Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM lens

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM lens

The return of a legend! The original EF 1200mm F5.6 was a very special lens. It was originally designed for the manual focus FD system and was used as such to film the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. After the Olympics, the lenses were returned to Japan and converted to the EF mount.

During their lifespan, it is estimated that a maximum of a few dozen of these lenses were manufactured. This was not a stock product of every village photo shop, but the lenses were manufactured one at a time only after an order was placed, and the production took 18 months! At full capacity, the factory produced a whopping two of these per year.

The rarity is reflected in the price. According to Wikipedia, a used 1200mm F5.6 lens was sold in 2021 for 500,000 euros.

What is the new Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM like?

• Weight 3.34 kg (previous model 16.5kg)
• Aperture F8 (previously F5.6)
• Closest focusing distance 4.3m (previously 14m)
• Image stabilization power 4 stops (previously no stabilization)
• Size 16.8x54cm (vs 22.8x84cm)

So by reducing the aperture, we have achieved a much more usable package than planned. It weighs 13kg less, is 30cm longer and has an image stabilizer, and in light of these numbers, the price starts to seem reasonable. Living with the aperture is now easier than with digital cameras from the beginning of the millennium - not to mention the film era.

The Canon RF 1200mm F8 is a reference-class masterpiece that is now available to more than just the world's largest media houses, photo agencies, or the ruler of a medium-sized oil state.

And yes - this also works with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, meaning 2400mm F16 is possible and autofocus works.

The Canon RF 1200mm is such an exceptional lens that it will be interesting to see what kind of photos or videos it takes. Fortunately, the weight is now so reasonable that it does not require specially made tripods like the previous version. Of course, the thermal vibrations of the atmosphere and even small changes in vibration are immediately reflected in the images. But modern cameras have an electronic 1st curtain and an electronic shutter. Yes, it is suitable for shooting in 2022!

We have a package of sample images taken with the lens in JPG format, send us an email and we will send the files to you.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Canon RF
• Focal length: 1200mm
• Aperture: f/8 (min. f/64)
• Closest focusing distance: 4.3m (0.29x magnification)
• Construction: 26 elements in 18 groups, 9 rounded diaphragm blades
• Image stabilizer 4 f-stop power
• 52mm Drop-in filter slot
• Size: 16.8 x 53.7cm
• Weight: 3,340kg

Sales package includes: RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM lens, E-185C lens cap, Dust Cap RF rear cap, ET-160 (WIII) lens hood, 52mm Drop-in Gelatin Filter holder and clear protective filter, carrying strap, Lens Soft Case LS1200 carrying case