This is the longest telephoto lens among Canon's lineup, and a terrific choice for any long-distance application-outdoor sports, wildlife, news photojournalism, and so on. It's actually lighter than Canon's EF 600mm f/4L IS lens, weighing just under 10 lbs. It uses a refined optical design, with two Fluorite lens elements, one UD element, and one Super-UD-glass element, for outstanding correction of color fringing and superb Contrast and sharpness. This super-telephoto lens uses magnesium-alloy barrel construction to enhance its light weight, and has weather-resistant gaskets throughout for use in harsh conditions. It's compatible with both the EF 1.4x II and 2x II tele extenders for even more reach: EOS cameras with 45 AF points will continue to provide autofocus at the center AF point when the lens is used with the 1.4x extender. Finally, it's image stabilized, providing up to 4 stops of correction for Camera shake. This makes it even more practical in many situations.
Lens Type: Prime IS / VR / OS: IS Canon L Class: Yes Min Focal length (mm): 800 Max Focal Length (mm): 800 Number of Elements: 18 Element Groups: 14 Max Aperture: 5.6 Closest Focus Distance (m): 6 Maximum Magnification: 0.14 Filter Type: Drop In Filter Diameter (mm): 52 Diameter at widest (mm): 162 Lens Length (mm): 461 Weight (g): 45000 Release Date: March 2008
Development objectives
The EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM (Photo 2) is a L-seriesL-series
super-telephoto lens with a newly developed image stabilization unit
intended to enhance our line of super-telephoto lenses. This lens's
specifications allow it to be used for hand-held photography - thanks
to its lightweight design and image stabilization function - despite
its 800mm super-telephoto focal length.
The primary development objectives of this lens are given below.
Feature 1: Top picture quality suitable for an L lens
Using fluorite, super UD, and UD lens elements in this lens allowed us
to make it compact: its overall length, even with a 800mm focal length,
is about the same as the EF 600mm f/4L IS USM. This optical design also
delivers the high-fidelity, high-contrast images one expects from an
L-series lens while minimizing Chromatic aberration and eliminating
color fringing (figures 4 and 5).
Figure 4: Optical assembly of the EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM
Figure 5: MTF characteristics of the EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM
Feature 2: Four f-stop stabilization gain
Image stabilization on this lens is achieved with a mechanism that
shifts the compensation optics (G11, G12, and G13). The
high-performance IS unit - which is responsive to even subtle blurring
- and the gyro-sensors - which precisely detect blurring - together
with an optimized image-stabilization algorithm, give the lens a
stabilization gain equivalent to roughly four f-stops* of shutter speed. This lens's image stabilization function has the following outstanding features:
·
Two selectable image stabilization modes - Mode 1, for still shooting, and Mode 2, for pan shooting
·
Image stabilization when using a monopod is equivalent to hand-held image stabilization
·
Image stabilization available when using a tripod**
·
Image stabilization can be used with the EF 1.4x II/EF 2x II extender attached***
*The minimum unaided hand-held shutter speed is roughly [1/focal length] seconds. **In certain shooting conditions and with certain tripod types, it is better to work with image stabilization off. ***Not possible with all camera models. See Table 2.
Feature 3: Lightweight design
We kept the weight of this lens to 4,500 grams by designing the major
components from lightweight magnesium alloy, in addition to using a
compact optical system. This makes hand-held shooting with this lens
possible even though it is an 800mm super telephoto.
Feature 4: Superior waterproof and dustproof construction
Waterproof and dustproof construction (Figure 6) around the mount, the
switch panel and switches, the AF stop buttons, the focus-recall and
focusing rings, and the drop-in filter prevents dust and moisture from
getting into the lens, making it suitable for taking pictures in harsh
conditions. *Be sure to use the lens with a weatherproof/dustproof camera body.
Figure 6: Waterproof and dustproof construction on the EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM
Feature 5: Optimal optics for digital SLRs
The lens configuration and coatings have been optimized to ensure
excellent Color balance as well as to minimize the flaring and ghosting
found with digital SLRs due to surface reflections from the imaging
sensor.
Other features • Manual focusing in AF mode
After the one-shot AF operation, the full-time mechanical manual focus
construction allows the user to continue to focus manually without
leaving the AF mode.
• Fast, silent autofocusing
The lens's
inner-focusing system, ring-USM drive, high-speed CPU, and optimized AF
algorithms enable fast, silent autofocusing performance on par with the
EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM.
• AF stop function
The AF stop function allows the user to stop the autofocus at any time.
• Focus Preset function
The lens comes with a focus preset function that instantly moves the lens to a previously stored focus position.
• Circular aperture produces beautiful bokeh blurring effects
The lens features an electro-magnetic diaphragm with a circular aperture that provides attractive bokeh blurring effects.
• Switch shapes designed to prevent accidental settings
The switches on the switch panel have been shaped to prevent the
switches from being moved accidentally while shooting or during
transport.
• Large hood provides more effective light blocking
The inner wall of the large circular ET-155 hood has been flocked for
superior anti-reflective performance, vastly reducing harmful
reflections.
• Environmentally friendly design
The lens optics use only lead-free glass in consideration of the environment.
Furthermore, the lens design meets the environmental requirements of
the European Union's RoHS Directive (Directive on the Restriction of
the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic
Equipment).
Photo 7: The telephoto/super-telephoto large aperture L-lens series
This concludes this month's look at our two new high-performance
L-series lenses. With the addition of these two new lenses, our EF lens
line now features six large-aperture L-series lenses that cover
telephoto and super-telephoto ranges (Photo 7).
