Released in late 2021, the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM brings super-telephoto reach to Canon RF users at a fraction of the cost and weight of traditional 100-400mm lenses. Weighing just 635g and collapsing to a highly compact size, it makes long-lens photography accessible to enthusiasts who previously found big telezooms too heavy or expensive.
The optical construction uses 12 elements in 9 groups, including one UD element and one aspherical element to control aberrations. Centre sharpness is impressively good even at 400mm, with pleasing contrast that makes distant subjects pop. The variable aperture (f/5.6-8) is the main compromise, but the excellent image stabilisation helps you maintain sharp shots at slower shutter speeds.
Key Features & Performance
- Up to 5.5 stops of optical IS, or up to 6 stops with IBIS-equipped bodies (R5, R6, etc.)
- Fast and quiet Nano USM autofocus with reliable subject tracking
- Minimum focus distance of 0.88m at 400mm for 0.41x magnification – great for close-up wildlife and details
- Compatible with RF 1.4x and 2x extenders (up to 800mm f/16 with AF on compatible bodies)
- Weather sealing, customisable control ring, and 67mm filter thread
On full-frame bodies the 100-400mm range is ideal for wildlife, birds, sports, aviation, and moon photography. On APS-C cameras like the Canon EOS R7, it delivers a powerful 160-640mm equivalent reach in a very portable package.
Who Is This Lens Perfect For?
- Wildlife and birding enthusiasts getting started with telephoto
- Sports and action photographers who need reach without f/2.8 weight/cost
- Travel photographers wanting flexible long-reach capability
- Aviation and moon photography enthusiasts
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and compact (similar in size to a 350ml tumbler)
- Outstanding value for money
- Very effective image stabilisation
- Extender compatible with AF retained
|
Cons
- Variable and relatively slow aperture (f/5.6-8)
- Not L-series build quality or weather resistance
|
Looking to shoot sport, surfing, wildlife, or aviation and need serious reach on your Canon mirrorless without the weight and cost of a super-fast f/2.8 lens? This is a serious, highly practical option.
Official Overview – Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
The RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom lens for EOS R Series cameras. Perfect for wildlife, sports, travel and more, it delivers high image quality in a portable design.
- 5.5-stop built-in Image Stabilizer (up to 6 stops with coordinated IBIS)
- Fast and silent Nano USM motor for stills and video
- Customisable control ring for shutter speed, ISO or exposure compensation
- Weather-sealed construction
- Compatible with RF 1.4x and 2x extenders (up to 800mm)
Product Code: 5050C002AA
The Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens comes with a full 2 year Australian warranty.
Want to know if the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is right for you?
Read our in-depth 2026 Australia Buyer’s Guide with real-world tests, comparisons, sample images & expert verdict.
Read Full Review & Buyer's Guide
