Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM

Canon RF

Review

The Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM lens is a versatile zoom lens designed specifically for Canon's RF mount system. This lens is ideal for wildlife, sports, and other distant subjects, allowing photographers to capture stunning detail from a distance. With a lightweight and compact design, it stands out as an attractive option for those who need a longer focal length without the bulk.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the RF 100-400mm is commendable. It features a durable plastic construction that remains lightweight, making it easy to carry on long shoots. Despite its affordability, Canon has implemented a weather-sealing feature to provide some level of protection against dust and moisture, which is a significant plus for outdoor photographers. The lens incorporates a zoom ring that operates smoothly, allowing for seamless focal adjustments.

Autofocus Performance

Autofocus performance is a major highlight of this lens. The USM (Ultrasonic Motor) technology ensures rapid and accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions. The autofocus system is relatively quiet, making it suitable for video recording as well. Additionally, it achieves impressive focus lock quickly, which is crucial for shooting fast-moving subjects.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the RF 100-400mm excels, especially considering its compact size. Sharpness across the frame is notably good, with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. However, there are some compromises at the extreme ends of the zoom range, where sharpness might slightly drop off. This is particularly noticeable at 400mm, especially when shooting wide open at f/5.6.

Stabilization

The lens comes equipped with image stabilization (IS) that can provide up to 5 stops, which is indispensable when shooting at longer focal lengths. This feature significantly aids in reducing camera shake and allows for clearer shots at slower shutter speeds, making it an excellent choice for handheld shooting.

Compatibility

As part of the Canon RF series, this lens pairs perfectly with Canon's mirrorless cameras. It fully utilizes the advantages of the RF mount, including fast focusing and advanced peripheral illumination correction. The lens is also compatible with Canon's teleconverter options, allowing for even greater reach while maintaining image quality.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design
• Fast and precise autofocus performance
• Good overall image quality, especially for the price
• Effective image stabilization
• Weather-sealed construction

Cons

• Slight drop in sharpness at the extreme ends of the zoom range
• Maximum aperture of f/5.6 may limit low-light performance
• Limited control over depth of field due to smaller maximum aperture

Verdict

The Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM lens is an excellent choice for photographers seeking an affordable and versatile telephoto zoom lens for their RF mount camera. Its lightweight design, effective autofocus, and image stabilization make it a great companion for capturing wildlife and sports. While it does have some limitations in low-light scenarios and edge sharpness at the longest focal lengths, the overall performance and price-point make it a solid addition to any photographer's kit. Whether you are a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, this lens offers a fantastic balance of quality and convenience.