Disclaimer: some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My Quick Verdict
After almost five years and roughly 90% of my camera photography on the Canon RF 100-500mm, it remains the most versatile telephoto lens I have ever owned, and the one I would buy again tomorrow.
- Best For Wildlife And Landscape: The 100-500mm range covers everything from close-up puffins to compressed-perspective Iceland landscapes in one lightweight kit, with a 90cm minimum focus distance that most telephotos cannot match.
- Field-Tested In Extremes: Weather sealing has held up at -35°C in West Greenland and through downpours that soaked the entire camera setup; the plastic body does not absorb the cold the way an all-metal lens does.
- Sharpness And Autofocus: Corner-to-corner sharpness across the full range, plus fast and silent dual Nano USM motors that nail wildlife eye-AF on R6, R6 Mark III and R5 bodies.
- A Few Real Gripes: Loose tripod-collar lock, fairly loose zoom-ring tension, and a Control Ring placed too close to the mount to actually be useful. None are dealbreakers, but Canon could fix all three on a Mark II.
- Worth The $3,099?: Not cheap, but “buy cheap, buy twice.” This lens has outlasted three bodies in my kit and shows no sign of slowing down.
Pros
- Light, Sturdy Build: It feels very sturdy and well-built, and I can easily handhold it at the longest end.
- Weather Sealing: It holds up very well, even in the harshest downpour.
- Extra Reach: It has an extra 100mm of zoom range compared to my previous telephoto lens, so I need to crop less.
- Image Stabilisation: It’s superb, with three stabilisation modes, and it works well with the IBIS of your camera.
Cons
- Tripod Collar Lock: Even when the knob is locked, the collar doesn’t clamp down firmly and I can still move it around.
- Zoom Ring Tension: The ring that controls how tight the zoom ring is feels quite loose, even when maximally tightened.
- Control Ring Placement: It sits right next to the lens mount, so I never use it on this lens.
For almost five years, I have been a very happy user of the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM telephoto lens. To me, it’s an almost perfect lens and because of that, I have used it for roughly 90% of my camera photography since I purchased it. Whether it’s wildlife or landscapes, it covers almost all of my photographic needs. Before we dive in, I wanted to share that this blog is by no means a super technical review of the Canon RF 100-500mm. I will, for example, not be comparing images at 400% crop to check sharpness as I do not believe that’s important at all.
What do I love so much about the Canon RF 100-500mm and is there something Canon could improve on to make it even better? Let’s find out!
Full disclosure: This is not a sponsored review. I am not being paid to write this review nor did Canon get any input or preview. All opinions are my own and I purchased this lens with my own money.
I started out very actively using the Canon RF 100-500mm during the 2021 volcanic eruption in Geldingadalir.
The Canon RF 100-500mm is my go-to lens these days and I use it for almost all of my camera photographs. I couldn’t imagine ever being without it.
Canon RF 100-500mm Specs At A Glance (And Is It Still Worth It In 2026?)
Quick reference before the detail.
| Spec | Value |
| Focal Length | 100-500mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5-7.1 |
| Mount | Canon RF |
| Stabilisation | Up to 5 stops (6 with a modern in-body IS camera like the R5 or R6) |
| Autofocus | Dual Nano USM |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 90cm at 100mm, 1.2m at 500mm |
| Extenders | RF 1.4x and 2x, 300-500mm only |
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Construction | 20 elements in 14 groups |
| Weight | Around 1.53kg with the tripod collar |
| Weather Sealing | Yes |
| Price (US) | $3,099 list, $2,899 at US retailers in November 2026 |
The lens has a weight of around 1.53kg with the tripod collar.
Here’s the one thing to know before you buy: the RF 1.4x and 2x extenders only fit between 300mm and 500mm, not across the whole range. So is it still worth it in 2026? For me, without hesitation. Nothing Canon makes matches this blend of reach, sharpness and portability, and five years in, mine has yet to let me down in the field.
Why Did I Get The Canon RF 100-500mm?
Coming from the heavier Canon EF 100-400mm II, the Canon RF 100-500mm felt like a breath of fresh air. It offered a lot of compelling updates to me compared to its EF predecessor. My main argument to switch over to the RF counterpart of an already excellent lens was the fact I would have a considerably lighter setup, which matters a lot when you shoot handheld a lot like I do. The Canon Canon RF 100-500mm is not only 331 grams lighter but because I also didn’t need the EF-RF adapter anymore, I shaved off another 121 grams. Together that makes a big difference, especially when using this lens all the time. Other arguments included the increased reach (100mm more) and the much improved image stabilisation in combination with EOS R cameras with IBIS, such as the Canon EOS R6 and Canon EOS R5, which I have both used in combination with that lens.
