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We have been writing about a new supertelephoto zoom that would fall under the ‘Big White' banter for a long time now, and we continue to wait for what's coming. We do know Canon will be updating their RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM lenses in 2026 with a teleconverter built in. In 2025, we should finally see new zooms.
Now we're being told that Canon is currently working on TWO supertelephoto zoom lenses, one being a true “Big White” with a pricetag to match and the other is rumored to be a RF 150-600mm f/5.6L IS USM. Which would be an interesting lens to say the least.
There have seen optical designs for such a lens in the past, both with constant and variable apertures.
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
Canon makes a lot of long lenses, from the unique f/11 prime lenses to the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM and all the way to the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM.
Adding another two to the mix? It's very possible, as choice does sell people into a system. We've heard so many conflicting things about super telephoto zoom lenses, we're not going to confirm anything.
A constant aperture f/5.6 zoom to 600mm would be an instant best seller for Canon, and we hope this one is legitimate.
More to come soon on this one.
- RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/4.5-7.1 to f/32-54
- Dual Nano USM AF System
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- Weather-Sealed Design
- Customizable Control Ring
- Rotating Zoom Ring, Torque Adjustment
- Compatible with RF Extenders
Internal zoom 150-600 f5.6 with 1.4 teleconverters will be 210-840 f8, which will compete well with Sony 400-800GM if Canon priced it around 2700~3000 USD.
A perfect -if not too heavy- replacement for the 100-500.
This is more like it. A RF 150-600 f/5.6 L at a mid-range price point could be exactly what I have mentioned when I bought the 200-800, I would have paid more for the "L" treatment. Slap a 1.4x TC on it and given "L" level IQ, AF speed, etc, assumptions, and that would replace my 200-800.
Did Canon listen?
Then, the RF 200-500 f/4 as the mystery lens??? Having to decide between those two is a problem I would very much like to have.
It is sharp enough, although L level sharpness would be appreciated. Mine even delivers a good enough image with the 1.4 on for 45 MP. It has enough virtue for me to leave behind my 500/4 ii or 35-year-old 600/4 L considering how rough and difficult the terrain is around the eagle nest.
What I might find even more appealing than a 150-600/5.6 L zoom with internal zoom, is a 150-600/2.8-5.6 L zoom with internal zoom. With a front element of near 110 mm necessary for 600 at 5.6, there should be enough glass there for 2.8 aperture at 150 on up to 300. Even if it were 3.5 or 4 for aperture at 300 it would a real help.Maybe, possibly. Not likely. But it sure would be a great all-around tele lens.
An RF 150-600 f/5.6 would really help with light levels, ensure that it is able to take an extender without crippling the zoom range and you have another big plus over the 100-500.
Give it a built in 1.4x, going to f/8 and we have something really interesting. Even without I would like replace the 100-500.