Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM : Specifications and Opinions

Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM, front

The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a tele lens for FF and APS-C, manufactured from 2021. The focus is done by Ultrasonic AF Motor (Nano-USM), it has image stabilization. The average price, when it has been added to the JuzaPhoto database, is 699 €;

55 users have given it an average vote of 9.1 out of 10.

MOUNT

This lens is available with the following mounts:

Canon RF: this lens is compatible with mirrorless fullframe and APS-C Canon RF.

Specifications
Focal lenght	100-400 mm
Angle of view	24.4 - 6.2°
Format	FF, APS-C
Max. aperture	f/5.6-8
Aperture blades	9
Lenses/Groups	12 elements in 9 groups
Min. focus distance	0.88 meters
Reproduction ratio	0.41x
Features
Zoom type	Ring, external
Stabilization	Yes (built in lens)
Focus	Ultrasonic AF Motor (Nano-USM)
Internal Focus	Yes
Built and notes
Tripod ring	No
Extenders	Yes
Filters	67 mm
Lens hood	Yes (not supplied)
Weather sealing	No
Weight	635 g
Dimensions	79 x 164 mm
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Reviews

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Vegmik

sent on 26 Febbraio 2022

Pros: Small, light as a feather, surprisingly sharp, a perfect lens (not only) for hiking

Cons: Reduced brightness, lack of hood and weather sealing

Opinion: Among ef lenses I have always looked for the alternative that is light with a relatively large zoom range, and of course able to capture sharp, clear pictures. For me this solution was the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM (I also had 100-400 L and Tam 150-600, but this was my ideal partner for hiking). I bought rf 100-400 as soon as arrived to the market and I have to say that I didn't regret it. Nowadays this is my nr1 lens on short trips and it does the job perfectly. Of course its a bit darker than expected, but even with my EOS R it is not a problem even in low light conditions. Images are sharp, colours are beautiful "Canon-icals" :) before and after sunset, in cloudy weather as well. And it is works perfect in daylight. Yep, lack of tropicalization, so you wont use it in heavy rain or snowstorm, but some raindrops are absolutely ok. It is a perfect exchange of cheaper Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II nano USM but in quality its step by step with the 70-300mm f/4-5.6L big brother. EF 100-400 and RF 100-500 are playing in az upper league, but you should decide if the plusplusplus amount of money worth it for you or not. For a normal everyday usage for a non-millionaire Ill definitely stick wit this clever, tiny friend :)

The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

Dadoleo

sent on 14 Maggio 2026

Pros: Lightness, good sharpness, good AF, stabilizer.

Cons: Dark, but you know. Price.

Opinion: Used on R8, mainly for sports photos (youth football). I use it as an alternative to the 24-240 and it replaced the Tamron 70-300 VC. Compared to the other two zooms it is decidedly lighter and more manageable, it tires the arms and wrists much less. For my needs I find the sharpness more than good (but certainly not comparable to a fixed one). The AF is fast and accurate, in good light it locks on and tracks the subject without problems. It does quite well even in low light as far as the lock is concerned, but tends to lose the subject more easily. Compared to the Tamron it is better in every aspect, while compared to the 24-240 it is slightly better in sharpness but loses a bit for AF speed. The stabilizer does its job, but not miracles. Overall I consider it a good product, with its intrinsic limitations, but recommended for those who do not have professional needs and have a limited budget. On this front, moreover, Canon could have made an extra effort, I consider the approximately € 800 list a bit excessive for the product.

Jova

sent on 07 Dicembre 2025

Pros: Light, versatile, perfect colors, but the stabilization is something spectacular, the price is worth it all

Cons: The only negative note is the lack of light.

Opinion: I bought it at the end of November 2025 and I didn't have the opportunity to try it well, but I was amazed by the (spectacular) stabilization and contrary to what is said, it has a fast focus even at 400. On the subject of sharpness, I took three extreme photos, the first: I took a very small plant with a microscopic web from about 2 meters and cropping it you can see the web and the hairs of the plants perfectly. The second I shot a cat at about 20 meters and in the shade, times (250-8-1250) cropping the eyes are of absolute sharpness. The last photo, I took a vase full of colored and jagged balls, I shot at (1/8-5.6-160) the stabilizer has outdone itself. For me the grade is 9.9.

Edoardo Vaccaro

sent on 04 Maggio 2025

Pros: Weight, minimum focus/magnification distance

Cons: Focusing performance degrades between 300 and 400mm

Opinion: I've owned it for a couple of years. I bought it to evaluate and try a focal length greater than 200mm. I use it mainly in landscaping and on some occasions for birdlife (which is not a genre in which I am well versed). In these scenarios I used the EF 70-200 f/4 IS USM and in some cases I found the 200mm insufficient. The weight is certainly a plus point for walks and hikes. The focal range for landscape is appreciated, as well as the maximum reproduction ratio at about 0.4X which allows you to shoot details of flora and insects. All this makes it a versatile enough lens to use outdoors. The construction is made of plastic, at the same time it seems solid enough. In my model I did not notice any play of the ferrules and the barrel once extended. I find the color rendering a bit dull compared to other lenses and then there is something more to work on in post. I find the focusing speed adequate, even if in my experience the responsiveness drops at focal lengths from 300mm upwards. This can be partly compensated by the fact that it supports the maximum shutter speeds of the RF system and therefore to have a few more photos available. Considering the price, I think it is a good purchase, especially if you prefer lightness and portability at the expense of tropicalization and brightness.

Claudiocanon

sent on 04 Maggio 2025

Pros: Lightness, sharpness more than good in relation to the price.

Cons: Autofocus a bit slow even with R3.

Opinion: The RF 100-400 is a great compromise for those who don't want to or can't spend as much. Very convenient to carry around. Sharp enough to then optimize the quality with the software we have available. I bought it two years ago as a second long lens and the few times I used it it made decent images. Unfortunately, the autofocus speed isn't great even with very responsive cameras. But I repeat, with 700 Euros you buy very little alternative.

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Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM : Specifications and Opinions

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Photos taken with Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM