Full Specifications
| Focal Length | 100-500mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/7.1 |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF |
| Optical Stabilization | Yes |
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Weight | 1610g |
| Dimensions | 93.8 x 207.6 mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Optical Elements | 7 elements |
What Users Think
Pros
- Lightweight and compact for a super telephoto lens, making it easier to carry during hikes.
- Excellent image quality throughout the focal range, producing sharp and detailed images.
- Good autofocus performance with fast and accurate tracking of moving subjects, particularly on R bodies.
- Versatile focal length range, suitable for a variety of photography including wildlife, sports, and landscapes.
- Improved ergonomics, allowing for comfortable handheld shooting for extended periods.
- Ability to achieve decent results at high ISOs, making it suitable for wildlife in challenging lighting conditions.
Cons
- Aperture limitation at f/7.1 on the long end can hinder performance in low-light conditions.
- The maximum focal length of 500mm may not be sufficient for certain wildlife photography needs.
- Using a teleconverter restricts zoom capabilities, limiting the focal range to 300-500mm.
- Some users report it can be challenging to stabilize at full zoom, leading to potential motion blur.
Community Verdict
Overall, the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is widely praised for its sharpness, weight, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for wildlife and sports photography. However, the narrower aperture and occasional reach limitations may require consideration based on specific shooting conditions.
"{'text': "The RF 100-500 is one of my favorite lenses. It's a bit heavy, but the image quality is awesome!", 'context': 'Comment from user discussing their experience with the lens in a photography thread.'}"
- Reddit user
"{'text': 'The autofocus is amazing with the R5, really fast and reliable even at longer distances.', 'context': 'Response highlighting autofocus performance in a discussion about gear upgrades.'}"
- Reddit user
"{'text': "I do a lot of bird photography and in many cases 500mm just isn't enough to fill the frame nicely.", 'context': "User expressing concerns about the lens' maximum reach in a wildlife photography context."}"
- Reddit user
Want the Full Story?
Read our comprehensive review covering optical quality, sharpness, bokeh, autofocus performance, build quality, and more.
Read Full ReviewPairs Well With
Camera bodies compatible with the Canon RF mount
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