Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM: The World’s First Full-Frame Zoom Lens with an Incredible Reach
Canon has just released the groundbreaking RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens, which boasts an impressive zoom range of up to 800mm. To put it in perspective, that’s like having a 30x zoom setting on your phone camera without any loss in image quality. But that’s not all – this lens is also compatible with Canon’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, allowing for an unprecedented reach of up to 1600mm. However, it’s best to avoid using the teleconverters in order to maintain optimal image quality.
Designed with hobbyist wildlife and sports photographers in mind, the RF 200-800mm lens pairs perfectly with Canon’s flagship APS-C mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS R7. With this combination, the maximum reach extends to an effective 1200mm due to the sensor format’s 1.5x crop. Additionally, it’s expected to be a popular choice among full-frame Canon EOS R8 and EOS R5 owners who have a side hustle or passionate hobby in sports and wildlife photography. In fact, I had the opportunity to test the lens with the EOS R5 before its worldwide announcement.
In terms of design, the Canon RF 200-800mm lens has a well-balanced feel when used with Canon’s DSLR-style mirrorless cameras like the EOS R5. Unlike front-heavy Canon DSLR lenses, the heaviest elements are located at the rear of the lens. As you adjust the zoom range, the lens physically extends in length, so it’s recommended to keep the lens hood attached to reduce lens flare. Despite being a chunky lens at 800mm, it remains comfortable to use and can be easily carried by hand for extended periods.
One standout feature of the RF 200-800mm lens is the additional ‘smooth’ or ‘tight’ response for refined or quick zoom adjustments, thanks to a dedicated control ring. The control rings and buttons have a satisfying tactile feel, while the build quality of this weather-sealed lens is truly top-notch. Although it lacks the pro-grade L-series nomenclature, it still delivers excellent performance.
With a long lens like this, image stabilization is crucial. Canon has equipped the RF 200-800mm lens with 5.5-stops of optical stabilization, which increases to 7.5-stops when paired with the sensor-based stabilization on enthusiast and professional cameras like the EOS R7 and EOS R5. During my testing, I found that sharp handheld shots were achievable at the 800mm telephoto setting with shutter speeds as slow as 1/30sec. However, it’s important to note that subjects must be stationary to avoid motion softness and blur.
Apart from its ability to reach distant subjects, the RF 200-800mm lens also offers a close focusing distance of 0.8m at 200mm, resulting in an impressive magnification ratio. I was able to capture stunning close-up shots of tiny, cold season berries, showcasing the lens’s versatility.
The only drawback is the modest maximum aperture range of f/6.3-9. While depth of field is not an issue with these aperture settings, freezing fast-moving action can be challenging with a maximum aperture of f/9. For bird photography, a shutter speed of around 1/1000s is typically recommended for sharp detail. Paired with the f/9 aperture, bright sunlight is necessary to achieve the correct exposure for action shots. As a result, using a 2x teleconverter with the RF 200-800mm lens is unrealistic, as the maximum aperture at 1600mm becomes f/18. However, considering the lens’s already impressive reach, the teleconverter may be unnecessary for most situations.
In terms of image quality, the RF 200-800mm lens delivers remarkable results. Images are incredibly sharp at the wide 200mm setting and although there is a slight loss of clarity at 800mm, it is to be expected in a lens with such a wide zoom range. If you primarily require the telephoto end, it may be worth considering the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens instead.
I tested the lens in various lighting conditions, including bright afternoon sunlight and intermittent cloud cover. It performed exceptionally well in optimal lighting conditions. However, low-light situations can be challenging due to its modest maximum aperture of f/9, requiring higher ISO settings on Canon cameras for proper exposure.
In terms of flare control and bokeh (the quality of out-of-focus light), the RF 200-800mm lens handles well. Flare is minimal when shooting towards light sources, and bokeh appears smooth and pleasing to the eye. Although there is a slight cat’s eye effect in the corners of the bokeh, it doesn’t detract from the overall image quality. Chromatic aberration and distortion are also well-controlled.
Based on my experience with the lens, I believe it is an excellent choice, particularly when paired with the EOS R7, for safari trips, grassroots sports photography, and birdlife photography in fair weather conditions.
The Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens is priced at £2,299.99 and will be available starting December 2023. Pricing for the US and Australia markets will be updated once available. The lens comes with a high-quality lens hood, as well as front and rear lens caps.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a full-frame zoom lens with an extraordinary reach, the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens is definitely worth considering. Its impressive zoom range, decent image quality, and convenient features make it a compelling choice for wildlife and sports photographers.
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