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Reports of Canon launching the Canon RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM have been plentiful. The lens was first teased in 2023, with its specification and further features being announced later on. While there was no official hint about the lens, other than a few patents, it now appears that the company has decided to no longer go ahead with this focal range. Instead, the lens will now get replaced by another lens, which is likely to benefit photographers more.
In a report by Canon Rumors, the company is now going to replace the 200-500mm with the latest patented RF 300-600mm f/5.6L IS USM. The patent was published in October 2024, and once in July 2024. Per the documents, you can see multiple optical formulas, with one of them looking like the 300-600mm f/5.6 L-series zoom.
However, this shift isn’t unlikely. The report notes that the company was planning to launch the EOS 5D Mark V and the EOS 7D Mark III, but they decided against it eventually. The reasons for this are unknown. Similarly, with the 200-500mm, one can guess it could be regarding the demand, or a market survey that was conducted through a different lens. At the moment, the RF 300-600mm f/5.6L is said to be the successor of the EF 200-400mm f4L IS USM.
At the moment, the lens is touted to be for professional wildlife and sports photographers, who want a great build and overall performance. It will also have a constant aperture of f5.6, and the source close to the publication said that the company will announce the lens “soon.”
In general, there is an inclination for longer zoom lenses by photographers in the field. Sony already announced the 200-600mm f5.6-6.3, Nikon has 180-600mm f5.6-6.3, and Sigma recently unveiled its Sigma 300-600mm f4 DG OS | Sports. Canon also has RF 200-800mm f6.3-9 IS USM, but it is not a fast aperture, and it is not an L-series lens. So a lot of professionals using Canon will choose other lenses over Canon’s. As the source close to Canon Rumors said, “Canon’s getting eaten alive by Nikon, Sony, and Sigma in the long-glass arena.”
At the moment, there is no word on whether the lens has a built-in converter. However, if the company adds it, then it can further help people to get the additional range when needed.
While there’s no word yet on a built-in teleconverter, this is the kind of lens where one would make a lot of sense. In addition, the lens has to be lighter, with more advanced use of materials, so that many can pick it over other competitors. Then the L series zoom just may cost less than carrying two L series primes. As a result, a zoom lens makes far more sense for Canon’s lineup.
The company launched the RF 100-300mm f2.8 L IS USM last year, but found that it was too heavy and not practical for everyday use. But, its large aperture could be one of the few reasons for a photographer to opt for it. Instead, the 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM was our choice, despite it being launched in 2020. Keeping this in mind, the new 300-600mm has to meet the varying demands. At the moment, the price range is between $7,999 to $9,999, which is quite expensive. Since it is for professionals, many would not mind paying, as long as they get the quality they desire and longevity. Until then, keep an eye out.
