Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 Review - Why You Should Think Twice Before Buying
Canon recently dropped a new “budget-friendly” RF lens: the Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6. On paper, this looks like an affordable way to get into telephoto zooms for RF shooters. But here’s the catch—it’s not really new at all. In fact, it’s essentially a 25+ year-old design repackaged for the RF mount.
In this review, I’ll cover the specs, real-world performance, and why you might want to avoid this lens. I’ll also share some better alternatives at a similar price point.
Check out my full video HERE
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Specs and Features
- Focal length: 75–300mm
- Aperture range: f/4 (wide) to f/5.6 (telephoto)
- Full-frame coverage: Works on any RF body (R5, R8, R7, R50, R50V, etc.)
- Weight: 507g (light for its size)
- Length: ~6 inches, extends to ~9 inches at full zoom
- Filter thread: 58mm (front element rotates and extends while focusing)
- Stabilization: None
On paper, f/4–5.6 sounds decent for a cheap telephoto zoom. It’s even faster than Canon’s RF 100–400mm f/5.6–8 (a much better lens overall). But the lack of image stabilization here is a big problem, especially at longer focal lengths.
The Real Catch – It’s a Repackaged EF Lens
This “new” RF lens is almost identical to the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III, first released back in 1999. Canon reused the same design, autofocus motor, and optics—just stretched the housing to fit RF.
That EF version was already known as one of the worst-performing Canon lenses of its time. And that was 25 years ago. Releasing the same lens today, when optics have advanced so much, feels less like innovation and more like a cash grab.
Performance and Downsides
- Image Quality: Very soft, especially on crop-sensor cameras (which is what most buyers will pair it with).
- Autofocus: Slow and extremely loud. It’s so noisy that using on-camera audio for video is basically impossible.
- No Stabilization: At 300mm, handheld shots will often be blurry unless your camera has IBIS.
- Close Focus Distance: Poor minimum focusing makes it frustrating for subjects like flowers or detail shots.
- Build Quality: Lightweight but budget-grade. The rotating front element makes filters inconvenient to use.
Overall, this feels more like a 1999 lens with an RF badge slapped on.
Better Alternatives at a Similar Price
If your budget is around $200–$250, you have stronger options than the RF 75–300mm. Here are four lenses worth considering:
- Canon EF-S 55–250mm IS STM – A crop-sensor lens with image stabilization and much sharper optics. Great for R-series APS-C bodies with the EF–RF adapter.
- Canon EF 70–300mm IS USM – A tried-and-true telephoto that’s stabilized, sharper, and still widely available used.
- Tamron 70–300mm Di VC USD – One of the best budget-friendly third-party telephoto options. Features vibration compensation and better sharpness than Canon’s budget telephotos.
- Canon RF-S 55–210mm IS STM – A native RF-S lens designed for APS-C bodies like the R7, R50, or R50V. Compact, stabilized, and optically solid for the price.
All of these lenses provide stabilization, better sharpness, and more reliable autofocus than the RF 75–300mm—without costing much more.
Step-Up Option: Canon RF 100–400mm
If you can save up, the Canon RF 100–400mm f/5.6–8 IS USM is one of the best budget telephotos on the RF mount. At ~$650 new (less used), it delivers excellent sharpness, image stabilization, and a longer reach—all while staying lightweight. It’s easily one of the most underrated RF lenses available.
Final Thoughts – Who Is This For?
I won’t say no one should buy the RF 75-300mm. A small group of beginners may pick it up, shoot with it, and be fine with the results. But for 99% of shooters, it’s a poor investment.
For the same price, or with just a little more patience and budget, you can get a much sharper, stabilized lens that won’t leave you disappointed.
If you’re considering this lens, please check out the alternatives above first. And if you want to future-proof your kit, the RF 100–400mm is the telephoto lens to beat on Canon’s mirrorless system.