Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens

  • Price: $13,899.00
  • GBP 8,785.56
  • B&H # CA80056LISEF
  • Mfr# 2746B002

Product Highlights

  • Super Telephoto
  • Image Stabilizer
  • Magnesium Alloy Construction

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The Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens is currently Canon's longest telephoto lens, and an excellent choice for any long-distance application, e.g. outdoor sports, wildlife, news photojournalism, and so on. Even though it has a long 800mm focal length, the magnesium alloy used in the construction for this lens makes it lighter then the 600mm f/4L lens, weighing in at less than 10 lbs (4.5kg).

This lens shares the same lightweight, weather-resistant construction as the rest of the IS Super Telephoto lenses, as well as their improved control layout, improved weight distribution, and mechanical manual focus. Its IS Image Stabilizer mechanism allows the use of shutter speeds up to 4 times slower with no perceptible increase in image blur.

For optimum visual performance, the lens incorporates four types of special optical elements: aspherical elements to correct spherical aberrations, and refracting Fluorite, UD and Super UD (ultra-low dispersion) elements to eliminate secondary chromatic aberrations.

Super Spectra coatings ensure accurate color balance and high contrast.
Magnesium alloy construction keeps its weight comparable to shorter telephoto lenses.
Full-time manual focus override
AF Stop function shuts off autofocus when obstruction appears
Two-stage image stabilization; dual-axis camera shake correction or vertical axis only (for panning)
Focus preset function allows for returning to a specifically set focus by turning a ring in front of the focus ring
Circular aperture produces attractive background defocus
Performance
Focal Length 800 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/5.6
Minimum: f/32
Camera Mount Type Canon EF
Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Canon (APS-C)
Angle of View 3.5°
Minimum Focus Distance 19.7' (6 m)
Magnification 0.14x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:7.14
Groups/Elements 14/18
Diaphragm Blades 8
Features
Image Stabilization Yes
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar Yes
Physical
Filter Thread 52 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 6.4 x 18.1" (16.26 x 45.97 cm)
Weight 9.9 lb (4.49 kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens
 
4.9

(based on 30 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (28)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (26)
  • Strong construction (16)
  • Consistent output (11)
  • Rugged (11)
  • Durable (9)

Cons

  • Heavy (11)

Best Uses

  • Wildlife photos (17)
  • Sports/action (11)
  • Wildlife (7)
  • Landscape/scenery (4)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Semi-pro photographer (11), Enthusiast (5), Photo enthusiast (5), Pro photographer (4)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (18)

Reviewed by 30 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Great Lens Worth the Weight

By GVGeorge

from Southern AZ

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Image quality
  • Nice Bokeh
  • Rugged
  • Strong Construction

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Birds
  • Sports/Action
  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

This lens is heavy, large and well, repeat WELL, worth carrying around. Autofocus is quick. Quality is excellent. Some have commented that long lenses are like looking through a drinking straw. I don't find the narrow field of view that extreme but still need practice in quick and accurate aim.

I do wish the 800 would autofocus with a 1.4 extender but that does offer some practice in long-neglected manual focus skills.

The Kata TLB-800 PL Lens Backpack has already proven itself excellent in getting the lens and camera to the scene of the action.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

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5.0

Simply amazing piece of glass!

By Pauls Photo Safaris

from Jackson, Wyoming

About Me Pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Sharpness
  • Strong Construction

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

I use this lens for wildlife exclusivly. The sharpness of this lens still surprises me. It may only be f5.6, but with my 1DMkIV I can shoot in very low light and get amazing results. In fact I see more detail in the images when I download them than I see when I'm shooting.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

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5.0

If you can afford it

By GerryP

from Hamburg, NY

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Durable
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Nice Bokeh
  • Rugged
  • Strong Construction

Cons

  • NONE

Best Uses

  • Sports/Action
  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

JUST AWESOME!!!!!!! This lens will get you as close as you want. Very sharp, clear and heavy.You can hand hold it for 2 maybe 3 shots and thats it.[...] I've had the lens for 2 weeks and plan to go out bird watching at the local santuary. I wish Canon would include the 52mm drop in screw filter holder in the purchase. Now with the current situation in Japan because of the devistation this piece is on national back order with no indication of when production will start up.

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  • No

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5.0

Surprisingly light

By HarryG

from Detroit, MI

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Reviewer

Pros

  • Durable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Lightweight
  • Rugged

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Sports/Action
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

    Bought for wildlife photography. Mounts easily on my monopod or gimbel. Tack sharp, fast focusing. Also using it to produce Giga-pan like panoramas.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    This is the cats "MEOW"

    By Don the sharpshooter

    from Savannah GA

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Durable
    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Nice Bokeh
    • Rugged
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

      Use for wildlife shooting.

