Image: Canon
Canon has announced the RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens, a super-telephoto zoom designed to be lightweight and easy to handhold.
Canon says it’s designed for users seeking a super-telephoto lens on a budget. This includes enthusiasts shooting subjects like nature, wildlife, or airshows, photojournalists and small media outlets who may not have the budget for expensive telephoto lenses, and video users who need longer focal lengths.
The lens is constructed of 17 elements in 11 groups, including three UD (ultra-low dispersion) elements, and includes Canon’s Super Spectra Coating. Despite rumors, Canon says this is not a DO (diffractive optics) lens.
Image: Canon
I.S. is measured at 7.5 stops at 200mm and 5.5 stops at 800mm. However, there’s no IS mode switch on the barrel as the lens is designed to automatically detect panning and adjust IS as needed.
External controls include an AF/MF button and two custom function buttons, both of which share the same function. There’s also a zoom ring, but instead of a dedicated manual focus ring, the lens features a single, combined MF/Control ring. A non-removable tripod collar includes both 3/8″ and 1/4″-20 threads.
Although the lens has a maximum aperture of 800mm of F9, you’ll need to zoom in all the way (or close to it) before the lens stops down that far. From 300-400mm, the lens stops down to F7.1, and from 500-600mm, it stops down to F8.
Image: Canon
The lens is compatible with the RF 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, providing up to 1600mm of effective reach (though with a maximum aperture of F18). Notably, Canon claims that this lens will deliver better image quality with teleconverters than its RF 100-500mm lens.
The RF 200-800mm extends when zoomed, but features internal focus. At 200mm, it measures 314mm (12.4″) in length and 102mm (4″) in diameter. Autofocus is driven by a single Nano USM motor, which Canon claims will deliver snappy performance as well as smooth, silent operation for video.
Minimum focus is 0.8m (2.6 ft) at 200mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.25x, and 2.8m (9.2 ft) at 800m, delivering magnification of 0.2x.
Canon indicates that the lens is weather-resistant, though possibly not to the same degree as L-series lenses, and although the lens is white, it doesn’t use the IR reflective surface found on recent L lenses. A lens strap attachment point is included on the lens barrel.
The lens accepts 95mm screw-in filters and includes Canon’s ET-101 hood, making it one of the few non-L lenses to include one. It weighs in at 2,050g (4.5 lbs).
Canon expects the RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM to be available in December at a retail price of $1899.
CANON INTRODUCES THREE NEW LENSES, ENHANCING STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO PRODUCTION FOR ANY SKILL LEVEL
MELVILLE, NY, November 2, 2023 – Photographers aiming to get a powerful, ultra-wideangle shot, or looking for a superb zoom range, can improve their images with three new lenses announced today by Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions. The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lenses can benefit a wide range of users — from beginners all the way to working professionals.
The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens offers users of APS-C sensor size EOS R-series cameras an ultra wide-angle zoom, helping create strong still images and video. It is an ideal lens for vloggers, travelers, and general shooters. Beginners in video and still photography can make good use of this lens, as well as the more advanced pros. Key features include:
10–18mm ultra-wide zoom (equivalent to 16-29mm on full-frame camera).
Image Stabilization, for even greater hand-held sharpness and video steadiness.
Compact and lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for travel.
A new optical design, optimized for RF lens mount and APS-C sensor size.
An affordable price tag for those just stepping into ultra-wide video and still imaging.
Still and video professionals who want a single lens that can handle most tasks with low-light capabilities will find what they’re looking for with the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. This is the world’s first 24-105mm focal length lens combined with consistent f/2.8 maximum aperture1, offering true portrait-length telephoto coverage resulting in sharp images. High-end photographers, photojournalists, and video content creators can utilize this lens’ other features that include:
Constant overall length when zooming.
Manual aperture ring for video use.
Optimized optics for high-level video.
Image stabilization.
A new Power Zoom Adapter will also be available for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens, an optional accessory for super-smooth zooming during video operation. This detachable device allows for more natural movement when zooming in and out, and easier control for solo camera operators. A standard version of the Power Zoom Adapter will be available, as well as a 20-pin port version to support zoom and focus demands. The firmware updates that will be available in early December for the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C cameras will add support for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens.
Last, but not least — nature, wildlife, and outdoor sports shooters will find the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM super telephoto zoom lens a great tool to take crystal-clear images of action at a distance. This lens is lightweight and easy to hold in your hand, allowing most users to carry it to help capture a range of subjects, whether it’s a still image of a landscape, or video of a moving target. Unique features of the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens also include:
Up to 800mm focal length.
Up to 5.5 stops image stabilization.
Compatible with optional Canon RF 1.4x and 2x tele extenders.
Weather-resistant design.
Rotating tripod mount.
Price & Availability
The new RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lenses are expected to be available in December for estimated retailprices of $329.99, $2,999.00, and $1,899.00, respectively2. The two versions of the Power Zoom Adapter for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z will be available Spring 2024 for an estimated retail price of $999.99, and $1,299.002 for the version with the 20-pin port. For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.
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 Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM specifications
Principal specificationsLens typeZoom lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length200–800 mmImage stabilizationYes (5.5EV)CIPA Image stabilization rating5.5 stop(s)Lens mountCanon RFApertureMaximum apertureF6.3–9Minimum apertureF54Aperture ringNoNumber of diaphragm blades9OpticsElements17Groups11Special elements / coatings3 UD lensesFocusMinimum focus0.80 m (31.5″)Maximum magnification0.25×AutofocusYesMotor typeRing-type ultrasonicFull time manualYesFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoPhysicalWeight2050 g (4.52 lb)Diameter102 mm (4.02″)Length314 mm (12.36″)SealingYesZoom methodRotary (extending)Power zoomNoFilter thread95 mmHood suppliedYesHood product codeET-101Tripod collarYes