Update on the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM

[EOS 4 Life]

If they ever make the magic 1.4x extender that allows for full zoom with the 100-500mm it would be an unmatched lens imho.

IMHO Canon absolutely needs to make that.
It would work for the 70-200 lenses as well.
Other than those PF primes, Nikon would have nothing on Canon.
With this single lens release, Canon will own super-telephoto zooms.

 

[sanj]

I wonder if it will have adjustable aperture, or if it will be fixed aperture like the f/11? I would hope adjustable as 6.3 can still be pretty bright in daylight shooting.

Having and loving the EF 100-400 II, plus TC I've never felt like an RF 100-500 was worth the cost to upgrade. But this lens could sit beside my 100-400 nicely. Heavy want...may pre-order. Don't think the wife will be happy. I could sell the 800/11 after a while as well to offset the cost. I like that lens a lot though for its light weight. But a zoom and 2/3 stop aperture would be nice.

Brian

No reason to believe that it will be a fixed aperture...

 

[shadowsports]

Brian,
Its variable FL and aperture. 200-800 and f6.3-f9 (aka 6.0-8.5) There's nothing "fixed" about it. I'm curious about the FP's at 800mm

 

[scyrene]

I was actually thinking the other day if I got the RF 800mm f/11, I would find it hard to find the bird in the viewfinder with the field of view. A 200mm-800mm would make it a lot easier for me. I wonder what the aperture will be at 300mm, 400mm, and 500mm?

It can be a problem but it's manageable. I was shooting it with the 2x recently and finding a bird in the viewfinder (especially in crop mode!) at 1600mm is definitely a challenge!

 

[scyrene]

Very tempting. As an owner of the RF 100-400 and the 800 f/11, this might replace both; I don't use the short end of the zoom that much, and choosing which to mount can be annoying (do I expect small birds at a distance?). This has a bit more aperture at the long end and supposedly must focus closer than the prime, which are its main weaknesses.

 

[tron]

Very tempting. As an owner of the RF 100-400 and the 800 f/11, this might replace both; I don't use the short end of the zoom that much, and choosing which to mount can be annoying (do I expect small birds at a distance?). This has a bit more aperture at the long end and supposedly must focus closer than the prime, which are its main weaknesses.

Except the RF100-400 is super light and small (for its Focal Length) so you can put it even in a non-photo bag to have with you just in case. You cannot do that with the 200-800. I agree it can probably replace the 800/11 (apart from the weight). You can replace both with the 200-800 for a birding excursion but probably you need 100-400 for the occasions you cannot carry the 200-800 with you. At least for my needs the 100-400 remains useful.

 

[Nemorino]

Not to forget about the short mfd of the 100-400. At all a fantastic lens for eg dragonflies in flight. It's so easy to move and you can follow these fast flying insects.

 

[neuroanatomist]

You can replace both with the 200-800 for a birding excursion but probably you need 100-400 for the occasions you cannot carry the 200-800 with you. At least for my needs the 100-400 remains useful.

For me, birding excursions are with the 600/4 II +1.4x TC. For other local needs, there's the 100-500L and for travel there's the 100-400. Thus, no significant interest in a 200-800 for me.

 

[AlanF]

I suspect the white paint is a marketing ploy, like the EF 70-300L that was painted white but has no fluorite elements.

Best elements

 

[AlanF]

I wonder if it will have adjustable aperture, or if it will be fixed aperture like the f/11? I would hope adjustable as 6.3 can still be pretty bright in daylight shooting.

Having and loving the EF 100-400 II, plus TC I've never felt like an RF 100-500 was worth the cost to upgrade. But this lens could sit beside my 100-400 nicely. Heavy want...may pre-order. Don't think the wife will be happy. I could sell the 800/11 after a while as well to offset the cost. I like that lens a lot though for its light weight. But a zoom and 2/3 stop aperture would be nice.

Brian

Absolutely no way it will be fixed aperture.

 

[bbasiaga]

Brian,
Its variable FL and aperture. 200-800 and f6.3-f9 (aka 6.0-8.5) There's nothing "fixed" about it. I'm curious about the FP's at 800mm

since f ratio is based on the focal length and objective diameter, it would be variable aperture with a fixed iris at the back. FOr example if you could magically make the 800 f/11 a zoom, it would become variable aperture. But you'd be fixed at one aperture for each place on the zoom, which would be a function of the iris size.

My question was perhaps better stated as 'will you be able to stop this lens down'? or 'will it have an aperture mechanism'. The f/11s do not have an aperture mechanism.

Brian

 

[scyrene]

Except the RF100-400 is super light and small (for its Focal Length) so you can put it even in a non-photo bag to have with you just in case. You cannot do that with the 200-800. I agree it can probably replace the 800/11 (apart from the weight). You can replace both with the 200-800 for a birding excursion but probably you need 100-400 for the occasions you cannot carry the 200-800 with you. At least for my needs the 100-400 remains useful.

Hmm, good point.

 

[mxwphoto]

since f ratio is based on the focal length and objective diameter, it would be variable aperture with a fixed iris at the back. FOr example if you could magically make the 800 f/11 a zoom, it would become variable aperture. But you'd be fixed at one aperture for each place on the zoom, which would be a function of the iris size.

My question was perhaps better stated as 'will you be able to stop this lens down'? or 'will it have an aperture mechanism'. The f/11s do not have an aperture mechanism.

Brian

Given the competition I am very inclined to think that this lens will have an aperture mechanism. Wouldn't want to give the competition additional talking points in head to head comparison.

 

[Starblade22]

I see only one black ring. Trombone zoom like the original EF100-400/ 4.5-5.6?

I was just wondering the same thing...

 

[esglord]

If IQ is good this will be a perfect replacement / upgrade to my Tamron EF 150-600mm G2 which isn't super sharp on the long end and also the focus is kinda hit or miss.

This. I feel this lens is Canon’s way of reaching photographers who would have historically looked at Tamron or Sigma 150-600.

 

[danfaz]

Price according to Ordinary Filmaker - $1899 USD

 

[AlP]

The Camera Insider is reporting a price of $1899 for this lens (and $2999 for the 24-105), announcement in a bit more than 5 hours, based on claims from The Ordinary Filmmaker.

 

[neuroanatomist]

At last I get to be right about something for this lens. I said not white or it would be L, but I also said the original rumor of $2500 was too high if it wasn't L. $1900 is more reasonable.

 

[john1970]

$1900 is a good price. Also rumored to have dual nano USM focusing system. I do hope that there is some minimal weather sealing. With that said for $1900 I will still purchase.

 

[DrD]

$1900 is a good price. Also rumored to have dual nano USM focusing system. I do there is some minimal weather sealing. With that said for $1900 I will still purchase.

I agree, but will wait to see how the early reviews stack up versus 100-500. If it as sharp and has good MFD like the latter, then prob great value.