Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Is USM Lens
Telephoto zoom The Canon RF 100-500 mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens boasts a long focal length of up to 500 mm, making it ideal for getting right in the action, even when it's far away. It is sealed against water and dust has a heat shield coating, so you can take it anywhere and keep shooting no matter the weather. Sharp results When capturing the action, you can be confident of sharp, high-contrast images thanks to 6 Ultra-low Distortion and one Super Ultra-low Distortion lens elements. The image stabilisation allows you to shoot shutter speed up to 5 stops slower than normal while guarding against camera shake. An Air Sphere Coating (ASC) prevents flare, ghosting and reduced contrast when shooting into the light, offering crisp, high quality images. Stay focused The dual nano USM motors make it easy to focus on quick-moving objects. It locks onto the object quickly, accurately, and silently. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.9 m you'll be able to quickly react to subjects which come closer. The lens control ring allows you to change various camera settings like aperture and shutter speed without lifting a finger from the lens. This way you can stay focused on the image, instead of fumbling with camera controls.
Telephoto zoom The Canon RF 100-500 mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens boasts a long focal length of up to 500 mm, making it ideal for getting right in the action, even when it's far away. It is sealed against water and dust has a heat shield coating, so you can take it anywhere and keep shooting no matter the weather. Sharp results When capturing the action, you can be confident of sharp, high-contrast images thanks to 6 Ultra-low Distortion and one Super Ultra-low Distortion lens elements. The image stabilisation allows you to shoot shutter speed up to 5 stops slower than normal while guarding against camera shake. An Air Sphere Coating (ASC) prevents flare, ghosting and reduced contrast when shooting into the light, offering crisp, high quality images. Stay focused The dual nano USM motors make it easy to focus on quick-moving objects. It locks onto the object quickly, accurately, and silently. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.9 m you'll be able to quickly react to subjects which come closer. The lens control ring allows you to change various camera settings like aperture and shutter speed without lifting a finger from the lens. This way you can stay focused on the image, instead of fumbling with camera controls.
Telephoto zoom The Canon RF 100-500 mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens boasts a long focal length of up to 500 mm, making it ideal for getting right in the action, even when it's far away. It is sealed against water and dust has a heat shield coating, so you can take it anywhere and keep shooting no matter the weather. Sharp results When capturing the action, you can be confident of sharp, high-contrast images thanks to 6 Ultra-low Distortion and one Super Ultra-low Distortion lens elements. The image stabilisation allows you to shoot shutter speed up to 5 stops slower than normal while guarding against camera shake. An Air Sphere Coating (ASC) prevents flare, ghosting and reduced contrast when shooting into the light, offering crisp, high quality images. Stay focused The dual nano USM motors make it easy to focus on quick-moving objects. It locks onto the object quickly, accurately, and silently. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.9 m you'll be able to quickly react to subjects which come closer. The lens control ring allows you to change various camera settings like aperture and shutter speed without lifting a finger from the lens. This way you can stay focused on the image, instead of fumbling with camera controls.
Telephoto zoom The Canon RF 100-500 mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens boasts a long focal length of up to 500 mm, making it ideal for getting right in the action, even when it's far away. It is sealed against water and dust has a heat shield coating, so you can take it anywhere and keep shooting no matter the weather. Sharp results When capturing the action, you can be confident of sharp, high-contrast images thanks to 6 Ultra-low Distortion and one Super Ultra-low Distortion lens elements. The image stabilisation allows you to shoot shutter speed up to 5 stops slower than normal while guarding against camera shake. An Air Sphere Coating (ASC) prevents flare, ghosting and reduced contrast when shooting into the light, offering crisp, high quality images. Stay focused The dual nano USM motors make it easy to focus on quick-moving objects. It locks onto the object quickly, accurately, and silently. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.9 m you'll be able to quickly react to subjects which come closer. The lens control ring allows you to change various camera settings like aperture and shutter speed without lifting a finger from the lens. This way you can stay focused on the image, instead of fumbling with camera controls.
in 55 offers
The lowest price for Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Is USM Lens right now is $3,499.95 at Digital Camera Warehouse, compared across 41 retailers.
The all-time low was $667.22 on 4 June 2026 — today's price is 425% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 5 Sept 2026.