If we are every lucky enough to get out hands on one of these lenses then we will give a full editor review.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: Editor review
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Undecided
User Lens Reviews
Average user rating from: 5 user(s)
Overall rating (weighted)
4.6
Sharpness
4.8
Build Quality
4.6
AF Speed
4.2
Value for Money
4.6
Add new review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Took The Plunge, Tuesday, 05 May 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
Had the Canon 500mm f 4.0 super telephoto and was very satisfied with the superb quality but found I needed more reach without using the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. Having to change converters in the field, with weather and huimidity being what it is here in south Florida, concerned me. With the bare lens I can achieve the same result as I did without fumbling to attach the converters on the fly. Just a note: Some may disagree, but I saw now discernable I.Q. degradation from the 1.4x converter when attached to the 500mm. I use the 800mm with a Canon 50D and Canon 5d MarkII with wonderful results. The drop-in 52mm Circular polarizing filter[accessory] gives gorgeous color contrast and saturation during cloudless sunny daytime use. Super fast auto-focus with two IS settings that help keep this large lens functioning in windy conditions. Another note: This lens will auto-focus fast with the aforementioned camera bodies but will not auto-focus if a 1.4x converter is attached, although the IS will function. You would need to use a 1D or 1Ds series body to have auto-focus function with the 1.4x converter and then it would only utilize the center focus point. Auto-focus will not work with "any" camera body with the 2x converter attached to this lens.... Have taken some great wildlife shots down here in the Everglades and Florida Keys and hope to get to use this amazing lens in other locales soon
Had the Canon 500mm f 4.0 super telephoto and was very satisfied with the superb quality but found I needed more reach without using the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. Having to change converters in the field, with weather and huimidity being what it is here in south Florida, concerned me. With the bare lens I can achieve the same result as I did with the 500mm without fumbling to attach the converters on the fly. Just a note: Some may disagree, but I saw now discernable I.Q. degradation from the 1.4x converter when attached to the 500mm. With the 2x there was a slight softness at long range. I use the 800mm with a Canon 50D and Canon 5d MarkII with wonderful results. The drop-in 52mm circular polarizing filter[accessory] provides gorgeous color contrast and saturation during cloudless sunny daytime use. Super fast auto-focus with two IS settings that help keep this large lens functioning in windy conditions. Another note: This lens will auto-focus fast with the aforementioned camera bodies but will not auto-focus if a 1.4x converter is attached, although the IS will function. You would need to use a 1D or 1Ds series body to have auto-focus function with the 1.4x converter and then it would only utilize the center focus point. Auto-focus will not work with "any" camera body with the 2x converter attached to this lens.... Have taken some great wildlife shots down here in the Everglades and Florida Keys and hope to get to use this amazing lens in other locales soon
Had the Canon 500mm f 4.0 super telephoto and was very satisfied with the superb quality but found I needed more reach without using the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. Having to change converters in the field, with weather and huimidity being what it is here in south Florida, concerned me. With the bare lens I can achieve the same result as I did with the 500mm without fumbling to attach the converters on the fly. Just a note: Some may disagree, but I saw no discernable I.Q. degradation from the 1.4x converter when attached to the 500mm. With the 2x there was a slight softness at long range. I use the 800mm with a Canon 50D and Canon 5d MarkII with wonderful results. The drop-in 52mm circular polarizing filter[accessory] provides gorgeous color contrast and saturation during cloudless sunny daytime use. Super fast auto-focus with two IS settings that help keep this large lens functioning in windy conditions. Another note: This lens will auto-focus fast with the aforementioned camera bodies but will not auto-focus if a 1.4x converter is attached, although the IS will function. You would need to use a 1D or 1Ds series body to have auto-focus function with the 1.4x converter and then it would only utilize the center focus point. Auto-focus will not work with "any" camera body with the 2x converter attached to this lens.... Have taken some great wildlife shots down here in the Everglades and Florida Keys and hope to get to use this amazing lens in other locales soon
Had the Canon 500mm f 4.0 super telephoto and was very satisfied with the superb quality but found I needed more reach without using the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. Having to change converters in the field, with weather and huimidity being what it is here in south Florida concerned me. With the bare lens I can achieve the same result as I did with the 500mm without fumbling to attach the converters on the fly. Just a note: Some may disagree, but I saw no discernable I.Q. degradation from the 1.4x converter when attached to the 500mm. With the 2x there was a slight softness at long range. I use the 800mm with a Canon 50D and Canon 5d MarkII with wonderful results. The drop-in 52mm circular polarizing filter[accessory] provides gorgeous color contrast and saturation during cloudless sunny daytime use. Super fast auto-focus with two IS settings that help keep this large lens functioning in windy conditions. Another note: This lens will auto-focus fast with the aforementioned camera bodies but will not auto-focus if a 1.4x converter is attached, although the IS will function. You would need to use a 1D or 1Ds series body to have auto-focus function with the 1.4x converter and then it would only utilize the center focus point. Auto-focus will not work with "any" camera body with the 2x converter attached to this lens.... Have taken some great wildlife shots down here in the Everglades and Florida Keys and hope to get to use this amazing lens in other locales soon
Eight Hundred Millimeter Monster, Sunday, 01 June 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
THis lens costs eleven thousand dollars. What else do you need to know? I'm sure you can slap some tires on it and drive it to Fresno, if you are inspired to do so.
