Is the EF 800 f/5.6L IS Due for Replacement? [CR2]

[dolina]

Ok, ignore the 1200mm. I'm the only one who is wishing for a replacement for that at half the weight. 

I have the 200 and 800 that are rumored to be updated next year and I am not inclined to sell then upgrade to the new one unless it offered a weight savings of more than 50%.

It is guaranteed the price of the Series II will skyrocket to beyond $15,000 to make the 600 and shorter white primes look cheap by comparison.

Canon can update the paint job to lower cost by only having to support one color of L white, sharing 1 lens hood for the sake of reducing SKUs and even the lens cap from leather to the more practical canvass.

In the past Canon have made subtle changes to existing lenses that did not merit a Series II monicker. They did this with the 200/1.8.

The changes are the relabeling of the AF switch to "MF" from "M". Optical coating has a different color. An inclusion to a more rounder aperture was made.

[ZoeEnPhos]

But with the 600mm + 1.4TC delivering almost as good IQ, there's not going to be many more sales of the 800mm (except for those who 'must' have 1600mm).

Actually, I think the 600/4 II + 1.4xIII actually delivers slightly better IQ than the 800/5.6, and the 600/4 II + 1.4xIII delivers better IQ than the 800/5.6 + 1.4xIII, as well.  In both cases, in addition to better IQ, the 600+TC is lighter, cheaper, and slightly longer in focal length.  So, the 800/5.6 really has no remaining advantages, except as you note to achieve 1600mm (at the cost of loss of AF at f/11 and a big IQ hit, such that cropping from 1200mm is probably better). 

Personally, I think it's likely we'll see an updated 800/5.6 sooner than expected, and the main reason is that the current one cannot compete with the new 600 II (and secondarily, because Nikon is releasing one).

Hello Neuroanatomist!
Thank you again for your very good thoughts - as always coming from you sir!

Expecting a brand new and also better Canon EF800/5.6L that has the new sophisticated/complex optical design(as in EF600mm f/4L IS USM II),
 that features (2) fluorite and UD lens elements to tackle aberrations and distortions,
 and also features a lightweight magnesium alloy and titanium construction,
 which reduces weight without compromising on strength and build quality - so I think I rather wait to maybe purchasing this new EF800, instead of one of the existing new ones version II super-lenses from Canon?

Let us see what the future holds!

Happy shootings!

C

[Gcon]

"The new lens would incorporate Canon’s new weight saving technology." i.e. plastic.

[jasonsim]

But with the 600mm + 1.4TC delivering almost as good IQ, there's not going to be many more sales of the 800mm (except for those who 'must' have 1600mm).

Actually, I think the 600/4 II + 1.4xIII actually delivers slightly better IQ than the 800/5.6, and the 600/4 II + 1.4xIII delivers better IQ than the 800/5.6 + 1.4xIII, as well.  In both cases, in addition to better IQ, the 600+TC is lighter, cheaper, and slightly longer in focal length.  So, the 800/5.6 really has no remaining advantages, except as you note to achieve 1600mm (at the cost of loss of AF at f/11 and a big IQ hit, such that cropping from 1200mm is probably better). 

Personally, I think it's likely we'll see an updated 800/5.6 sooner than expected, and the main reason is that the current one cannot compete with the new 600 II (and secondarily, because Nikon is releasing one).

Hello Neuroanatomist!
Thank you again for your very good thoughts - as always coming from you sir!

Expecting a brand new and also better Canon EF800/5.6L that has the new sophisticated/complex optical design(as in EF600mm f/4L IS USM II),
 that features (2) fluorite and UD lens elements to tackle aberrations and distortions,
 and also features a lightweight magnesium alloy and titanium construction,
 which reduces weight without compromising on strength and build quality - so I think I rather wait to maybe purchasing this new EF800, instead of one of the existing new ones version II super-lenses from Canon?

Let us see what the future holds!

Happy shootings!

C

hmm...I think the only major improvement Canon can make on the 800mm is reduce the weight tremendously.  No reason why it could not weigh around what the 500mm II does.   The third IS mode and removal of the protection glass element would make it in to a new 800mm too.  As far as optical design though, the current 800mm already has 2 fluorite elements and super UD elements. 

One other welcome change would be to better balance the lens...try making it a 55/45 weight distribution.   That is really my only complaint with the current 800mm; it's very front heavy.