Last updated at 05/09/2026 22:05:52
Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1L is Lens
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Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Zoom | Secondhand
Delivery $9.95
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM at Etoren
Delivery $63
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens (Full Frame)
Delivery $26.90
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens - Brand New
Free delivery between 9–15 Sept
Canon Rf 100-500mm F/4.5-7.1l Is Usm Lens
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Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens
Free delivery between 11–18 Sept
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
Free delivery
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
Free delivery
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
Free delivery
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I primarily shoot wildlife. This lens was a huge upgrade from my Tamron 150-600mm G2, which had issues with focus pulsing on my R7.The Canon RF 100-500mm is a spectacular lens. The weight makes this easy to handhold all day and the stabilization adds to that functionality as well. The sharpness is something I have never experienced before and love zooming into my images now. On my R7 the 7.1 aperture does result in higher ISO images, but it really hasn't been an issue for me. If the light is decent, you'll have no issues, and even if it is darker out, the IS allows you to go down to ~1/80 sec and still get sharp shots (if your subject is still). I highly recommend this lens to any wildlife photographers.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Being a former owner of camera stores I have had the opportunity to own and use many different cameras and lenses. This is the most versatile lens that I have ever used. Combined with the Canon R7 it is a dream for me to have especially when shooting surfing where I live on the North Shore of Oahu. After retiring from owning retail camera stores I pursued my dream of being a professional surfing photographer full time and Hawaii was my choice with the seven mile miracle on the North Shore. The best waves and surfers in the world for me to shoot. That was 2001. Being a surfer since twelve years old I had the knowledge and eye for style and grace of these athletes. Digital photography was relatively new and I had keen knowledge of all aspects of the digital world of ... MoreBeing a former owner of camera stores I have had the opportunity to own and use many different cameras and lenses. This is the most versatile lens that I have ever used. Combined with the Canon R7 it is a dream for me to have especially when shooting surfing where I live on the North Shore of Oahu. After retiring from owning retail camera stores I pursued my dream of being a professional surfing photographer full time and Hawaii was my choice with the seven mile miracle on the North Shore. The best waves and surfers in the world for me to shoot. That was 2001. Being a surfer since twelve years old I had the knowledge and eye for style and grace of these athletes. Digital photography was relatively new and I had keen knowledge of all aspects of the digital world of photography. I was the first digital photographer on the North Shore and quickly became known for my website where surfers and their sponsors could see and buy images of themselves on the best waves in the world. I used the best equipment available for my clients. Canon 600/4 L glass and the best digital cameras available. Now twenty one years later having the ability to use the newest technology and light versatile lenses I can produce incredible images far beyond what I was using over the years. The Canon 100-500 RF lens has allowed me to capture images with stunning accuracy and quality. I'm producing the best images of my life and not killing myself carrying around all the heavy equipment as I had for years. Now almost 73 years old I can still get to the best angles on the beach and capture everything with this one lens. I've taken over one million images over the last 21 years and the best are yet to come with the latest camera technology and lenses available to me now. The passion for photography has always inspired me to do the best I can at whatever I'm doing and this lens is a game changer for me. I wake up everyday anxious to find that perfect wave and make that surfer famous. Buy this lens,!!!
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
The photos of the lens do not impart the feel of quality that makes this lens such a joy to use. I have owned this lens for about two months now with hundreds of photos shot so feel qualified to give it a review. Foremost. image quality - so pleased with the uniformity of lighting, no dark corners or aberrations. Focusing precision is amazing and confidence inspiring, also quiet. The physical lens is also well made, smooth and ergonomic. I especially like the adjustable friction ring allowing a type of zoom lock but not locking it for use. The rest of the lens is typical of Canon L lenses. Zoom conforms to others in Canon's livery -CCW to Zoom. I must also praise the Carrying case the lens ships with, and the Tripod mount. Both well made. In summary, money well ... MoreThe photos of the lens do not impart the feel of quality that makes this lens such a joy to use. I have owned this lens for about two months now with hundreds of photos shot so feel qualified to give it a review. Foremost. image quality - so pleased with the uniformity of lighting, no dark corners or aberrations. Focusing precision is amazing and confidence inspiring, also quiet. The physical lens is also well made, smooth and ergonomic. I especially like the adjustable friction ring allowing a type of zoom lock but not locking it for use. The rest of the lens is typical of Canon L lenses. Zoom conforms to others in Canon's livery -CCW to Zoom. I must also praise the Carrying case the lens ships with, and the Tripod mount. Both well made. In summary, money well spent even though it is expensive.
