Canon RF 75-300mm F4-5.6

The Canon RF 75-300mm F4-5.6 is an entry-level telephoto zoom for the RF mount. It works on all EOS R cameras, from APS-C to full frame, and on APS-C bodies it gives a field of view equivalent to roughly 120-480 mm. Canon announced it in April 2025 as a lightweight, easy-to-use lens for family events, travel and everyday sports.

Optical design

The lens has 13 elements in 9 groups and no special glass elements listed by Canon. The maximum aperture is f/4 at 75 mm and f/5.6 at 300 mm. The smallest aperture is f/32 at 75 mm and f/45 at 300 mm. The diaphragm has 7 blades, and Canon names Super Spectra Coating (SSC) as the lens coating. Maximum magnification is 0.25x at 300 mm.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus uses a gear-type DC motor, and Canon states support for Dual Pixel CMOS AF, including servo AF and pupil detection at the long end. A large zoom ring needs about a quarter turn to travel from minimum to maximum zoom, according to Canon Europe. The minimum focus distance is 1.5 m. The lens has no optical image stabilizer, no control ring and no dust or weather sealing according to Canon's specifications. The lens hood is optional and attaches by bayonet.

Build and size

The lens weighs 507 g, with a diameter of 71.2 mm and a length of 146.1 mm. The filter thread is 58 mm, a size Canon calls widely available.

Where it fits

This lens is the lowest step in the RF telephoto range. The RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM (635 g in our database) reaches further and has a stabilizer. The RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM is lighter at 270 g but is designed for APS-C. The RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM is the L-series step up at 1365 g. On the EF side, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM has the same 13 elements in 9 groups and a similar range.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Light for a 300 mm zoom at 507 g
• f/4 maximum aperture at 75 mm
• Covers full-frame and APS-C RF cameras
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF support
• Common 58 mm filter size

Cons

• No optical stabilizer in the lens
• No control ring and no weather sealing
• f/5.6 at 300 mm and a 1.5 m minimum focus distance
• Plain build with a DC motor instead of newer USM or STM designs

Verdict

The RF 75-300mm F4-5.6 is an easy-to-carry way into telephoto shooting on RF cameras. It lacks stabilization and sealing, so it suits casual use in good light better than demanding work. For more reach or a stabilizer, the RF 100-400mm is the next lens to check.