Hello!
We've noticed that you are in .
Visit Canon .
Close
The RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM unlock new possibilities for professional photographers capturing distant subjects
Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM (Left) and Canon RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM (Right)
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND– 24 February 2022: Canon New Zealand today announces the launch of two new super-telephoto lenses, the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM. Pushing the boundaries of the RF lens range, these lenses set new standards for the category, with extreme magnification that offers unrivalled shooting of distant subjects. With 800mm and 1200mm focal lengths – the world’s longest AF focal length lens for mirrorless cameras2 - these lenses have an intelligent design, achieving incredible optical performance and portability. Featuring an impressive Optical Image Stabilizer and wide apertures, these premium L-series RF lenses support a diverse range of photographers, from sport and wildlife to news gathering and surveillance – giving them kit that captures the action from far away, in great detail.
With the launch of the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM, Canon now has the widest range of super-telephoto lenses to offer greater choice to professional photographers. The two new lenses expand the capabilities of the RF lens range, by adding 800mm and 1200mm telephoto capabilities.
On top of their incredible reach, photographers can increase the focal length up to double when coupling the lenses with the RF 1.4 x or RF 2 x extenders3, with AF shooting and IS function.
The newly designed optical system enables Canon to achieve these incredible focal lengths in a design that is smaller and lighter weight than traditional super telephoto lenses of this type. Significantly reduced in size from their EF counterparts, the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is Canon’s lightest and shortest 800mm L-series lens yet weighing just over 3.1kg, while the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM at 3.34kg is 1/5th of the weight and more than 13kgs lighter and 30cm smaller than its legendary predecessor the EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM.
Both the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM are built to impress. Working in tandem with the powerful Image Stabilization, the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM provides up to 4.5 stop benefit and the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM up to 4 stops to reduce shake and produce crisp detailed images. The 800mm lens also offers a large maximum f/5.6 aperture for this focal length, delivering excellent performance and image quality. In both models the 9-blade circular aperture can move in 1/8th steps, achieving smoother transitions between apertures during video recording.
Alongside the intelligent lens design, the RF range of lenses benefits from Canon’s industry-leading optical technology. Featuring Fluorite, Super UD and UD elements, the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM offer superior image resolution and excellent correction of chromatic aberration. ASC coatings combine with the improved lens design to minimise ghosting and flare. Even with the extra optics in these lenses, Canon has managed to reduce the focusing distances to a class leading 2.6m in the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM – less than half the distance of other 800mm f/5.6 lenses5 – and 4.3m in the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM, allowing subjects to be tracked over greater distances.
RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Optical Diagram
RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM Optical Diagram
With their super-telephoto capabilities and lighter weight, these lenses are the perfect companion for the EOS R3 – Canon’s powerhouse for sports photography. Working with the camera, the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM work with the AF system in the EOS R3 to keep track of subjects up to 30fps. With a Ring USM Drive, Dual Power Drive, high-speed CPU and optimised AF algorithm, these lenses provide fast, yet quiet autofocusing – perfect for capturing fast moving wildlife. The customisable AF stop buttons on the lens also give photographers enhanced control when focusing on subjects. As part of the RF lens range, photographers receive the added benefit of being able to use the same components, such as filters and hoods, across the range, for enhanced flexibility.
The RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM are built to withstand a range of challenging shooting scenarios, from high temperatures to wet or dusty environments. 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. Enabling photographers to shoot for long periods of time, even in hot climates, the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM also feature a highly reflective infrared heat shield coating. This white coating offers excellent UV weather resistance and helps reduce the temperature of the lens body to maintain optical quality.
With superb Canon engineering and an advanced optical design, the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM lenses offer uncompromised performance to ensure photographers can capture distant subjects from further away than ever before.
Pricing will be set at dealer discretion, with an RRP of $35,498.99 for the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RRP of $40,999.00 for the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM. Available in New Zealand from 19th May 2022, the lenses will be supported by Canon New Zealand’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon New Zealand reseller6. For more information, visit the Canon website here: RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM.
RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Key Features:
• 800mm super telephoto length
• Compact lens with max. diameter x length of 163mm x 432mm
• 3.14kg in weight
• Large f/5.6 aperture
• 4.5 stop Image Stabilization
• Dust and drip proof design
• Minimum focusing distance of 2.6m
RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM Key Features:
• 1200mm super telephoto length
• Compact lens with max. diameter x length of 168mm x 537mm
• 3.34kg in weight
• 4 stop Image Stabilization
• Dust and drip resistant sealing
• Minimum focusing distance of 4.3m
1 Correct as at 23rd February 2022.
2 Correct as at 23rd February 2022.
3 Not included and can be purchased separately.
4 In the RF lens range.
5 Correct as at 23rd February 2022.
6 Applies to purchases made on or after 25th November 2019 in New Zealand from authorised distributors, dealers or retailers.
