Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Full-Frame Lens (2021)

MSRP 650 USD52% Neofiliac76% External
Keywords: canonexternal-zoomfull-framelensmirrorlessrf-mounttelephotozoom-lens

Product Gallery

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Product Overview

Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is an affordable telephoto zoom lens designed for the consumer market. Compared to the premium RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L lens, the RF100-400mm is a much simpler design with a moderate maximum aperture; it also foregoes Canon's "big white" color scheme and image stabilization modes.
Nevertheless, for an MSRP of just $650, the RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is something that more RF-mount photographers will be able to afford and to carry around without being afraid of dropping a month (or more)'s salary. It is compatible with Canon's extenders RF1.4x and RF2x, though they would further reduce the effective aperture of the lens.
The RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM lens has optical stabilization rated for 5.5 stops (at the 400mm end) and comes with 9 circular aperture blades. It has a very useful minimum focusing distance (around 1m) and maximum magnification (up to 0.41x), too.
Overall, it is a great option for consumers to access the 100+mm focal range for sports, wildlife, and landscape photography.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 52% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Optically stabilized
  • Very useful focal range
  • Good image quality
Cons
  • Dark maximum aperture
  • Large diameter
  • External zoom without zoom lock
  • Lacks weather sealing
  • Not the highest level of construction

What external reviewers found***

External score 76% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Excellent image quality
  • Excellent optical quality
  • Lightweight, compact design
  • Fast autofocus
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Bulky and heavy
  • No weather-sealing
  • No fluorine protection
  • Mount adapter required for use on Canon EOS R-series cameras
  • Lateral CA at this focal length
  • Lateral chromatic aberration
Read More

Price Comparison

Specifications

Construction

Aperture Blades
9 blades
Colors
Black
Form Factor
Super Telephoto Zoom Lens
Image Size
Full-Frame
Lens Mount
Canon RF-mount
Motor
Nano ultrasonic
Optical Formula | Elements
12 elements
Optical Formula | Groups
9 groups
Optical Formula | Special Glass
1 UD + 1 aspherical element, Super Spectra Coating groups

Dimensions

Filter Diameter
67 mm / 2.64 in
Size | Diameter
165 mm / 6.50 in
Size | Length
80 mm / 3.15 in
Weight
635 g / 22.44 oz

Function

Angle Of View
24.4° Diagonal | 20.4° Horizontal | 13.7° Vertical (wide) ~ 6.2° Diagonal | 5.2° Horizontal | 3.4° Vertical (tele)
Aperture
f/5.6–8 ~ f/32–45
Autofocus
Yes
Focal Length
100 mm ~ 400 mm
Image Stabilization
Yes (5.5 stops)
Weather Resistance
No
Zoom Type
External zoom

Performance

Max Magnification
0.41x
Min Focus Distance
880 mm / 34.65 in

Production

Accessory
Lens hood included
Debut
2021-09-14

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Launch Comparison
Clear List

3rd-Party Review Videos

External Reviews

cameralabs[1]

Reviewer score 79%
Reviewers from cameralabs have found the following***:
The RF 100-400 is Canon’s most affordable telephoto zoom for the EOS R system without adapting an older EF lens. The optical quality is excellent for the money with sharp results across the frame near and far, and at the maximum - albeit modest - apertures. The lens also appeared to be mostly parfocal too in my tests meaning it didn’t change focus as you zoomed through the range.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Excellent optical quality
  • Easy to use
  • Fast autofocus
Cons
  • Bulky and heavy
  • No weather-sealing

pcmag[2]

Reviewer score 78%
Reviewers from pcmag have found the following***:
The Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 L IS USM is an affordable telezoom. Optical performance is good wide open, with excellent resolution toward the center. A teleconverter is a pricey add-on for the lens and an accessory that works best in bright environments.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Compact, compact design
  • Excellent image quality
  • Dust, splash, fluorine, and dust protection
Cons
  • Lateral chromatic aberration
  • No fluorine protection

digitalpicture[3]

Reviewer score 72%
Reviewers from digitalpicture have found the following***:
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens comparison shows the RF 100-400 modestly lighter and slightly longer. The Canon lens has a higher maximum magnification, 0.41x vs 0.26x. The Tamron lens is slightly sharper at 400mm and with extenders/teleconverters.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Lightweight, compact design
  • Sharpenss advantage at 135mm and with extenders/teleconverters
  • 1/3 - 2/3 stop wider aperture advantage is an image quality factor
Cons
  • Lateral CA at this focal length
  • Mount adapter required for use on Canon EOS R-series cameras

User Reviews

Comments

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References

  1. ^ Canon RF 100-400mm f5.6-8 review. [cameralabs]. https://www.cameralabs.com/canon-rf-100-400mm-f5-6-8-usm-review/. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
  2. ^ Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Review. [pcmag]. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/canon-rf-100-400mm-f56-8-is-usm. 2022-01-25. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
  3. ^ Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens Review. [digitalpicture]. https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-RF-100-400mm-F5.6-8-IS-USM-Lens.aspx. Retrieved 2022-01-26.

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Scores are not directly comparable across industries.

These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.

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