Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS coming on November 2, 2023

[AlanF]

The main appeal of the 100-500 is the L level image quality and features in a very compact size. This new lens will likely be twice a big.

And light weight.

 

[Quarkcharmed]

I was never impressed with the 100-500 optics at that price point, esp when compared to the cheapo 150-600 third party SLR lenses. I think the huge difference will be build quality, weather sealing and focus motor. I am looking at this lens as a huge 55-250 stm lens, great optics for the price (when used with a hood) and that is about all it has. I don't see this lens being that close in price to the 100-500 either, $1600 is a better price point for it and still far enough away from the $2,600 L 100-500 so they don't compete.

Just got my new RF 100-500. I should say my first impressions are very positive, the sharpness is on par or better than EF 70-200 F2.8 IS (where they overlap at 100-200mm), and IS just blows me away, I got a sharp image at 500mm 1/8s handheld. I'm yet to see how it works in the field though.

"Optics quality for the price" consideration only works for the photographer, not for the viewers - they don't appreciate the price of the lens.

 

[Zigot]

I would get this lens to complement with my 100-500 for wild life.
Only if it had a good image quality.
Having weather seal is a plus.

 

[danfaz]

Latest update:

 

[john1970]

Latest rumor from the Ordinary Filmmaker's channel is that it is also unlikely to be weather-sealed. Will know for certain in a few days, but with STM and no weather-sealing I am not that excited to order. Sure the rumored price of $2K is great, but honestly, I would have rather had it cost $3K and include weather sealing and a USM-based (nanoUSM or USM) design.

 

[danfaz]

He's getting his info from the Camera Insider article:

 

[bereninga]

Price will probably be south of $2k with the latest news IMO. I’ll guess $1600-$1700 max. Seems to compete with the Nikon 160-600mm, which is a very compelling lens.

 

[neuroanatomist]

Sure the rumored price of $2K is great, but honestly, I would have rather had it cost $3K and include weather sealing and a USM-based (nanoUSM or USM) design.

if it’s not L-series, it won’t have L-series features.

 

[john1970]

if it’s not L-series, it won’t have L-series features.

I realize that that is the reality. Such as life. Still might purchase it and only because of the economical price. Could still be useful for trips to Arizona where it rarely rains and the sun is bright.

 

[scyrene]

Could still be useful for trips to Arizona where it rarely rains and the sun is bright.

I have been using the 800 f/11 successfully in rainy Scotland for over a year, although I am much more careful with regard to wet conditions than I was with the 500L.

 

[EOS 4 Life]

Magnification ratio, size, weight.

Plus it starts at 100 and f/4.5.

 

[tron]

For me the most important feature would be excellent IQ fully open mid to high focal lengths. Of course YMMV.

 

[tron]

I am satisfied with the RF100-400 too (in addition to RF100-500) so there is hope