Review: Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L from B&H Photo

[Canon Rumors]

B&H Photo has posted a longer review of Canon’s legendary EF 1200mm f/5.6L. It’s definitely a lens that presents some challenges when walking around New York City, but it still looks like a lot of fun.</p>
<p>Some History on the Lens:</p>
<blockquote><p>Canon made this lens available by special order only. A $10,000 deposit was required with the order and manufacturing would only start when several lenses were put on order. <em>Sports Illustrated</em> magazine purchased two 1200mm lenses in the 1990’s. Canon lent a lens to the<em> St. Louis Post-Dispatch</em> in 1999, so they could document Major League Baseball slugger Mark McGuire’s single-season home-run record attempt from center field; photographing every pitch McGuire faced that season. The extreme focal length of the lens gives a unique perspective of the distant view from the outfield fence that other lenses cannot capture.</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/features/bh-photographic-journey-legendary-canon-ef-1200mm-lens?/BI/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Read the full review</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801201815-USE/canon_2527a001_super_telephoto_1200mm_f_5_6l.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L $180,000 at B&H Photo</a></p>
<p><em>*The offer still stands, if you buy the lens, I’ll buy you the <a href="http://www.lenscoat.com/lenscoatsuptmsup-canon-1200mm-p-914.html" target="_blank">LensCoat</a> for it!</em></p>
<p>Source: [<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/features/bh-photographic-journey-legendary-canon-ef-1200mm-lens?/BI/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a>] via [<a href="http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/Canon_new_lenses.html" target="_blank">Northlight</a>]</p>

 

[sanj]

By now I am CONVINCED that BH has promised CR a huge cut if CR helps out in getting this lens sold. Fine by me.

 

[meywd]

By now I am CONVINCED that BH has promised CR a huge cut if CR helps out in getting this lens sold. Fine by me.

well, even 1% of that is a lot.

 

[Canon Rumors]

By now I am CONVINCED that BH has promised CR a huge cut if CR helps out in getting this lens sold. Fine by me.

I do have to support my growing family.

 

[Luds34]

By now I am CONVINCED that BH has promised CR a huge cut if CR helps out in getting this lens sold. Fine by me.

I do have to support my growing family.

Starting this Friday off with a cup of coffee and a little laugh seems like a great way to start a long weekend.

Thanks!

 

[danski0224]

All I need is the $179k burning a hole in my pocket. I can cover the rest...

 

[jeffa4444]

Great surveilance lens for Homeland Security and as Uncle Sam spend taxpayers money the price is no object!

 

[tron]

Ohhh NO! This is a rumors site!

SO: First, Canon has to announce EF1200mm F/5.6L IS at least (not to mention EF1200mm F/5.6L IS II immediatelly after 8) 8) 8) ).

Then, they will have to give some to testers.

Then they make it available...

 

[m]

Please note that even if the Canon 1D X had featured a fully articulating LCD screen, this camera/lens combination is completely unsuitable for selfies.

Major disappointment.

Seriously, he mentions that this would work with a 2x converter and mumbles about how this lens would perform on a crop body. Why on earth is not using it with a converter or at least trying it?

 

[Pinchers of Peril]

By now I am CONVINCED that BH has promised CR a huge cut if CR helps out in getting this lens sold. Fine by me.

I do have to support my growing family.

BAHAHAHA

 

[Pinchers of Peril]

I tried to add this to my cart and both my computer and my wallet immediately exploded.

 

[Hjalmarg1]

By now I am CONVINCED that BH has promised CR a huge cut if CR helps out in getting this lens sold. Fine by me.

I do have to support my growing family.

+1 CR

 

[rowlandw]

What, no IS at the price? I was going to buy one until I realized I already own a $300 Panasonic fz70 that reaches 1200mm with stabilization.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

By now I am CONVINCED that BH has promised CR a huge cut if CR helps out in getting this lens sold. Fine by me.

I do have to support my growing family.

That seems to have a familiar ring

 

[monkey44]

From the quote above :: "...Canon lent a lens to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1999, so they could document Major League Baseball slugger Mark McGuire’s single-season home-run record attempt from center field; photographing every pitch McGuire faced that season."

Interesting ... How did Canon and the St Louis paper KNOW ahead of time that McGuire would break that record? A crystal ball? A gypsy future-teller?

It seems amazing to me that this claims from the first pitch of the season, both Canon and ST Louis Dispatch predicted McGuire WOULD break that record.

I'd not be so surprised if the lens was 'borrowed' during the final month or so, once everyone knew the record was in jeopardy. An great feat by McGuire, 70 HR in a season but that predictable, hardly. Wonder if McGuire just suddenly decided to go after it, and convinced all major league pitchers to throw him gopher balls all season from day one ? Or, did like Bonds in 2001 with the clubs telling pitchers it was 'unethical' to walk him when he was going after a record.

I know, a bit off topic, but interesting to sports guys who document the games...

 

[davemody]

$180,000 and it's no good for Selfies?! Wow, I'm taking that out of my cart. Good thing I read the review first! Thanks CR!

 

[jonathangrills]

Hmmm...I got my credit card out and then realized my Canon SX-50 can zoom to 1200mm...so never mind.

 

[deletemyaccount]

By now I am CONVINCED that BH has promised CR a huge cut if CR helps out in getting this lens sold. Fine by me.

I do have to support my growing family.

That seems to have a familiar ring

Ken Rockwell I presume

 

[tron]

Hmmm...I got my credit card out and then realized my Canon SX-50 can zoom to 1200mm...so never mind.

;D ;D ;D

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

By now I am CONVINCED that BH has promised CR a huge cut if CR helps out in getting this lens sold. Fine by me.

I do have to support my growing family.

I see what you did there.