Canon has announced the super-telephoto RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM, an exciting lens for extreme wildlife and bird photography.
You’ll be happy to know that this lens is not as ridiculously priced as its reach! It costs $1899, making it an amazing price/performance piece of glass.
And no, this is not an L lens, despite being white.
Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Specifications:
- 5.5 stops Image Stabilization
- 2050g (4.5 pounds)
- Compatible with 1.4x and 2x converters
- USM Focusing Motor
- 0.8m closest focusing distance
- Weather sealed
- 95mm filter thread
At this price, the 200-800mm is probably going to be the most popular choice for both beginner and advanced wildlife shooters.
Why? Up until now, your best budget option for such a long focal length was from Tamron and Sigma. The Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM costs a lot more and doesn’t get you as close.
Related: Canon announces the RF 24-105mm f/2.8 IS USM Z lens
The lens does not feature an IS mode switch button as it’s supposed to automatically detect the best mode depending on your shooting.
5.5 stops of stabilization is definitely a must, because at 800mm your minimum shutter speed should be 1/800. Theoretically you can get a sharp shot at ~1/30 but I assume 1/200 will be the limit. This only applies to still objects of course.
What’s crazy is that the 200-800mm is compatible with both RF extenders; 1.4x and 2.x With the 2x, this becomes a 400-1600mm f/12-f/18 lens. Impressive reach, but only usable at higher ISO’s and/or super bright days.
As for the color, it’s white like an L-lens, but only to keep the temperature down. It’s not an L-lens, although weather sealing is great and almost identical to L series.
Release Date & Price
The Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM will be available from December 14th for $1899.
