Canon South Africa has launched the RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM, a new generation of super telephoto zoom lenses that reimagines the EF 300mm f/2.8 as a zoom lens while satisfying the demand for prime-level quality. The lens is designed to expand the EOS R System and RF lens range for photographers and videographers. The RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM is a compact and lightweight lens, offering new levels of flexibility and performance in a small package.
The lens has a zoom range with a minimum focusing distance of 1.8m with a 0.16x maximum magnification, constant aperture, robust construction, and stunning image quality. It primarily appeals to professionals and enthusiasts who specialise in sports photography, from indoor sports to motorsports. The lens is fully compatible with the range of Canon RF extenders, and the RF 1.4x extender can be used throughout the zoom range to produce a 140-420mm F4 lens, while the RF 2x extender can be used to produce a 200-600mm F5.6 lens.
The RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM is the lightest zoom lens in its class at 2.59kg, only 190g heavier than the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM fixed lens. The lens maintains a constant f/2.8 fixed aperture throughout the zoom range while offering fast and accurate autofocus and tracking, thanks to the RF mount at the heart of the EOS R System. Additionally, it is the first professional super telephoto RF lens to feature the control ring, plus a new customisable L.FN button within reach, adding an element of enhanced customisation and greater manual control.
The lens has a fast f/2.8 fixed aperture ideal for shooting in low light conditions and controlling depth of field for more dramatic shots, while the 9-blade circular aperture creates beautiful bokeh characteristics. The Image Stabiliser mechanism is capable of 5.5 stops of stabilisation, increasing to 6 stops when combined with in-body image stabilisation, thanks to high-speed RF communication. The system can even detect when a tripod is used, turning off the IS automatically.
The RF 100-300mm F2.8L IS USM features a Dual Nano USM motor, ensuring high-speed focusing and the highest image quality throughout the zoom range. The use of one fluorite lens and four UD lenses corrects chromatic aberration, while a moulded glass aspheric lens ensures high resolution from the center to the edge of the image. The lens is built for professionals, featuring dust and weather seals to provide resistance to adverse weather and harsh environments, as well as fluorine coatings to allow the outer element to be easily cleaned.
In addition, Canon has released the new Neural network Image Processing Tool for Canon users, which upscales images by 200% using deep learning AI technology and Canon’s image expertise. The tool is available as part of Canon’s Neural network Image Processing plan or as a standalone app.
