Canon expands its super telephoto reach with longer, significantly lighter new L-series RF prime lenses

India, 24 February 2022– Canon today announced the launch of two new L-series super telephoto prime lenses: the RF800mm F5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm F8L IS USM. Canon is a rare manufacturer of 1200mm lenses, of which very few are in existence. Supporting autofocusing and image stabilization even with extenders, both lenses achieve their impressive reach while weighing just over 3kg. While the RF800mm F5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm F8L IS USM are significantly smaller and lighter than their EF lens counterparts, they maintain the signature superior image quality of L series lenses. With these new lenses, Canon’s RF lens lineup now provides the most comprehensive focal range for users, from an ultra-wide angle 14mm up to an unparalleled super telephoto 2400mm[1].

Behemoths Downscaled: Size and Weight Reductions Up To 80%

The RF1200mm F8L IS USM is trimmed down by 13kg in weight (approx. 80%) and 299mm (approx. 35%) in length from its 16.5kg predecessor, the EF1200mm F5.6L USM, even with the inclusion of an in-lens Optical Image Stabilizer (Optical IS). Meanwhile, the RF800mm F5.6L IS USM achieves a 1.36kg (approx. 30%) weight reduction over its predecessor, the EF800mm F5.6L IS USM.

The significant downscaling was achieved by adding magnification optics towards the back of the optical designs of the EF400mm F2.8L IS III USM and EF600mm F4L IS III USM, two lenses which had also achieved significant size and weight reduction while maintaining high optical performance.

Both lenses feature a highly durable vibration and shock-proof structure, with dust- and drip-resistant weather sealing to prevent moisture from entering.

Reach Further with Extenders, Bolstered by AF Support

Both the RF800mm F5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm F8L IS USM are compatible with the Extender RF 1.4x and the Extender RF 2x. The focal lengths with the extenders are as follows:

It is hard to find other camera systems which offer the ability to reach focal lengths of more than 1600mm on an autofocus-capable super telephoto lens and extender.

When the lenses and extenders are combined with the EOS R system’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF, AF is possible over a wide coverage area even beyond maximum aperture f/8—up to 100% coverage on the EOS R3, EOS R5, and EOS R6[2]. With this, user can enjoy the benefits of AF, such as Animal Detection AF, in more situations than possible on a DSLR camera. The lenses also support continuous shooting of up to 30 fps (electronic shutter) when paired with a high-performance camera like the EOS R3.

Incorporating Canon’s Proprietary Technology for Superior Image Quality

Leveraging on the flexibility of the RF mount, the RF800mm F5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm F8L IS USM lens configurations are optimized to achieve the signature outstanding L-lens image quality within a smaller, lighter lens body. This includes the use of fluorite, Super UD (Ultra Low Dispersion), and UD lens elements to combat the chromatic aberration that super telephoto lenses are particularly susceptible to, achieving crisp, clear images all the way to the edges of the frame.

Enhanced Image Stabilization for Super Telephoto Shooting

Both lenses are equipped with the in-lens Optical IS image stabilization system, which significantly corrects the camera shake that becomes particularly visible at ultra-long focal lengths. On the RF800mm F5.6L IS USM, the equivalent of up to 4.5 shutter speed stops[3] of image stabilization is achieved (Predecessor: 4 stops); on the RF1200mm F8L IS USM, the image stabilization effect is up to 4 shutter speed stops equivalent ³ (Predecessor: no IS).

Unprecedented Portability Expands Application Usage

Professional super telephoto lenses are traditionally associated with bulky heft. The unprecedented portability achieved by the RF800mm F5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm F8L IS USM will make them more appealing to new markets and new applications, especially when combined with the ever-increasing capabilities of the EOS R mirrorless camera system.

Product Specifications

With the Extender RF2x

On RF800mm F5.6L IS USM with Extender RF 1.4x

In the Yaw//Pitch directions; according to CIPA standards. When using the EOS R/R5/R3

These Lenses will be on sale in May 2022, and they are priced as follows: –