      This lens "gets you out there".. Then you have the 1.4 and 2.0 extender for the next State !!!

      I have the 500mm too and been using both. They are truly a joy to handle. I am 75 and "NO" I can't hand hold ..but sure can mount them fast on a tripod.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

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      (10 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Incredibly Sharp Lens

      By Ken

      from CA

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

            We use the lens mainly for bird photography. We are still learning how to use this lens. The issue we have is how to take tack sharp images at a higher rate. Huge magnification comes with this lens, but a cost of easy vibration. Any tiny vibration from the camera, the tripod and your hands would be magnified enormously. Thus blurry image results. You would think the image is sharp, but not until you blow it up 100% on your screen to find out it is not tack sharp.

            If the image is blurry, it is operator's error. When the image is tack sharp, the detail is just out of this world. I shoot raw and there is no in-camera adjustments for color, sharpness, and so forth. In its raw format, the image is incredibly sharp, extremely detailed, and its color rich and vibrant.

            What can I say? One of the excellent super telephoto lens that Canon has ever made so far. I even go so far as to say it is the sharpest super telephone lens that Canon makes.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

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            (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Simply the best

            By twilly

            from Houston, Tx

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Reviewer

            Pros

            • Durable
            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
            • Sharp
            • Strong Construction

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Wildlife Photos

              Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

              super fast, super sharp and so much lighter than the 600 I also own.

              As a bird photographer this lens paired with a Canon 1D Mk IV is simply as good as it gets. Sure its expensive but you super telephoto lens ever made period

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

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              (4 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              wow, a fantastic lens

              By Stuart

              from Gainesville, florida

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Nice Bokeh
              • Rugged

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Sports/Action
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                I use this lens for wildlife especially birds. Week one I captured tack sharp images of an osprey catching a bird and carrying it off in flight. Beats a 600mm with extender any day.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

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                4.0

                Awsome

                By Joe

                from Denver, CO

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                Cons

                • Difficult to steady
                • Heavy
                • Intimidating

                Best Uses

                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                Far exceeds my expectations. Largest lens I have ever owned. I have been a little apprehensive about getting it out of its case in public. Huge lens - gets lots of comments from strangers. Fast focus, easy to get used to. Once you get used to the 19 feet focus minimum, it is absolutely a pleasure to use. Like the 1.4x and 2x extender capabilities.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

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                (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Great lens for the wildlife photographer

                By Rich P.

                from Mukwonago, WI

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Durable
                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Fast autofocus
                • Rugged
                • Strong Construction
                • Super sharp focus

                Cons

                • Price

                Best Uses

                • Nature Photography
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                Almost weighs as much as my 500. Super sharp and fast focus. Very quiet image stabilization. Highly recommended if you need that extra reach.

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                (6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Hunka , Hunka amazing glass!

                By bodoc

                from Lillington, NC

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Pros

                • Durable
                • Rugged
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Sports/Action
                  • Wildlife Photos

                  Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                  I am an advanced amateur using this lens primarily for bird photography. I will also use it for general wildlife and occasional sports photography. Coupled with my Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III body I can capture images of birds that I previously only could dream about. Incredible image sharpness astounds me. I have just recently received the new 1.4xTC III and 2xTC III and can't wait to try those with the 800/5.6. While many reviewers have mentioned the weight as an issue I don't have any complaints when I use my gimbal head and a sturdy carbon fiber tripod. That being said, I do notice a little shoulder fatigue if I carry the rig around for very long treks. Otherwise, the images that I can create with the "pulling power" of the 800mm focal length more than soothe the minor discomfort. If you are really into birding I strongly recommend this lens and the new third generation teleconverters. It's almost like having your own little Hubble telescope.

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                  • No

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                  (3 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Great lens if you can afford it....!

                  By epishock

                  from St. Louis

                  About Me Pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                    Cons

                    • Heavy

                    Best Uses

                    • Wildlife Photos

                    Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                    There is no doubt that sometimes you just need the reach.....and this expensive lens does it....

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

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                    (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    incredible lens

                    By cw

                    from nyc

                    About Me Pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                    Cons

                    • Poor in Low Light

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                      I use this long lens for photojournalism. In good lighting with one or two subjects in frame this lens produces outstanding images. It's weight and size are more like a 500mm, I do not hand hold the lens but will use it with a monopod and not just a tripod. Very fast IS also.. more so then canon's other super telephoto's.
                      I can't say much bad about this lens other then I get nervous traveling with it because of it's value, but I never leave it home when I go on assignment..When everyone else is shooting with a 600mm the images shot at a distance are just a bit more crisp with the 800.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

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                      (2 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Great lens

                      By farmer Joe

                      from Australia

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Good autoficus
                      • IS works well
                      • Strong Construction
                      • Ultra sharp

