The RF 800mm F11 IS STM ($899.99) is the bigger, longer lens of a pair of ultra-telephoto primes for Canon's full-frame mirrorless camera system. It sports an extremely long focal length, perfect for bringing distant subjects into close view, and its F11 optics keep things lightweight. There are some drawbacks to consider, including the narrow, fixed aperture and limited focus coverage. It's an attractive lens for photographers searching for an affordable telephoto, but we think the RF 600mm F11 IS STM is a better starting point.A Lot to Handle Telephoto lenses are typically pretty big. Even at a F11 and with a retractable design, the RF 800mm is still a lot to handle. It measures 11.1 by 4.0 inches (HD) when closed down for storage, and extends to 13.9 inches when extended and ready for use. It's a lot of lens to hold, but at 2.8 pounds it's at least pretty light for its size. Extending the lens doesn't take much effort, either. A collar twists to lock and unlock the mechanism, a...
The Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM delivers extreme telephoto optics at a down-to-earth price, but even with a retractable design it's a big one to carry around.
Affordable 800mm prime; Stabilized optics; Relatively lightweight build; Retractable design saves some space; Works with RF teleconverters
Limits camera's autofocus area; Big and bulky when extended; Optics aren't razor-sharp; Narrow aperture limits low-light use; Omits close-up focus