| Lens system | |
| Closest focusing distance | 0.9 m |
| Maximum aperture number | 4.5 |
| Lens mount interface | Canon RF |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1L is Lens
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Zoom | Secondhand
Delivery $9.95
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM at Etoren
Delivery $63
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens (Full Frame)
Delivery $26.90
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens - Brand New
Free delivery between 9–15 Sept
I primarily shoot wildlife. This lens was a huge upgrade from my Tamron 150-600mm G2, which had issues with focus pulsing on my R7.The Canon RF 100-500mm is a spectacular lens. The weight makes this easy to handhold all day and the stabilization adds to that functionality as well. The sharpness is something I have never experienced before and love zooming into my images now. On my R7 the 7.1 aperture does result in higher ISO images, but it really hasn't been an issue for me. If the light is decent, you'll have no issues, and even if it is darker out, the IS allows you to go down to ~1/80 sec and still get sharp shots (if your subject is still). I highly recommend this lens to any wildlife photographers.
Being a former owner of camera stores I have had the opportunity to own and use many different cameras and lenses. This is the most versatile lens that I have ever used. Combined with the Canon R7 it is a dream for me to have especially when shooting surfing where I live on the North Shore of Oahu. After retiring from owning retail camera stores I pursued my dream of being a professional surfing photographer full time and Hawaii was my choice with the seven mile miracle on the North Shore. The best waves and surfers in the world for me to shoot. That was 2001. Being a surfer since twelve years old I had the knowledge and eye for style and grace of these athletes. Digital photography was relatively new and I had keen knowledge of all aspects of the digital world of ... MoreBeing a former owner of camera stores I have had the opportunity to own and use many different cameras and lenses. This is the most versatile lens that I have ever used. Combined with the Canon R7 it is a dream for me to have especially when shooting surfing where I live on the North Shore of Oahu. After retiring from owning retail camera stores I pursued my dream of being a professional surfing photographer full time and Hawaii was my choice with the seven mile miracle on the North Shore. The best waves and surfers in the world for me to shoot. That was 2001. Being a surfer since twelve years old I had the knowledge and eye for style and grace of these athletes. Digital photography was relatively new and I had keen knowledge of all aspects of the digital world of photography. I was the first digital photographer on the North Shore and quickly became known for my website where surfers and their sponsors could see and buy images of themselves on the best waves in the world. I used the best equipment available for my clients. Canon 600/4 L glass and the best digital cameras available. Now twenty one years later having the ability to use the newest technology and light versatile lenses I can produce incredible images far beyond what I was using over the years. The Canon 100-500 RF lens has allowed me to capture images with stunning accuracy and quality. I'm producing the best images of my life and not killing myself carrying around all the heavy equipment as I had for years. Now almost 73 years old I can still get to the best angles on the beach and capture everything with this one lens. I've taken over one million images over the last 21 years and the best are yet to come with the latest camera technology and lenses available to me now. The passion for photography has always inspired me to do the best I can at whatever I'm doing and this lens is a game changer for me. I wake up everyday anxious to find that perfect wave and make that surfer famous. Buy this lens,!!!
The photos of the lens do not impart the feel of quality that makes this lens such a joy to use. I have owned this lens for about two months now with hundreds of photos shot so feel qualified to give it a review. Foremost. image quality - so pleased with the uniformity of lighting, no dark corners or aberrations. Focusing precision is amazing and confidence inspiring, also quiet. The physical lens is also well made, smooth and ergonomic. I especially like the adjustable friction ring allowing a type of zoom lock but not locking it for use. The rest of the lens is typical of Canon L lenses. Zoom conforms to others in Canon's livery -CCW to Zoom. I must also praise the Carrying case the lens ships with, and the Tripod mount. Both well made. In summary, money well ... MoreThe photos of the lens do not impart the feel of quality that makes this lens such a joy to use. I have owned this lens for about two months now with hundreds of photos shot so feel qualified to give it a review. Foremost. image quality - so pleased with the uniformity of lighting, no dark corners or aberrations. Focusing precision is amazing and confidence inspiring, also quiet. The physical lens is also well made, smooth and ergonomic. I especially like the adjustable friction ring allowing a type of zoom lock but not locking it for use. The rest of the lens is typical of Canon L lenses. Zoom conforms to others in Canon's livery -CCW to Zoom. I must also praise the Carrying case the lens ships with, and the Tripod mount. Both well made. In summary, money well spent even though it is expensive.
