Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens. This lens has been making waves in the photography community, and for good reason. It brings super-telephoto reach to the RF mount at a price point that's surprisingly accessible. But, as with anything, there are trade-offs. So, let’s break down what makes this lens tick, who it’s for, and whether it deserves a spot in your camera bag.

The Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is a super-telephoto prime lens designed for Canon's EOS R mirrorless system. Its standout feature is undoubtedly its massive 800mm focal length, which allows you to capture incredibly distant subjects with impressive clarity. This makes it particularly appealing for wildlife, bird, and sports photographers who need that extra reach. What sets this lens apart from other super-telephotos is its fixed f/11 aperture and STM (Stepping Motor) technology. The fixed aperture helps keep the lens compact and lightweight, making it much more portable than traditional super-telephoto lenses. The STM ensures smooth and quiet autofocus, which is crucial for both stills and video. Canon has managed to pack a lot of technology into a relatively small and affordable package, making it an intriguing option for enthusiasts and professionals alike. The lens also features Image Stabilization (IS), which provides up to 4 stops of shake correction, helping to keep your shots sharp even when shooting handheld. This is especially important at such a long focal length, where even the slightest movement can result in blurry images. The combination of long reach, portability, and image stabilization makes the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM a unique and versatile tool for a variety of shooting scenarios. The lens's design also includes a Diffractive Optics (DO) element, which further contributes to its compact size and helps to minimize chromatic aberration, ensuring high image quality. Overall, the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM offers a compelling blend of features and performance, making it a standout option in the super-telephoto lens market.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what this lens brings to the table. Understanding the key features and specifications of the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is essential for evaluating its performance and suitability for your specific photography needs. This lens is packed with innovative technology designed to deliver exceptional reach and image quality in a compact and affordable package. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Focal Length: A whopping 800mm. This is where the magic happens, giving you extreme reach for distant subjects. The 800mm focal length is the star of the show, allowing you to capture stunning close-ups of wildlife, birds, and sports action from a safe distance. This extreme reach opens up a world of creative possibilities, enabling you to frame shots that would be impossible with shorter lenses. Whether you're photographing a rare bird in its natural habitat or capturing the intensity of a sporting event, the 800mm focal length provides the magnification you need to bring your subjects into sharp focus.
• Aperture: Fixed at f/11. This is a trade-off for the lens's compact size and price. While some might see the fixed f/11 aperture as a limitation, it's a crucial element in the lens's design. By using a fixed aperture, Canon was able to significantly reduce the size and weight of the lens, making it much more portable and easier to handle than traditional super-telephoto lenses. While you might miss the flexibility of a variable aperture in certain situations, the benefits of the fixed aperture in terms of size and cost make it a worthwhile trade-off for many photographers. In bright conditions, the f/11 aperture provides ample depth of field and sharpness, while in low-light situations, the image stabilization helps to compensate for the slower aperture.
• Image Stabilization (IS): Up to 4 stops of shake correction. Essential for sharp images at 800mm, especially handheld. The Image Stabilization (IS) system is a lifesaver, providing up to 4 stops of shake correction. This is particularly important when shooting handheld at 800mm, where even the slightest movement can result in blurry images. The IS system allows you to capture sharp, detailed shots even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Whether you're tracking a fast-moving subject or shooting in windy conditions, the IS system helps to keep your images stable and clear. This feature significantly enhances the versatility of the lens, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
• STM (Stepping Motor): Provides smooth and quiet autofocus, ideal for video and stills. The STM (Stepping Motor) technology ensures smooth and quiet autofocus, which is crucial for both stills and video. This silent operation is especially important when shooting wildlife, as it minimizes the risk of disturbing your subjects. The STM also provides smooth and accurate focus transitions, making it ideal for capturing video footage with professional-looking results. Whether you're shooting a documentary or simply capturing memories of your outdoor adventures, the STM ensures that your focus is always on point.
• Diffractive Optics (DO): Reduces chromatic aberration and contributes to the lens's compact size. The Diffractive Optics (DO) element is a key component in the lens's design, helping to minimize chromatic aberration and further reduce its size. Chromatic aberration, also known as color fringing, can be a common issue with super-telephoto lenses, but the DO element effectively corrects this issue, ensuring that your images are sharp and free of distracting color distortions. The DO element also contributes to the lens's overall compactness, making it easier to carry and handle. This innovative technology sets the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM apart from other super-telephoto lenses, delivering exceptional image quality in a surprisingly small package.
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 20.0 ft. (6.0 m). Keep this in mind when shooting closer subjects. The minimum focusing distance of 20 feet (6 meters) is something to keep in mind when composing your shots. While the 800mm focal length is ideal for capturing distant subjects, it's important to be aware of the minimum focusing distance when shooting closer subjects. This limitation might require you to adjust your composition or move further away from your subject to achieve sharp focus. However, the extreme reach of the lens more than compensates for this limitation in most situations. By understanding the minimum focusing distance, you can effectively plan your shots and ensure that you're always capturing the best possible image.
• Weight: 2.79 lbs (1.26 kg). Surprisingly lightweight for an 800mm lens, making it easier to carry on long shoots. The weight of 2.79 lbs (1.26 kg) is one of the most impressive features of this lens. For an 800mm lens, it's remarkably lightweight, making it much easier to carry and handle than traditional super-telephoto lenses. This portability is a game-changer for photographers who need to travel light or shoot for extended periods. Whether you're hiking through the wilderness or spending a day at a sporting event, the lightweight design of the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM makes it a comfortable and convenient tool to use.
• Filter Size: 95mm. Something to consider if you plan on using filters. The 95mm filter size is another factor to consider when purchasing this lens. If you plan on using filters, such as UV filters or polarizing filters, you'll need to invest in 95mm filters, which can be more expensive than smaller sizes. However, the ability to use filters can enhance your photography in various ways, such as reducing glare, improving contrast, and protecting the front element of the lens. By factoring in the filter size, you can ensure that you have all the necessary accessories to get the most out of your RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens.

