Canon Unveils the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 Lens
The RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM super-telephoto zoom lens for full-frame Canon EOS R-series mirrorless cameras is Canon’s third new RF-mount lens.
The RF 200-800mm zoom lens is intended for nature, wildlife, and outdoor sports photography, and it promises to produce clear shots of fast-paced action from afar. Furthermore, the new zoom lens is reasonably priced, and Canon feels that for some photographers, it might replace a long, fixed telephoto and zoom lens combo.
Given that the RF 200-800mm lens is not part of Canon’s famed L series, there is some assumption that image quality will suffer. Canon, on the other hand, claims that its new lens produces exceptional image quality and that photographers would be amazed by how well it performs.
The RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens is composed of 17 lens elements organized into 11 groups, including three ultra-low dispersion elements. Canon’s Super Spectra Coating (SSC) is also included in the lens. The aperture diaphragm on the lens has nine blades.
The RF 200-800mm has a maximum diameter of 102.3mm and a length of 314.1mm at 200mm. Since the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 lens is only 2,050 grams, it can be used handheld. The lens includes optical image stabilization (IS) to assist capture sharp handheld shots, with up to 7.5 stops of correction at 200mm and 5.5 stops at 800mm. Surprisingly, there is no IS Mode switch on the lens barrel; instead, the lens automatically selects the proper IS mode, including an automated panning detecting capability. However, there is a switch on the lens that allows you to disengage IS.
The RF 200-800mm has a white coating as well, albeit it does not have the same infrared-reflective paint surface as newer L-series lenses. Furthermore, the RF 200-800mm lens is weather-resistant.
Regarding autofocus, the USM in the model name says it all. Canon’s Nano USM focusing drive mechanism is used in this lens. The lens has a maximum magnification ratio of 0.25x at 200mm and 0.2x at 800mm and can focus as close as 0.8 meters at 200mm and 3.3 meters at 800mm.
Despite its relatively moderate aperture, the lens is compatible with Canon’s 1.4x and 2x RF teleconverters. When utilizing extenders, especially the 2x type, the autofocus area coverage is limited. Having said that, the 1600mm reach is quite astounding.
When it comes to aperture, the lens is set to f/6.3 until 300mm, then drops to f/7.1. Beyond 400mm, the lens speeds to f/8 and f/9 when zoomed past 600mm.
Here are some sample pictures:
The Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens is now available for pre-order for $1,900, with shipping set to begin in December. The lens comes with a lens hood, which is unusual for a non-L lens.
