Canon Unveils the World’s First1 Super Telephoto Zoom Lens
Canon today announced the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM, its first super telephoto zoom lens to reach as far as 800mm. With a reach beyond the common 600mm telephoto zoom lenses in the market, it is also the world’s first1 super telephoto zoom lens for full-frame cameras. Yet, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM remains portable, features weather-sealing and edge-to-edge quality across its entire zoom range while staying affordable.
“Canon has always sought to cater to the diverse needs of photographers with our product offerings. This new lens provides wildlife, outdoor sports, and other photographers who shoot faraway subjects with an unprecedented combination of extra reach, zoom flexibility, superior quality and durability while maintaining affordability.” said Netnarin Chancharassuk, Director of Consumer Imaging Information Group, Canon Marketing (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Unprecedented Reach with Zoom Flexibility between 200mm to 800mm
While there are affordable super telephoto prime lenses in Canon’s line up such as the RF800mm f/11 IS STM, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM offers is equipped with zoom functionality, covering the telephoto focal range that previously required at least three different lenses to cover. Be it a bird flying in the distance, or a motorsports athlete in various defining moments, the versatile 200mm to 800mm focal range (320mm to 1280mm on an APS-C camera) lets users seamlessly capture both close-ups and wider shots of the same subject simultaneously. This can be achieved without being restricted by the focal length or missing out the moment due to changing of lenses. With the RF Extender 2x, coverage is extended to 1600mm (2560mm on an APS-C camera)—sufficient for capturing stunning close-ups of the moon.
Convenient Handheld Shooting: Lightweight and Mobile with Up to 5.5 Stops’ Built-in IS
Despite its astounding zoom range, the 2,050g, 314.1mm-long RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is comparable in size and weight to its counterparts that end at 600mm. This mobility makes it easy to follow and capture moving subjects when shooting handheld, even if they occur unexpectedly.
Up to 5.5 stops’ equivalent built-in optical image stabilization2 effectively corrects the camera shake that becomes more prominent at long focal lengths, allowing sharp, stable images at as slow as 1/20 second even at the 800mm tele end.
Designed for Action: High-speed AF, Operational Ease
Built for capturing high-speed action, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is driven by the powerful Nano USM (Ultrasonic Motor), which also contributes to the lens’ compact size. This enables fast and accurate focusing for stills, along with smooth and quiet focusing for video up to the entire image area with compatible cameras. Focus Breathing Correction is also supported.
Swift, intuitive control extends to lens operations – in addition to a customisable focus/control ring, there are two lens function buttons that can be turned into shortcuts for functions such as AF or exposure control.
Dust- and Drip-resistant Sealing for Better Durability
Similar to an L-lens, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM features strategically placed dust- and drip-resistant sealing for better durability during outdoor shoots3. It is also coated with white paint to reduce heat absorbency and internal temperature rise due to sunlight.
1 As an AF interchangeable lens for full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras that have already been released as of November 1, 2023. (Based on Canon’s internal survey.)
2 At focal length of 800mm with EOS R. Yaw/Pitch directions.
3 This cannot guarantee complete exclusion of water and dust from entry.
APPENDIX
| Model | RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM |
| Focal Length | 200-800 mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/6.3-9 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance (m) | 0.8 (f=200 mm), 1.8 (f=400 mm), 2.8 (f=600 mm), 3.3 (f=800 mm) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.25x (f=200 mm), 0.2x (f=800 mm) |
| Lens Construction | 17 elements in 11 groups |
| Filter Size Diameter | Ø95mm |
| Aperture Blades | 9 |
| IS (CIPA Standard Correction Effect) | Yes (up to 5.5 stops) |
| Dust / Water Resistance | Provided |
| Maximum Diameter and length | approx. 102.3 mm × 314.1 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 2050g |
