Canon Unveils Budget-Friendly 75-300mm Lens, Skips US Release

Canon has quietly announced a new lens: the RF 75-300mm f4-5.6. The lens is said to be an “easy-to-use” telephoto zoom for beginners interested in nature and sports photography. This seems to be a more cost-effective entry for those who do not wish to spend a lot on other high-end lenses. What does the lens offer? Let’s find out.

According to Canon’s press release, the RF 75-300mm f4-5.6 is designed for both photo and video users. However, Canon Rumors quickly points out that the lens is inspired by the EF version of the lens, launched in 1999. Other than that, the new lens, when paired with APS-C cameras such as the R100, will provide a 120-480mm equivalent range. Here are some other specifications:

• Image Size: Full frame
• Angle of View: Horizontal: 27° – 6° 50′ | Vertical: 18° 11′ – 4° 35′ | Diagonal: 32° 11′ – 8° 15′
• Lens Construction (Elements/Groups): 13/9

• Number of Diaphragm Blades: 7
• Closest Focusing Distance (m): 1.5
• Maximum Magnification (x): 0.06 (at 75mm) | 0.25 (at 300mm)
• Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS: None
• AF Actuator: DC Motor
• Coatings: Super Spectra
• Dust/Moisture Resistance: Yes
• Exterior Coating: None
• Filter Diameter (mm): 58
• Max. Diameter x Length (mm): 71.2 x 146.1
• Weight (g): 507

The lens is weather sealed, which is good, but we aren’t sure how much sealing we will see. In addition, the lack of image stabilization means one has to have really steady hands or depend on a tripod if they are shooting in low-light conditions. In addition, the company states the lens is good for portraits, in addition to wildlife, birds, and sports.

However, it is interesting to see Canon use “DC Motor,” which is a new motor. Canon simply states it will let “users react quickly” throughout the zoom range. So we’re not sure exactly what this motor does, but we will get more clarity a bit later. Canon now has four motors, including DC. The other three are USM, VCM, and STM.

However, the lens has not yet been unveiled in the US, perhaps due to tariffs. In the UK, the lens is available for pre-order for 289 pounds, about $400. This is not too expensive for a telephoto lens, but it entirely depends on how it functions on both APS-C and full-frame cameras.

Currently, another lens that comes close to this one, based on focal range, is the RF 100-400mm f5.6- 8 IS USM, which is $649. So if the new 75-300mm is less than $500, we may have people choose it. There is also Tamron 70-300mm f4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, but it is only for Sony and Nikon cameras, which puts Canon users at a disadvantage. Let’s see what Canon plans. For now, we hope the tariffs do not affect the price to a vast degree. If it does, people will stick to the existing 100-400.

For more information on the lens, head to Canon UK’s webpage.

In addition, the company states the lens is good for portraits, in addition to wildlife, birds, and sports.