Canon Officially Launches the two Lightweight Super Telephoto L Lens RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM - Canon HongKong

Canon Officially Launches the two Lightweight Super Telephoto L Lens

RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM

Impressively Lightweight While Retaining High Levels of Image Quality

HONG KONG, 31 st May 2022 — Canon announces the New RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM are now available for sale. The two new RF lenses inherit the excellent optical design of the RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and the RF 600mm f/4L IS USM, with a newly added optimized magnification optics, and the use of carbon fiber reinforced magnesium alloy lens body, result in a weight of 3,140g and 3,340g respectively. The size and weight reduction are significant comparing to their EF lens counterparts, which greatly enhances the practicability of ultra-telephoto lenses and meets the needs of professional users. Both the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM are compatible with the Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x, which instantly extends the focal length of the lens up to 1600mm or 2400mm respectively. These two lightweight and higher image quality super telephoto lenses make it easier for professional and advanced users to shoot a variety of subjects that require long focal lengths, such as marine sports, aviation, wildlife, and astrophotography, allowing creators to capture any distant subject in your line of sight.

Innovative design brings light weight and excellent image quality

RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM inherit the superior optical design of RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4L IS USM respectively. By adding an optimized magnification optics to the rear to achieve a longer focal length, the size of the lens body is drastically reduced comparing to conventional design. Thanks to this innovative optical design and the use of the carbon fiber reinforced magnesium alloy for the lens body, the weight of these 2 lenses is only 3,140g and 3,340g respectively, achieving a more practical lightweight and high image quality super telephoto lens. Among them, the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is about 30% lighter than the EF lens with the same focal length; while the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM, the lightest super telephoto lens in its class^[1], is 80% lighter and about 30cm shorter than the legendary EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM.

Both lenses adopt new 26 elements in 18 groups optical design with 2 fluorite and 1 Super UD lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and achieve high resolution and contrast across the entire frame of the images, while the glass material of the first lens element also suppresses chromatic aberrations effectively. In addition, 1 UD lens element has been placed in the front of magnification optics at the rear section to provide excellent chromatic aberration due to magnification, bringing superior image quality comparing to existing lenses with an extender installed.

To minimize flare and ghosting, both lenses feature Canon’s ASC (Air Sphere Coating) anti-reflection technology. ASC has excellent anti-reflective effects particularly with respect to incident light that enters vertically. The result is a significant suppression of flare and ghosting in backlit environment at a level not possible with ordinary coating. It helps to provide cleaner photographs with fewer distracting reflective effects in the image.

The optical design of the two lenses also gives them an amazing minimum focusing distance and maximum magnification. The RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM has a minimum focusing distance of 2.6 meters and provides a maximum magnification of 0.34x; while the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM features a minimum focusing distance of 4.3 meters with a maximum magnification of 0.29x, allowing you to capture excellent detailed images of small subjects at a closer distance.

Outstanding Optical Performance

The RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM lenses are equipped with optical image stabilizers, which can provide up to 4.5 stops^[2] and 4 stops^[3]of shutter speed shake compensation respectively. With the significant weight reduction, more comfortable handheld shooting facilitated by the Image Stabilizer becomes possible with these lenses. The optical image stabilizer also supports 3 IS modes to optimize IS performance for different subjects and scenes, which provides shake-correction for outstanding results in a wide range of shooting situations. The IS mode 1 used for general shooting such as portrait still shooting, IS mode 2 specially designed for panning shooting scenes such as racing cars and IS mode 3 is designed for shooting subjects with unpredictable movement such as football and basketball that constantly change speed and direction.

Both lenses are compatible with the Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x. The maximum focal length can be extended to 1600mm or 2400mm respectively. Even when the extender is used, the autofocus can still perform normally, giving it incredible handling ease along with its powerful super-telephoto capabilities. It is suitable for the need for ultra-long-distance shooting, such as astrophotography or marine sports photography, widen the imaging possibilities.

Excellent AF performance

The RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM both employ a rear focus system and Ring-type USM (Ultrasonic Motor) with a new microprocessor which uses high performance CPU to achieve high-speed, highly accurate, smooth, and silent autofocus for both photo and video shooting.The lens adopts an electronic focusing ring design, which uses an electronic way to drive the focusing lens. It also supports electronic full-time manual focusing^[4] in ONE SHOT AF or SERVO AF mode. Photographers can smoothly switch from AF operation to manual focus at any time and fine tune the focus exactly the way they want.The lens is also equipped with a "Manual Focus Speed" switch, which provides 3-step manual focus speeds^[5] (Focusing speed is the fastest when set to 1), allowing photographers to adjust the manual focus speed according to their needs, bringing flexibility and precise focus control to photographers with greater convenience.

Furthermore, the photographer can also set up the two Focus Presets. Focus preset allows photographers to quickly focus on a pre-determined distance which is particularly useful when the shooting distance and angle are determined in advance, such as sports photography.Power Focus (PF) mode is also equipped to provide professional and smooth focusing effect during video recording. By turning the Focus Playback Ring, manual focusing will be operated smoothly by the built-in USM (Ultrasonic Motor). The focusing speed can be operated at low or high speed, depending on how much the Focus Playback Ring is turned. The lens also has 4 “Lens Function” buttons, apart from the default "Stop AF" function, photographers can customize to other functions such as autofocus, exposure or operation.

