Canon · RF

RF 600mm F4L IS USM

Released July 2021

A full-frame 600 mm f/4 telephoto prime with ring-type USM autofocus, optical stabilisation and 52 mm drop-in filters. Its optical design includes two fluorite elements, and it supports Canon RF extenders.

Mount
Canon RF
Focal length
600 mm
Max aperture
f/4
Stabilisation
Yes
Weight
3,090 g

What reviewers say

Both find sharp results, confident subject tracking and effective stabilisation, with high cost and tiring extended handheld use. Cameralabs sees little reason for EF Mark III owners to switch and criticises the case's limited space. Digital Camera World's field test praises handling in rain but finds the large hood catches gusts of wind and pulls the lens off target.

From cameralabs.com, cameralabs.com and digitalcameraworld.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
600 mm
Maximum aperture
f/4
Minimum aperture
f/32
Optical construction
Seventeen elements in thirteen groups
Special elements
Two fluorite elements and one Super UD element
Coatings
Super Spectra and ASC; fluorine coatings on front and rear elements
Aperture detail
Maximum f/4; minimum f/32
Diaphragm
Nine blades
Angle of view
Full-frame diagonal 4°10′

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon RF
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Canon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; 960 mm equivalent field of view on Canon APS-C
Teleconverter support
Compatible with RF 1.4× and RF 2× extenders

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
4.2 m
Maximum magnification
0.15×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
Ring-type USM with Power Doubled Focus Drive on compatible cameras; full-time manual override
Focus distance detail
4.2 m minimum focus; two stored focus presets and variable-speed manual focusing
Magnification detail
0.15× maximum magnification
Stabilisation detail
Canon rates optical IS at 5.5 stops with EOS R or EOS R5 under CIPA yaw/pitch conditions; modes 1, 2 and 3
Video features
Aperture control in 1/8-stop increments; power-focus mode for controlled focus transitions

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
52 mm
Maximum diameter
168 mm
Length
472 mm
Weight
3,090 g
Controls
Focus ring, playback ring, focus-preset controls and lens-function buttons; no custom control ring (Cameralabs)
Filter detail
52 mm drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII), supplied with a clear Protect filter; optional circular polariser and gelatin holder
Weather resistance
Dust- and moisture-resistant construction with heat-reflective white paint
Dimensions detail
168 mm maximum diameter × 472 mm length
Weight detail
Approximately 3,090 g lens
Tripod mount
Rotating built-in foot with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads; no Arca-Swiss dovetail (Cameralabs)
Lens hood
ET-160 (WIII) included; shorter ET-160B optional
In the box
Lens, RF dust cap, drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII) with 52 mm Protect filter, E-185C soft cap, ET-160 (WIII) hood, LS600 soft case, Lens Wide Strap B and user manual
Release detail
July 2021 Japanese first release confirmed retrospectively by Canon's March 2022 announcement and Camera Museum

Pros and cons

Pros

  • f/4 maximum aperture at 600 mm
  • Optical stabilisation
  • Compatible with both RF extenders

Cons

  • 3,090 g lens weight
  • 472 mm barrel length before the hood
  • No custom control ring

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon RF800 mmf/5.6Yes3,140 gMay 2022
Canon RF600 mmf/11Yes930 gJul 2020
Canon RF400 mmf/2.8Yes2,890 gJul 2021

Sources

  1. canon.co.uk/store/canon-rf-600mm-f4l-is-usm-lens/5054C005
  2. downloads.canon.com/nw/lens/rf600mm-F4-L-IS-USM/RF600mm_F4L_specifications_FINA…
  3. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/rf507.html
  4. global.canon/en/news/2022/20220328.html
  5. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-400mm-f2-8l-rf-600mm-f4l-review
  6. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-400mm-f2-8l-rf-600mm-f4l-review/3
  7. digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/lenses/canon-rf-600mm-f-4l-is-usm-review

Photo: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF600mm f4L IS USM Front Slant w Tripod ring.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.

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