Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Canon RF
Review
The Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM is a powerful super-telephoto lens that has quickly gained popularity among wildlife photographers and sports enthusiasts alike. This lens offers an impressive focal length that allows photographers to capture distant subjects with clarity and detail, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to delve into the world of long-distance photography.
Build and Design
The build quality of the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM is commendable, especially considering its relatively lightweight construction for an 800mm lens. Weighing in at just over 2 kilograms, it is significantly lighter than some other lenses in this category, making it more manageable for extended shooting sessions. The lens features a weather-sealed design, offering some protection against dust and moisture, which is always a plus for outdoor photographers. The compact retractable design allows for easy transportation, fitting comfortably in most camera bags.
Image Quality
When it comes to image quality, the RF 800mm F11 IS STM does not disappoint. It employs advanced optical engineering to deliver sharp images with excellent contrast, even at the maximum aperture of f/11. The lens incorporates a Super Spectra coating, which helps minimize ghosting and flare, ensuring clear images even in challenging lighting conditions. The bokeh produced by the lens is decent for an 800mm, although it’s worth noting that the lens's fixed aperture may limit some creative opportunities when it comes to depth of field.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus performance of this lens is primarily driven by Canon's Dual Pixel AF technology, which offers fast and accurate focusing in many situations. It’s essential for wildlife photography, where subjects can be unpredictable and fast-moving. However, there are limitations due to the f/11 aperture, particularly in low-light situations where autofocus might struggle to lock on quickly. This lens is equipped with a stepping motor (STM), which ensures smooth and quiet focusing—an excellent feature for video shooters.
Versatility and Usability
The RF 800mm F11 IS STM is remarkably versatile, though it does cater primarily to specific types of photography. Its fixed focal length means that you’ll need to plan your shots more thoughtfully, but it rewards you with incredible detail at a distance. The lens features image stabilization (IS) that can compensate for camera shake, allowing for sharp handheld shots, which is crucial when shooting at such a long focal length.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Light and compact for an 800mm lens
- Excellent image quality with good sharpness and contrast
- Weather-sealed construction increases durability
- Fast and accurate autofocus performance
- Built-in image stabilization (IS)
Cons
- Fixed f/11 aperture limits low-light performance
- May require planning due to the lack of zoom capability
- Some distortion at the edges, especially in corners
Verdict
The Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM stands out as an excellent super-telephoto lens for Canon RF mount users, particularly those focusing on wildlife or sports photography. Its lightweight design, coupled with impressive optical performance and solid autofocus, makes it an appealing option for enthusiasts and professionals alike. While the fixed aperture may be restrictive in low-light situations, the lens overall delivers outstanding performance for its price range. If you're looking for a dependable long telephoto lens without breaking the bank, the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM is hard to overlook.