Having such reach in a lightweight package means I can easily photograph extreme close-ups without having to crop. This photograph of a leopard seal in Antarctica is taken uncropped at 500mm.
Even at the maximum reach with a teleconverter, a whopping 1000mm, it’s easy to handhold this lens.
What I Love About The Canon RF 100-500mm
It’s pretty obvious that I love using my Canon RF 100-500mm but what is it that I love about it?
Build Quality
Firstly, the build quality is terrific. Even though it’s made out of a kind of plastic material, it feels very sturdy and well-built. That plastic has one big advantage to it: it’s light weight. I can easily handhold this lens at the longest end, and even with the Canon RF 2x Teleconverter I have no issues shooting handheld at even 1000mm. But there’s another advantage to the plastic exterior: it doesn’t absorb the cold outside temperatures, which we experience a lot in Iceland during winter, as easily as the all-metal exterior of its EF predecessor. For me, that means it’s easier to handhold in colder temperatures too. The Canon RF 100-500mm is weather-sealed as you can expect from all Canon L lenses. I have put the weather-sealing to the test many, many times and it holds up very well. Not even in the harshest downpour have I encountered issues. In all honesty, this has become extremely important to me. I would never want to use another lens without weather-sealing again. Compared to the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8, the RF 100-500mm is more than a kilogram lighter, which makes it the more travel-friendly telephoto when weight in the bag matters.
I have taken this lens all over the world and put it through some pretty rough situation, such as -35 degrees Celsius in West Greenland. It has always held up fine!
When capturing this portrait of an Atlantic Puffin, I was lying in wet grass while a pretty big downpour came over. My entire camera setup got absolutely soaked. The weather-sealing really held up!
Focal Range & Image Stabilisation
The Canon RF 100-500mm also comes with that extra 100mm of zoom range compared to my previous telephoto lens, which I have found to be very useful. This has been especially true when using my Canon EOS R6 which has limited megapixels compared to most mirrorless cameras. Having that extra reach means I need to crop less, still retaining a decent resolution for printing.
Additionally, one of the advantages of the RF system in combination with the new RF lenses, is the superb image stabilisation. In darker situations, or when shooting at the longest end which has an aperture of F7.1, I have had no issues handholding longer exposures. Although these days, I tend to shoot at much higher ISO ranges due to the superb noise reduction technology which has been included in software such as Adobe Lightroom.
The lens has three different stabilisation modes: one for still subjects, one for panning and one for irregular movement. It’s also good to know that the third stabilisation mode does not engage until you begin focusing. Choosing the right stabilisation mode is vital to get the best stabilisation performance. The image stabilisation in the lens works perfectly in tandem with the IBIS of your camera, if it has that functionality. Compared to the Canon EF 100-400mm II, the RF 100-500mm reaches 100mm further on the long end while weighing slightly less, which adds reach without paying for it in the bag.
Having that extra range is so important in the many places I travel to. Often, I can simply not get closer to what my subject is because getting closer could mean putting yourself in danger.
Having great image stabilisation is super important on a lens with a maximum focal length of 500mm. Especially when you are using it on moving vehicles and boats.
How Sharp Is The Canon RF 100-500mm?
Another important aspect of this lens is of course the image sharpness. It’s safe to say that the Canon RF 100-500mm has absolutely no issues in that regard. In fact, it is probably the sharpest lens I own. I won’t delve into pixel-peeping comparisons here but the images below I believe speak volumes.
How Good Is The Autofocus On The Canon RF 100-500mm?
The autofocusing abilities of this lens are stellar thanks to the dual Nano USM autofocusing motors. Especially when you combine the Canon RF 100-500mm with the super-fast Dual Pixel Autofocus (DPAF) abilities of modern Canon bodies and the excellent eye-autofocus detection you can find on camera bodies such as the Canon EOS R6 Mark III and Canon EOS R5 Mark II. For wildlife photography, it’s also important that the focusing motors are quiet, which is the case on the Canon RF 100-500mm.
Combined with a properly configured wildlife custom mode (I’ve written a separate post on my custom mode setup, covering C1, C2 and C3 in detail), the autofocus is reliable even in conditions where you can’t afford a missed shot.
Even in situations where everything is going very fast, the lens has no problem grabbing focus very quickly.
It gets tricky when you’re on a wobbling zodiac, moving closer to the subject, while it’s snowing. But the Canon RF 100-500mm has no problems extremely quickly adjusting focus.
Minimum Focus Distance
Finally, one of the big advantages of using the Canon RF 100-500mm is that its minimum focusing distance is only 90 centimetres, which is short compared to most telephoto lenses with such a long range. I find that many photographers tend to overlook this important feature to telephoto lenses. It may not matter if your subjects are always far away, but when you photograph wildlife close-up (for example: when I photograph puffins) it’s extremely important.
