Canon RF 800mm F/11 IS STM Review: Is It Worth It?

by Alex Braham 51 views

So, you're eyeing the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens, huh? You're probably wondering if this super-telephoto lens is the real deal or just another piece of kit that'll collect dust. Well, you've come to the right place! We're diving deep into this lens, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it's a worthy addition to your camera bag. This lens has generated quite a buzz in the photography community, and for good reason. It brings super-telephoto reach to a more accessible price point, but like any piece of gear, it comes with its own set of trade-offs. We will explore the image quality, build, and features to help you make an informed decision. So buckle up, photography enthusiasts, and let's get started!

Overview of the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

The Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is a unique lens in Canon's RF lineup, primarily because of its fixed f/11 aperture and relatively affordable price tag for such a long focal length. Traditionally, super-telephoto lenses are incredibly expensive, putting them out of reach for many amateur and enthusiast photographers. This lens aims to break that barrier, offering an 800mm reach in a package that's both lighter and less costly than its professional counterparts. The use of a Diffractive Optics (DO) element helps to reduce the size and weight of the lens, making it more portable and easier to handle. This is a huge plus for wildlife and bird photographers who often find themselves hiking long distances to get the perfect shot. The built-in image stabilization (IS) is another crucial feature, providing up to 4 stops of shake correction, which is essential when shooting handheld at such extreme focal lengths. The STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system ensures smooth and quiet focusing, which is particularly beneficial for video recording and capturing skittish wildlife. However, the fixed f/11 aperture does mean you'll need plenty of light to work with, and it might not be the best choice for low-light situations. Despite its limitations, the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM offers an impressive combination of reach, portability, and affordability, making it an attractive option for photographers looking to explore the world of super-telephoto photography without breaking the bank.

Key Features and Specifications

When it comes to the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM, a closer look at its key features and specifications reveals why this lens is such a standout. First off, the 800mm focal length is the star of the show. It allows you to capture distant subjects with incredible detail, making it perfect for wildlife, sports, and even some types of astrophotography. The fixed f/11 aperture is a notable characteristic. While it limits your flexibility in controlling depth of field and low-light performance, it's a key factor in keeping the lens compact and affordable. The Diffractive Optics (DO) element is another important feature. This technology helps to reduce chromatic aberration and overall lens size, resulting in sharper images and a more manageable form factor. The Image Stabilization (IS) system provides up to 4 stops of shake correction, which is a lifesaver when shooting handheld at 800mm. It allows you to capture sharper images in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system ensures smooth, quiet, and accurate focusing. This is particularly important for video recording and capturing wildlife, where noise can be a major issue. The lens also features a retractable design, making it more compact for storage and transportation. It weighs in at just 1.26 kg (2.78 lbs), which is remarkably light for an 800mm lens. The minimum focusing distance is 6 meters (19.7 feet), which is decent for a lens of this type. Overall, the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is a well-engineered lens that offers a unique combination of features and performance. It's not without its limitations, but it provides exceptional value for photographers who need extreme reach without the extreme price tag.

Image Quality: Sharpness, Aberrations, and Bokeh

Let's talk about image quality because, at the end of the day, that's what really matters, right? The Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM delivers surprisingly good sharpness, especially considering its affordable price and fixed aperture. In the center of the frame, images are crisp and detailed, allowing you to capture fine textures and details on your subjects. However, sharpness does tend to drop off slightly towards the edges, which is common in many lenses. Chromatic aberration, or color fringing, is generally well-controlled thanks to the Diffractive Optics (DO) element. You might notice some slight purple fringing in high-contrast areas, but it's usually minimal and easily corrected in post-processing. The fixed f/11 aperture means you're not going to get super shallow depth of field or creamy bokeh. However, you can still achieve some subject isolation, especially when shooting at longer distances. The bokeh is generally smooth and pleasing, although it can be a bit busy in certain situations. Overall, the image quality of the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is impressive for what it is. It's not going to compete with Canon's top-of-the-line super-telephoto lenses, but it delivers sharp, detailed images with minimal aberrations. For enthusiast photographers who want to dip their toes into the world of super-telephoto photography without breaking the bank, this lens is a solid performer.