Functions Unique to the EOS R system

The RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM are both compatible with the EOS R3's high-speed continuous shooting speed^[6] of up to 30 FPS. Users will not miss any moment of the subject's movements, fully demonstrating the professional performance and high quality of the lenses. Their 9-blade circular aperture helps create intimacy and intensity result in the shape of the bokeh with beautiful and soft backgrounds. Also, it supports the 1/8 stop aperture control of EOS R series cameras to deliver outstanding video performance with natural brightness transition.

The lens also supports the “Focus distance display” function of the EOS R series cameras. Users can check the focus distance on the LCD screen or electronic viewfinder. The focus ring of the lens can also be customized as an RF control ring^[7] by the camera, you can directly adjust custom settings such as ISO sensitivity, shutter speed or aperture value, etc.

Excellent Operability and reliability

A white heat shield coating developed by Canon are applied to RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM to reduce the rise of the lens temperature by increasing the reflectivity for infrared rays in sunlight.The lens hood (bundled)and short lens hood (sold separately)) also feature this heat shield coating to reduce temperature rises of the hood interior to achieve stable focusing under hot sun conditions.
In addition, both lenses inherit the same level of durability and rugged construction as found on other L super telephoto lenses, ensuring high level shock resistance and durability. These lenses also feature the dust-and-water-resistant design^[8] to provide the durability that satisfies the strict demand of professional users. Fluorine coatings are applied on the foremost lens surface to repel dust particles and water droplets. It also makes smears and fingerprints easy to remove without the use of lens cleaning fluid. A security slot is installed under the cap of the tripod mount lock nut for attaching a notebook wire-type security lock as an anti-theft precaution. The lens can be securely locked when photographer is away from the workplace.

Both new lenses support a range of dedicated accessories to further enhance the shooting experience, including the bundled Lens Soft Case LS600 (for RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM) and LS1200 (for RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM). These lightweight and easy handling shoulder-type soft case are at a size within the airline carry-on luggage standard and protects the lens during travel effectively. They also include storage pockets for filters and accessories making the lens incredibly mobile. In addition to bundled lens hood, an optional short lens hoods ET-155B (for RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM) or ET-160B (for RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM) are also available for use in limited space for better handling. For photographers wish to have a compact base plate for the tripod mount, an optional monopod mount is also available at Canon’s Care Center (chargeable service).

Suggested Retail Price

The new RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM are now available for sale. The suggested retail prices are as follows:

The accessories for RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM and their suggested retail prices are as follows:

The accessories for RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM and their suggested retail prices are as follows:

[1] Compare all 1200mm interchangeable camera lenses for use with interchangeable lens cameras (DSLRs and mirrorless) as of May 2022. According to Canon research.

[2] CIPA standard; focal length: 800mm; using EOS R. Pitch/Yaw direction.

[3] CIPA standard; focal length: 1200mm; using EOS R. Pitch/Yaw direction.

[4] As of May 2022, models that support electronic full-time manual focus include the EOS R3, EOS R5, EOS R6, EOS R7 and EOS R10.

[5] Available when “RF Lens MF focus ring sensitivity” is set to [Linked to rotation degree].

[6] When used with EOS R3. Check the camera's continuous shooting conditions.

[7] It can only be used as a focus ring when used with cameras that do not support the switching focus/control ring function (EOS R5/EOS R6/EOS R/EOS Ra/EOS RP).

[8] It needs to be used with the EOS R3/EOS R5/EOS R6/EOS R body; however it is not recommended for use under rain.

About Canon Hongkong Company Limited

Canon Inc. (TSE:7751 / NYSE:CAJ) was founded in 1937 in Japan. Its predecessor, Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, produced Japan's first 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera “Kwanon” in 1934. From there, Canon Inc. expanded into the photocopying and printing industries, launching Japan's first plain-paper copier NP-1100 in 1970 and the world's first inkjet printer BJ-80 in 1985. Through the years, Canon Inc. has acquired in-depth experience in digital imaging product manufacturing, research and development. Pioneering in innovative products development, Canon Inc. hold the most technology patents in the imaging industry. Canon Inc. also makes significant contribution to promote photography. Today, Canon Inc. has a strong global presence, representing one of the most important market players in the imaging, office and industrial product categories. As of 31 December 2021, Canon's global revenue was US$30.55 billion.

In 1971, Canon Hongkong Co., Ltd. (Canon Hong Kong) was established as one of the first Canon offices in Asia. Canon Hong Kong is a Total Imaging Solution provider, providing professional pre-sales, marketing and after-sales services for all Canon products and solutions in Hong Kong and Macau. With the solely owned subsidiary Canon Business Solutions (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. established in 2018, the company continues to deliver intelligent total business solutions and professional services to Greater Bay Area. Canon Hong Kong adheres to Canon’s corporate philosophy of “Kyosei”, encouraging the company and staff to engage social, charitable and environmental activities for the community. Implementing internationally-recognized management system, Canon Hong Kong has achieved ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 (Canon Digital Production Center) certifications. For more information about Canon Hongkong, please visit our website: https://hk.canon/.