Which Canon Supertelephoto Zoom Lens Is Right for You?

When it comes to supertelephoto zoom lenses, Canon mirrorless shooters have two options, the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM and the RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM. With different prices and feature sets, these two lenses fill different needs, and this helpful video comparison will help you choose the right option for your work.

Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this great video comparison takes a look at the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM and the RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM lenses. The 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 is definitely the better lens of the two, offering a more versatile focal length range, wider maximum apertures, better image quality, and better build quality, but it also costs over four times as much as the 100-400mm f/5.6-8 and is bulkier as well. And that is not to say that the 100-400mm is a slouch; in fact, if you are someone like a landscape photographer who only occasionally needs longer focal lengths, it can be the better choice, both from a cost perspective and in the weight you will save. Check out the video above for Abbott's full thoughts on both lenses. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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3 Comments

70-200/2.8 L IS USM + 2x teleconverter... I dont lile to be limited with the f4 or 4.5 aperture all the time

That would be a great option if the RF 70-200 F2.8 took a teleconverter. It does not. That is one of the tradeoffs of its lighter, more compact design.

Ahh I didn't know that. Another reason for still keeping my EF lenses are things like EF to RF adapter with variable nd / cpl, etc.