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Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM RF Mount Review

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM

Main Features

  • 100-500mm Focal Range
  • F4.5-7.1 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization (up to 5.0 stops)
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon RF Mount
  • Weight: 1,365g / 3.00 lb
  • Dimensions(øxL): 94mm x 208mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.9m
  • Max Magnification: 0.33x
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Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Overview


Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF) Super Telephoto Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with RF Mount cameras.

What type of photography is the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeVery Good
SportsVery Good
PortraitFair
TravelPoor
StreetPoor
WeddingFair
Walk AroundFair
VloggingPoor
LandscapeFair
MacroAverage

Reasons to Buy Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Optical Image Stabilization (up to 5.0 stops)
Weather-sealed
Autofocus
AF/MF Switch on Lens
Stabilization On/Off Switch on Lens
Focus Range Limiter
Focus Hold Button
Compatible with Canon Teleconverters
Hood supplied
Tripod Collar
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh
500mm reach great for Wildlife Photography
Report a correction

Buy Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Lens Extents while zooming
Slow Aperture at Wide end
Slow Aperture at Tele end
Variable Aperture
Heavy
Pricey


Lens Mount

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L is compatible with cameras that have a Canon RF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon RF lenses are Canon R100, Canon R8 and Canon R50.

Canon R100 with Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Lens Size
Canon R100 with the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Lens
Canon R8 with Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Lens Size
Canon R8 with the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Lens
Canon R50 with Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Lens Size
Canon R50 with the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Lens

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L has a maximum diameter of 94mm and total length of 208mm when not extended. It weighs 1365g / 48.1 oz.

Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L and Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C (Sony Alpha mount) to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life. Check the detailed comparison of these two lenses here.

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L vs Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L and the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C Size and Weight

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L has a filter thread of 77mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L:

  • 77mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 77mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 77mm Clear Protection Lens Filters




Focal Range

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L has a focal range of 100-500mm and 5.0X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 160 - 800mm.


Teleconverter Compatibility

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L is compatible with the Teleconverters below. With the use of these TC/extenders, you can find how the total focal reach and effective aperture of your Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L changes below:


Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Focal Range and Aperture Change with Teleconverter
Model Coverage with TC Aperture with TC Street Price
Canon Extender RF 2x Lens Canon Extender RF 2x 200 - 1000mm F9 - 14.2 Amazon B&H Photo
Canon Extender RF 1.4x Lens Canon Extender RF 1.4x 140 - 700mm F6.3 - 9.94 Amazon B&H Photo

Weather Sealings

The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Canon R8, Canon R6 II and Canon R7.

Optical Image Stabilization

The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L's stabilization system is effective up to 5.0 stops.

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L also has a Stabilization On/Off switch on the lens body so you don't need to delve into your cameras menu to disable or enable the IS.

Tripod Collar

With a total length of 208mm and a weight of 1365g, the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.
https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Canon-RF-100-500mm-F4.5-7.1L-IS-USM-tripod-collar.jpg
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Tripod Collar

Zoom Method

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.

https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Canon-RF-100-500mm-F4.5-7.1L-IS-USM-extended.jpg
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Extended State

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.33x and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.9m. For a non-macro lens, the 0.33x is considered a high magnification and will come handy for close-up shots.

Below are the 2 Super Telephoto Zoom type Canon RF mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8: 0.41x - (Compare)
  • Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8 L IS USM: 0.16x - (Compare)

Aperture

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L is a variable aperture lens with a max aperture of f4.5 and a minimum aperture of f32 at 100mm, and a max aperture of f7.1 and minimum aperture of f54 at 500mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
100mm F4.5 F32
500mm F7.1 F54

Optical Formula

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L's optical formula consists of 20 elements in 14 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • 1 Super UD
  • 6 UD elements

Lens Hood

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.

https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Canon-RF-100-500mm-F4.5-7.1L-IS-USM-hood.jpg
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Lens Hood


What's in the Box of Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L:

  • Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
  • Canon E-77 II Lens Cap
  • Canon Lens Dust Cap RF
  • Canon ET-83FW III Lens Hood
  • Canon LZ1328 Lens Case
  • Tripod Collar
  • Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
  • Recommended Accessories for the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L

    Now it is time to look at the Top Recommended Accessories for the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L. Some of these accessories such as memory cards are essential to operate your Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L while others are optional but greatly recommended to increase the potential of your photography or videography.

