CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
      • Samsung Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
    • Cameras by Lens Mount
      • Sony E Mount Cameras
      • Canon RF Mount Cameras
      • Nikon Z Mount Cameras
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cameras
      • Leica L Mount Cameras
      • Nikon F Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF M Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF S Mount Cameras
      • Pentax KAF Mount Cameras
      • Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm G Mount Cameras
      • Sigma SA Mount Cameras
      • Nikon 1 Mount Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
    • Cinema Lenses
      • Sony E Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Cine Lenses
      • ARRI PL Mount Cine Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cine Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cine Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Cine Lenses
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM Review

Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM

Main Features

  • 800mm Focal Range
  • F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 4500g.
  • Diameter: 163mm
  • Length: 461mm
  • Min Focus Distance:6m
  • Max Magnification:0.14x
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Compare To
x
Add a Camera for comparison

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM Overview

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF) Super Telephoto Prime lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with Canon EF mount cameras.

What type of photography is the Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeExcellent
SportsExcellent
PortraitPoor
TravelPoor
StreetPoor
WeddingPoor
Walk AroundPoor
VloggingPoor
LandscapePoor
MacroPoor

Lenses in Canon EF Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
Compare
35mm FF 4900gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM is a member of Canon's EF L series of lenses. Below you can see the latest lenses in this series.

EF L Series Lenses in Canon EF Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 2840gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 3050gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 1440gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 780gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon TS-E 90mm F2.8L Macro Lens Canon TS-E 90mm F2.8L Macro
Compare
35mm FF 915gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 950gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM Lens Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM
Compare
35mm FF 790gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 24-105mm F4L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 24-105mm F4L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 795gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Reasons to Buy Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM Lens

Here, we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Optical Image Stabilization
Weather Sealed
Autofocus
Distance Scale
DoF(Depth of Field) Scale
Compatible with Canon Teleconverters
Tripod Collar
Full-time Manual Focusing
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
8 Diaphragm Blades
800mm reach great for Wildlife Photography
Report a correction

Buy Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Slow Aperture for a Prime Lens
Heavy
Pricey

Lens Mount

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM is compatible with cameras that have Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM has a maximum diameter of 163mm and total length of 461mm. It weighs 4500g / 158.7 oz.

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM has a filter thread of 52mm.

Focal Range

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM has a fixed focal length of 800mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 1280mm.

Teleconverter Compatibility

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM is compatible with the Teleconverter lenses below:

  • Canon Extender EF 2X III for EF-Mount
  • Canon Extender EF 1.4X III for EF-Mount


Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM Focal Range and Aperture Change with Teleconverter
Model Coverage with TC Aperture with TC Street Price
Canon Extender EF 2X III Lens Canon Extender EF 2X III 1600 - 1600mm F11.2 Amazon B&H Photo
Canon Extender EF 1.4X III Lens Canon Extender EF 1.4X III 1120 - 1120mm F7.84 Amazon B&H Photo

Weather Sealings

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM is a weather sealed lens which provides an extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have an effective protection, you have to pair the Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM with a weather sealed camera body such as Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.

Optical Image Stabilization

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting.

Tripod Collar

With a total length of 461mm and a weight of 4500g, the Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.14x and has a minimum focusing distance of 6m. 0.14x means that the max magnification ratio is very low and not suitable even for modest close-up shots.

Aperture

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM has a max aperture of F5.6 and a minimum aperture of F32.0.

Optical Formula

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM's optical formula consists of 18 elements in 14 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • Super Spectra lens coatings
  • Aspherical elements to correct spherical aberrations
  • refracting Fluorite
  • UDSuper UD (ultra-low dispersion) elements

Lens Hood

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM doesn't come with a lens hood but there is an optional lens hood with a part code of ET-155 that you can order separately.

Body Colour

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM is available in White color.

