture should make this lens a great choice for teleconverter use.
The lens’s image stabilization system and fast autofocus performance make it easy to shoot handheld in challenging conditions, while its rugged construction and weather-sealed design ensure that it can withstand the demands of the outdoors. Additionally, the lens’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, allowing wildlife photographers to easily move around and capture images without being weighed down.
With its exceptional image quality, fast autofocus performance, and advanced features, the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 is a good option for wildlife photographers who demand the best in their gear.
The only downsides are the high price, the size/weight, and the fact that you will need to use teleconverters to achieve longer focal lengths (if quality hold sup, this point could be moot).
Quick Overview: Why Consider This Lens for Wildlife Photography?
- Versatile zoom range: With a focal length range of 100-300mm, this lens can capture a wide variety of wildlife, from distant birds to closer animals such as deer or elk. Even more versatility can be achieved with a teleconverter.
- Fast aperture: The f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for faster shutter speeds, which is essential for capturing animals in motion or in low light conditions. The wide aperture also allows for a shallow depth of field, which can create a pleasing background blur and help the subject stand out.
- Image stabilization: The lens features Canon's advanced image stabilization technology, which can compensate for camera shake and reduce blur in your photos. This is especially useful when shooting handheld, as it can allow you to use slower shutter speeds without sacrificing image quality.
- Weather-sealed construction: The lens is built to withstand the elements, with dust and moisture resistance to keep your gear protected in challenging conditions. This is essential for wildlife photographers who may need to shoot in harsh environments.
- High-quality optics: The lens features Canon's advanced optics, with multiple aspherical and ultra-low dispersion elements to reduce aberrations and improve image quality. The lens also features Canon's Air Sphere Coating, which helps to reduce ghosting and flare and maintain contrast in your photos.
- Fast and quiet autofocus: The lens features Canon's advanced autofocus system, which is fast and accurate, making it easy to track moving subjects. The autofocus is also virtually silent, which is essential when shooting in quiet environments where noise could disturb wildlife.
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Matt Meisenheimer is a photographer based in Wisconsin. His artistry revolves around finding unique compositions and exploring locations that few have seen. He strives to capture those brief moments of dramatic light and weather, which make our grand landscapes so special. Matt loves the process of photography – from planning trips and scouting locations, taking the shot in-field, to post-processing the final image.
Matt is an active adventurer and wildlife enthusiast as well. He graduated with a degree in wildlife ecology and worked in Denali National Park and Mount Rainier National Park as a biologist. He also spent 6 months working in the deserts of Namibia before finding his path in photography. Matt’s passion for the wilderness has taken him to many beautiful places around the world.
As a former university teaching assistant, Matt is passionate about instruction. It is his goal to give his students the technical and creative knowledge they need to achieve their own photographic vision. He truly enjoys working with photographers on a personal level and helping them reach their goals.
You can see Matt’s work and portfolio on his webpage at www.meisphotography.com
Matt is an active adventurer and wildlife enthusiast as well. He graduated with a degree in wildlife ecology and worked in Denali National Park and Mount Rainier National Park as a biologist. He also spent 6 months working in the deserts of Namibia before finding his path in photography. Matt’s passion for the wilderness has taken him to many beautiful places around the world.
As a former university teaching assistant, Matt is passionate about instruction. It is his goal to give his students the technical and creative knowledge they need to achieve their own photographic vision. He truly enjoys working with photographers on a personal level and helping them reach their goals.
You can see Matt’s work and portfolio on his webpage at www.meisphotography.com
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.