When photographing certain, easily-approachable wildlife, you need to take into account the minimum focusing distance of your lens. With only 90 centimetres, the Canon RF 100-500mm has a very good minimum focusing distance.
Shoot With Me
Put This Lens On Real Subjects
A long lens only proves itself in the field. On my Iceland, Greenland and Antarctica workshops we can shoot puffins on the cliffs, arctic fox at distance, penguins and seals from Zodiacs, and even orcas if we’re lucky. As small as possible groups, ethical fieldcraft, and the kind of patience that turns a decent lens into a portfolio.
What Can Be Improved About The Canon RF 100-500mm
Now, not all is perfect about this lens and there are definitely a few things that could be improved in a second iteration in my opinion.
One of the biggest issues is that the knob that twists & locks the tripod collar ring in place, does not allow the tripod collar to clamp down firmly on the lens. Even though it’s locked, I can still move the tripod collar around. I would also love for Canon to adopt a clicking mechanism on every 90 degrees the tripod collar turns. That way you’re guaranteed a levelled photograph if you levelled the tripod.
Another annoyance is that the ring that controls how tight the zoom ring is, is fairly loose too. On my Canon EF 100-400mm II the zoom ring could be made so tight, it couldn’t accidentally slide out. This isn’t the case on the Canon RF 100-500mm. Even when the zoom ring is maximally tightened, it still feels quite loose.
The Canon RF 100-500mm has a Control Ring, as found on all RF lenses. However, the placement of the Control Ring is really poorly thought out in my opinion. It sits right next to the lens mount, which makes it counterintuitive to turn it as you need to move your supporting hand closer to the camera body. When doing this, you lose stability which is a big problem on a telephoto lens. For that reason, I never use the Control Ring on this lens. I wish the Control Ring was placed more towards the centre of the lens so you barely have to move your supporting hand.
Finally, there is the price. At a list price of $3,099 ($2,899 at US retailers in November 2026), this is definitely not a cheap lens. However, investing in a lens that will last you many more years than a camera body ever will, makes this money well-spent. What I have found over the years is how much truth there is in ‘buy cheap, buy twice’. Every cheap lens I have ever bought, has been replaced while my high quality, more expensive lenses have always remained in my possession. Finally, if you work as a professional photographer, this shouldn’t really be an issue for you.
Even though I love my Canon RF 100-500mm, there are few shortcomings which I hope Canon will fix in a second iteration.
When using the tripod collar of the Canon RF 100-500mm, I have found that it’s too easy to turn the lens even though you locked the collar completely.
Canon RF 100-500mm Vs RF 100-400mm And RF 200-800mm: Which Should You Buy?
This is the question I get asked more than any other, so here is my honest take after years with all three in the field. The RF 100-400mm is the budget way in. It is lighter and far cheaper, and for casual wildlife it is genuinely good, but you give up the L-series build, the weather sealing I lean on at -35°C, and that last 100mm of reach. The Canon 200-800 is the opposite trade: huge reach for birds and distant subjects, but it is heavier, slower at the long end, and it is not the lens I want on my back for a landscape hike. The RF 100-500mm sits right in the middle, and that is exactly why it lives on my camera. 100mm is wide enough for a tight landscape, 500mm covers most of the wildlife I shoot, and it is light enough to carry all day without hating it. If your subject is almost always distant birds, buy the 200-800mm. For everything else, the 100-500mm is the one I would buy again tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Canon RF 100-500mm Worth The Price?
Yes. At a $3,099 list price ($2,899 at US retailers in November 2026), the RF 100-500mm isn’t a cheap lens, but I’ve used it for roughly 90% of my camera photography for almost five years and it’s still going strong. There’s a lot of truth in “buy cheap, buy twice.” A high-quality lens like this outlasts multiple camera bodies and pays for itself over time.
Is The Canon RF 100-500mm Good For Wildlife Photography?
Yes, it’s excellent for wildlife. The dual Nano USM autofocus motors are fast and quiet, the eye-autofocus pairs beautifully with Canon’s R-series bodies, and the focal range covers most wildlife scenarios. I’ve used it on a wobbling Zodiac in snowfall and the lens has never struggled to grab focus.
How Does The Canon RF 100-500mm Perform In Cold Weather?
Very well. The plastic exterior doesn’t absorb cold the way an all-metal lens does, which makes it easier to handhold in freezing temperatures. The weather sealing has held up to extreme conditions, including -35°C in West Greenland and being completely soaked in heavy downpours, with no issues.
Canon RF 100-500mm vs RF 200-800mm: Which Should I Buy?
