Canon Launches 2 Extreme Telephoto Prime Lenses

2022.02.23

Canon is starting their 35th EOS-system anniversary by launching a pair of super-long prime lenses for their RF Full-Frame platform of mirrorless cameras. Even though the lineup already boasts some of the longest lenses ever designed, the new additions pushes the reach of the system to an unprecedented focal-length.

The new Canon RF 1200mm F/8L IS USM is the longest lens ever made for either a mirrorless or DSLR system. Its 1200mm focal-length gives it a 2° field-of-view to capture distant subjects. Its maximum F/8 aperture is quite an impressive achievement for this reach, requiring an aperture that opens to 15cm wide. This is dim still but there is probably no way to make it brighter while it can be held by a human! The lens comes with a 4-stop builtin image-stabilization for use with older RF-mount cameras or the latest R5C, which does not have IBIS.

Canon built this lens to their highest standard with a reflective weatherproof body that offers a huge number of controls, including several customizable buttons. The huge front-element prevents from mounting standard filters yet a tray at the rear supports 52mm drop-in filters. This lens is necessarily huge yet, at 3.3kg, it is unexpectedly light!

The second addition of the day is actually the second native 800mm for the Canon RF-system. This new prime lens boasts a less dim maximum aperture. The new Canon RF 800mm F/5.6L IS USM joins the family with an impressive reach that isolates a 3° field-of-view. Like the other lens announced today, the 800mm comes with a builtin image-stabilization system that can compensate for 4-stops of shake, when the camera cannot.

As one would guess, the RF 800mm F/5.6 is a professional-grade lens with all that it implies, including a solid weatherproof body with plenty of controls. A slot at the back accepts 52mm drop-in filters. Showing the balance between focal-length and aperture is necessary, this lens also weighs 3.3kg.

It is expected that these lenses ship in late May 2022. The Canon RF 800mm F/5.6L IS USM carries a retail price of $17000 USD, while the Canon RF 1200 F/8L IS USM will sell for $20,000 USD, the most expensive of any lens listed at the time of its launch.

• Lens