Image Quality: Does It Deliver?

Okay, so it's got the reach and the tech, but what about the image quality? That’s the big question, right? Let's break it down. For a lens with a fixed f/11 aperture and a relatively affordable price point, the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM delivers surprisingly good image quality. While it may not match the performance of Canon's top-tier super-telephoto lenses, it still produces sharp, detailed images with decent contrast and color accuracy. The Diffractive Optics (DO) element plays a crucial role in minimizing chromatic aberration, ensuring that your images are free of distracting color fringing. In bright conditions, the lens performs exceptionally well, capturing crisp and vibrant images with plenty of detail. The fixed f/11 aperture provides ample depth of field, making it easier to keep your subjects in focus. However, in low-light situations, the image quality can suffer slightly due to the slower aperture. You may need to increase your ISO or use a tripod to compensate for the lack of light. Despite these limitations, the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is still capable of producing stunning images, especially when paired with a high-quality camera and a skilled photographer.

Sharpness and Detail

At its sweet spot, the lens offers impressive sharpness, especially in the center of the frame. Edges can be a bit softer, but this is typical for super-telephoto lenses. When it comes to sharpness and detail, the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM holds its own, especially considering its unique design and price point. In the center of the frame, the lens delivers impressive sharpness, capturing fine details with clarity. This is particularly noticeable when photographing wildlife or birds, where you can see individual feathers or hairs with remarkable precision. However, the edges of the frame can be slightly softer, which is a common characteristic of super-telephoto lenses. This softness is generally not noticeable in most real-world shooting scenarios, but it's something to be aware of when composing your shots. Overall, the sharpness and detail of the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM are more than adequate for most photographers, making it a great choice for capturing stunning images of distant subjects.

Chromatic Aberration

Thanks to the DO element, chromatic aberration is well-controlled. You might see some fringing in high-contrast areas, but it's generally minimal and easily corrected in post-processing. Chromatic aberration is a common issue with super-telephoto lenses, but the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM effectively minimizes this problem thanks to its Diffractive Optics (DO) element. The DO element helps to correct color fringing, ensuring that your images are sharp and free of distracting color distortions. In most shooting situations, chromatic aberration is virtually nonexistent, even in high-contrast areas. However, in extreme cases, you might see some slight fringing, but it's generally minimal and easily corrected in post-processing. This excellent control of chromatic aberration is one of the key factors that contribute to the overall image quality of the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM.

Bokeh

While f/11 isn't ideal for creamy bokeh, you can still achieve decent background separation due to the long focal length. The bokeh, or background blur, produced by the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is decent, but it's not as creamy or smooth as you might get with a lens that has a wider aperture. The fixed f/11 aperture limits the amount of background blur you can achieve, but the long focal length helps to compensate for this limitation. By getting close to your subject and shooting with a shallow depth of field, you can still create a pleasing background blur that helps to isolate your subject from the background. The bokeh is generally smooth and natural-looking, but it's not as pronounced or dramatic as you might find with other lenses. However, for most photographers, the bokeh produced by the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is more than adequate for creating beautiful and compelling images.

