Canon has released details of its new RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM lenses, which extend the capabilities of the RF lens range.

The new the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM  (top)and RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM lenses. (Source: Canon.)

Delivering the longest AF focal length reach for mirrorless cameras, the new lenses include optical image stabilisation and relatively wide maximum apertures for their focal lengths. The RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM claims up to 4.5 stop shake correction, while the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM offers up to four stops. The 800mm lens boasts a large maximum f/5.6 aperture for this focal length; with the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM having a maximum aperture of f/8. In both models the 9-blade circular aperture can move in 1/8EV steps to provide smoother transitions between apertures during video recording.  Both lenses are compatible with Canon’s RF 1.4 x or RF 2 x extenders and will retain AF shooting and IS functioning.

The RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is Canon’s lightest and shortest 800mm L-series lens yet weighing just over 3.1 kg, while the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM at 3.34kg is 1/5 of the weight, more than 13 kg lighter and 30cm smaller than its legendary predecessor the EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM. Both lenses benefit from industry-leading optical technology and include Fluorite, Super UD and UD elements, along with ASC coatings to suppress ghosting and flare plus fluorine coatings on the front element of each lens to repel moisture and dust.


These diagrams show the optical designs of the
RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM   lenses. (Source: Canon.)

Both lenses are comprehensively weather sealed to withstand a range of challenging shooting conditions. Dust and drip resistant sealing is used for mounting, switch and focus rings, and a fluorine coating is applied to the front element to reduce the chance of oil, water or dust sticking to the front of the lens. Both lenses also feature a highly reflective infrared heat shield coating, which and helps reduce the temperature of the lens body to maintain optical quality.

The diagrams above show the dust and drip resistant sealing in the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM  (top) and RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM lenses. (Source: Canon.)

The new super-telephoto lenses are due to be available in Australia at the end of May and will be supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller. Pricing will be set at dealer discretion, with an RRP of AU$29,799 for the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RRP of AU$35,099 for the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM.

For more information, visit the Canon website here: RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM