Hey guys! So, you're curious about the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens, huh? Awesome! This is a super interesting lens because it's a massive 800mm telephoto packed into a surprisingly compact and affordable package. I've had the chance to put this lens through its paces, and I'm stoked to share my thoughts with you. We're going to dive deep into what makes this lens tick, its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it's the right choice for your photography needs. Get ready to explore the world of ultra-telephoto photography without breaking the bank!

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Alright, let's start with the basics. When you first get your hands on the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM, you'll immediately notice two things: its size and its weight. Or rather, the lack thereof, for a lens of this focal length. It's surprisingly portable, especially compared to the behemoths of the past. The build quality feels solid, even though it's primarily made of plastic. Canon has done a good job making it feel durable despite the materials used. The lens features a retractable design, which helps with its compact size when not in use. You extend the lens by twisting the barrel, and it locks into place, ready for action. It's a nice touch that adds to the overall usability.

The initial impression is one of 'wow, this is manageable!' Considering you're getting an 800mm lens, the fact that you can actually hold it comfortably and carry it around for extended periods is a huge win. The included lens hood is also a nice addition, helping to minimize flare and protect the front element. The focus ring is smooth, and the STM (Stepping Motor) offers quick and quiet autofocus, perfect for capturing wildlife or any subject that might be easily startled. The lens also features Image Stabilization (IS), which is essential when shooting handheld at such a long focal length. We'll get into how effective the IS is later, but trust me, it's a lifesaver. Overall, the unboxing experience is positive. The lens feels well-made, and the compact design makes it immediately appealing for anyone wanting to explore long-range photography without the bulk and expense of professional-grade lenses. Let's move on to the performance!

Image Quality and Sharpness

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: image quality. This is where things get interesting with the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM. Keep in mind that this lens has a fixed f/11 aperture. This means it lets in a relatively small amount of light, so you'll often be shooting at higher ISOs, especially in low-light conditions. However, the image quality is generally quite good, especially when you consider the price point. The sharpness is surprisingly decent, particularly at the center of the frame. You'll get nice, crisp details, which is exactly what you want from a telephoto lens. The corners aren't quite as sharp, which is common for lenses at this price, but the overall sharpness is more than acceptable for most users. This lens is a champ at capturing detailed images, such as wildlife, sports, or even the moon! If the shooting conditions are ideal, with sufficient light, you can obtain excellent results.

The colors and contrast produced by this lens are also quite pleasing. Canon generally does a great job with color science, and this lens is no exception. Images have a good amount of pop, and the contrast is well-balanced, providing a good sense of depth and dimension. Of course, the fixed f/11 aperture limits your ability to create shallow depth of field. This means that achieving a heavily blurred background (bokeh) might not be as easy as with a lens that has a wider aperture. The bokeh itself is okay. It's not the smoothest or creamiest bokeh you'll ever see, but it's still attractive. You can still get some background blur, especially when shooting at close focusing distances. The lens excels in good lighting, but as the light fades, you will need to increase the ISO, which might lead to some noise in the images. However, with the advancements in modern cameras, you will still obtain satisfying photos. Overall, the image quality of the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is impressive. It offers a great balance of sharpness, color, and contrast.

Autofocus Performance

Autofocus performance is another critical aspect of any lens, and the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM delivers some mixed results. The STM motor is generally quite fast and accurate, especially in good lighting conditions. It locks onto subjects quickly and decisively, which is essential for capturing fast-moving subjects. However, the f/11 aperture can sometimes be a challenge for the autofocus system, particularly in low-light scenarios. The camera has less light to work with, which can slow down the autofocus and make it less accurate. The lens can sometimes hunt for focus or struggle to lock onto subjects in challenging lighting. It's important to be patient and potentially use techniques like pre-focusing or manual focus assist to improve your chances of getting a sharp shot.

I found that the autofocus performance was best when shooting in bright, well-lit environments. When the sun is shining, the lens snaps into focus quickly and reliably. However, when the light starts to fade, or if you're shooting indoors, you might encounter some issues. The camera will try to find a subject, but the lens sometimes hunts for it. This is not unusual for lenses with a smaller aperture. The autofocus performance is good enough for most general photography needs, and I used it to capture both wildlife and sports with good results. However, if you're a professional sports or wildlife photographer, you might want to consider investing in a lens with a wider aperture and more sophisticated autofocus system. If you want to use the lens for video, the autofocus performance is quite smooth and quiet. The STM motor ensures that the focus transitions are subtle and free of distracting noises.

