Canon reveals three new RF lenses offering photographers next-level capabilities

Canon’s new RF lens line-up includes the RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM – the world’s first autofocus (AF) macro lens with 1.4x magnification.

RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM, RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM and RF 100mm f/2.8 L MACRO IS USM

Sydney, AUSTRALIA - 14 April 2021: Today, alongside the development announcement of the EOS R3 – a high-speed, high-responsive professional mirrorless camera designed to give sports and news photographers the advantage of capturing fast action – Canon Australia announces three new RF lenses.

The new RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM super telephoto lenses join Canon’s extensive range of optically excellent RF lenses built for the EOS R System – a system designed to exceed the needs of  the photographers of today and tomorrow. Ideal for professional wildlife and sports photographers, these super telephoto lenses are the first in the RF line-up to feature a double power drive method, enabling EOS R System cameras to focus faster and helping professionals keep track of action – even when shooting at 30fps.

Also launching today is the RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM – the world’s first interchangeable AF macro lens for full frame mirrorless cameras with 1.4x magnificationⁱ. This lens is a kitbag essential for all photographers, from enthusiasts to professionals, looking to advance their creative skills with the powerful benefits EOS R System cameras and lenses bring.

The RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM super telephoto lenses support a double power drive method for faster AF with R-System bodies, capturing millisecond moments.

RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM – super telephoto lenses with incredible focusing speeds

The RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM are based, respectively, on the ground-breaking EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L III USM – two much-loved super telephoto lenses for professional sports and wildlife photographers. While the optics and mechanics of the lenses are largely the same as the EF versions, the capabilities of these super telephoto lenses are next level, as they take full advantage of Canon’s revolutionary EOS R System and RF Mount. Professionals using the lenses will enjoy incredible focal lengths – even more so when used with the 1.4x and 2x RF extenders – ultra-high optical performance, speedy focusing, reduced weight, and improved balance when using with a Canon EOS R System camera.

The RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM boast the stand-out features of Canon’s RF lenses, such as 1/8th stop aperture control for video and enhanced optical IS – a feature enabled by the RF Mount communication system, providing 5.5 stopsⁱⁱ. In addition, the lenses support a double power drive method for faster AF with current and future R-System interchangeable lens cameras. As a result, professionals can shoot far away, fast moving action which would be over in a matter of milliseconds. Both lenses also feature three manual-focus speeds, for precise control and full-time manual focus, allowing adjustments to be made without switching modes. What’s more, professionals can store two focus pre-sets for quick recall, saving time when they need to react fast and enabling them to pull focus when shooting video. The focus ring can also be used as a control ring with some EOS R series bodies.

Thanks to the use of Fluorite and Super UD glass plus ASC and Super Spectra coatings, even at its maximum f/2.8 aperture, the RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM offers exceptional sharpness right across the frame. The RF 600mm f/4L IS USM shares this same benefit of minimised distortion and flare – even at the lens’ f/4 max aperture – ensuring professional images are of the highest quality edge-to-edge. Operating confidently in low-light conditions, the RF 600mm f/4L IS USM, thanks to its large f/4 aperture, and the RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM with its f/2.8 aperture, both support 5.5-stops of image stabilisation – reducing camera shake, even in dimly lit conditions, making them perfect for professionals to achieve the winning shot, whatever the conditions.

Built to inspire confidence, both lenses are lightweight and can withstand the rigors of professional use, standing up to the test with their L-series build quality and heat-reflecting white finish.

When paired with full frame mirrorless cameras, the RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM is the World’s first interchangeable AF macro lens with incredible 1.4x magnification (1.4:1) capability.

RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM – a picture perfect macro and portrait lens
The RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM is a truly versatile lens, and a kitbag ‘must have’ for professionals, semi-professionals and enthusiasts alike shooting macro, still life, and portrait photography. Its exceptional magnification ratio 1.4:1 – made possible by the lens’ floating system and short back focusing – allows photographers to capture exceptional close-up detail. The flattering focal length of 100mm at f/2.8 aperture is perfect for those looking to take striking portraiture.

In addition to its incredible magnification, a standout feature, and an improvement from its EF version – the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM – is a new variable and adjustable Spherical Aberration Control ring. Photographers can vary the look of the background and foreground bokeh, while allowing them to create a soft-focus effect on the subject. It’s f/2.8 maximum aperture with 9-blades gives shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. Boasting the professional grade image quality seen throughout Canon’s RF lens line-up, the RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM’s advanced lens design ensures sharp, high-contrast images edge-to-edge.

The RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM also features up to 5-stops Optical Image Stabilization and 8-stops Combined IS (using CIPA standards) when used with the EOS R5 and EOS R6, significantly reducing camera shake while hand-held. Dual Nano USM AF provides smooth, accurate and high-speed auto focus that is virtually silent, while focus breathing is also suppressed – making it ideal for shooting movies and in post-production when Focus Stacking.

Key Features:
RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM
• Large maximum aperture f/4 and f/2.8 respectively for the lens’ focal length, delivering excellent low light performance and image quality
• Image Stabilizer providing up to 5.5 stop (based on CIPA standards)
• Lightweight and easy to hand hold for long periods
• 9-blade circular aperture capable of moving in 1/8th steps for smoother transitions of apertures changing during video recording
• Ring USM drive, high-speed CPU and optimised AF algorithms to provide a quiet and fast auto focusing

For more information on the RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM, visit the Canon website here: https://www.canon.com.au/camera-lenses/rf-400mm-f2-8l-is-usm 

For more information on the RF 600mm f/4L IS USM, visit the Canon website here: https://www.canon.com.au/camera-lenses/rf-600mm-f4-l-is-usm 

The RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM will be available from authorised local dealers from late July 2021. Pricing will be set at dealer discretion, with an RRP of AUD$21,999 and AUD$23,999ⁱⁱⁱ respectively. Both the RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM will be supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller^iv.

RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM
• The world’s first interchangeable AF macro lens for full frame mirrorless cameras with 1.4x magnification (1.4:1) capability^v
• A variable Spherical Aberration Control ring can be used to adjust the subject softness and look of the Bokeh
• f/2.8 maximum aperture gives a shallow depth of field
• 9-blade circular aperture creates beautiful out of focus highlights (bokeh)
• Up to 5-stops optical IS (CIPA standard, using an EOS R) and up to 8-stops Combined IS using EOS R5 / EOS R6, with their In-Body Image Stabilizer system
• Dual nano USM motors for smooth and fast AF

For more information on the RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM, visit the Canon website here: https://www.canon.com.au/camera-lenses/rf-100mm-f-2-8l-macro-is-usm 

The RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM will be available from authorised local dealers from late July 2021. Pricing will be set at dealer discretion, with an RRP of AUD$2,599^vi. The RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM will be supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller^vii.

ⁱ For an interchangeable autofocus lens, for full frame mirrorless cameras. Canon survey as of April 13, 2021.

ⁱⁱ Based on CIPA Standards.

ⁱⁱⁱ The RRP is a recommended price only. Dealers set pricing at their own discretion.

^iv Applies to Canon Mirrorless, DSLR, Digital Video Camera, Lens and selected cinema product purchases made on or after 25th November 2019 in Australia from Canon Australia Pty Ltd or authorised distributors, dealers or retailers.

^v For an interchangeable autofocus lens, for full frame mirrorless cameras. Canon survey as of April 13, 2021.

^vi The RRP is a recommended price only. Dealers set pricing at their own discretion.

^vii Applies to purchases made on or after 25th November 2019 in Australia from Canon Australia Pty Ltd or authorised distributors, dealers or retailers.