                      Cons

                      • Expensive
                      • Heavy

                      Best Uses

                      • Wildlife Photos

                      Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                      I have the Canon ef300 f2.8L and even with a 2x teleconverter wanted longer reach for bird photography. Was going to sell the 300 but have decided to keep it for the time being.
                      I have only shot a few test photos with the 800 so far but it blows my mind how I can hand hold and still get sharp images at long distance even with the 1.4x teleconverter.
                      I can't wait to get out into the field.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

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                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      All it is supposed to be

                      By Trailgoer

                      from Billings, MT

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                            Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                            I sold my 600 to move to the 800 before an African safari and I am very happy that I did. Great lens. I used it with my Canon 1D Mark IV and it is combo that works wonderfully for wildlife!

                            The 5.6 aperture was not such a loss since I can use higher ISOs with the Mark IV

                            It is sharp and focusing is very fast though I have only used it with the one body.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

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                            (4 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            5.0

                            This is the best!

                            By Hey Joe

                            from Portland, Oregon

                            About Me Pro Photographer

                            Pros

                            • Consistent Output
                            • Durable
                            • Easily Interchangeable
                            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                            • Nice Bokeh
                            • Rugged
                            • Strong Construction

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Landscape/Scenery
                              • Sports/Action
                              • Wildlife Photos

                              Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                              Ok, The best, yep I shot this lens and must say it is.

                              Long and sharp, I only shoot it at 5.6. Birds, bikes, cars only

                              with this lens. Opens up all new worlds and images to sell.

                              Can't rent it, shoot with it for 5 years and then sell it for 15% lost,

                              unreal for any lens! Go long!

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

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                              (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Ultra sharp/Excellent for wildlife photo

                              By Hoshi

                              from Saitama, Japan

                              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                              • Ultra sharp

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Bird Photo
                                • Wildlife Photos

                                Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                                I think this lends is the best lems for wildlife, especially for birds. Ultra sharp quality is amazing. I think much more better than EF600mmF4IS. Because EF800mm is light weight. It is great advantage in the field.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

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                                (1 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                It is an excellent lens.

                                By otk3244

                                from Yokohama Japan

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                • Lightweight

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Sports/Action

                                  Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                                  Before I bought this lens, I used EF500mm/f4.0 and took photos of birds.
                                  Recently I take photos of a kind of Raptores, falcon, with this lens.
                                  I feel amazing sharpness of this lens: EF800mm.
                                  But I am having a hard time to catch a falcon frying at speed on the finder, so I have to improve my
                                  skill.
                                  Now, I want to buy a good camera platform, but unfortunately, it is so expensive that I cannnot get it
                                  easily.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

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                                  (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Excellent optics

                                  By cskhaw

                                  from Penang,Malaysia

                                  About Me Casual Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Consistent Output
                                  • Durable
                                  • Easily Interchangeable
                                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                  • Lightweight
                                  • Rugged
                                  • Strong Construction

                                  Cons

                                  • Poor in Low Light

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Sports/Action
                                  • Wildlife Photos

                                  Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                                  No regret in buying as i am getting sharp pictures with greater details.The only drawback is that it hunt when lighting is poor and slightly more difficult in looking for the subject as it has narrower field of view.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

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                                  (21 of 22 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Sense of Excitement

                                  By Rich

                                  from Anchorage, Alaska

                                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Great Picture Quality
                                  • Lightweight

                                  Cons

                                  • Bulky

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Travel
                                  • Wildlife Photos

                                  Comments about Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens:

                                  There are very few material things in life that evoke a true sense of new discovery, and open new doors that were once closed.

                                  This lens is one of them.

                                  Since purchasing this lens, I've experimented with winter bird photography in Anchorage where I live. The results are nothing short of stunning. I cannot wait to use this lens more extensively on the various bird and animal subjects that grace the landscape in Alaska where I am privileged to live.

                                  The combination of relatively light weight, long focal length, and excellent optics are the obvious strengths of this lens.

                                  The most obvious drawback of this lens is the high cost. Someone considering this lens who might be new to use of a supertelephoto would also need to factor in the cost of the best possible tripod and gimbal head since optimal use of this lens really requires such accessories.

                                  The f/5.6 of the lens brings with it the "baggage" that one needs to crank up the iso at times in order to get fast shutter speeds but with advanced camera bodies this is still ok. Also, when using extenders it places limits on auto exposure.

                                  Being new to use of a supertelephoto lens, It was also of note to me that quickly "finding" and focusing on your intended subject -- especially small birds -- is going to require newly honed skills.

                                  I'm already dreaming of all the great places I can go to use this lens. What a great "side effect" of making such a purchase...

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                                  This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 3-7 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.

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