Autofocus Performance

The STM motor provides smooth and quiet autofocus, making it great for both stills and video. It's not the fastest AF system out there, but it's accurate and reliable. The autofocus performance of the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is smooth, quiet, and accurate, thanks to its STM (Stepping Motor) technology. The STM motor provides smooth and precise focus transitions, making it ideal for both stills and video. The autofocus system is not the fastest on the market, but it's reliable and accurate, even in challenging shooting conditions. Whether you're tracking a fast-moving subject or shooting in low-light situations, the autofocus system performs admirably, ensuring that your images are sharp and in focus. The quiet operation of the STM motor is also a major advantage, especially when shooting wildlife, as it minimizes the risk of disturbing your subjects. Overall, the autofocus performance of the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is excellent, making it a great choice for a wide range of photography applications.

Who Is This Lens For?

So, who should consider picking up this lens? The Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is an excellent choice for several types of photographers. If you're into wildlife photography, this lens is a game-changer, offering incredible reach at an affordable price. It allows you to capture stunning close-ups of animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Bird photographers will also appreciate the long focal length, which makes it easy to photograph even the smallest birds from a distance. Sports photographers who need to capture the action from afar will find this lens to be a valuable tool. It allows you to get close to the action without being on the sidelines. Additionally, enthusiast photographers who are looking to expand their creative horizons and experiment with super-telephoto photography will find this lens to be an excellent entry point. It's a relatively affordable way to experience the benefits of long-reach photography without breaking the bank. However, if you frequently shoot in low-light conditions or require a wide aperture for shallow depth of field, this lens may not be the best choice for you. In those situations, you might want to consider a lens with a wider aperture, even if it means sacrificing some reach and portability.

Pros and Cons

Let's sum it all up with a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Extreme Reach: 800mm is a game-changer for wildlife and sports. The extreme reach of 800mm is the most significant advantage of this lens, allowing you to capture stunning close-ups of distant subjects with ease.
• Compact and Lightweight: Surprisingly portable for such a long lens. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and handle, even on long shoots.
• Image Stabilization: 4 stops of shake correction is a lifesaver. The Image Stabilization (IS) system provides up to 4 stops of shake correction, ensuring sharp images even when shooting handheld.
• Smooth and Quiet Autofocus: The STM motor delivers smooth and quiet autofocus, making it ideal for both stills and video.
• Affordable Price: Makes super-telephoto photography accessible to more people. The affordable price point makes this lens an excellent value for the features and performance it offers.

Cons:

• Fixed f/11 Aperture: Limits low-light performance and bokeh. The fixed f/11 aperture can be limiting in low-light situations and reduces the ability to create shallow depth of field.
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 20 feet can be restrictive in some situations. The minimum focusing distance of 20 feet can be restrictive when shooting closer subjects.
• Not Weather-Sealed: Requires extra care in inclement weather. The lack of weather-sealing means you need to be extra careful when shooting in wet or dusty conditions.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM isn't quite what you're looking for, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM: A shorter and slightly more affordable option with similar features. The Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM offers a similar design and feature set to the 800mm version but with a shorter focal length and a slightly lower price point. This lens is a good option if you don't need the extreme reach of the 800mm lens but still want a compact and affordable super-telephoto option.
• Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM: A more versatile zoom lens with better image quality, but also more expensive. The Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is a high-end zoom lens that offers excellent image quality and versatility. While it's more expensive than the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM, it provides a wider range of focal lengths and a brighter aperture, making it a great choice for photographers who need more flexibility.
• Adapting EF Lenses: Using Canon's EF to RF adapter opens up a world of telephoto options, though you lose the native RF benefits. Adapting EF lenses using Canon's EF to RF adapter is another option to consider. This allows you to use a wide range of Canon EF telephoto lenses on your EOS R camera. While you'll lose some of the benefits of native RF lenses, such as faster autofocus and improved image quality, adapting EF lenses can be a cost-effective way to expand your telephoto options.

Final Verdict: Is the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Worth It?

So, after all that, is the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM worth it? For many photographers, the answer is a resounding yes. It offers an incredible amount of reach in a compact, lightweight, and affordable package. The image quality is surprisingly good, and the autofocus is smooth and reliable. While the fixed f/11 aperture may be a limitation in some situations, the benefits of this lens far outweigh the drawbacks for most users. If you're looking to get into super-telephoto photography without breaking the bank, the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is an excellent choice. It's a fun, versatile, and capable lens that will open up a whole new world of creative possibilities. So go out there, start shooting, and see what amazing images you can capture!