Got this lens to replace some old EF lens on a new Canon body. This is intended for bird and airshow photography and it does not disappointed in its first outing. The lens produce unbelievably sharp pictures on the newer Canon mirrorless cameras. The IS works hand in hand with the IBIS which provides a very usable handheld stabilisation even at the 500mm end. The 'turn by wire' focusing ring may take some time to get use to. There is also no focusing distance window on the lens unlike the older EF lenses because the focal length is shown in the viewfinder or screen instead. Would love it to be a bit faster than f7.1 at the tele end and not quite practical if you want to add a teleconverter to it. Focusing is fast, depends on which R body that you are pairing it ... MoreGot this lens to replace some old EF lens on a new Canon body. This is intended for bird and airshow photography and it does not disappointed in its first outing. The lens produce unbelievably sharp pictures on the newer Canon mirrorless cameras. The IS works hand in hand with the IBIS which provides a very usable handheld stabilisation even at the 500mm end. The 'turn by wire' focusing ring may take some time to get use to. There is also no focusing distance window on the lens unlike the older EF lenses because the focal length is shown in the viewfinder or screen instead. Would love it to be a bit faster than f7.1 at the tele end and not quite practical if you want to add a teleconverter to it. Focusing is fast, depends on which R body that you are pairing it with. All in all, great lens for sports, birds and planes. Price is a bit steep compared to the EF lenses. P.S. Still pretty heavy if you need to handhold it for the entire day.
I'd recently purchased an R7 after using Canon gear all the way back to the AE-1. I was completely satisfied with my EF lenses and bodies so I waiting till Sep '22 to join the mirrorless team. The R7 was worth the wait (and more than worth the price). Paired with this RF 100-500L the combination is a beast with remarkable AI eye tracking auto focus that is the fastest I've ever encountered (the reviews are telling the truth!!) Despite the higher than expected f/4.5-7.1for an L-Series zoom when combined with nearly noiseless ISO 6400 you can obtain amazing low light indoor shots and with any reasonable outdoor lighting there are zero issues. The auto focus is fast, accurate, and follows the eyes of a selected subject effortlessly between all sorts of distractions. ... MoreI'd recently purchased an R7 after using Canon gear all the way back to the AE-1. I was completely satisfied with my EF lenses and bodies so I waiting till Sep '22 to join the mirrorless team. The R7 was worth the wait (and more than worth the price). Paired with this RF 100-500L the combination is a beast with remarkable AI eye tracking auto focus that is the fastest I've ever encountered (the reviews are telling the truth!!) Despite the higher than expected f/4.5-7.1for an L-Series zoom when combined with nearly noiseless ISO 6400 you can obtain amazing low light indoor shots and with any reasonable outdoor lighting there are zero issues. The auto focus is fast, accurate, and follows the eyes of a selected subject effortlessly between all sorts of distractions. After using my other EF Ls on the R7 for a month with an adapter I finally sent a box of a dozen back to the B&H used department and converted to all RF lenses including this 100-500 and the synergistic performance is unbelievable (routinely solid handheld at reasonable zooms down to 1/6sec... wouldn't believe it if I hadn't just done it today, several times). It's fantastic that the EF-RF adapters work so well to protect our glass investments but seriously consider taking the RF leap and enjoying all the fun and ease of a complete system doing the heavy lifting for you. Absolutely nothing negative to say about the lens other than the price but I have zero regrets and can recommend it without hesitation! If you loved your legendary EF 100-400 IS USM II you will be beyond thrilled with the function, size, and weight of this lens.
