Hands-on with new Canon RF 100-500mm, 600mm and 800mm telephoto lenses
Alongside the EOS R5 and R6, Canon has announced a brace of lenses, all in the short to long telephoto range. Filling out the `long` end are one L-series zoom, and two innovative primes. Click through to learn more about the 100-500mm F4-7.1L IS USM and the RF 600mm and 800 F11 IS STM.
100-500mm F4-7.1L IS USM
Let`s start with the more conventional lens of the trio - the 100-500mm F4-7.1L IS USM, which first appeared in mockup form at events earlier this year (remember when we had events?) featuring 20 elements in 14 groups, this is a complex design, which incorporates six UD (Ultra Low-Dispersion) elements and one `Super` UD element. These elements should help control chromatic aberrations.
(Relatively) compact
The 100-500mm is relatively compact when zoomed `out` to 100mm (207.6mm / 8.2 in) but extends (to 297mm / 11.7 in) at 500mm. A torque adjustment allows you to make the zoom movement stiffer or looser as desired, and lock the zoom ring if required.
Canon is at pains to reassure users that despite its telescoping design, this lens is very well-sealed against dust and moisture. At 1370 g (3 lbs), the 100-500mm is far from a lightweight lens, but it`s only a couple of hundred grams heavier than the much faster RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM. The front filter thread is a very reasonable 77mm.
A removable tripod collar allows the lens to be mounted directly onto a tripod, in situations where hand-holding isn`t desirable or practical.
Close focusing performance
Considering its focal length range, the 100-500mm offers good close focusing performance, with a minimum focus distance of 0.9m at the 100mm end of the zoom, and 1.2m at 500mm. This should make it practical for conventional short-tele portraiture. The maximum magnification ratio of 0.33X is achieved at 500mm (full extension at 500mm shown in this image).
Autofocus is handle ...
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