Canon RF 100–500mm
F4.5–7.1L IS USM
India MRP ₹2,91,995 — Canon's most versatile wildlife telephoto for EOS R. On the EOS R7, it delivers an effective 800mm reach. In stock at RP Road, Secunderabad.
Check stock & priceThe Wildlife Telephoto Standard for EOS R
The RF 100–500mm L occupies the sweet spot for wildlife photography: enough reach for birds and mammals at typical Indian sanctuary distances, light enough to handhold for extended periods, and compatible with both full-frame and APS-C bodies. On the EOS R7, the 1.6× crop gives you an effective 800mm at the long end — a zoom reach that on a full-frame body needs an 800mm lens.
| Body | Effective reach | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| EOS R5 Mark II (FF) | 100–500mm | Large mammals, big birds, landscapes |
| EOS R6 Mark III (FF) | 100–500mm | General wildlife, fast subjects |
| EOS R7 (APS-C) | 160–800mm | Birds, small mammals — maximum reach |
| EOS R8 (FF) | 100–500mm | Casual wildlife, budget full-frame option |
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 100–500mm |
| Maximum aperture | F4.5 (100mm) to F7.1 (500mm) |
| Image stabilisation | 5 stops (up to 7.5 stops coordinated) |
| Filter thread | 77mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes — dust and drip resistant |
| Weight | 1370g |
| Extender compatibility | RF 1.4× and RF 2× (with AF limitations) |
| India MRP | ₹2,91,995 |
With Extenders
The RF 100–500mm accepts the RF Extender 1.4× and RF Extender 2×. With an extender fitted, the zoom works from 300mm to 500mm only: the 1.4× gives 420–700mm at f/10 (up to 1120mm-equivalent on the R7), the 2× gives 600–1000mm at f/14. Autofocus continues to work on the R1, R5 Mark II, and R6 Mark III with the 1.4× extender. With the 2×, autofocus slows and needs good light.
Extender prices: RF 1.4× at ₹51,995, RF 2× at ₹61,995. We stock both.
The R7 + 100-500mm gives you effective 800mm reach at a total MRP of about ₹4,31,000. The R5 Mark II + RF 600mm F4L costs about ₹17,17,000 at MRP. The prime at F4 will produce better image quality in low light (dawn, dusk, forest interior) and focus faster on erratic subjects. For most Indian wildlife photographers, the R7 + 100-500 is the right starting point and delivers professional results in good light.
Yes — it is the standard recommendation for Indian wildlife safari shooting. The focal length covers most situations at Ranthambore, Corbett, Kabini, and similar reserves. The 500mm end and the R7's APS-C crop give you enough reach even from safari vehicles where you cannot approach subjects closely. Weather sealing handles dust on unpaved tracks.
Yes — Canon RF Extender 1.4× and 2× are compatible. With an extender fitted the zoom works from 300mm to 500mm: the 1.4× gives 420–700mm and keeps autofocus on current bodies; the 2× gives 600–1000mm at f/14, where autofocus slows and needs good light. Image quality with the 1.4× is excellent; with the 2× it requires good light and careful technique.
For field use, a carbon fibre tripod rated at 8kg+ with a ball head or gimbal head. The lens has a tripod foot (collar) built in — use this rather than the camera body foot for better balance. For handheld shooting, the IS system and the lens's weight distribution make it manageable for moderate sessions. A monopod is a good compromise for safari shooting where a full tripod is impractical.