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About Our Company
New Releases: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 and RF 16mm f/2.8
Published September 16, 2021
Canon just announced the release of the EOS R3 – but they also released two new RF mount lenses.
These new forthcoming lenses are the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 and the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8.
These lenses snuck under the radar a bit, but they definitely deserve their own focus as I expect them to be great for nature photographers (albeit with limitations, more on that later).
These two lenses are also some of the most affordable RF lenses. Neither are ‘L’ lenses, Canon’s designation for their highest quality lenses, but I expect both to be great for the price.
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens
Price: $649
These new forthcoming lenses are the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 and the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8.
These lenses snuck under the radar a bit, but they definitely deserve their own focus as I expect them to be great for nature photographers (albeit with limitations, more on that later).
These two lenses are also some of the most affordable RF lenses. Neither are ‘L’ lenses, Canon’s designation for their highest quality lenses, but I expect both to be great for the price.
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens
Price: $649
Key Specifications
Canon already has the excellent RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L, which offers 100mm extra reach (400-500mm), it’s faster, and it will most likely be better optically. But, it’s $2,800.
This new 100-400mm is slower at f/5.6-8, but it’s going to retail at $649!
Who is this lens for – nature photographers looking for an excellent super telephoto zoom who don’t need wide open apertures. That’s mainly going to be landscape photographers who are shooting at f/8 – f/11 most of the time.
If you’re a wildlife photographer, this lens should still be great, but like I said the 100-500mm is faster and has more reach, I’d recommend the 100-500mm for wildlife.
This lens is exactly what I wish Nikon would release. I’m actually renting the R5 for an upcoming workshop and if I like it, I think I will switch over and this new 100-400mm will be a for-sure purchase for me.
I’m interested to get a copy and test out sharpness and quality compared to the 100-500mm, but I think it will be comparable. It should be an excellent lens for abstract and telephoto landscape images.
The new 100-400mm is 1.4 lbs. and super compact for the telephoto range it offers. It will also take 67mm filters.
Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM
Price: $299
- RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/5.6 to f/45
- One UD Element, One Aspherical Element
- Super Spectra Coating
- Nano USM AF Motor
- Maximum Magnification: 0.41x at 400mm
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- Customizable Control Ring
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
Canon already has the excellent RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L, which offers 100mm extra reach (400-500mm), it’s faster, and it will most likely be better optically. But, it’s $2,800.
This new 100-400mm is slower at f/5.6-8, but it’s going to retail at $649!
Who is this lens for – nature photographers looking for an excellent super telephoto zoom who don’t need wide open apertures. That’s mainly going to be landscape photographers who are shooting at f/8 – f/11 most of the time.
If you’re a wildlife photographer, this lens should still be great, but like I said the 100-500mm is faster and has more reach, I’d recommend the 100-500mm for wildlife.
This lens is exactly what I wish Nikon would release. I’m actually renting the R5 for an upcoming workshop and if I like it, I think I will switch over and this new 100-400mm will be a for-sure purchase for me.
I’m interested to get a copy and test out sharpness and quality compared to the 100-500mm, but I think it will be comparable. It should be an excellent lens for abstract and telephoto landscape images.
The new 100-400mm is 1.4 lbs. and super compact for the telephoto range it offers. It will also take 67mm filters.
Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM
Price: $299
Key Specifications
Key Features
16mm is a great focal length for landscape photography, I expect this to also be a popular lens for videographers using the R system, where a wide perspective and fast aperture can go a long way. Astrophotographers should appreciate the fast f/2.8 aperture as well.
If you’re looking for a lightweight setup, a good option might be this 16mm prime, the 24-105mm f/4-7.1, and the new 100-400mm f/5.6-8.
That setup won’t get you the best possible image quality, but it will give you exceptional quality for the price and for the weight. Although phenomenal, the RF 15-35mm and RF 100-500mm are large lenses.
But, it all comes down to quality. Canon’s RF line has been great, but almost all lenses have been priced at a premium. They have been some lackluster reviews for the cheaper RF options. So the question is, will the 16mm (and 100-400mm) slot in as budget options that still offer great quality, or will we see a considerable drop off from the L lenses to these.
Of course, a drop off is expected, I’m wondering how much – and that will be something to watch out for when these lenses are released and tested.
Overall, I’m excited for both lenses. If I was a Canon user shooting mainly landscapes, I think the 15-35mm f/2.8, 25-105mm f/4, and 100-400mm f/5.6-8 could be quite an awesome setup.
If you’re doing wildlife, stick with the 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 unless it’s way out of your budget.
Key Features
- RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- One Aspherical Element
- Super Spectra Coating
- STM Stepping AF Motor
- Customizable Control Ring
- Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
16mm is a great focal length for landscape photography, I expect this to also be a popular lens for videographers using the R system, where a wide perspective and fast aperture can go a long way. Astrophotographers should appreciate the fast f/2.8 aperture as well.
If you’re looking for a lightweight setup, a good option might be this 16mm prime, the 24-105mm f/4-7.1, and the new 100-400mm f/5.6-8.
That setup won’t get you the best possible image quality, but it will give you exceptional quality for the price and for the weight. Although phenomenal, the RF 15-35mm and RF 100-500mm are large lenses.
But, it all comes down to quality. Canon’s RF line has been great, but almost all lenses have been priced at a premium. They have been some lackluster reviews for the cheaper RF options. So the question is, will the 16mm (and 100-400mm) slot in as budget options that still offer great quality, or will we see a considerable drop off from the L lenses to these.
Of course, a drop off is expected, I’m wondering how much – and that will be something to watch out for when these lenses are released and tested.
Overall, I’m excited for both lenses. If I was a Canon user shooting mainly landscapes, I think the 15-35mm f/2.8, 25-105mm f/4, and 100-400mm f/5.6-8 could be quite an awesome setup.
If you’re doing wildlife, stick with the 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 unless it’s way out of your budget.
We offer world-class travel photography
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
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"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 2025
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 2025
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.