    Chiaro Pro 77mm 99-UVBTS Brass UV Filter for the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens

    Chiaro Pro 77mm 99-UVBTS Brass UV Filter

    MSRP: $79.95
    Amazon
    B&H Photo

    Hoya 77mm NXT Plus Circular Polarizer Filter for the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens

    Hoya 77mm NXT Plus Circular Polarizer Filter

    MSRP: $112.9
    Amazon
    B&H Photo

    Canon Extender RF 1.4x for the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens

    Canon Extender RF 1.4x

    MSRP: $499
    Amazon
    B&H Photo

    LensCoat Lens Cover for Canon RF 100-500 IS Lens (RealTree Max 5 Camo) for the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens

    LensCoat Lens Cover for Canon RF 100-500 IS Lens (RealTree Max 5 Camo)

    MSRP: $100.99
    Amazon
    B&H Photo

    Vello Auto Extension Tubes for Canon RF-Mount Lenses for the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens

    Vello Auto Extension Tubes for Canon RF-Mount Lenses

    MSRP: $79.95
    Amazon
    B&H Photo

    Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod for the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens

    Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

    MSRP: $649.95
    Amazon
    B&H Photo

    Oben QR-53 Long Lens Quick Release Plate (5.3) for the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens

    Oben QR-53 Long Lens Quick Release Plate (5.3)

    MSRP: $13.95
    Amazon
    B&H Photo

    Sensei DOC-CK Deluxe Optics Care and Cleaning Kit for the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens

    Sensei DOC-CK Deluxe Optics Care and Cleaning Kit

    MSRP: $24.95
    Amazon
    B&H Photo

    Body Colour

    Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L is available in White color.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L

    Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Top Alternatives of Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Lens
    Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C Lens Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C
    Compare
    35mm FF 1,930 g / 4.25 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G OSS
    Compare
    35mm FF 2,115 g / 4.65 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 635 g / 1.40 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S
    Compare
    35mm FF 2,700 g / 5.94 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 1,380 g / 3.04 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
    Compare
    35mm FF 2,010 g / 4.42 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon RF 70-200 F4L IS USM Lens Canon RF 70-200 F4L IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 695 g / 1.53 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR Lens Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR
    Compare
    APS-C / DX 1,605 g / 3.53 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo


    **This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM Alternatives in Canon RF Mount
    Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 635 g / 1.40 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo

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    Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L Detailed Specifications


    General
    Brand Canon
    Lens Type Zoom
    Lens Type Telephoto Zoom
    Lens Mount Canon RF
    Max Format 35mm FF
    Focal Range 100-500mm
    Image Stabilization Yes
    Colour White
    Zoom Method Rotary (extending)
    Power Zoom No Zoom
    Zoom Lock No Zoom
    Zoom Ratio 5.0X
    APERTURE
    Max Aperture F4.5-7.1
    Min Aperture F32-54
    Aperture Ring No
    Diaphragm Blades 9
    Optics
    Optical Elements 20
    Optical Groups 14
    Special Elements 1 Super UD + 6 UD elements

    FOCUSING
    Min Focus Distance 0.9m
    Max Magnification 0.33X
    Autofocus Yes
    AF Motor Type Nano ultrasonic
    Focus Method Unknown
    DoF Scale No
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Weight 1365g
    Diameter 94mm
    Length 208mm
    Materials Magnesium alloy
    Weather Sealing Yes
    Filter Thread 77mm
    Filter Notes -
    Hood Supplied Yes
    Tripod Collar Yes
    Report a Correction
    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
    is the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM a Weather-sealed lens?
    What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
    is the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM an Autofocus (AF) lens?
    What is the Filter Thread Size of Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
    Does Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM have Image Stabilization?
    Does Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM have Aperture Ring?
    What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM


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