Expanding Creative Possibilities with Canon’s New RF lenses

14 September, 2021

The RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM's zoom range of 100-400mm brings photographers closer to the action, while the ultra-wide RF16 mm f/2.8 STM prime lens offers unique shooting perspectives

Canon India, 14 September 2021 - Canon today announced the launch of the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM and RF16mm f/2.8 STM lenses, expanding creative options for photography enthusiasts using the EOS R system at affordable prices.

Smaller, Lighter and Better

Both lenses take advantage of the large diameter and short back focus of the RF mount that the EOS R system is renowned for, which results in both a compact optical system and excellent quality across the entire image, from edge to edge.

The RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM offers telephoto capability of up to 400mm zoom yet retains its compactness at less than 170mm in length, making it easily portable for users. At approximately 635g, the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is an affordable and lightweight telephoto lens option. It is also lighter than the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM.

This lens is comparable in size to the EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM but features an additional 100mm to the telephoto end of the focal length.

With Nano USM, the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM enables quick and smooth focusing throughout the entire zoom range, regardless of stills or videos. This makes the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM a great starter lens for those who are interested in bird and wildlife photography without the bulk.

It is also compatible with the Extender RF1.4x/2x, which increases focal length to 1.4x/2x - users can easily enjoy shooting with an ultra-telephoto range of up to 800mm. When combined with Canon’s lightweight mirrorless cameras, users can trek long distances with it or shoot handheld comfortably without much difficulty.

Traditionally, an ultra-wide-angle lens with a large f/2.8 aperture would cost a substantial amount to own. However, the RF16 mm f/2.8 STM managed to overcome the price barrier, making this a lens at an accessible price point. Another outstanding feature of the RF16 mm f/2.8 STM is its ultra-compact design. At just 40.2mm tall and weighing approximately 165g, it barely occupies any space in the camera bag. In fact, one can easily mistake it for the RF50mm f1.8 STM lens, given that both share an almost identical form factor.

New Angle of View and Creative Perspectives

With a minimum focusing distance of just 1.05m (at 400mm), a maximum magnification of 0.41x can be achieved. Thus, the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM comes in handy when shooting small flowers and creatures, bringing out the best of the lens compression effect and bokeh of telephoto lenses.

The lens comes with a native 5.5 stops image stabilization. However, when paired with a camera that has In-Body Image Stabilisation (In-Body IS), IS effectiveness goes up to 6 stops. This greatly reduces camera shakes and ensures sharp images even at the 400mm telephoto end.

With the RF16 mm f/2.8 STM, users can take powerful photos by adjusting perspectives to capture larger images of nearby objects or smaller images of faraway ones. The distortion effect of the ultra-wide-angle lens when the user gets closer to a subject (such as animals and children) creates a warped look, resulting in adorable photos.

The ultra-wide angle of the RF16 mm f/2.8 STM covers a 110-degree diagonal field of view. This makes it convenient for taking selfies with large groups, shooting video for social media, and taking photos in tight spaces. In addition, its large f2.8 aperture not only creates pleasing bokeh, but when combined with the wide field of view, it can become an excellent lens for astrophotography as well.

Product availability and pricing

Both Canon RF100-400 mm and Canon RF16mm expected to be available for sales in India by October this year and will be priced at INR 58 995/- and INR 26 995/- respectively.

Product Specifications

  RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM RF16 mm f/2.8 STM
Focal Length 100-400mm 16 mm
Maximum Aperture f/5.6-8 f/2.8

Minimum Focusing
Distance

1.2m (at 100mm), 0.88m (at

200mm), 1.05m (at 400mm)

0.13m

Maximum
Magnification

0.09x (at 100mm), 0.41x (at

400mm)

0.26x
Lens Construction 12 elements in 9 groups 9 elements in 7 groups

Special Low
Dispersion Glass

1x UD  
Filter Size Diameter Ø67 mm Ø43 mm
Aperture Blades 9 7

IS (CIPA Standard
Correction Effect)

Yes (up to 5.5 stops)  
Coordinated IS Yes (up to 6 stops)  

Maximum Diameter
and length

approx. 79.5 mm x 164.7 mm approx. 69.2 mm x 40.2 mm
Weight Approx. 635 g Approx. 165 g

 

About Canon Group

Ever since its foundation in 1937, Canon is guided by the 'Kyosei' philosophy of living and working together for the common good. Canon strives to create and deliver world-class products, becoming a top global corporation by diversifying into new business fields throughout the world. Focusing on optical technologies, Canon produces office equipment, consumer and professional imaging devices, network cameras, healthcare, and industrial equipment. Through the close connection between its global head office in Tokyo and regional headquarters in America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and regional headquarters in Japan, Canon combines its global and local operations organically. In 1996, Canon launched its Excellent Global Corporation Plan to serve society with advanced technologies and become a trustworthy and responsible corporate citizen. The year 2016 was the first year of Phase 5 of the Plan. Currently, Canon boasts a strong global presence of 376 subsidiaries all over the world, supported by 197 776 employees. (Data as of December 31, 2017)

About Canon India

Canon India Pvt. Ltd. is the sales and marketing subsidiary of Canon Inc., a world leader in imaging technologies. Set up in 1997, Canon India markets a comprehensive range of sophisticated contemporary digital imaging products and solutions in India. The company today has offices in 10 cities across India with warehousing facilities at 6 locations and employs over 1 000 staff and over 850 channel partners. Canon India enjoys a vast retail presence across the country through Canon Image Square (CIS) stores, PIXMA Zones and BIS Lounges. Canon India’s service reach extends to over 600 towns covering 18 607 PIN codes across India - which comprises of 169 Camera collection points, 16 Camera repair centers, 283 Printer repair centers, 191 Copier, Scanner and Large Format Printer Sales & Service dealers (Data as of July 22, 2021).

In sync with its corporate tagline- ‘Delighting You Always’, reinforced by World-class technology, Canon offers an extended product portfolio, including Digital Production Printers, Large Format Printers, Commercial Printers, Multi-Functional Devices, Managed Document Services, Inkjet & Laser Printers, Document and Cheque Scanners, Digital Cameras, DSLRs, Mirrorless cameras, Cinematic Imaging Products, Surveillance cameras and Medical Imaging products catering to the multiple market segments of consumer, SME, B2B, Commercial, Government & PSUs.

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