Expanding Creative Possibilities with Canon’s New RF lenses
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 RF16mm f/2.8 STM prime lens offers unique shooting perspectives
SINGAPORE, 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.
“With the launch of the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM and RF16mm f/2.8 STM lenses, Canon’s RF lens line-up is expanding rapidly to offer a range of lens selection to answer the different needs of the photographic community,” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “With the compact and affordable RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM, we now have a suite of telephoto options for different photographers covering different focal lengths, design build and cost-performance levels. Tapping on the design flexibility accorded by new EOS R system and RF lens architecture has allowed us to develop the ultrawide, fast, yet still affordable RF16mm f/2.8 STM, as we continue to develop even more lenses to allow photographers to realise their creative vision.”
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 RF16mm f/2.8 STM managed to overcome the price barrier, making this a lens at an accessible price point. Another outstanding feature of the RF16mm 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 RF16mm 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 RF16mm 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.
Pricing and Availability
The RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM and RF16mm f/2.8 STM are priced at $1,029 and $479 respectively, and will be available in October 2021.
Product Specifications
| RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM | RF16mm f/2.8 STM | |
| Focal Length | 100-400mm | 16mm |
| 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 | Ø67mm | Ø43mm |
| 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. 79.5mm x 164.7mm | Approx. 69.2mm x 40.2mm |
| Weight | Approx. 635g | Approx. 165g |
About Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions. Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company covers 23 other countries and regions including subsidiaries in India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The parent company Canon Inc. has a global network of more than 300 companies and employs about 180,000 people worldwide. Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good.
More information is available at https://sg.canon.
