Canon has just launched a new RF-mount telephoto zoom lens—the RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6. It resembles to the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 that was launched in 1999. Or maybe I would say they look almost identical. Even many photographers are thinking that it is more of a remount than an actual redesign.
Confirming this, I wouldn’t consider myself in a state of déjà vu. Canon is producing more lenses for budget shooters. This one is a telephoto lens that is optimized for capturing distant objects with sharp focus.
RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6: New Mount, Old Vibes
Capturing everything from nature and sports to portraits, the RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 shows its versatility. It’s because it has a telephoto range of 75-300mm to support it for zoomed shots. The RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 stands out as Canon’s latest RF entry-level telephoto zoom. Being cost-effective, it isn’t heavy in terms of weight as well. It weighs around just 507g. Plus, it seems to pair efficiently with the whole RF-mount series.
There has been little update from Canon about the new features in this lens until now. In comparison to the older EF version, the RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 is comprised of 13 elements arranged in 9 groups. This is the same setup that the older EF version had. However, it wasn’t notable for its sharpness or autofocus speed like the RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6.
Canon says this lens features enhanced coatings, particularly their Super Spectra coating, designed to reduce flare and ghosting. It might be a nice addition, but this is already present in its previous lenses. So, it’s not a new thing we’re hearing. Absence of image stabilization in this lens is quite unsatisfactory in 2025. You’ll have to rely on your camera’s in-body stabilization (if it has that feature).
Who Is This Lens For?
The RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 zoom lens is not necessarily a lens designed for pros. It is an affordable option designed for beginners who are into capturing wildlife, sports events, or some travel shots. For more zooming, you can use an APS-C RF camera like the R100 or R50 That’s a bonus for you while capturing pictures of birds or any subject from a distance.
But, don’t expect fast autofocus or perfectly sharp edges at just 300mm. The motor is a simple DC type, not Canon’s more advanced STM or Nano USM technology. So, while shooting videos, it might be a bit noisy and slow.
Despite these shortcomings, RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 has many factors that you can’t neglect. With a seven-blade aperture, it excels in creating a bokeh effect. This aperture has a minimum focusing distance of 1.5 meters at 300mm. It seems a good feature for getting close to your subject.
Canon doesn’t officially discusses about its similarities with old EF model. But, they are too prominent to be ignored. PetaPixel also agreed and shared their opinion about how Canon added an RF mount to the 1999 lens design, maybe altering the design a bit and then launching it.
Final Thoughts
Personally, I think this option is good for you at a beginner level and a reasonable way to extend your reach with an RF-mount camera. I feel like Canon is simply filling an area in their RF range with this RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 lens, which doesn’t really have any unique features.
So, it’s the same 75-300mm lens you’ve known, just equipped with a different mount and a slightly newer appearance.
[via Canon; Image credits: Canon]
