A timline for the Canon RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM?

[Canon Rumors Guy]

The Canon RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM has been rumored for more than year and has had varying levels of excitement surrounding it. Now, we did say it would be coming in Q4 of 2023 and smacked a big [CR3] on it. So after that didn't come to pass, we now roll with CR4, which

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[Zadak]

So, a $10k lens?

 

[Canon Rumors Guy]

So, a $10k lens?

Probably more in the $12K-$14K range. The EF variant launched at $10,999.

 

[Red Dog]

I have the EF 200-400 f4 and its still a superb allrounder. Use it with the R3 for sports action and its my go to combination for soccer, cricket and motorcycle racing. Stick on a 1.4x mkiii extender and it gives great reach, in combination with the internal 1.4x, without any significant compromise in image quality.
If the 200-500 eventually comes, it'll be some beast, particularly if they can reduce the weight as I hand hold mine for sport and it does take a bit of effort.
Unfortunately I can see the price being in the 15k range when it eventually hits the shelves, so I'll likely have to wait a year or two later until a few used ones appear.

 

[john1970]

Sooner or later it will arrive. I would consider this lens for a trip to Alaska in August 2025 so if Q2 2025 is correct that will be fine with me.

 

[Ian K]

The EF version was fantastic, I took it on a Safari in Namibia.

 

[Chig]

This would be a dream lens for my bird photography but far beyond my means at this stage. Also would be great for sports.
Be interesting to see what it will weigh and whether Canon includes a built-in extender or makes the rumoured variable extender (1x, 1.4x and 2x) to pair with it.
Also hoping the minimum focus distance is 1m or less.
The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM has a MFD of 2m and weighs 3.8kg.
Perhaps they can make it about 3.5 kg or even less ?

 

[P-visie]

Probably more in the $12K-$14K range. The EF variant launched at $10,999.

An earlier rumor stated a price of $15.999.

See: https://www.canonrumors.com/canon-rf-200-500mm-f-4l-is-usm-update-cr2/

 

[Jose Rubio Rodrigu]

Yo doy mi opinión, teniendo el RF 100 500, no me llama la atención nada ese objetivo

 

[EricN]

An earlier rumor stated a price of $15.999.

See: https://www.canonrumors.com/canon-rf-200-500mm-f-4l-is-usm-update-cr2/

I can imagine it and Goldilocks complaining about not having a 200-500 f/6.3 because f4 is too heavy and expensive, but 100-400 f8 is not expensive enough!

 

[P-visie]

I can imagine it and Goldilocks complaining about not having a 200-500 f/6.3 because f4 is too heavy and expensive, but 100-400 f8 is not expensive enough!

Yes, and the RF 100-500 mm is useless since you cannot take pictures with a lens that has a 7.1 aperture at 500mm .

 

[docsmith]

 

[fox40phil]

Will be to expensive :S...

I still hope for a <10k€ low weight version of a EF 300 2.8 and 500 4.0! And the 1x-2x TC!

 

[RobbieHat]

This is one of two lenses that could complete my conversion of all equipment from EF to RF mount. The other being an UWA fast lens (prime or zoom) for astrophotography. The one thing I wish Canon would solve is filtering for UWA lenses similar to the slide in filter adapter you can use as a replacement for the EF to RF adapter. I love that solution for UWA lenses and would use it for other lenses if they would make one that was just a filter adapter with RF mount on both ends.

 

[Tom Raymond]

My 200-400mm is the go to lens for shooting soccer. Even in low light @5.6, many denoise programs can easily render outstanding images. However since the arrival of the RF 100-300mm, several folks have left the 200-400mm at home, and are putting a 1.4X TC on that lens, giving you a hand hold able 140 - 420mm F4. IMHO, Canon would get a bigger buying audience by creating a 600mm RF with an internal 1.4X (like Nikon). Bird folks should jump at that guy.

 

[Berowne]

Here in Germany, the price for the RF 100-300 is 12.000€. This is twice of the EF 300/2.8. So, since the EF 500/4 was about 10k€ i expect the RF 200-500/4 to be around 20k€.

 

[Stig Nygaard]

And the 0x-2x TC!

0x "extender"? That would be a pretty wild wideangle

 

[SvO2]

Just FYI, title in the article has a typo (timline instead of timeline)

 

[Quack]

This would be a dream lens for my bird photography but far beyond my means at this stage. Also would be great for sports.
....

In my opinion, way to heavy for typical bird photography where you really need to hand hold and move quickly for Birds in Flight., so hardly a dream lens for that. The RF 100-500 gives you the same reach, will be less than half the weight, and will be a fraction of the price. And is certai9nly sharp enough. It will be a great lens for sports (and is certainly targeted for that) where one would typically be on a monopod or tripod.

 

[SvO2]

In my opinion, way to heavy for typical bird photography where you really need to hand hold and move quickly for Birds in Flight., so hardly a dream lens for that. The RF 100-500 gives you the same reach, will be less than half the weight, and will be a fraction of the price. And is certai9nly sharp enough. It will be a great lens for sports (and is certainly targeted for that) where one would typically be on a monopod or tripod.

If it has the built in tele, that'd be pretty sweet for birds compared to the 100-500. Weight is an issue, but if they could get it lighter than the 200-400, might still be usable.