Image Stabilization (IS)

One of the standout features of the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is its image stabilization system. At 800mm, even the slightest camera shake can ruin your shots, and this is where IS comes into play. The IS system in this lens is rated for up to 4 stops of correction, which is impressive. In practice, the IS system is incredibly effective. It allows you to shoot handheld at relatively slow shutter speeds without worrying too much about blur from camera shake. I found that I could consistently get sharp shots even at shutter speeds as low as 1/125th of a second. This is remarkable for a lens of this focal length. The IS system is a game-changer, especially for anyone who wants to shoot handheld, which is likely everyone who buys this lens. This makes it an ideal choice for wildlife and nature photography, where you often need to shoot in less-than-ideal lighting conditions and don't have the luxury of using a tripod. It also allows you to be more spontaneous and capture shots that you might otherwise miss. The IS system will enable you to take sharp and clear photos at 800mm, which is an amazing achievement for a lens at this price point. Overall, the IS system is a massive asset. It significantly enhances the usability of this lens and opens up new creative possibilities.

Real-World Use and Practical Tips

Let's talk about real-world use. How does this lens perform in the wild? I've used the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM for a variety of subjects, including wildlife, sports, and even some landscape photography. For wildlife photography, this lens is a blast. The compact size makes it easy to carry around, and the long focal length allows you to get close to your subjects without disturbing them. I found it to be particularly effective for capturing birds and other small animals. With the IS, you can often get sharp shots without using a tripod. It is important to remember that you need to be very patient and wait for the right moment. Be mindful of the light and try to shoot when the light is good. Focus on the subject's eyes or head, as these are usually the critical points for focus.

For sports photography, the lens is less ideal but still usable. The fixed f/11 aperture can limit your ability to freeze action in low-light conditions. You'll likely need to use higher ISOs, which might introduce some noise into your images. However, when the lighting is good, you can still capture some amazing shots. This lens works well for outdoor sports events. Landscape photography is another area where this lens can shine. You can use it to compress the perspective and capture stunning details in distant landscapes. The sharpness is great, and you can achieve some beautiful results with careful composition. To get the most out of this lens, here are a few practical tips. Always shoot in RAW format to maximize your ability to edit your photos. Be mindful of the light, and try to shoot when the light is good. Experiment with different shooting modes and settings to find what works best for you. Practice, practice, practice! The more you use the lens, the better you'll become at mastering its strengths and limitations. Remember to always clean the front element of the lens before each use. And most importantly, have fun!

Pros and Cons

To give you a clearer idea of whether the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is the right lens for you, let's break down the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight: Surprisingly portable for an 800mm lens.
• Affordable: A very reasonable price point for a lens of this focal length.
• Good Image Quality: Sharpness, color, and contrast are all impressive.
• Effective Image Stabilization: Up to 4 stops of correction.
• Fast and Quiet Autofocus: The STM motor performs well.

Cons:

• Fixed f/11 Aperture: Limits low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
• Autofocus Struggles in Low Light: Can hunt for focus in challenging conditions.
• Not Ideal for Professional Use: Might not be suitable for demanding sports or wildlife photography.

Conclusion: Is the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Worth It?

So, is the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM worth it? Absolutely, yes! If you're looking for an affordable and portable way to explore the world of ultra-telephoto photography, this lens is a fantastic choice. The image quality is good, the image stabilization is excellent, and the compact size makes it easy to carry around. While the fixed f/11 aperture and occasional autofocus challenges are worth noting, the overall performance of this lens is impressive, especially considering the price. It's a great option for wildlife photography, sports photography, and even landscape photography, particularly when you have good lighting conditions. If you're a hobbyist or enthusiast who is looking to get into telephoto photography without spending a fortune, then you will enjoy this lens. The Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM offers a great balance of performance, portability, and value. I highly recommend it. Thanks for reading, and happy shooting!