New RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 and 16mm F2.8 Lenses Announced + Pre-orders

[Tim Mayo]

Along with the Canon EOS R3, Canon have also announced new RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 and 16mm F2.8 lenses.

RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
The RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is similar to the RF 600mm F11 and RF 800mm F11 in that it's very affordable and quite portable given its focal length range, with a slow maximum aperture being the main tradeoff. The 100-400 measures just 165 x 80mm (6.5 x 3.1 in.) in size and weighs 630 g (22.4 oz.).

The lens' built-in optical stabilization can reduce shake by up to 5.5 stops (per CIPA standard) and this increases by another half-stop when mounted on an R-series body with IBIS. Optically, it's made up of 12 elements, including UD (ultra-low dispersion) and aspherical glass, and features Super Spectra Coating to reduce flare and ghosting. The focus group is driven by a linear-type Nano USM motor for swift and silent autofocus.

The minimum focus distance is 88cm (35") and the maximum magnification is 0.41x. If 100-400mm isn't enough for you, this lens is compatible with Canon's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, with a commensurate further decrease in maximum aperture that may affect the camera's ability to autofocus.

The RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM will be available this month for $649.

Pre-orders
Pre-orders have already started (affiliate links):

US

• B&H Photo
• Adorama

UK

• Wex Photo
• Park Cameras

Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM
The second new lens is the RF 16mm F2.8 STM, which becomes Canon's most affordable ultra-wide lens at $299. It's also extremely compact at just 40 x 69mm (1.6 x 2.7 in.) in size and 165g (5.8oz) in weight.

It has 9 elements, one of which is aspherical, along with a Super Spectra Coating to combat flare and ghosting. A stepping motor drives the focus group. The 16mm F2.8 can focus as close as 13cm (5.1") and has a maximum magnification of 0.26x.

The lens is priced at $299 and will also be available later this month.

Pre-orders
Pre-orders have already started (affiliate links):

US

• B&H Photo
• Adorama

UK

• Wex Photo
• Park Cameras

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Press Release

CANON COMPLETES ANOTHER CHAPTER IN THE RF LENS STORY – INTRODUCES TWO NEW BUDGET-FRIENDLY LENSES FOR EOS R FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS USERS​

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 14, 2021 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the RF16mm F2.8 STM and RF100–400mm F5.6–8 IS USM lenses. Both lenses invite current EOS R series users and those who are considering a move to Canon’s prominent mirrorless system, such as the EOS R or EOS RP, to expand their content creation abilities with the visual drama of an ultra-wide-angle lens and true telephoto-only zoom lens. As the “lens first” EOS R series continues to expand, these latest lenses open the door to a wide-range of imaging creators, encouraging them to test the powers and possibilities of their art.

Ultra-Wide Perspectives

Whether you are excited to start exploring the creative world of ultra wide-angle photography or someone who is looking to add another lens to expand your imaging offerings, the Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM is compact, lightweight and affordable. Long gone are the days of optical corrections or sharpness challenges – the new ultra-wide, 16mm RF lens, for full-frame cameras, comes with a fast and bright f/2.8 maximum lens aperture, as well as smooth and brisk AF (autofocus). This lens is a strong addition to the landscape, architecture or travel photographer — but it also provides the vlogging creator and the EOS Webcam Utility software user the power to integrate environments into their imagery, with its super-wide coverage.

Additional features of Canon’s new ultra wide-angle prime lens with 16mm focal length F2.8 include:

• STM Motor for smooth focusing when recording video
• Compact size and light weight — similar to RF50mm F1.8 STM
• Minimum focus distance of 5.11”
• Maximum magnification of 0.26x
• 43mm filter thread

Truly Telephoto Possibilities

The Canon RF100–400mm F5.6–8 IS USM provides users with a versatile and popular zoom range that brings subjects closer with ease. It’s an affordable and easily hand-holdable entry into the world of super-telephoto, full-frame photography and video. Offering superb performance and sharpness, the 100–400mm focal length provides a versatile range for all types of telephoto opportunities — be it portraits and documenting events, to sports, birding and wildlife. And, for the first time in a non-L-series lens, the RF100–400mm will accept optional Canon RF 1.4x and 2x tele extenders, offering even more telephoto potential in a lightweight package. Yes, the Canon RF100–400mm is an excellent gateway into the world of wildlife, nature, and sports photography. However, this lens and its super-telephoto abilities can also be leveraged for the video content creator or vlogger when compiling b-roll type footage or for subjects who are at a distance.

Additional features of the Canon RF100-400mm include:

• High image quality — similar to the well-regarded EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
• 100-400mm telephoto zoom range
• Accepts optional Canon RF 1.4x and 2x extenders
• 6 – F8 variable maximum aperture
• Easy hand-held operation — lighter than EF70-300 IS II lens
• Up to 5.5-Stops i optical IS and 6-stops ii correction with coordinated IS
• Nano USM for high-speed and smooth AF
• Smooth and nearly silent AF during video recording
• Superb close-focusing — at 400mm, excellent 0.41x magnification
• 9-blade aperture, for smooth backgrounds/foregrounds
• 67mm filter thread

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM and RF100–400mm F5.6–8 IS USM are scheduled to be available in October 2021 for an estimated retail price of $299.00 and $649.00, respectively*.

