Canon EF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Review
General information
This is a prime lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2008.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto prime lenses, a telephoto lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Product description from Canon
At launch 2008 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM:
"Incorporating such special optical materials as fluorite and UD (ultra low-dispersion) glass, the new Canon single-focal-length lense effectively correct the chromatic aberrations that can occur in telephoto lenses while realizing high-resolution, high-contrast shooting performance. The super-telephoto EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM effectively meets the demands of users working in such fields as sports, news, and nature photography. Canon L-series lenses are equipped with four AF stop buttons positioned around the front of the lens, enabling photographers to temporarily turn off autofocus to prevent other elements from interfering with focusing, and a circular aperture diaphragm that achieves natural background-blur performance.
This is the longest telephoto lens among Canonīs lineup, and a terrific choice for any long-distance application-outdoor sports, wildlife, news photojournalism, and so on. Itīs actually lighter than Canonīs 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. Itīs 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, itīs image stabilized, providing up to 4 stops of correction for camera shake. This makes it even more practical in many situations."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 800 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/5,6.
This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.
Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.
Filter and Lens Hood
If you want to use filters on this lens the slot-in filters (52 mm) would be the ones to use, which is very common at these larger telephoto lenses.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "ET-155".
Tripod Mount
This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.
Images of Canon EF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- Has a built-in image stabilizer
- Long focal length with its 800 mm
- Works on all sensor types
- A lens hood is included
- A tripod mount is included
- The lens is sealed against dust and moisture
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- Heavy (4500 gr)
- The price (more info)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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