Canon RF 100-400mm 5.6-8.0 IS USM

The RF 100-400mm becomes Canon’s most affordable telephoto zoom for the EOS R system without adapting an older EF lens. The optical quality is excellent for the money with sharp results across the frame near and far, and at the maximum - albeit modest - apertures. Canon’s kept the price, size and weight low by deploying a fairly dim f5.6-8 aperture which means you won’t achieve much blurring unless you’re very close to the subject and if you need a fast shutter to freeze any action, you’ll also need to be shooting in good light or be at peace with high ISOs. As a lower-priced lens, the RF 100-400 also lacks weather-sealing and a lens hood in the box, although Canon hasn’t skimped on focusing which is fast enough to capture fast action and impressively lacks any breathing. It also works with the RF teleconverters throughout the zoom range. So while the RF 100-400 lacks the glamour of the EF 100-400 or RF 100-500, I’m pleased Canon’s producing a selection of more affordable, not to mention lighter, native RF lenses alongside its flagship L series. As such the RF 100-400 is easy to recommend if you want long-reach from a native RF zoom without breaking the bank or your back.