Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM.
500mm of reach in a hand-holdable package. The default super-telephoto for R5 and R3 wildlife shooters.
The Verdict.
Gavler Meta-Score
“Canon's most-recommended wildlife zoom. Editorial verdict pending Curator authoring.”
The Gavler Verdict
Precision Engineering
500mm Hand-Holdable
Telescoping design keeps the lens balanced for handheld wildlife shooting at 500mm.
L-Series Optics
Super UD elements control chromatic aberration that plagues most variable-aperture super-teles.
Technical Specifications
The Scoreboard
f/7.1 long end is the only common pushback. Curator content pending.
Cast Your Vote
Do you think Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM deserves the #5 spot in Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses?
Best Price Availability.
Prices checked April 2026
Price History
Lowest price in 30 days30-Day Low
$2,899
30-Day High
$2,899
Current
$2,899
Tracked daily across retailers. Vote Want itabove and we’ll alert you the moment the price drops.
Global Critique
“The wildlife zoom Canon shooters reach for first.”
More from Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses.
See how other top picks compare in this category.