The Canon RF 200-800mm review gives you significantly more reach if your work is purely long-distance wildlife. The RF 100-500mm is more versatile, with a focal range that covers both wildlife and landscape work, and a shorter minimum focusing distance. For most photographers, the 100-500mm is the more useful single lens.
Is The Canon RF 100-500mm Good For Landscape Photography Too?
Yes, surprisingly so. While most people think of it as a wildlife lens, the 100-500mm range is brilliant for compressed-perspective landscapes, abstract details, and isolating subjects in vast scenes. The 90cm minimum focus distance also makes it useful for tight detail shots that other telephotos can’t capture.
Does The Canon RF 100-500mm Work Well With The Canon EOS R6 Mark III?
Yes, the pairing is excellent. The RF 100-500mm and Canon EOS R6 Mark III review together make a complete, lightweight wildlife and landscape kit, and were my primary combination on my recent Antarctica expedition. The R6 Mark III’s pre-capture feature works particularly well with the lens’s fast autofocus for unpredictable wildlife moments.
Conclusion
The Canon RF 100-500mm telephoto lens is my all-time favourite lens and for a first RF version, it’s more-than-solid. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t small things that could be improved on a second iteration. While the issues I have encountered over the last five years are minor, they could take this lens from excellent to perfect.
For the wide end of the same kit, see my Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L review.
If you need a faster aperture at shorter focal lengths and don’t mind the loss of reach, the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L is the lens I’d reach for instead, particularly for puffin work in low light. Compared to the Canon RF 200-800mm, the RF 100-500mm has a much wider focal range and works better as a single-lens travel kit because it covers landscape compression at 100mm and wildlife reach at 500mm.
Discover Jeroen’s Photo Workshops in Iceland, Greenland & Beyond
Ready to take your photography to the next level? Join me, Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, on unforgettable photo workshops in Iceland, Greenland, Antarctica and other exciting destinations. Whether your passion is wildlife photography, bird photography, landscape adventures, or mastering drone photography, each workshop is designed to give you hands-on guidance in some of the world’s most spectacular locations.
From puffins in the midnight sun to Arctic foxes in the wild, from glaciers and volcanoes to dramatic coastlines seen by drone – these journeys are more than workshops; they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Group sizes are kept small, ensuring personal mentoring and plenty of shooting opportunities.
Looking for something specific? Check out Jeroen’s…
- Wildlife & Bird Photography Workshops (Puffins, Arctic Foxes)
- Drone Photography Workshops
- Photo Workshops in Iceland
- Photo Workshops in Greenland
- Photo Workshops in Antarctica
Spots are limited – secure your place today!
Are You Looking For A Specific Photo Workshop?
All Upcoming Photography Workshops With Jeroen
Explore all upcoming photography workshops with Jeroen and take your skills to the next level in some of the world’s most extraordinary locations. From the volcanic landscapes of Iceland to the ice-filled fjords of Greenland and the wildlife-rich polar regions such as Antarctica, each workshop is designed to help you grow creatively while experiencing unforgettable moments in the field. Browse all upcoming departures below and find your next adventure!
LAST SPOT
LAST SPOTS
OPEN FOR BOOKINGS
LAST SPOTS
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
What Previous Participants Shared About Their Experience
Choosing the right photography workshop is about more than just visiting iconic locations. It’s about experience, safety, timing, and personal guidance. Below you’ll find honest reviews from photographers who have joined me on landscape, wildlife & drone photo workshops in Iceland, Greenland and other locations. These testimonials reflect real experiences in small groups, hands-on instruction in challenging conditions, and the level of care Jeroen aims to bring to every workshop.
Support Jeroen’s Work
As an independent photographer, Jeroen partially relies on your support to keep producing worthwhile content such as blogs, photographs, books and much more. If you want to support his work, it is possible to do so by buying his e-books & books.
You can also sign up to the newsletter to stay up to date on new blog posts, projects, workshops and other interesting information.
Thank you for considering!
Would you consider writing a review of focusing techniques you use with the Canon RF 100-500? Especially while shooting birds and animals at some distance when the light is not at its best, I have found getting the right focus is a challenge.
I have been using this lens for more than a year.
Hi Chintan, out of curiosity which camera are you using in combination with the lens? What kind of focus issues are you encountering?
Curious as to why on your Instagram it says you used the 200-800 lens and not the one you are reviewing here.
I used the 100-300mm for my Puffins in the Midnight Sun photography workshop. The week after I traveled to Hornstrandir for my Arctic Fox workshop and there I used the Canon 200-800mm RF lens. I am still in the process of writing a review on that one.
Hi,
I am considering making the move similar to Bruce above. However, it would be mainly for Sports. Do you think it would be a smart move. I think I know the answer having read you account above which is excellent.
Thanks
Terry
It’s 100% worth the upgrade!