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Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM RF Mount Review

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM

Main Features

  • 1200mm Focal Range
  • F8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization (up to 4.0 stops)
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 52mm ( Drop-in type)
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon RF Mount
  • Weight: 3,340g / 7.35 lb
  • Dimensions(øxL): 168mm x 537mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 4.3m
  • Max Magnification: 0.29x
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Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Overview


Canon RF 1200mm F8L 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 RF Mount cameras.

What type of photography is the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Canon RF 1200mm F8L 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
MacroAverage

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM is a member of Canon's RF L series of lenses. Below you can see the latest lenses in this series.

RF L Series Lenses in Canon RF Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8 L IS USM Lens Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8 L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 2590gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Lens Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM
35mm FF 3340gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM Lens Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 3140gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 14-35mm F4L IS USM Lens Canon RF 14-35mm F4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 540gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Lens Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 730gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM Lens Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 2890gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 3090gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 70-200 F4L IS USM Lens Canon RF 70-200 F4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 695gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Reasons to Buy Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Optical Image Stabilization (up to 4.0 stops)
Weather-sealed
Autofocus
Mode Switch on Lens
Focus Range Limiter
Focus Hold Button
Hood supplied
Tripod Collar
Full-time Manual Focusing
Focus Distance Limiter
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh
1200mm reach great for Wildlife Photography
Report a correction

Buy Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Slow Aperture for a Prime Lens
Heavy


Lens Mount

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM is compatible with cameras that have a Canon RF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon RF lenses are Canon R100, Canon R8 and Canon R50.

Canon R100 with Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Lens Size
Canon R100 with the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Lens
Canon R8 with Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Lens Size
Canon R8 with the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Lens
Canon R50 with Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Lens Size
Canon R50 with the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Lens

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM has a maximum diameter of 168mm and total length of 537mm. It weighs 3340g / 117.8 oz.

Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM and Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM (Canon RF mount) to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life. Check the detailed comparison of these two lenses here.

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM vs Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM and the Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM Size and Weight

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM has a Drop-in type filter holder with a filter thread of 52mm.




Focal Range

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM has a fixed focal length of 1200mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 1920mm.



Weather Sealings

https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Canon-RF-1200mm-F8L-IS-USM-sealing.jpg
Weather Sealings of the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM

The Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Canon R8, Canon R6 II and Canon R7.

Optical Image Stabilization

The Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting. Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM's stabilization system is effective up to 4.0 stops.

Tripod Collar

With a total length of 537mm and a weight of 3340g, the Canon RF 1200mm F8L 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.

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM MTF Charts

Below you can find the MTF chart of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM which would give an idea of the its contrast and resolution from the center to its edges.


https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Canon-RF-1200mm-F8L-IS-USM-mtf-chart-1.jpg
MTF Chart of the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM
https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Canon-RF-1200mm-F8L-IS-USM-mtf-chart-2.jpg
MTF Chart of the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.29x and has a minimum focusing distance of 4.3m. For a non-macro lens, the 0.29x is considered a high magnification and will come handy for close-up shots.

Below are the 3 Super Telephoto Prime type Canon RF mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM: 0.34x - (Compare)
  • Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM: 0.17x - (Compare)
  • Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM: 0.15x - (Compare)

Aperture

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM has a max aperture of F8 and a minimum aperture of F64.

Optical Formula

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM's optical formula consists of 26 elements in 18 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • 2 Fluorite
  • 1 Super UD Lenses
  • 1 UD (Ultra-low Dispersion)

Lens Hood

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos. The model number of the hood is ET-160.

https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Canon-RF-1200mm-F8L-IS-USM-hood.jpg
Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Lens Hood


What's in the Box of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM:

  • RF1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens
  • Cap E-185C
  • Lens Dust Cap
  • RF Drop-in Screw Filter Holder 52(WIII) with 52mm Protect Filter
  • Lens Hood ET-160(WIII)
  • Lens Soft Case LS1200
  • Lens Wide Strap B
  • Body Colour

    Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM is available in White color.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM

    Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Top Alternatives of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Lens
    Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM Lens Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 3,140 g / 6.91 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 3,090 g / 6.80 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 1,365 g / 3.00 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon RF 70-200 F4L IS USM Lens Canon RF 70-200 F4L IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 695 g / 1.53 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM Lens Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 2,890 g / 6.36 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Lens Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 730 g / 1.61 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon RF 14-35mm F4L IS USM Lens Canon RF 14-35mm F4L IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 540 g / 1.19 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM Lens Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 4,500 g / 9.90 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo


    **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.

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    Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Detailed Specifications


    General
    Brand Canon
    Lens Type Prime
    Lens Type Telephoto Prime
    Lens Mount Canon RF
    Max Format 35mm FF
    Focal Range 1200mm
    Image Stabilization Yes
    Colour White
    Zoom Method No Zoom
    Power Zoom No Zoom
    Zoom Lock No Zoom
    Zoom Ratio 1.0X
    APERTURE
    Max Aperture F8
    Min Aperture F64
    Aperture Ring No
    Diaphragm Blades 9
    Optics
    Optical Elements 26
    Optical Groups 18
    Special Elements 2 Fluorite, 1 Super UD Lenses, 1 UD (Ultra-low Dispersion)

    FOCUSING
    Min Focus Distance 4.3m
    Max Magnification 0.29X
    Autofocus Yes
    AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic
    Full Time Manual Yes
    Focus Method Internal
    Focus Distance Limiter 4.3m – infinity|4.3m – 30m|30m – infinity
    Distance Scale No
    DoF Scale No
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Weight 3340g
    Diameter 168mm
    Length 537mm
    Weather Sealing Yes
    Filter Thread 52mm
    Filter Notes Filter screws into drop-in holder
    Hood Supplied Yes
    Hood Code ET-160
    Tripod Collar Yes
    Optional Accessories ET-160B Short hood
    Report a Correction
    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM
    is the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM a Weather-sealed lens?
    What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM
    is the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM an Autofocus (AF) lens?
    What is the Filter Thread Size of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM
    Does Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM have Image Stabilization?
    Does Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM have Aperture Ring?
    What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM


    FOLLOW US


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