Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens Overview

The Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens is a professional-grade super-telephoto prime lens designed for sports, wildlife, and action photography. This large aperture telephoto lens combines a 600mm focal length with a fast constant f/4 maximum aperture, enabling photographers to capture distant subjects with exceptional sharpness and clarity.

Weighing just 3090g, the RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens features Canon’s latest optical technologies to deliver outstanding image quality in a remarkably portable and durable weather-sealed body. The built-in Image Stabilisation system provides up to 5.5 stops of compensation to enable shooting in low-light situations. For rapid focusing on fast-moving subjects, the lens incorporates a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor and Dual Power Drive for speedy, quiet autofocus performance. For complete control, it also features full-time manual focus override in One Shot AF mode.

The Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens sets a new benchmark for super-telephoto prime lenses, blending impressive optical performance with innovative design in a more compact and mobile lens body.

Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens Key Features:

• 600mm super-telephoto focal length
• Fast constant f/4 maximum aperture
• Built-in 5.5-stop image stabilisation
• Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM)
• Dual Power Drive for faster AF
• Fluorite and Super UD lens elements
• Air Sphere and Super Spectra coatings
• Full-time manual focus override
• Robust weather-sealed construction
• Weighs only 3090 grams

Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens User Benefits:

• Get incredibly close to distant subjects
• Isolate subjects with shallow depth of field
• Shoot handheld in low-light situations
• Track and capture fast action
• Deliver tack-sharp image quality
• Reduce flare and ghosting
• Make precise manual focus adjustments
• Shoot in harsh environments
• Easy to handhold and transport into the field

Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens Features In Detail

600mm Super Telephoto Reach

The ultra-long 600mm focal length of the RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens provides a super tight angle of view, allowing photographers to get incredibly close to distant subjects. This long reach is ideal for sports, wildlife, and action photography when you need frame-filling images of subjects positioned far away. The 600mm focal length also enables unique perspectives for landscapes and compression effects.

Constant f/4 Maximum Aperture

Complementing the super telephoto design, the constant f/4 maximum aperture maintains the same wide f/4 aperture opening throughout the entire focal range. This fast aperture enables shooting in low-light situations, provides excellent background blur for isolating subjects, and delivers faster shutter speeds to freeze fast action. The large f/4 aperture also keeps autofocus performance fast and accurate even in dim conditions.

Built-in 5.5-Stop Image Stabilisation

To enable blur-free handheld shooting, the RF 600mm F4L incorporates a powerful optical image stabilisation system providing up to 5.5 stops of compensation. This allows photographers to capture tack-sharp images and stable video handheld at slower shutter speeds and in low light. The IS system detects and counteracts camera shake, ensuring sharp images of still and moving subjects.

Swift, Quiet Ring-Type USM Focusing

The ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) focuses quickly, silently, and precisely to keep fast action in sharp focus. The advanced AF drive is optimised for RF mount camera bodies and features circuits for maintaining speedy performance. For extra AF speed with compatible cameras, a Dual Power Drive focuses the large lens elements rapidly. Full-time manual focus override is also possible without switching modes.

Cutting-Edge Optical Design

Incorporating specialised fluorite and Super UD lens elements to minimise chromatic aberration and colour fringing, the optical design delivers impressive sharpness and clarity across the entire frame. Super Spectra and Air Sphere coatings further enhance contrast while suppressing flare and ghosting, even in backlit conditions. The advanced optics match the capabilities of high-resolution RF-mount camera bodies.

Rugged Weather-Sealed Design

The Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM features rugged professional-grade construction with dust- and moisture resistance, allowing use in harsh environments. The durable design incorporates hardened magnesium and metals for a solid feel to withstand use in the field. High-quality craftsmanship ensures long-term reliability and serviceability for demanding professionals.

Compact and Mobile Form Factor

Weighing in at only 3090 grams, the Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens features an exceptionally portable and compact form factor for a lens with its large 600mm f/4 specifications. The lightweight magnesium-alloy body balances well on camera bodies and allows for easier transportation into the field than previous generations of super telephotos. This makes it perfect for handheld use over extended periods.

Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens Compatibility

The Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens is compatible with the following Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras:

• EOS R
• EOS RP
• EOS R5
• EOS R6
• EOS R3
• EOS R5 C
• EOS R7
• EOS R8
• EOS R10
• EOS R100
• EOS R50
• EOS R6 Mark II

Photography Styles For The Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens

• Wildlife Photography – The ultra-long 600mm reach enables frame-filling shots of birds, mammals, and other wildlife from a safe distance without disturbing their natural behaviour.
• Sports Photography – Keep fast-paced athletes sharply in focus with swift autofocus while isolating them against blurred crowds with the f/4 aperture.
• Aviation Photography – Track planes flying at altitude with smooth panning thanks to effective image stabilisation.
• Astrophotography – Resolve intricate details of constellations, galaxies, nebulae and other astronomical phenomena.
• Landscape Photography – Unique compressed perspective for sweeping vistas and dramatic foreground-to-background separation for stunning depth.
• Nature Photography – Get intimate views of details like flowers and insects from creative distances for impactful macro-style shots.
• Photojournalism – Document events from afar without obstructing proceedings, whilst fast aperture ensures reliable AF in news-worthy low light scenarios.

Offering professional levels of optical performance and focusing capabilities in a remarkably portable design, the RF 600mm F4L IS USM’s extensive 600mm telephoto reach makes it an ideal lens for subjects positioned at a distance, may that be fast-paced sports action, elusive wildlife, or astronomical scenes. Its swift performance will give you an edge.

What We Think The Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens Review

The Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens delivers exactly what Canon’s top-tier super telephoto primes are renowned for – incredible reach, exceptionally sharp optics, robust performance and pro-grade handling. As the longest focal length lens in the RF lineup with an f/4 aperture, it provides a unique field of view for distant sports, wildlife and action subjects that other lenses simply can’t match.

While super teleprimes like this don’t come cheap or light, Canon has implemented some impressive weight-saving measures allowing handholding for extended periods. The RF 600mm is also compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, upping the ante for ultra-long reach. Autofocus speed, accuracy and tracking sensitivity are all first-rate – especially when paired with Canon’s latest mirrorless bodies.

For professional and committed hobbyist photographers who rely on getting right to the heart of distant action, the performance that the RF 600mm F4L IS USM brings to the table makes it an easy recommendation. It’s equally at home on the sidelines of major sporting events as it is on an African safari. If you can afford the investment, this lens delivers images that live up to its flagship reputation.

What’s in the box?

• RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens
• Lens Dust Cap RF
• Drop-In Screw Filter Holder 52 (WIII) with 52mm Protect filter
• Lens Cap E-185C
• Lens Hood ET-160 (WIII)
• Lens Soft Case LS600
• Lens Wide Strap B
• User Manual

Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens Sample Images

Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens Specification

Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens FAQ