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.

For the money, and within its limitations, this is an astonishing lens. The IQ is excellent for something so cheap; professional tests suggest that it's a fraction sharper than its 600mm sibling. Its very low weight, combined with good stabilisation, mean it's entirely possible to use it hand-held, at least in reasonably bright conditions - in fact I've hardly used it on a tripod. Focussing speed is pretty decent.But there are limitations, presented here in order of severity:1. The restricted AF area (a square in the middle of the frame) means that, while the focal length can get you very close to, say, a bird, if it fills most of the frame and you're looking at it side on you may not be able to focus on the head/eyes because they will be outside the AF area. ... MoreFor the money, and within its limitations, this is an astonishing lens. The IQ is excellent for something so cheap; professional tests suggest that it's a fraction sharper than its 600mm sibling. Its very low weight, combined with good stabilisation, mean it's entirely possible to use it hand-held, at least in reasonably bright conditions - in fact I've hardly used it on a tripod. Focussing speed is pretty decent.But there are limitations, presented here in order of severity:1. The restricted AF area (a square in the middle of the frame) means that, while the focal length can get you very close to, say, a bird, if it fills most of the frame and you're looking at it side on you may not be able to focus on the head/eyes because they will be outside the AF area. This is easily the worst thing about this lens. The AF area may be larger (proportionally to the frame) on Canon's new R7 and R10 APS-C cameras.2. The lack of zoom, combined with the huge focal length, means it can be difficult to successfully point the lens at something you've spotted with the naked eye, though practice will no doubt help. As noted above, the AF area may be larger in the frame on an R7 or R10 - but finding your subject at an effective 1280mm focal length will be even harder.3. The minimum focus distance of 6 metres may seem a bit long but anything bigger than a starling at that sort of distance is going to be too big for the frame anyway - it's easy for instance to get nice head shots of larger birds like ducks.4. The fixed f11 aperture is not as big an issue as you might think - while you may have to ramp up the ISO to get a short enough exposure (not really a problem on an R6, with its superb low-light capabilities) the DOF even at f11 is not deep on an 800mm lens. Being able to change the aperture would probably have at least doubled the price.Anyone expecting professional quality from this lens will be disappointed. But for what it costs, what it can do is amazing.