Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great value for its price compared to other super telephoto options, particularly for wildlife and landscape photography.
- Lightweight for a lens of its size, making it easier to handle during long shooting sessions.
- Good autofocus performance, especially with the latest Canon R series bodies, which enhances usability for wildlife photography.
- Impressive image quality in good lighting conditions, allowing for good detail capture.
- Effective image stabilization (IS) helps reduce shake, especially at longer focal lengths.
Cons
- F/11 aperture limits performance in low light, making it challenging for indoor or wildlife photography during dawn and dusk.
- Minimum focusing distance of 6 meters can be limiting for close-up shots of smaller subjects.
- Image quality can suffer due to atmospheric distortion at extreme distances, impacting clarity and sharpness.
- Perceived softness in images when using teleconverters or at maximum focal length.
Verdict
The Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is generally well-received as a lightweight and affordable option for capturing distant subjects, excelling in good light. However, users note its limitations in low light and at close distances, making it more suitable for specific situations such as bright outdoor photography.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 800mm |
| Max Aperture | 5.6 |
| Mount | Canon RF |
| OIS | Yes |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Min Focus | 2.59m |
| Weight | 3393g |
| Dimensions | 163 x 432 mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM compatible with teleconverters?
Yes, it is fully compatible with Canon RF 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, extending reach to 1120mm or 1600mm at the expense of reduced maximum aperture and some image softness/AF slowdown.
How does the image stabilization perform at this focal length?
The integrated IS system provides up to 4.5 stops of shake reduction, which is highly effective for handholding or monopod use at 800mm, making sharp shots possible at lower shutter speeds than expected.
Can this lens be used for close-up or macro photography?
Not effectively; the minimum focus distance is 2.59 meters, which limits ability to fill the frame with small or nearby subjects. Other telephoto or macro options are better for close-up work.
How does this lens compare to the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8L with a 2x teleconverter?
The RF 800mm f/5.6L offers better edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast at native 800mm than the 400mm f/2.8L plus a 2x extender, along with reduced weight and often lower cost. However, the 400mm is more flexible for sports or general wildlife with its wider aperture and closer focus.
Is it suitable for handheld shooting?
Thanks to its comparatively light weight and highly effective IS, the RF 800mm can be handheld for short sessions, though most users will prefer a monopod or gimbal for extended comfort, especially given its size.
Does weather sealing protect against rain and dust?
Yes, the RF 800mm f/5.6L is fully weather-sealed, allowing use in harsh outdoor environments and adverse weather. Proper care and maintenance are still advised for long-term durability.
Compatible Cameras
Camera bodies that work with this lens
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