Canon Expands Its Super Telephoto Reach with Longer, Significantly Lighter New L-series RF Prime Lenses
The RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF1200mm f/8L IS USM harness new optical technologies to offer impressive reach and superior image quality alongside unprecedented portability
SINGAPORE, 24 February 2022 — Canon today announced the launch of two new L-series super telephoto prime lenses: the RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm f/8L IS USM. Canon is a rare manufacturer of 1200mm lenses, of which very few are in existence. Supporting autofocusing and image stabilisation even with extenders, both lenses achieve their impressive reach while weighing just over 3 kg. While, the RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF1200mm f/8L 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 14 mm up to an unparalleled super telephoto 2400 mm1.
“The RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF1200mm f/8L IS USM leverages Canon's RF design technology to offer super telephoto lenses with unprecedented quality and increased usability, with a significant reduction in size and weight. Be it wildlife, sports, or astrophotography, these lenses have been engineered to meet the exacting requirements of photographers shooting in the super telephoto range," said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “The addition of these lenses is a testament to Canon's commitment to grow and strengthen the RF lens ecosystem, and continue providing photographers with a comprehensive focal length coverage to meet their needs."
Behemoths Downscaled: Size and Weight Reductions Up To 80%
The RF1200mm f/8L IS USM cuts 13 kg in weight (approx. 80%) and 299 mm (approx. 35%) in length from its 16.5 kg predecessor, the EF1200mm f/5.6L USM, even with the inclusion of an in-lens Optical Image Stabilizer (Optical IS). Meanwhile, the RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM achieves a 1.36 kg (approx. 30%) weight reduction over its predecessor, the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM.
The significant downscaling was achieved by adding magnification optics towards the back of the optical designs of the EF400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF600mm f/4L 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 f/5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm f/8L IS USM are compatible with the Extender RF 1.4x and the Extender RF 2x. The focal lengths with the extenders are as follows:
| Extender RF 1.4x | Extender RF 2x | |
| RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM | 1120 mm | 1600 mm |
| RF1200mm f/8L IS USM | 1680 mm | 2400 mm |
It is hard to find other camera systems which offer the ability to reach focal lengths of more than 1600 mm 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 R62. 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 f/5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm f/8L IS USM lens configurations are optimised 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 Stabilisation for Super Telephoto Shooting
Both lenses are equipped with the in-lens Optical IS image stabilisation system, which significantly corrects the camera shake that becomes particularly visible at ultra-long focal lengths. On the RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM, the equivalent of up to 4.5 shutter speed stops 3 of image stabilisation is achieved (Predecessor: 4 stops); on the RF1200mm f/8L IS USM, the image stabilisation effect is up to 4 shutter speed stops equivalent3 (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 f/5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm f/8L 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.
Pricing and Availability
The RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF1200mm f/8L IS USM are priced at $26,899 and $31,639 respectively, and will be available from May 2022.
Product Specifications
| RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM | RF1200mm f/8L IS USM | |
| Focal Length | 800 mm | 1200 mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 2.6 m | 4.3 m |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.34 x | 0.29 x |
| Lens Construction | 26 elements in 18 groups | 26 elements in 18 groups |
| Special Low Dispersion Glass | 2x fluorite 1x Super UD 1x UD |
2x fluorite 1x Super UD 1x UD |
| Filter Size Diameter | Ø52 mm (drop-in) | ø52 mm (drop-in) |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| IS (CIPA Standard Correction Effect) | Yes (up to 4.5 stops) | Yes (up to 4 stops) |
| Maximum Diameter and Length | Approx.163 mm x 432 mm | Approx. 168 mm x 537 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 3140 g | Approx. 3340 g |
About Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions. Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company covers 22 other countries and regions including subsidiaries in India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The parent company Canon Inc. has a global network of more than 300 companies and employs about 180,000 people worldwide. Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good.
More information is available at https://sg.canon.
1 With the Extender RF2x.
2 On RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM with Extender RF1.4x.
3 In the Yaw//Pitch directions; according to CIPA standards. When using the EOS R/R5/R3.
