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Canon has announced its most affordable ultra-telephoto lens to date: the RF75-300mm f/4-5.6, designed to give entry-level mirrorless shooters extended reach for capturing scenes far beyond the capabilities of a smartphone. For travel photographers on a budget — or those just getting started — this lens offers meaningful telephoto range in a compact and lightweight package.
Paired with Canon’s Most Compact Mirrorless
The new lens pairs naturally with the Canon’s EOS R100, the company’s smallest and most budget-friendly mirrorless body to date. With a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, Dual Pixel autofocus with eye and face detection, and cropped 4K video capabilities, the R100 is designed as a streamlined entry point into the EOS R system. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it easy to share images on the go — a growing priority for modern travel photographers.
Long Reach, Light Weight
The standout feature of this setup is portability. The RF75-300mm lens weighs under 500g, and the EOS R100 body adds just 356g more. Together, they make up one of the lightest long-range kits in Canon’s RF lineup. For traveler photographers, that reduced weight can mean the difference between leaving gear behind — or bringing it and getting the shot.
Canon’s message is clear: this combo gives photographers — especially those moving up from smartphones or older Rebel DSLRs — the ability to frame tighter, isolate distant subjects, and explore longer focal lengths without a huge investment. Whether capturing wildlife on safari, architectural details across a plaza, or distant peaks at sunrise, the extended zoom range opens up new creative possibilities.
Considerations for Travel Photography
While the RF75-300mm and R100 kit offer substantial range and affordability, there are a few limitations to keep in mind.
First, the variable aperture of f/4-5.6 means the lens allows less light in — especially at the long end. This can be a challenge when shooting in low-light conditions, such as evening street scenes, early morning wildlife encounters, or dimly lit interiors, unless you raise your ISO or use a tripod.
Second, the lens does not include built-in image stabilization (IS). At 300mm (or 480mm equivalent on APS-C), even small hand movements can cause motion blur — especially in low light or when using slower shutter speeds. Since the R100 body also lacks in-body image stabilization, a tripod, monopod, or careful shooting technique becomes even more important for sharp results.
Despite these trade-offs, the real value of this kit lies in its portability and reach. For photographers who want to travel light and still capture distant subjects, this setup makes telephoto photography more accessible than ever.
A Lightweight Gateway to Telephoto Travel
Canon’s RF75-300mm f/4-5.6 lens may not be groundbreaking, but it provides an easy and affordable entry point into telephoto photography for travelers. For beginners, it offers a low-risk way to explore creative zoom work. For more experienced shooters, it could serve as a compact backup option — or even as a starter kit for young or casual photographers in the family.
The RF75-300mm F4-5.6 lens is scheduled to ship in July 2025 for $219.99. The Canon EOS R100 Double Zoom Kit, which includes this lens and a standard zoom, will also be available in July 2025 for $799.99.
For more information, visit www.canon.com