Two major problems with this lens if you shoot professionally.1. The rotating collar has a negligent design. I shoot sports and usually have a body with a 400 2.8 on a monopod and a second body with a zoom on a black rapid strap. There is a fine line between having the ring loose enough to rotate the camera and the ring 'SPRINGING OPEN' and falling off. This was the case recently when I had my R3 and this lens on my strap. I took a shot and went to hang it by my side and the ring sprung open dropping $9,000 of gear onto the asphalt. Instantly knocking $100's of dollars off of future resale of either due to damage to the top of my R3 and scratched on the lens. DO NOT trust this ring on a monopod or tripod or strap unless you have it tightened all the way! Guess ... MoreTwo major problems with this lens if you shoot professionally.1. The rotating collar has a negligent design. I shoot sports and usually have a body with a 400 2.8 on a monopod and a second body with a zoom on a black rapid strap. There is a fine line between having the ring loose enough to rotate the camera and the ring 'SPRINGING OPEN' and falling off. This was the case recently when I had my R3 and this lens on my strap. I took a shot and went to hang it by my side and the ring sprung open dropping $9,000 of gear onto the asphalt. Instantly knocking $100's of dollars off of future resale of either due to damage to the top of my R3 and scratched on the lens. DO NOT trust this ring on a monopod or tripod or strap unless you have it tightened all the way! Guess that kind of defeats the purpose of this ring but trust me. Canon needs to recall this part and design one that, if it opens, will not allow equipment to crash to the ground!2. All the switches on the side of the lens stand proud of the lens body allowing the switches to be inadvertently switched just by rubbing against your leg. So, if you put the camera to your eye and it is not focusing, most likely you bumped the AF switch and you are in manual. Shot missed! The EF 100-400 had switches that sat slightly below the lens body and this was impossible to happen. These two HUGE flaws makes me wonder if the engineers actually use these lenses. Because of these two flaws, I would not consider this a professional grade lens.Sadly, the two flaws above completely over shadow the quick and sharp focusing of this lens.Canon-you owe it to your loyal customers to redesign the lens collar and send replacements to those that have purchased this lens.
I had high expectations for this lens, and I was still surprisedwith this lens. My wife and I have used the Tamron 150-600 G2 on 7D Mark II cameras for years, two copies of each. We have learned to live with the "spray and pray" approach at 10 fps and select the sharpest photos and hope you still caught the action. We have sinceswitched to the R5 body for various reasons, but mostly for the new focusing system. Using one R5 body, I tested hand held shots with both lenses using VC 1, targeting a small sticker on my neighbor's camper, 75 ft away in good light. I cranked off about a second duration at 12 fps for each lens at 1/2000 s shutter speed. I examined each frame at the pixel scale. The Tamron at 600 mmf/6.3 provided expected results, with various levels ... MoreI had high expectations for this lens, and I was still surprisedwith this lens. My wife and I have used the Tamron 150-600 G2 on 7D Mark II cameras for years, two copies of each. We have learned to live with the "spray and pray" approach at 10 fps and select the sharpest photos and hope you still caught the action. We have sinceswitched to the R5 body for various reasons, but mostly for the new focusing system. Using one R5 body, I tested hand held shots with both lenses using VC 1, targeting a small sticker on my neighbor's camper, 75 ft away in good light. I cranked off about a second duration at 12 fps for each lens at 1/2000 s shutter speed. I examined each frame at the pixel scale. The Tamron at 600 mmf/6.3 provided expected results, with various levels of sharpness, most acceptable, and I assumed it was diffraction limited on the best shots. I was wrong. The Canon at 500 mm f/7.1 had no variation on focus and each was tack sharp, that is crisp delineation between the black lettering and the white back ground, and that was still with a smaller scale due to the 500 mm vs. the 600 mm on the same sensor. In looking closer, it looks like the main difference is that the CA in the Canon lens was slightly, but noticeably, better than the Tamron. Secondly, I did not change the shutter speed, and both appeared nearly identical in brightness, meaning I did not lose muchif anything going to the f/7.1 from the f/6.3. When I showed my wife she was so happy. Better performance, smaller lens, and less weight; I doubt her 150-600 will ever get used again. When framingand focusing, the VC in both performed well, but the Canon VC seemed slightly better. That said, it could also be just the difference in weight and weight distribution. For years we have taken many satisfying photos with the Tamron, and if price is a limiter, then you will be fine with the Tamron. If you can swing the higher price tag, the Canon lens will take you to the next level with less work in frameselection (higher keeper rate) and post processing. If size and weight are a factor then the Canon wins hands down.Lastly, B & H was great to work with, as they have been in the past. With the lens being back ordered (Nov 2021) I was hesitant to place the order. The staff person told me that had two large quantity orders from Canon, so I went with it. I was placed in line with about 960 customers in front of us and was still nervous about how long it would take, but we received the lens in less than four weeks. They were great in satisfying the order we placed. These guys can handle tremendous volumes!
