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Reports of the upcoming Canon super telephoto lens have been quite intense. While the company was said to launch the RF 200-500mm f4L IS USM, there is also another one with a higher probability of the Canon 300-600mm. While both lenses have been patented, it seems the latter has a better chance of becoming a reality. And this time, it seems it is likely to be more affordable for Canon users. Here’s a peek at the story.
Price Point
As we had reported earlier, the RF 300-600mm f5.6L IS USM is likely to be the next super telephoto lens from the company. It now appears, this will be happening soon. According to a report by Canon Rumors, the lens will be more affordable.
The report suggests that an “anonymous email” was received by them, which further reveals where the company stands on the lens. The 300-600mm, thus, will be priced lower than $10,00, and is also going to be “lighter” than the L series lenses, such as the Canon RF 400mm f2.8 and the Canon 600mm f4. With the Canon 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM costing under $3000, the new 300-600mm, thus, can be over $3000 but under $10,000.
Size and Weight
Another point the new Canon lens is supposed to tackle is size and weight. While Sigma has already introduced a 300-600mm f4 DG OS Sports, which costs about $6,500, one reason the brighter aperture will not be selected is its size and weight. The Sigma lens weighs 3.97kg and measures 6.6 × 18.5 inches. It is heavy and difficult for older photographers. Naturally, despite being able to afford the Sigma variant, they will not be able to carry it around for a long time.
As a result, the new Canon 300-600mm has to add another stop of aperture, to make it lighter, but also affordable. If the 300-600mm is an L-series lens, then f4 will only drive up the cost from $6000 to around $13,000. This only makes a lens designed for various purposes to become a niche product.
An In-built Teleconverter?
That is something that will certainly be liked by many. However, the challenge again is the point mentioned above. The Canon EF 200-400mm f4L IS USM 1.4x was one device that had a teleconverter, which drove up its weight and price. The variant was priced at around $11,799, weighed 3.62kg, and had a 5 x 14-inch wheel. Naturally, it makes more sense to sell the teleconverter separately, especially since the tariffs have been driving up the prices of photo products.
While the Canon 100-500mm was popular, despite f7.1 at the telephoto end, the lens is now almost five years old. The performance was spectacular, and the color reproduction was just as good. However, for today’s cameras or photographers, this may not be enough. Canon will have a strategy to cater to the market, especially since some of its new lenses are hybrid versions. This will not be, but the company will ensure that the L-series name continues to get glorious reviews. A 300-600mm lens that is better than Sigma’s variant and priced around the same will naturally be received well. If you are someone who is looking to update your super telephoto, it might be a good idea to wait.
