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Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM Lens

BH #CA12008LRF • MFR #5056C002
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Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM Lens
Key Features
  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/8 to f/64
  • Fluorite, Super UD, and UD Elements
  • Air Sphere and Super Spectra Coatings
Unparalleled length with a distinctly compact and lightweight design, the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM is a super-telephoto prime offering a premium mixture of optics quality, intuitive handling, and professional-grade durability. As one of the longest focal lengths available, this lens excels in wildlife and sports applications, offering uniquely close-up views of distant subjects. Combined with responsive AF, apt image stabilization, and a surprisingly lightweight design, the 1200mm f/8 is a specialized lens with a versatile feature-set.
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$21,999.00

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Canon RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM Overview

Colossal Focal Length, Lightweight Design
Unparalleled length with a distinctly compact and lightweight design, the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM is a super-telephoto prime offering a premium mixture of optics quality, intuitive handling, and professional-grade durability. As one of the longest focal lengths available, this lens excels in wildlife and sports applications, offering uniquely close-up views of distant subjects. Combined with responsive AF, apt image stabilization, and a surprisingly lightweight design, the 1200mm f/8 is a specialized lens with a versatile feature-set.
L Series Optics
  • Featuring an optical design based on past EF and RF super-telephoto lenses, this lens features top-range optics designed for the most demanding shooting applications.
  • Two fluorite, one Super Ultra Low-Dispersion (UD), and one UD element virtually eliminate chromatic aberrations for outstanding clarity and color accuracy, void of chromatic aberrations or fringing.
  • Advanced optical design also contributes to the sleeker, more portable form factor of this RF-mount, mirrorless lens.
  • Both Air Sphere and Super Spectra Coatings improve image quality by maintaining high contrast and color accuracy while reducing lens flare and ghosting when working in strong lighting conditions.
  • Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a smooth bokeh quality.
USM Autofocus and Image Stabilization
  • Ultrasonic Motor delivers fast, accurate, and near silent autofocus performance to benefit both photo and video applications.
  • Impressively close 14.1' minimum focusing distance, and a maximum magnification of 0.29x, suit working with nearby subjects, such as close-range wildlife, birds, and athletes.
  • Variable speed manual focusing offers three options for greater focusing control and full-time manual focus support permits making focus adjustments without switching modes.
  • Two focus presets can be stored for immediate recall to a specified focus distance.
  • Focus range limiter improves responsiveness by constraining the usable focusing range.
  • Benefitting handheld and monopod-based shooting, Optical Image Stabilization compensates for 4 stops of camera shake for sharper imagery. Due to the long focal length, in-body image stabilization, or Coordinated IS, from EOS R-series bodies is not supported with with this lens.
Intuitive Handling and Professional Reliability
  • Relatively lightweight and compact, this 1200mm f/8 lens weighs 7.4 lb and measures 21.1"-long, making it realistic to use atop a monopod or even handheld for short periods of time.
  • Built-in rotating tripod mount suits working with the lens atop a monopod or tripod and enables quick switching between vertical and horizontal shooting orientations.
  • Weather-sealed design for reliable use in inclement conditions.
  • Fluorine coating on the front element helps repel moisture, dust, and fingerprints and is also easier to clean.
  • Distinctive heat-resistant white paint finish.
  • Accepts drop-in style 52mm filters toward the rear of the lens.
  • Compatible with optional Extender RF 1.4x and 2x teleconverters for further extending the effective reach of this lens.
UPC: 013803340167

Canon RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM Specs

Color
Black / White
Focal Length
1200mm
Aperture
Maximum: f/8
Minimum: f/64
Lens Mount
Canon RF
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
2° 5'
Minimum Focus Distance
14.1' / 4.3 m
Magnification
1:3.45 Macro Reproduction Ratio
0.29x Magnification
Optical Design
26 Elements in 18 Groups
Aperture/Iris Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Tripod Mounting
Fixed and Rotating Collar
Filter Size
52 mm (Drop-In)
Dimensions
ø: 6.6 x L: 21.1" / ø: 168 x L: 537 mm
Weight
7.3 lb / 3340 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
17.615 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
30.1 x 16.4 x 16"

Canon RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM Reviews

Exceptional quality

By Ramesh
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-06-01

Beautiful lens with superb image quality

Absolutely amazing

By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-10

I had more than a few reservations about ordering this. My biggest concern was whether it really could be hand-held. Several videos implied that it could be, but I still wasn't sure. Even Canon hedged (understandably) by suggesting it probably could be hand-held, albeit not for extended periods of time. Well, I got this yesterday and, even though I don't have very strong arms, I was able to hand-hold this without too much effort. OK, the build, quality, features, etc. are everything (and then some) I expected from Canon. Naturally, the images it produces are great as well. OK, it's length (and cost) certainly are such that it's not something everybody will need (OK, I really don't need it either). But if you're wondering if it really can be used without lugging a tripod along, you can relax -- it's weight and balance are such that it really is a joy using it, and I expect I'll like it even more as time goes on.

See any errors on this page?

There have been several reports of Canon not ...

There have been several reports of Canon not properly building both the new 1200mm and 800mm lenses by just adding the equivalent of an internal lens extender. Does anyone know anything about these claims? I have noticed that the 800m appears to have been pulled off the market. Any info will be appreciated. Thanks
Asked by: Frank
The Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM Lens and the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens from the reports we have seen do give the lenses praise in optical quality. They are not the best for low light shooting but are very good.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2024-03-18

Does it come with a hood?

Does it come with a hood?
Asked by: David
For $20,000 dollars it should come with a car.
Answered by: Paul
Date published: 2024-03-28
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