I'm an avid bird photographer, so I wanted something that gave me magnification, clarity and portability for my EOS R. On magnification this lens checks the box, particularly compared to the 300mm zoom I was using previously. On clarity of pic, I'm honestly not qualified to judge because I haven't used competitive lenses extensively, however, it's more than adequate for my needs. And again, a serious improvement over my 300mm EF. On portability it hits it out of the park! When comparing this to less expensive non-Canon fixed and zoom lens options at similar magnifications, their weight is sometimes double as much. Add the adapter necessary for non-RF lenses and you're walking around with a serious load all day. Of course, you pay for the portability, as this lens is ... MoreI'm an avid bird photographer, so I wanted something that gave me magnification, clarity and portability for my EOS R. On magnification this lens checks the box, particularly compared to the 300mm zoom I was using previously. On clarity of pic, I'm honestly not qualified to judge because I haven't used competitive lenses extensively, however, it's more than adequate for my needs. And again, a serious improvement over my 300mm EF. On portability it hits it out of the park! When comparing this to less expensive non-Canon fixed and zoom lens options at similar magnifications, their weight is sometimes double as much. Add the adapter necessary for non-RF lenses and you're walking around with a serious load all day. Of course, you pay for the portability, as this lens is expensive versus those other options (one star off rating). But, while I wished Tamron had come out with a high-powered RF zoom lens at half the price, I was just tired of waiting, and I don't regret it at all. The Canon RF 100-500mm appears to be the lightest option available to add serious zoom capabilities onto Canon cameras requiring RF lenses.
After a year with this lens, I love everything about it, and have a hard time reminding myself to use other lenses on occasion. For what it is, it's incredibly portable and easy to handle. I carry it by flipping the tripod foot to the top of the lens and using that as a handle, which has allowed me to take this on regular 10-mile hikes in all seasons with no complaint. The weight and IS and capabilities of the R5 let you take pretty much any shot hand-held. People say it's dark or slow, and maybe it is for some high-end journalistic contexts, but for me, it's a non-issue in practice on almost every shot. You won't often want a shallow depth of field when you're chasing a moving target, and for static scenes, I find the bokeh surprisingly pleasant. The lens at 100mm ... MoreAfter a year with this lens, I love everything about it, and have a hard time reminding myself to use other lenses on occasion. For what it is, it's incredibly portable and easy to handle. I carry it by flipping the tripod foot to the top of the lens and using that as a handle, which has allowed me to take this on regular 10-mile hikes in all seasons with no complaint. The weight and IS and capabilities of the R5 let you take pretty much any shot hand-held. People say it's dark or slow, and maybe it is for some high-end journalistic contexts, but for me, it's a non-issue in practice on almost every shot. You won't often want a shallow depth of field when you're chasing a moving target, and for static scenes, I find the bokeh surprisingly pleasant. The lens at 100mm has a very handsome projection, and can do thoughtful landscapes and even some macro or surface study shots. It's a tremendous item that I would recommend to anybody wanting to shoot outdoors.
I have tried both the RF 600 and 800mm f11 lenses and I thought I would be ok with them because of the low price point but I had to get rid of both due to lack of sharpness and zoom range. I finally bought this RF 100-500 and am very happy with the sharpness. The range of zoom is very practical. It doesn't get in as close for a moon shot but for everything else it is just way more useful because of the zoom range of 100-500. (I tried the 2x Extender with this lens but the sharpness suffers so much that I do not recommend it.) I really like the size of this lens - it is not too big or heavy and comes with a case that can be carried over the shoulder on hikes so I can quickly grab it when needed without having to carry a heavy backpack. I have done several long hikes ... MoreI have tried both the RF 600 and 800mm f11 lenses and I thought I would be ok with them because of the low price point but I had to get rid of both due to lack of sharpness and zoom range. I finally bought this RF 100-500 and am very happy with the sharpness. The range of zoom is very practical. It doesn't get in as close for a moon shot but for everything else it is just way more useful because of the zoom range of 100-500. (I tried the 2x Extender with this lens but the sharpness suffers so much that I do not recommend it.) I really like the size of this lens - it is not too big or heavy and comes with a case that can be carried over the shoulder on hikes so I can quickly grab it when needed without having to carry a heavy backpack. I have done several long hikes and it was very comfortable to carry. I captured this photo of a coyote last weekend at a national park. (Shot handheld at 500mm, f7.1, ISO 1600, 1/1250 sec) The coyote image is unedited. I have also uploaded a couple moon shots to show what the lens can do (one of the moon shots was cropped in post to show detail)
| Lens system | |
| Closest focusing distance | 0.9 m |
| Maximum aperture number | 4.5 |
| Lens mount interface | Canon RF |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
