Canon has recently announced its two latest RF telephoto lenses: the RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF1200mm f/8L IS USM. These are the longest AF focal length among all the lenses of the world. There are a lot of similarities between the two lenses in terms of structure and functions. And they are pretty different from their EF counterparts. Read this article to know why these two lenses are special of their kind.

Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM & RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM - Everything You Need To Know

Physical Features

Without hampering the AF and IS functionality, both the lenses can be used with the RF 1.4x or RF 2x extenders. These lenses are smaller than the typical telephoto lenses, and therefore much lighter too, thanks to the specially designed optical system. They are smaller and lighter than the EF 800mm f/5.6L USM and EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM respectively. The RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is the lightest lens of the entire 800mm L-series. The RF 800mm f/5.6L USM lens weighs 3.1 kg, whereas the EF 800mm f/5.6L USM weighs 4.49 kg. The RF 1200mm f/8L USM weighs 3.34 kg, while the weight of its EF predecessor, i.e. the EF 1200mm L USM, is 16.5 kg!

Focus

The focusing distance of the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is 2.6m, whereas that in the other 800mm f/5.6 lenses is almost double. The RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM has a focusing distance of 4.3m. The autofocus is surprisingly quiet, despite being fast owing to the Ring USM Drive, high-speed CPU, a Dual Power Drive, and an optimized AF algorithm. The feature to work with Image Stabilization is available in both lenses. Up to 4 stops are there in the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM and up to 4.5 stops are there in the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM. The 9-blade circular aperture, present in both the lenses, can move in 1/8th steps. It will help you while shooting video, to change aperture fast and easily. The UD, Super UD and Fluorite elements of the lenses make them all the more efficient. Due to the Super Spectra Coating (SSC), and Air Sphere Coating (ASC), the chance of ghosting and flaring is almost nil in these models.

Protection From Weather

Both the lenses are hard-built, and so, are sturdy enough to cope with difficult weather. So, you can shoot anywhere without giving a thought to the harsh weather of your surroundings. Due to the dust and drip-resistant sealing, and the fluorine-coated front element, it can withstand dust, water, and oil to a large extent. For protection against high temperature, a white-colored infrared heat shield coating is there in both RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM. It also helps to maintain the optimum temperature of the body of the lens.

Price

As Canon announced, both RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM and RF1200mm F8 L IS USM will be available in late May this year. As estimated, the retail price of RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM will be 16,999 dollars, and that of the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM will be 19,999 dollars. These prices will be increased to 29,799 dollars and 35,099 dollars respectively in Australia.

Written By Sanga Basu, Content Writer, WPC.

Protection From Weather

Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM & RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM - Everything You Need To Know

Published by WPC Official Account on Feb'25,2022

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