Canon RF 800mm f/11 Is STM Lens

I own both the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM and the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM lenses, and I can provide a direct comparison. I bought both lenses to photograph birds using a Canon R6. I purchased the 600 mm lens first because of its smaller size and lower price, and I remain pleased with its images and performance. However, for smaller birds at a distance, I decided it would be worthwhile having the higher resolution of the 800mm lens. What I have found is that images taken with the two lenses have nearly identical optical quality. Both produce nicely sharp images when light is abundant. Functionality also is nearly identical for the two lenses. Autofocus is quick and accurate, and image stabilization is excellent for both cameras (I usually shoot hand-held). Both ... MoreI own both the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM and the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM lenses, and I can provide a direct comparison. I bought both lenses to photograph birds using a Canon R6. I purchased the 600 mm lens first because of its smaller size and lower price, and I remain pleased with its images and performance. However, for smaller birds at a distance, I decided it would be worthwhile having the higher resolution of the 800mm lens. What I have found is that images taken with the two lenses have nearly identical optical quality. Both produce nicely sharp images when light is abundant. Functionality also is nearly identical for the two lenses. Autofocus is quick and accurate, and image stabilization is excellent for both cameras (I usually shoot hand-held). Both also are light in weight for their size. The biggest downside for both lenses is that they both have a fixed f/11 aperture, which requires high ISO settings in low light situations and leads to pixilation. Bottom line: both lenses are excellent for daylight photography. If you want a larger field of view, a smaller size, the ability to focus closer (4.5 versus 6 meters), and a lower price, go with the 600 mm; if you want higher resolution and have a couple hundred extra dollars to spend, the 800 mm is a great lens.

I've avoided 800mm focal length lenses in the past, partly because of the cost (that can be very high) and partly because of the bulk and weight of the better options available. This lens addresses both those issues, giving up some flexibility and quality in return. For me, the trade off is a no brainer. The cost is very reasonable and the downsides such as the fixed f/11 aperture and a build quality that is not tank-like turn out to be of little consequence in real life use, with the plus that the weight of the lens is astonishingly light on the camera for a unit of this size. Its extendable/retractable nature makes it relatively compact as well. This make it a pleasure to use, and that means it is likely to be on the camera rather than off, encouraging more ... MoreI've avoided 800mm focal length lenses in the past, partly because of the cost (that can be very high) and partly because of the bulk and weight of the better options available. This lens addresses both those issues, giving up some flexibility and quality in return. For me, the trade off is a no brainer. The cost is very reasonable and the downsides such as the fixed f/11 aperture and a build quality that is not tank-like turn out to be of little consequence in real life use, with the plus that the weight of the lens is astonishingly light on the camera for a unit of this size. Its extendable/retractable nature makes it relatively compact as well. This make it a pleasure to use, and that means it is likely to be on the camera rather than off, encouraging more photography. The image quality is very good and the depth of field provided by the fixed aperture is going to be perfectly useful in most situations. At 800mm, long range image quality is going to be susceptible to atmospheric conditions in some situations and to make good use of this lens you need to be aware of the types of distortions that can affect your image and that have nothing to do with the lens itself. That said, this lens opens up opportunities with wildlife that you just don't get with lenses with less reach. With it, I've expanded my photographic capabilities in a very satisfying way. Its existence and engineering are a clear plus for the mirrorless system.

After getting tired of lugging heavier around L lenses, I tried this one.I find the fixed f/11 a bit annoying since you lose the extra depth of field that you could get by going to a smaller aperture, but in general you get adequate, if not ideal DOF. It works well for bird photography, but best in profile or you can get the tail out of focus. I've tried it with the 1.4 and 2.0 extender. With the 2.0 in really good light you are still going to be dealing with a 1 /320sec speed, so its pushing it for stopping motion, but it can work. Probably the RF600 is about the high end that really performs well with the 2.0X and it's lighter and shorter. Finding your target takes a little practice at first, but I have no trouble with the 800 alone and still am pretty ... MoreAfter getting tired of lugging heavier around L lenses, I tried this one.I find the fixed f/11 a bit annoying since you lose the extra depth of field that you could get by going to a smaller aperture, but in general you get adequate, if not ideal DOF. It works well for bird photography, but best in profile or you can get the tail out of focus. I've tried it with the 1.4 and 2.0 extender. With the 2.0 in really good light you are still going to be dealing with a 1 /320sec speed, so its pushing it for stopping motion, but it can work. Probably the RF600 is about the high end that really performs well with the 2.0X and it's lighter and shorter. Finding your target takes a little practice at first, but I have no trouble with the 800 alone and still am pretty successful with the 1.4X. In any event the 800 + 1.4 +R5 combo weighs in at 4 lbs 10 oz, so it is a real delight to carry around compared to other options. Using the eye-tracking makes it great for birds as long as there aren't too many branches nearby. It also works well for birds in flight, as you can see from the attached photo.