Autofocus Performance

Alright, let's dive into the autofocus performance of the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM. This lens utilizes a stepping motor (STM) system, which is known for its smooth and quiet operation. In good lighting conditions, the autofocus is generally quick and accurate. It locks onto subjects reliably, making it suitable for capturing wildlife and other moving subjects. However, the autofocus performance can struggle in low-light situations due to the fixed f/11 aperture. The smaller aperture limits the amount of light reaching the sensor, which can make it more difficult for the autofocus system to find and lock onto subjects. In these situations, you may need to rely on manual focusing or use a focusing assist light. The STM motor is also very quiet, which is a huge plus for wildlife photography and video recording. You won't have to worry about the autofocus motor making noise that could scare away your subjects or ruin your audio. Overall, the autofocus performance of the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is decent for its price point. It's not the fastest or most accurate autofocus system on the market, but it's certainly capable of capturing sharp images in most situations. Just be aware of its limitations in low light and be prepared to adjust your shooting technique accordingly. For photographers who primarily shoot in good lighting conditions, the autofocus performance should be more than adequate.

Build Quality and Handling

Now, let's talk about how the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM feels in your hands and how it's built. For a super-telephoto lens, it's surprisingly lightweight and compact, thanks to its Diffractive Optics (DO) element and fixed aperture design. This makes it much easier to carry around and handle than traditional 800mm lenses. The lens barrel is made of high-quality plastic, which helps to keep the weight down. While it doesn't feel as robust as Canon's professional-grade lenses, it still feels solid and well-built. The retractable design is a clever feature that further reduces the lens's size when not in use. This makes it easier to store and transport, especially when you're traveling or hiking. The lens features a large, easy-to-grip focusing ring that allows for precise manual focusing. It also has a focus limiter switch, which can help to speed up autofocus performance by restricting the focus range. The built-in image stabilization (IS) system is a huge plus, providing up to 4 stops of shake correction. This is essential when shooting handheld at 800mm, as even the slightest movement can result in blurry images. Overall, the build quality and handling of the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM are excellent for its price point. It's lightweight, compact, and easy to handle, making it a great choice for photographers who need a portable super-telephoto lens. While it may not be as rugged as Canon's professional lenses, it's still well-built and should provide years of reliable performance.

Pros and Cons

To sum it all up, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM:

Pros:

  • Incredible Reach: The 800mm focal length allows you to capture distant subjects with stunning detail.
  • Affordable Price: It's one of the most affordable super-telephoto lenses on the market.
  • Lightweight and Compact: Easy to carry and handle, especially compared to other 800mm lenses.
  • Image Stabilization: Provides up to 4 stops of shake correction for sharper images.
  • Quiet Autofocus: STM motor ensures smooth and silent focusing.

Cons:

  • Fixed Aperture: The f/11 aperture limits low-light performance and depth of field control.
  • Slower Autofocus in Low Light: Autofocus performance can struggle in dimly lit environments.
  • Image Quality: Sharpness drops off slightly towards the edges of the frame.

Alternatives to the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Okay, so the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is pretty cool, but let's be real, it's not the only option out there. If you're not totally sold on this lens, or if its limitations are deal-breakers for you, here are a few alternatives you might want to consider:

  • Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM: This is the 800mm's little brother. It offers similar benefits like affordability and portability but with a slightly shorter focal length. It's a great option if you don't need quite as much reach.
  • Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM: This is a more versatile option, thanks to its zoom range. It's also a higher-end lens with better image quality and faster autofocus, but it comes at a significantly higher price.
  • Adapting EF Lenses: You could also consider adapting Canon EF lenses like the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM or the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM using an EF-RF adapter. This can give you access to a wider range of focal lengths and features, but it might add some bulk to your setup.

Final Verdict: Who is This Lens For?

So, after all that, who is the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM really for? Well, it's perfect for enthusiast photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and bird watchers who want to explore the world of super-telephoto photography without emptying their bank accounts. It's also a great option for photographers who need a lightweight and portable super-telephoto lens for travel or hiking. If you primarily shoot in good lighting conditions and don't need super-fast autofocus or shallow depth of field, this lens can be a fantastic addition to your kit. However, if you frequently shoot in low light or need the best possible image quality, you might want to consider other options. Ultimately, the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is a unique and compelling lens that offers an impressive combination of reach, portability, and affordability. It's not perfect, but it's a great value for photographers who know its limitations and can work within them. So, if you're ready to take your photography to the next level and capture stunning images of distant subjects, this lens might just be the perfect fit for you.