Canon to Introduce New Extreme RF Super Telephoto Lens

Canon’s newest camera/lens format, the RF-mount is leading the photo equipment giant to develop a whole new array of pro lenses.

Some of Canon’s latest creations, which we’ve previously covered, really venture into new territory in terms of high-quality lens design and the brand isn’t breaking this trend yet.

Canon’s newest creation is apparently a beast of a professional super-telephoto optic for serious photographers.

According to recent reporting from the site Canon Rumors, Canon is getting the new lens ready for release, or at least a public announcement (usually timed to coincide with an impending release) in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The super-telephoto lens is called the RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM and it will replace Canon’s highly regarded EF-mount 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x.

This older lens was very popular and also had a built-in teleconverter that let users turn it into a 280-560mm f/5.6 optic on the fly by moving a single switch.

Unfortunately and a bit oddly, the new 200-500mm RF lens won’t include a teleconverter, but its extended focal length compensates for this with the optic’s f/4 aperture.

Overall, it’s expected to be a smaller and lighter optic than its EF-mount predecessor while packing comparable zoom power.

While concrete details about the upcoming lens’s more detailed specs, price and release date are still vague, the rumors about it indicate a price of $15,999.

Canons EF 200-400mm was released in May of 2013 for $11,799, but after adjusting for inflation to 2023 US dollars, the $15,999 price for the upcoming RF lens is roughly the same.

This is of course very steep for any amateur photographer without a major hobby budget, but if the lens is as solid a performer as its EF predecessor, it will be a good option for professional users in specific niches.

Canon has been recently having problems meeting demand for certain lenses such as its RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM and RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM models. However, the rumors for the announcement of the Canon RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM are reliable.

Highly Recommended

8 Tools for Photographers

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

Includes limited-time discounts.

Learn more here

You'll Also Like These:

10 Best Canon Lenses in 2023 (EF Mount DSLR) What Is a Canon USM Lens (+ Do You Need One?) Best Sony Lenses in 2023: Ultimate E-Mount Guide Best Lens for Portraits (People Photography) Best Wide Angle Lenses in 2023 for Nikon, Canon & More Best Lenses for Bird Photography in 2023 (Birding)