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Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Full-Frame Lens for RF-Mount {67}
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$684.00
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM: full-frame reach at backpack weight
At 635 grams and 6.5 inches long, this lens fits in spaces where 400mm glass has no business fitting. The variable f/5.6-8 aperture is the trade-off that makes the compact dimensions possible, and for most daylight shooting, wildlife at the waterhole, birds in flight over open water, subjects at events, it's a trade worth making. Pair it with the RF 1.4x or RF 2x extenders and you're working at 560mm or 800mm from a lens that still slips into a mid-sized bag.
The Nano USM motor runs nearly silent and refocuses between planes quickly, which matters for video work where AF noise kills usable footage. IS performance reaches 5.5 stops standalone, or 6 stops when the lens coordinates with IBIS-equipped bodies like the EOS R5 or R6. That's a meaningful margin for telephoto handheld work. Optical construction across 12 elements in 9 groups includes a single Ultra Low Dispersion element that keeps chromatic aberration controlled across the zoom range, and the 9-blade aperture produces smooth background separation at 400mm with a minimum focusing distance of 2.9 feet.
This is the lowest-cost entry into native RF full-frame telephoto zoom territory, and it earns its place there on optical merit.
Who It's For
Travel photographers who hike between locations will notice the 635g weight immediately, this is a lens that stays on the camera than staying in the bag. Wildlife and nature shooters working in good light get 400mm reach with Nano USM tracking and a 0.41x maximum magnification that frames small subjects tightly. Video creators benefit from the near-silent AF and 6-stop coordinated IS when shooting handheld b-roll on IBIS bodies. Birders who want extender compatibility will find this is the first non-L Canon lens to accept the RF 1.4x and RF 2x, effectively reaching 800mm.
Key Features
- 100-400mm focal length with f/5.6-8 variable aperture
- Nano USM autofocus for nearly silent, smooth focusing during video
- Up to 6 stops IS when coordinated with IBIS bodies like EOS R5/R6
- Single Ultra Low Dispersion element controls chromatic aberration across zoom range
- 9-blade circular aperture produces smooth bokeh separation at 400mm
- 635 grams and 6.5 inches long; compatible with RF 1.4x and RF 2x extenders
- Canon RF mount; 12 elements in 9 groups with minimum focus distance of 2.9 feet
FAQ
- How does the variable aperture affect performance across the zoom range?
- The f/5.6 maximum at 100mm drops to f/8 at 400mm. Peak center sharpness occurs around f/9 at 100mm and f/10 at 400mm, so stopping down just one-third to two-thirds of a stop from wide-open is where you'll see optimal results. Avoid f/22 and beyond at 100mm or f/20 and beyond at 400mm-the images become unacceptably soft.
- How does the Nano USM autofocus perform for video?
- The Nano USM motor runs nearly silent and refocuses between planes with smooth, effortless operation. It's specifically built for video work where AF noise kills usable footage. General subject tracking in standard shooting is reliable and continuous, though it struggles with fast-moving subjects in low light and can fall behind on tracking eyes of running animals.
- What's the image stabilization performance?
- The lens delivers 5.5 stops of IS correction standalone. Pair it with IBIS-equipped bodies like the EOS R5 or R6 and stabilization reaches 6 stops through coordinated IS-a meaningful margin for handheld telephoto work. EOS R and RP bodies get 5.5 stops.
- Can I use this lens with extenders?
- Yes. The RF 100-400mm accepts both the RF 1.4x and RF 2x extenders, giving you effective focal lengths of 560mm and 800mm respectively. It's the first non-L-series Canon lens with tele extender compatibility. Pair it with the RF 2x and you're working at 800mm from a lens under 3 pounds.
- How does optical quality compare to the older EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II?
- Sharpness performance matches the respected EF 70-300mm IS II. The RF 100-400mm controls chromatic aberration well across the zoom range, though purple and green fringing appears more prominently at 100mm than at 400mm in high-contrast areas. The 9-blade aperture produces smooth bokeh at 400mm.
- What are the weather-sealing limitations?
- This is a non-L-series lens without adequate weather protection. There's no rubber gasket at the RF mount and no protection on switches or rings against dust and moisture. The lock switch only functions at 100mm, not 400mm. The lens hood isn't included; the compatible Canon ET-74B costs extra.
- How does this lens compare to the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM?
- The RF 100-500mm is significantly more expensive ($2,900 versus $650), larger, heavier, and offers a third-stop faster aperture, removable tripod collar, focus limiter, three stabilization modes, superior weather sealing, and more reliable autofocus for demanding scenarios. The RF 100-400mm prioritizes compact size and lightweight handling over maximum aperture and professional-grade features.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 100-400mm |
| Max Aperture | f/5.6-8 |
| Min Aperture | f/32-45 |
| Mount | Canon RF |
| Stabilization | Yes - up to 6 stops (Coordinated IS with IBIS bodies); 5.5 stops with EOS R/RP |
| AF System | Nano USM |
| Lens Format | Full Frame |
| Lens Groups | 9 |
| Lens Elements | 12 |
| Min Focusing Distance | 2.9 ft / 88 cm |
| Filter Thread | 67mm |
| Angle Of View | 24° to 6°10' |
| Length | 6.5 in / 164.7 mm |
| Max Diameter | 3.1 in / 79.5 mm |
| Package Weight | 1.805 lb |
| Box Dimensions | 9.6 x 4.9 x 4.8 in |
| Weight | 1.4 lb / 635 g |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Canon |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 67mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Canon EOS RF |
| Lens Type | Telephoto / Long |
| Max Focal Length | 400mm |
| Min Focal Length | 100mm |