Popular Comparisons of Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
Compare
35mm FF 4900gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
Compare
35mm FF 5880gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm f4.0L IS USM Lens Canon EF 600mm f4.0L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 5360gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 2840gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
Compare
35mm FF 5880gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Lens Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 3340gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm f4.0L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 600mm f4.0L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 3920gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM
Compare
35mm FF 1260gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Related Blog Posts

Cinema Lenses Added to Our Database
More Details about the Upcoming OM System 90mm f3.5 2X Macro Lens 
Canon EOS R8 Rumored Specifications
Daily Deals: DJI Osmo Pocket, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023 and more
Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE Lens is in Stock
OM System Teaser Hints an Exciting Announcement on February 8th
Readers Vote: Which is the Best Flagship Camera?
Nikon Z50 Firmware brings Eye-detection AF during Video and more


**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM Alternatives in Canon EF Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
Compare
35mm FF 4900gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Canon
Lens Type Prime
Lens Type Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF
Focal Range 800mm
Image Stabilization Yes
Colour White
Zoom Method No Zoom
Power Zoom No Zoom
Zoom Lock No Zoom
Zoom Ratio 1.0X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F5.6
Min Aperture F32.0
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 8
Optics
Optical Elements 18
Optical Groups 14
Special Elements Super Spectra lens coatings 4 types of special optical elements: aspherical elements to correct spherical aberrations, and refracting Fluorite, UD and Super UD (ultra-low dispersion) elements

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 6m
Max Magnification 0.14X
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal
Distance Scale Yes
DoF Scale Yes
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 4500g
Diameter 163mm
Length 461mm
Materials Magnesium alloy barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing Yes
Filter Thread 52mm
Filter Notes Drop-in
Hood Code ET-155
Tripod Collar Yes
Optional Accessories Lens Case 800
Report a Correction
Frequently Asked Questions about Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM
is the Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM a Weather Sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM
is the Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM
Does Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM have Image Stabilization?
Does Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM have Aperture Ring?
What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM
FOLLOW US


Latest Canon EF Lenses
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S
Canon EF | F5-6.3 Telephoto Zoom
Samyang 135mm F2.0 ED UMC
Samyang 135mm F2.0 ED UMC
Canon EF | F2 Telephoto Prime
Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro
Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro
Canon EF | F2.8 Telephoto Macro
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
Canon EF | F1.4 Standard Prime
Zeiss Otus 28mm F1.4
Zeiss Otus 28mm F1.4
Canon EF | F1.4 Wideangle Prime
Irix 11mm F4
Irix 11mm F4
Canon EF | F4 Wideangle Prime
Samyang XP 35mm F1.2
Samyang XP 35mm F1.2
Canon EF | F1.2 Standard Prime
Zeiss Otus 100mm F1.4
Zeiss Otus 100mm F1.4
Canon EF | F1.4 Telephoto Prime
Irix 45mm F1.4
Irix 45mm F1.4
Canon EF | F1.4 Standard Prime
Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2
Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2
Canon EF | F1.4 Telephoto Prime
Most Popular Lenses
Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III
Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III
75-300mm | F4.0 - F5.6 Telephoto Zoom
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
24-105mm | F4 Standard Zoom
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G
70-300mm | F4.0 - F5.6 Telephoto Zoom
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
18-55mm | F2.8 - F4.0 Standard Zoom
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
16-55mm | F2.8 Standard Zoom
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM
24-70mm | F2.8 Standard Zoom
Fujifilm XF 18-120mm F4 LM PZ WR
Fujifilm XF 18-120mm F4 LM PZ WR
18-120mm | F4 Standard Zoom
Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR
Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR
16-80mm | F4 Standard Zoom
Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R
Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R
35mm | F1.4 Standard Prime
Canon EF 35-350mm f3.5-5.6L USM
Canon EF 35-350mm f3.5-5.6L USM
35-350mm | F3.5 - F5.6 SuperZoom
Latest Compatible Cameras
Canon 1D X III
Canon 1D X III
20 MP | Full frame CMOS | Canon EF Mount
Canon 6D MII
Canon 6D MII
26 MP | Full frame CMOS | Canon EF Mount
Canon 5D MIV
Canon 5D MIV
30 MP | Full frame CMOS | Canon EF Mount
Canon 1D X II
Canon 1D X II
20 MP | Full frame CMOS | Canon EF Mount
Canon 5DS
Canon 5DS
51 MP | Full frame CMOS | Canon EF Mount
Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision

Report a Correction