I got a chance to use the brand new Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM zoom lens. This large and expensive zoom lens with a large aperture is even better than what I initially expected. In this article, I share my experiences and thoughts on this lens from actual use.
When Canon Netherlands offered me a RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM For review, I can’t say no. This expensive fixed f/2.8 zoom lens provides an additional 100mm focal length compared to the 70-200mm zoom lens. It makes it much more flexible than 300mm . fixed focal length. It can be combined with RF extender at the same time, providing a way to extend the focal range into the realm of true super-telephoto.
Until now Canon only provided 200-400mm zoom lens, with fixed aperture f/4 and built-in extender. This new 100-300mm RF lens is more than one stop sensitive to light, making it ideal for low-light situations. The downside is the lack of a built-in extender. On the other hand, the removal of the built-in extender allows for a much more compact and lightweight design.
How it looks and feels
Due to its f/2.8 aperture, the RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM looks quite similar to a 300mm f/2.8 prime. RF 100-300mm has a length of 323 mm and a diameter of 128 mm. It weighs 2.65 kg. For reference, the EF 300mm f/2.8L II IS USM is 248 mm long and weighs 2.4 kg. Canon has managed to keep the weight the same, even though the lens is a few centimeters larger.
The minimum focusing distance is 1.8 meters. It allows 0.16x magnification. Stability is rated for 5.5 stops or 6 stops in combination with the IBIS system. Like most other lens stabilization systems, it offers three modes: one in two directions for general purposes, one in portrait orientation for panning, and a third mode that only activates in-camera stabilization. when exposed, is ideal for erratic subjects.
The lens also offers a focus limiter that reduces the minimum focusing distance to 6 meters for faster focusing. You can also use the preset focus, which is activated by a button next to the lens mount. This large white lens has a control ring, which is not found on large white RF fixed lenses, and has four focus lock buttons.
The tripod collar cannot be removed. It has a bit of padding on the top of the foot, which gives it more grip if you’re using it as a grip. The strap can be attached to the tripod neck. The tripod collar can rotate 360 degrees and click at 0, 90 and 180 degrees.
The zoom ring is large and well located on the lens barrel. The focus ring is much smaller and closer to the body. To use the control ring, you need to reach further forward. The focus lock buttons go even further. If the lens is used handheld, it is virtually impossible to reach the control ring and focus lock buttons without losing balance.
Using RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM in practice
Although the lens is large and relatively heavy, it can be used handheld without much problem. However, if you keep it in one position for a long period of time, it will become heavy. The single tripod makes it much easier to use this lens for long periods of time. But it’s even better to use a sturdy ball head. Please note that due to the height of the tripod collar, the weight of the lens rests above the ball head. The gimbal head prevents this imbalance and makes using the RF 100-300mm on a tripod much more convenient.
The wide zoom ring makes it easy to grab it while keeping your eye on the viewfinder. Additionally, the focus ring can be operated with your thumb while keeping your hand on the zoom ring or while supporting the lens when used in handheld mode. I found the travel distance of the zoom ring to be a bit long, but that can be a problem to get used to.
The position of the control ring and the focus lock buttons are quite difficult to reach. Especially when using a handheld device, these controls are nearly impossible to use without losing balance. If the lens is mounted on a tripod, this becomes much easier, although the length of the lens forces you to reach far forward.
The RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens focuses very quickly. I believe the limiting factor will be the camera itself in most cases. I never felt the need to use the focus limiter.
Image quality and speed
Since I do not have an EF 300mm f/2.8L II IS USM prime lens myself, it is difficult to compare image quality. What I noticed, however, was the near-perfect image quality. There are no noticeable chromatic aberrations or vignetting. The lens produces a bit of flare when capturing scenes with strong light sources in the frame or just outside the frame, but nothing to worry about.
Using a lens at a focal length of 300mm with an aperture of f/2.8 results in a beautiful blur effect. Looking at the highlights in the background, you’ll see nice bokeh rings without any onion rings.
The RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM focuses very quickly. The two USM nanomotors also operate quietly, which is a benefit if the lens is used in an environment where any noise is not expected. There has not been a single situation where focusing was an issue, although I did not use this lens in the most extreme conditions. I believe the camera’s autofocus will be the limiting factor in most situations.
Use an extender
RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM can be combined with radio frequency 1.4x And RF2x expansion set. This provides a wide range of focal lengths available. You can switch the lens to a 140-420mm f/4 or a 200-600mm f/5.6 lens. As expected, the 2x RF extender has some effect on the overall sharpness of the image. There is also some evidence of chromatic aberration. However, the results are very good. The 1.4x RF extender shows no significant degradation in real-world use.
Close-up With RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM
When combined with the extender, the magnification is also increased. The RF 1.4x extender will give 0.22x magnification. It becomes 0.31x with 2x RF extender.
What is missing?
When the lens was announced, the first complaints were the lack of a built-in extender, like the one in the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM. Another thing missing is the drop-in filter.
Canon made a careful decision to remove both. This makes it possible to keep size and weight within reasonable limits. For some, this can be a drawback, but also consider the benefit of being able to hold the lens much easier.
Getting rid of drop-in filters will force you to buy extremely large and rare 112mm filters. If you are thinking of using filters, this may not be the ideal lens.
Conclusion
I was a bit nervous about using this lens due to its size and weight. At the same time, I was also excited because the f/2.8 aperture allows shooting in less than ideal lighting situations. I asked Canon Netherlands to send me the whole extension kit and they kindly sent it to me.
Use RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM was a great experience. The lens handles the hand very well, and with the right strap, it’s easy to take it for a walk. Yes, it’s heavy, but no more than a bag that holds two telephoto lenses.
The focal range gives a slightly larger reach than 200mm, which is more common for f/2.8 zoom lenses. The true power of the lens becomes apparent when it is combined with an extender. It provides a maximum focal length of 300mm at f/2.8, 420mm at f/4, or 600mm at f/5.6. On top of that, you have the ability to zoom. If your subject is too close, simply zoom out.
In short, the RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM combined with the RF 1.4x and RF 2x extenders is the perfect replacement for a few large white prime lenses. This makes the price of the lens more reasonable.
One downside is the placement of the control ring and focus lock buttons. This is not in the ideal location for ease of use. You have to reach too far to use them.
What I Like
- Zoom ability
- f/2.8 aperture on full zoom range
- Weight within reasonable limits
- Image quality, even when combined with an extender
- Fully portable
- autofocus speed
What I don’t like
- Zoom makes a little noise
- Position ring and focus lock buttons
- Tripod color still lacks built-in Arca Swiss mount
- No drop-in filter
- No Arca-Swiss Compatible Tripod Collar (still not, why Canon?)
- Expensive
alternative choice
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, you’ll end up with a RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM or one RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM zoom lens. Both are incredible lenses that produce amazing images.
Compare to RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM, these two opponents, if I may call them that, both have strengths and weaknesses. The RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM has an aperture of f/2.8, making it equally sensitive. But you lack the additional 100mm focal length. The RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM offers a longer focal range but lacks light sensitivity. Both are much more compact, making it easier to carry with you.
Unfortunately, Canon has not made the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM compatible with the extenders, while the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is only partially compatible. This greatly limits versatility, especially with the compact RF 70-200mm lens.
That means you must have both alternatives to get all the benefits from RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM, combined with extenders, so to speak. But it will save you a lot of money. Regardless of the choice you want to make or are forced to make due to cost, you get high-quality lenses that can produce great images.
