Prime Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM

Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens
Prime lenses

Reviews summary

3
 
75%
1
 
25%
0
 
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0
 
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0%
Overall rating
4.75 star(s) 4 ratings
100% are recommending this product.

Reviews images (15)

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Value
I use this lens primarily on the R5. It is worth US$900, (got it when it went on sale) I have captured many great images with this lens. Since it is such a long focal length, which means the field of view is quite small. And that means it is difficult to find the bird in the viewfinder. It is even more difficult to find a bird in flight. With many practices, it makes it a little easier but it is still quite a challenge since you only have a couple of seconds to find the bird in flight and focus and shoot. What helps is that the lens is light, so it is not tiring when shooting handheld for an hour or so.
I gave it 5 stars, because it is delivers sharp picture and it is inexpensive for that focal length.
No editing on the deer pic.
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  • Canon EOS R5
  • RF800mm F11 IS STM
  • 800.0 mm
  • ƒ/11
  • 1/1600 sec
  • ISO 1600
White Tail Deer_PT_1682.jpg
  • Canon EOS R5
  • RF800mm F11 IS STM
  • 800.0 mm
  • ƒ/11
  • 1/1600 sec
  • ISO 12800
Would recommend this product?
Yes
2 members found this helpful.
Last edited:
Great price!
Pros
  • Price,price,price!
  • Lightweight
  • Compacts in length for storage
Cons
  • Limited AF point coverage
  • Confused focus acquisition
  • No lens hood
  • No tripod foot
  • Minimum focus distance
Value for money can't be criticised, it's an outstanding lens for the money so for anyone looking for reach on a more limited budget I would thoroughly recommend buying one.
I like the design, the way you extend it for use then reduce it's size for storage or carrying around. Having said that carrying it isn't as convenient as it might be as there is no lens tripod foot to use as a carry handle.
You are limited to around 25% of the viewfinder for AF points and it seems to have more difficulty in using eye detect than other lenses I have.
The IQ is good, not quite as good as the 100-500 as you'd expect but compare the price!
I'd forget the idea of using a TC with it though despite the fact that it's currently one of only a few RF lenses that is compatible.
_G7A6915.jpg
  • Canon EOS R5
  • RF800mm F11 IS STM
  • 800.0 mm
  • ƒ/11
  • 1/800 sec
  • ISO 1600
_G7A6822.jpg
  • Canon EOS R5
  • RF800mm F11 IS STM
  • 800.0 mm
  • ƒ/11
  • 1/4000 sec
  • ISO 1600
Would recommend this product?
Yes
6 members found this helpful.
Dave Williams
Dave Williams
I would like to add that I have just updated the R5 firmware from 1.5 to 1.5.1 and the eye focus is spot on again using the 800mm f11 lens. I use the Af-on back button for eye detect.
Dave Williams
Dave Williams
I was out and about yesterday in appalling weather, even sat in a hide the front lens element was getting wet. The lack of a lens hood is more of a disadvantage than I first realised!
Dave Williams
Dave Williams
I watched a Youtube video yesterday and I believe the AF point coverage is greater using an R6Mk2 or an R3 compared to my R5 which is limited to a relatively small area.
Great hand held lens with good reach
Pros
  • lightweight
  • hand holdable
  • Integrates well with R5 functions
Cons
  • Minimum focus distance - 6 meters
  • F/11 - needs adequate light
  • minimal ghosting noted
I got this lens to extend my reach for bird photography beyond my EF 100-400 MII. It does a very good job in adequate light. It is easy to hand hold for hours, comparable to the EF 100-400. It is compact and compresses to fit into my standard camera bag, IS works well. Focus is fast and eye focus works well in good light.

This lens is fixed aperture f/11 and requires adequate light for best performance. It does take advantage of the high ISO capability of the R5. I utilize auto ISO and TV mode often with this lens. There are still limitations with subjects in deep shade. I live in SE Arizona. Low light is rarely an issue for me.

The minimum focus distance of 6 meters was a limiting factor for me while shooting from a blind. Perhaps I am spoiled by the close MFD of the EF 100-400 MII.

Overall, this is an excellent hand held lens for the R5 and is reasonably priced. 3BEBA8A3-12CE-47A0-A01F-1AD1E2A4957E.jpeg 1999CA1B-E7F2-4A00-BE59-668E1A89DF05.jpeg 0ECF9287-8677-42C4-9459-5994A6B8802F.jpeg 390D90A8-1011-43E4-8402-988AE7D7B988.jpeg E9CE3AAB-7FF8-4AB0-B78A-F730CB469622.jpeg 3BEBA8A3-12CE-47A0-A01F-1AD1E2A4957E.jpeg 1999CA1B-E7F2-4A00-BE59-668E1A89DF05.jpeg 6EB445FC-2179-4EDD-9DDA-17988CC9C539.jpeg 28B6132E-C323-45CA-8905-82AEA0D20250.jpeg
Would recommend this product?
Yes
4 members found this helpful.
Last edited:
mikey12654
mikey12654
I have the EF 100-400 ii and the RF 800 too, I agree with all you said!
Cybot996
Cybot996
Some great shots there. I’ve just ordered one to compliment my 100-500 rf. I’m also getting the 1.4 extender which should give me a reach of 1120mm but only f16. Lots of light needed but I’ve got the R6 which has excellent high ISO capability.
Love this lens
Pros
  • Light weight
Cons
  • F11
This is a great lightweight lens. I have had two back fusions and two neck fusions and this lens is a great option for me because it is so light. The only drawback is it is only an F11 but the quality photos and light weight more than makes up for it.

This is a great light weight lens with a long reach.
Would recommend this product?
Yes

Attachments

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3 members found this helpful.
mikey12654
mikey12654
I love my RF 800 lens, the other night the moon was visible so I tried taking a hand held shot of it with this lens on my R5. I was amazed by how sharp it turned out considering I have shakey hands, it's an awesome lens for the price!
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