For additional information, please visit usa.canon.com

 

[Ed Cordes]

Question - Why would I want an RF 100-400 5.6-8 when the RF 100-500 is faster and more reach?

 

[Tim Mayo]

Question - Why would I want an RF 100-400 5.6-8 when the RF 100-500 is faster and more reach?

The RF 100-400 is priced at only $649 vs $2799 for the RF 100-500. So the 100-400 is going to appeal a lot more to those on a budget or those looking for a lightweight travel lens since it's 730g lighter than the 100-500. I expect many will forgo the extra 100mm of reach to save $2150.

 

[Ed Cordes]

The RF 100-400 is priced at only $649 vs $2799 for the RF 100-500. So the 100-400 is going to appeal a lot more to those on a budget or those looking for a lightweight travel lens since it's 730g lighter than the 100-500. I expect many will forgo the extra 100mm of reach to save $2150.

Oh, I guess I didn't notice the price difference. MY BAD. Now it makes sense (cents? ). Thanks.

 

[Devin]

Ken Rockwell ( who does the most detailed lens reviews of anyone) says the following in his review of the 100-500:

Versus the EF 100-400mm L IS II​

The EF 100-400mm L IS II is a brilliant lens that sells for much less and works magnificently with an EF to RF adapter ring on mirrorless cameras.
The EF 100-400mm L IS II is just as sharp and focuses just as close and just as fast, and works great with the EF 1.4× and EF 2× extenders.
The 100-500mm weighs less. The EF 100-400mm L IS II is made with a lot more metal and feels much tougher, but weighs as much with no foot as the RF 100-500mm weighs with its tripod collar.

Canon RF 100-500mm Review

 

[Hali]

Ken Rockwell ( who does the most detailed lens reviews of anyone) says the following in his review of the 100-500:

Versus the EF 100-400mm L IS II​

The EF 100-400mm L IS II is a brilliant lens that sells for much less and works magnificently with an EF to RF adapter ring on mirrorless cameras.
The EF 100-400mm L IS II is just as sharp and focuses just as close and just as fast, and works great with the EF 1.4× and EF 2× extenders.
The 100-500mm weighs less. The EF 100-400mm L IS II is made with a lot more metal and feels much tougher, but weighs as much with no foot as the RF 100-500mm weighs with its tripod collar.

Canon RF 100-500mm Review

I do like his review - but why in the world would anyone use their 100-400 L IS II without a foot if they were going to use the 100-500 with it?? Comparing it without it's tripod collar and foot to the 100-500 with the tripod collar and foot is comparing apples and oranges. I'm looking forward to someday being able to get a 100-500 for a few reasons - one of which is that, especially when I first got my R and adapter, every once in a while my arm pressed against the side of my camera and lens and released the adapter while I was walking with my camera and lens slung over my shoulder. No catastrophic failures happened but still. Not having an extra point where "accidents can happen" is always a good thing.

 

[Nick L]

I also read this review and it is very good, I have just bought the RF 100-500L after borrowing an EF 100-400L II for a couple of weeks. I have a 16 year old EF 100-400L I which works but the AF is not quick enough for my R5. My view is if you have an EF 100-400L II then the need for the RF 100-500L is much less, but the additional 100mm is very useful and the IS for me is a huge step from the EF 100-400L I but maybe not so for the Mk II but the IS does work with the R5 IBIS the lens is lighter and i have a buyer for the EF 100-400L I so given the UK price (I bought from Hong Kong as there is no UK stock at present) seemed like a good treat for my birthday this month

 

[royd63uk]

Does anyone know if you have to zoom out to attach a teleconverter as you do with the 100-500?

 

[Devin]

I also read this review and it is very good, I have just bought the RF 100-500L after borrowing an EF 100-400L II for a couple of weeks. I have a 16 year old EF 100-400L I which works but the AF is not quick enough for my R5. My view is if you have an EF 100-400L II then the need for the RF 100-500L is much less, but the additional 100mm is very useful and the IS for me is a huge step from the EF 100-400L I but maybe not so for the Mk II but the IS does work with the R5 IBIS the lens is lighter and i have a buyer for the EF 100-400L I so given the UK price (I bought from Hong Kong as there is no UK stock at present) seemed like a good treat for my birthday this month

I'd do the same.

 

[Devin]

I do like his review - but why in the world would anyone use their 100-400 L IS II without a foot if they were going to use the 100-500 with it?? Comparing it without it's tripod collar and foot to the 100-500 with the tripod collar and foot is comparing apples and oranges. I'm looking forward to someday being able to get a 100-500 for a few reasons - one of which is that, especially when I first got my R and adapter, every once in a while my arm pressed against the side of my camera and lens and released the adapter while I was walking with my camera and lens slung over my shoulder. No catastrophic failures happened but still. Not having an extra point where "accidents can happen" is always a good thing.

Yes, all things considered, the 100-500 is the best way to go. My 100-400- EF is back on my Mk III.