Canon cameras and lenses have been one of the most sought-after gear for young and professional photographers. The company has been trying to change its image with newer launches, which also include newer models such as the R6 III, R5 II and the R1. Now, in a bid to help telephoto users, Canon is reportedly working on a new lens. Have a look.
The Story
Canon Rumors‘ latest report reveals that the company will introduce a new lens in September 2026. This lens will be the RF 300-600mm f5.6L IS USM, and is likely to be the next super telephoto launch.
While not much has been revealed, this launch may not be alongside the reported EOS R8 Mark II and the new PowerShot. There have also been reports of the second generation of 400mm f2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f4L IS USM with built-in teleconverters. While the latter two lenses are important, they won’t be as in demand as a zoom lens.
In addition to the 300-600mm, there are two more lenses that are said to be launched. This includes the RF 24-70mm f2L with either a VCM or USM focus motor.
What does it mean?
At the moment, Canon has a few super zoom lenses. This includes the following:
- RF 100-300 f2.8L: $10,500
- RF 100-400mm f5.6-8: $650
- RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1L: $2,700
- RF 200-800mm f6.3-9: $2,100
- RF 400mm f4L: $13,500
- RF 600mm f11: $800
- RF 600mm f4L: $12,700
- RF 800mm f11: $1000
- RF 800 f5.6L: $18,800
The Canon 200-800mm is the only budget lens that is closer to the 300-600mm. More and more photographers need a lens that is under $2000, and this includes many young photographers interested in wildlife and bird photography. In fact, sports photographers will also adore such a new addition. The narrow f6.3-9 variable aperture is somewhat limiting for Canon users, and so, the 100-500mm, which is close to $3000, is the next best option for many users.
A 300-600mm with a fixed f5.6 would be a genuinely helpful addition for many people. From the list above, there is nothing that sits close to the reported new lens. Moreover, it could be a great answer to the competitors, which includes Nikon’s 180-600mm and Sony’s 200-600mm, both variable-aperture zooms. In fact, a fixed aperture lens is not just faster at 600mm, it is also unlike anything else on the market. Canon’s own 600mm is at f11, which makes it impossible to shoot in low-light areas.
Moreover, wildlife, bird, and sports photographers also get a nice “sweet spot,” which indicates that the photographs will be crisp and sharp. However, the price, and the size, will be the driving factors. For instance, the f5.6 could cost over $2000, which may restrict some users from purchasing. And if the lens is small and compact, people will adore it.
At the moment, everything is still unconfirmed, so it remains to be seen how it plays out. For now, it is clear that more budget offerings could be the key to the future for Canon.
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