Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM
Announced September 14, 2021
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a surprisingly compact and affordable telephoto zoom that delivers sharp results for wildlife and action photography. While its variable aperture limits performance in dim light, this lens remains a highly capable and portable option for photographers who want significant reach without the bulk or cost of professional L-series glass.
Weighted from 23 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus
- Compact and lightweight design
- Affordable price point
- Effective image stabilization
- Impressive macro capabilities and magnification
Cons
- Slow maximum aperture
- Lack of included lens hood
- No weather sealing
- Poor background rendering and bokeh
- Absence of tripod collar
- Launch price $649 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 100-400mm f/5.6-8
- Mount & coverage Canon RF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS, 5.5 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 88 cm (0.41x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Nano USM
- Weight & size 635g · 79.5 x 164.7 mm (3.13 x 6.48 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 23 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8.5/10
The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a simple yet effective telephoto zoom lens that shouldn’t be overlooked.
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As such the RF 100-400 is easy to recommend if you want long-reach from a native RF zoom without breaking the bank or your back.
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If you are a Canon EOS R system user and don’t want to spend the thousands required for the L series 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1, and you are prepared to accept a bit of give and take, this RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM will make you very happy indeed.
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The Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens is a compact, lightweight, affordable telephoto zoom lens well suited to capturing family memories, landscape masterpieces, and exciting wildlife portraits.
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The Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is a much more affordable proposition, and, as such, I suspect there will be a healthy market of those who are willing to accept its limitations.
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It's a surprisingly accomplished lens really, and if you can look beyond its dark aperture, it does come highly recommended.
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Clearly, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to call this lens unrivaled and unprecedented.
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The quality is very well maintained throughout the range, dropping off slightly as we zoom, but still performing very well even at 400mm. The two smallest apertures are unlikely to be used so any drop off at that point is not really a deal-breaker.
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The new RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is the best super-telephoto lens for most Canon full-frame mirrorless shooters, delivering satisfyingly sharp results and being compact and lightweight enough to carry around all day, and it's also something of a bargain to boot.
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It's $649 so as I said earlier if you're someone who just wants to take pictures outside and get more reach this is the best option that you can get.
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The RF 100-400mm is about the same size and weight but gives extra telephoto reach, coupled with a rapid autofocus system, 5.5-stop image stabilization and impressive all-round performance and image quality.
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The Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is an ideal lens for photographers interested in capturing telephoto subjects—such as wildlife, team sports, and other distant action—but who aren't able to afford the pro-grade RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.
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For most purposes, this Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is truly amazing because it's just so small and lightweight, and at that relatively little cost, it's almost a no-brainer for someone who doesn't want to spend much and have a nice versatile lens with them in the bag.
- Photo Review 8.9/10
The RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a lens many owners of Canon’s EOS R cameras have been waiting for. Although not particularly fast, it has a winning combination of light weight, easy handling, sharp focusing and a competitive price tag.
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Ultimately, this is the sort of compact zoom that has been unheard of on full-frame cameras outside of mirror lenses. To go this compact in a lens with this much reach has previously required moving to smaller formats like APS-C and Micro 4/3.
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So in conclusion, this lens, as you can probably tell, has impressed me a lot. The fact I got all those photos I shared today with this $695 lens shows you that wildlife photography is no longer in the realms of our big ten thousand dollar lenses.
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With the price in mind, the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is probably the better choice for many. The image quality is very good.
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This new RF 100-400 is both astonishingly sharp, and here's the craziest part: its autofocus is nearly instantaneous! There is no lens made for mirrorless with this combination of sharpness, fast focus, small size and low price; this 100-400mm is a total winner.
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I think it's a very interesting lens.
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[T]his Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM has been designed for you, but if you're after something a little bit better, a little bit sharper, and to be honest better built, then the 100-500mm is the lens for you.
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[O]verall this lens for me is a really interesting one and has been a great purchase for me personally.
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It's a very impressive lens, so I'm really, really happy with it.
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Without doubt, though, the best part of this lens is the size and the weight and the [...] deployability.
