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Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens

The Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a 100–400mm f/5.6 lens designed for Canon RF mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens

Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens

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Lens Overview — Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a full-frame telephoto zoom lens built for Canon's RF mirrorless system. Covering a focal length range of 100mm to 400mm, it offers substantial reach for subjects like wildlife, sports, and distant scenes — all in a body that weighs just 635 grams. That's a notably compact and lightweight package for a lens of this range, making it a practical choice for photographers who need to travel light or shoot handheld for extended periods.

The variable maximum aperture runs from f/5.6 at the wide end to f/8 at full telephoto extension, which is a trade-off for the reduced size and weight. Optical image stabilization is built in, helping to counteract camera shake during handheld shooting. The lens accepts 67mm filters, a relatively modest thread size that keeps compatible accessories affordable and accessible.

Autofocus is supported alongside manual focus, giving shooters flexibility in how they control focusing. Designed exclusively for the Canon RF mount, it is fully compatible with Canon's lineup of full-frame and APS-C RF-mount mirrorless cameras. For photographers seeking extended telephoto reach without the bulk or cost of larger prime or zoom alternatives, this lens presents a compelling option worth serious consideration.

Key Features — Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

100–400mm Telephoto Zoom: Covers a wide range of telephoto focal lengths suitable for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects in a single lens.

Variable f/5.6–8 Aperture: Maximum aperture shifts from f/5.6 at 100mm to f/8 at 400mm, a trade-off that enables the lens's compact size and light weight.

Built-In Optical Stabilization: Optical image stabilization reduces the effect of camera shake, supporting sharper handheld results at longer focal lengths.

Lightweight 635g Build: At 635 grams, this is an unusually portable lens for its focal length range, suited to travel, hiking, and extended handheld shooting.

Canon RF Mount: Designed exclusively for Canon's RF mirrorless system, with full compatibility across Canon's full-frame and APS-C RF-mount camera bodies.

USM Autofocus Motor: Ultrasonic motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus performance well-suited to tracking moving subjects like birds and athletes.

Lens Specifications — Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesWildlife, Sports, Travel, Birding
Lens TypeZoom
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimeZoom
Focal Length100–400mm
Maximum Aperturef/5.6
Camera SystemMirrorless
Lens MountCanon RF
AutofocusYes
Focus TypeAuto, Manual
Image StabilizationOptical
Filter Thread67mm

Description — Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a telephoto zoom lens designed for the Canon RF mirrorless system, covering a full-frame image circle. Its focal length spans 100mm to 400mm, giving photographers substantial reach for distant subjects across a range of scenarios. The variable maximum aperture opens to f/5.6 at the wide end and f/8 at full telephoto, a reasonable trade-off for the lens's compact and portable build.

Weighing in at just 635g, it stands out as a lightweight option in the telephoto zoom category, reducing fatigue during handheld or travel shooting. Optical image stabilization is integrated into the lens to help counteract camera shake. Both autofocus and manual focus are supported, giving shooters control over how they engage with their subjects. A 67mm filter thread makes it straightforward to use popular filter types without needing large, expensive accessories.

Built exclusively for the Canon RF mount, it integrates natively with Canon's range of RF-mount mirrorless cameras.

Pros — Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

  • ✓Broad 100–400mm focal length range covers a wide variety of telephoto shooting scenarios
  • ✓Lightweight at just 635g, making it practical for handheld and travel use
  • ✓Built-in optical image stabilization helps manage camera shake

Cons — Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

  • ✗Variable maximum aperture of f/5.6–f/8 limits light intake, especially at longer focal lengths
  • ✗f/8 maximum aperture at 400mm may challenge autofocus performance in lower light
  • ✗Designed solely for Canon RF mount, limiting compatibility to that specific system

Reviews — Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

Videos — Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

Canon’s CHEAPEST RF ZOOM Lens: 100-400mm f5.6-8 IS Review…is it worth it? — Jared Polin

Resources & Downloads — Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Canon 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Canon RF mount, making it compatible with Canon's RF-mount mirrorless camera lineup. It is not compatible with Canon EF or EF-S mount cameras without an adapter.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens includes optical image stabilization. This helps reduce the effects of camera shake during handheld shooting across the 100–400mm focal length range.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The lens has a variable maximum aperture of f/5.6 at 100mm, stepping down to f/8 at the 400mm end. This is worth considering when shooting in lower light conditions at longer focal lengths.
What filter size does this lens take?+
The lens uses a 67mm filter thread. This is a common and widely available size, making it easy to find compatible UV, polarizing, or ND filters.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 635 grams, which is relatively light for a telephoto zoom covering 100–400mm. This makes it well-suited for extended handheld use or travel photography.
Is this lens compatible with full-frame cameras?+
Yes, the lens is designed for the full-frame format on the Canon RF mirrorless system. It can also be used on Canon RF-mount APS-C cameras.

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