How do you get photographers who prefer a compact and lightweight camera and lens kit to either stay within your fold or switch over from your (hint: Micro Four Thirds) competitor? By not only making your full-frame mirrorless camera the same size or even smaller than your competitor’s but also by offering more compact and lightweight lenses, especially in the ultra-wide-angle as well as telephoto range.
That is what Canon attempted earlier with the RF600mm and RF800mm F11 IS STM super telephoto lenses, both compact and lightweight but with a small maximum aperture. They are now at it again with the RF16mm F2.8 STM and RF100–400mm F5.6–8 IS USM lenses.
The RF16mm F2.8 STM is great for landscape, architecture and travel photography, and provides an ideal focal length for vlogging.
The RF100–400mm F5.6–8 IS USM is great for portrait, wildlife, nature and sports photography. Adding the optional RF 1.4x (140-560mm equiv.) and 2x (200-800mm equiv.) extenders extend the reach of the RF100–400mm F5.6–8 IS USM to super telephoto range.
Canon Completes Another Chapter in the RF Lens Story – Introduces Two New Budget-Friendly Lenses for EOS R Full-Frame Mirrorless Users
MELVILLE, NY, September 14, 2021 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the RF16mm F2.8 STM and RF100–400mm F5.6–8 IS USM lenses. Both lenses invite current EOS R series users and those who are considering a move to Canon’s prominent mirrorless system, such as the EOS R or EOS RP, to expand their content creation abilities with the visual drama of an ultra-wide-angle lens and true telephoto-only zoom lens. As the “lens first” EOS R series continues to expand, these latest lenses open the door to a wide-range of imaging creators, encouraging them to test the powers and possibilities of their art.
Ultra-Wide Perspectives
Whether you are excited to start exploring the creative world of ultra wide-angle photography or someone who is looking to add another lens to expand your imaging offerings, the Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM is compact, lightweight and affordable. Long gone are the days of optical corrections or sharpness challenges – the new ultra-wide, 16mm RF lens, for full-frame cameras, comes with a fast and bright f/2.8 maximum lens aperture, as well as smooth and brisk AF (autofocus). This lens is a strong addition to the landscape, architecture or travel photographer — but it also provides the vlogging creator and the EOS Webcam Utility software user the power to integrate environments into their imagery, with its super-wide coverage.
Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM
Additional features of Canon’s new ultra wide-angle prime lens with 16mm focal length F2.8 include:
- STM Motor for smooth focusing when recording video
- Compact size and light weight — similar to RF50mm F1.8 STM
- Minimum focus distance of 5.11”
- Maximum magnification of 0.26x
- 43mm filter thread
Truly Telephoto Possibilities
The Canon RF100–400mm F5.6–8 IS USM provides users with a versatile and popular zoom range that brings subjects closer with ease. It’s an affordable and easily hand-holdable entry into the world of super-telephoto, full-frame photography and video. Offering superb performance and sharpness, the 100–400mm focal length provides a versatile range for all types of telephoto opportunities — be it portraits and documenting events, to sports, birding and wildlife. And, for the first time in a non-L-series lens, the RF100–400mm will accept optional Canon RF 1.4x and 2x tele extenders, offering even more telephoto potential in a lightweight package. Yes, the Canon RF100–400mm is an excellent gateway into the world of wildlife, nature, and sports photography. However, this lens and its super-telephoto abilities can also be leveraged for the video content creator or vlogger when compiling b-roll type footage or for subjects who are at a distance.
Canon RF100–400mm F5.6–8 IS USM
Additional features of the Canon RF100-400mm include:
- High image quality — similar to the well-regarded EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
- 100-400mm telephoto zoom range
- Accepts optional Canon RF 1.4x and 2x extenders
- F5.6 – F8 variable maximum aperture
- Easy hand-held operation — lighter than EF70-300 IS II lens
- Up to 5.5-Stops i optical IS and 6-stops ii correction with coordinated IS
- Nano USM for high-speed and smooth AF
- Smooth and nearly silent AF during video recording
- Superb close-focusing — at 400mm, excellent 0.41x magnification
- 9-blade aperture, for smooth backgrounds/foregrounds
- 67mm filter thread
Pricing and Availability
The Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM and RF100–400mm F5.6–8 IS USM are scheduled to be available in October 2021 for an estimated retail price of $299.99 and $649.99, respectively*.
For additional information, please visit usa.canon.com.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $30.4 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents granted in 2020† and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2020. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.
†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
*Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
i Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Associations) standards. Testing performed at focal length of 400mm using EOS R
ii Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Associations) standards. Testing performed at focal length of 400mm using EOS R5
ADORAMA:
– Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens for EOS R Cameras
– Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM Lens for EOS R Cameras