The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a versatile full-frame telephoto zoom lens built for Canon RF-mount mirrorless cameras, delivering super-telephoto reach in a compact, travel-friendly form factor. Spanning 100–400mm with a maximum magnification of 0.41x, it is purpose-built for wildlife, sports, and travel photographers who demand long-range performance without the bulk.
Equipped with Canon’s Nano USM autofocus system for fast, near-silent focusing and an Optical Image Stabilizer offering up to 6 stops of shake correction (via Coordinated IS), this lens keeps subjects sharp in challenging lighting and action-packed scenarios. One UD element and one aspherical element work alongside Super Spectra Coating to deliver crisp, high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration, flare, or ghosting across the entire zoom range.
Key features
- Super-Telephoto Range in a Slim Package: 100–400mm focal length covers wildlife, sports, and travel subjects with impressive reach while remaining lightweight enough for all-day shooting.
- Up to 6 Stops of Image Stabilization: Built-in Optical IS provides 5.5 stops of correction, extendable to 6 stops with Coordinated IS on compatible Canon bodies — ideal for low-light and slow-shutter photography.
- Fast, Silent Nano USM Autofocus: The hybrid Ring USM and STM mechanism delivers quick, accurate, and near-silent AF — perfect for both stills and video, with full-time manual focus override in One-Shot mode.
- Sharp, Aberration-Free Optics: One UD element reduces chromatic aberration and color fringing, while one aspherical element controls distortion — both complemented by Super Spectra Coating to suppress flare and ghosting.
- Impressive Close-Focus Capability: A maximum magnification of 0.41x at 400mm lets you frame subjects as small as a credit card, making this lens surprisingly capable for close-up work.
- Expandable Reach with Teleconverters: Compatible with optional Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x, allowing you to push focal length even further for distant wildlife or sports action.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon RF (Full-Frame) |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 100–400mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6–8 |
| Image Stabilization | Optical IS – up to 5.5 stops (6 stops with Coordinated IS) |
| Autofocus Motor | Nano USM (Ring USM + STM) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.41x at 400mm |
| Special Elements | 1 UD Element, 1 Aspherical Element |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 (Rounded) |
| Coating | Super Spectra Coating |
| Teleconverter Compatibility | Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM compatible with APS-C Canon RF-mount cameras?
The lens is designed for full-frame Canon RF-mount mirrorless cameras, but it can also be used on APS-C RF-mount bodies (such as the Canon EOS R7 or R10), where it will provide an effective focal length equivalent of approximately 160–640mm due to the crop factor.
How effective is the image stabilization on the Canon RF 100-400mm lens?
The lens features a built-in Optical Image Stabilizer rated at 5.5 stops of shake compensation. When paired with a compatible Canon body that includes In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), Coordinated IS can provide up to 6 stops of combined stabilization, significantly improving handheld shooting at long focal lengths.
Can I use teleconverters with the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM?
Yes. The lens is compatible with Canon's optional Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x teleconverters, which increase the effective focal length to 140–560mm or 200–800mm respectively, making it even more capable for distant wildlife and sports subjects.