Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM

Canon EF

Review

The Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is a remarkable super-telephoto lens designed for professional photographers who demand the utmost in quality and performance, particularly in wildlife and sports photography. With its impressive focal length and advanced image stabilization technology, this lens is geared to capture distant subjects with exceptional detail and clarity.

Build Quality and Design

Right off the bat, the construction of this lens is top-notch, showcasing Canon's L-series prestige. The weather-sealed body ensures that it can withstand challenging outdoor conditions, making it a trusted companion for wildlife photographers. Weighing in at around 4.5 kg (10 lbs), it's certainly not lightweight, but considering its capabilities, the robust build is understandable. The integrated tripod collar and adjustable foot add to its practicality when pairing with a monopod or tripod.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the EF 800mm f/5.6 is where it truly shines. The lens features a complex arrangement of elements, including Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) glass, to minimize chromatic aberration and enhance image sharpness. At maximum aperture, images are remarkably sharp, and stopping down even slightly reveals greater detail and contrast. The lens exhibits beautiful, creamy bokeh, which is ideal for isolating subjects against busy backgrounds.

Image Stabilization

This lens is equipped with Canon’s renowned Image Stabilization (IS) technology, which provides up to 4 stops of compensation. This feature is crucial for handheld shooting at such a long focal length, helping to minimize the effects of camera shake. Photographers will appreciate this when tracking fast-moving subjects or shooting in lower light conditions.

Autofocus

The autofocus system is swift and accurate, thanks to the use of a ring-type USM (Ultrasonic Motor). The focus is quiet, which can be an essential feature in wildlife photography where silence may be necessary to avoid disturbing animals. However, some users have noted that in low-light conditions, the autofocus can occasionally struggle, requiring a slight nudge in manual focus.

Compatibility

Designed for Canon's EF mount, this lens is compatible with a variety of full-frame and APS-C cameras. Keep in mind that using this lens on crop-sensor bodies will effectively multiply your focal length, guiding you toward an equivalent of 1280mm. This can be an advantage for certain shooting scenarios but also emphasizes the need to manage stability with longer focal lengths.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality with weather sealing
• Outstanding optical performance with sharp images
• Effective image stabilization for handheld shooting
• Fast and accurate autofocus, ideal for wildlife and sports photography
• Beautiful bokeh for subject isolation

Cons

• Heavy and bulky, requiring support for extended use
• Autofocus can sometimes struggle in low-light environments
• High price point may not be justified for casual photographers

Verdict

In conclusion, the Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is a powerhouse lens for serious photographers seeking unrivaled image quality and performance at long distances. While its weight and cost may be prohibitive for some, those who invest in this lens will benefit from its superior optical capabilities and durability in the field. This lens is truly a worthy addition to the toolkit of any dedicated wildlife or sports photographer.