Introducing the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM, the world’s first full-frame zoom lens with a range of up to 800mm. Imagine having 30x zoom on your phone with no loss in image quality. This lens is not only impressive for its zoom capability but also its compatibility with Canon’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, allowing for an unprecedented reach of up to 1600mm. However, it’s worth noting that using the teleconverters may not be ideal in certain situations.

The RF 200-800mm is a great choice for wildlife and sports photography, especially when paired with Canon’s flagship APS-C mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS R7. With the 1.5x crop factor of the sensor, the maximum reach extends to an effective 1200mm. It’s also a popular lens option for owners of the full-frame Canon EOS R8 and EOS R5 who have a passion for sports and wildlife photography.

During a short review period, I had the opportunity to pair the RF 200-800mm lens with the Canon EOS R5. The lens has a well-balanced feel when mounted on DSLR-style mirrorless cameras like the EOS R5. Unlike previous Canon DSLR lenses, the heaviest elements of this lens are at the rear, making it more comfortable to handle. As you zoom in, the lens extends in length, and I highly recommend using the lens hood to reduce lens flare.

One standout feature of the RF 200-800mm is the ‘smooth’ or ‘tight’ response for refined or quick zoom adjustments, controlled by a dedicated ring. The build quality of this weather-sealed lens is top-notch, even without the L-series nomenclature typically found in professional-grade lenses.

Image stabilization is crucial for such a long lens, and Canon has equipped the RF 200-800mm with 5.5-stops of optical stabilization, which can reach up to 7.5-stops when paired with sensor-based stabilization on enthusiast and professional cameras like the EOS R7 and EOS R5. This allows for sharp handheld shots even at the 800mm telephoto setting with slower shutter speeds.

The lens also impresses with its close focusing distance of 0.8m at 200mm, allowing for detailed close-up shots. However, the modest maximum aperture of f/6.3-9 may pose a challenge when trying to freeze fast-moving action. A fast shutter speed of around 1/1000s is typically recommended for bird photography, but when combined with the f/9 aperture, bright sunlight is necessary to achieve the correct exposure.

In terms of image quality, the RF 200-800mm performs admirably. Images at the wide 200mm setting are exceptionally sharp, although there is a slight loss of clarity at the 800mm telephoto end, which is expected given the wide zoom range. However, if you primarily need the telephoto end, the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM might be a more suitable option.

During my testing, I also evaluated the lens’s ability to control flare and the quality of bokeh. Shooting towards light sources, such as with a backlit willow tree, revealed a slight cat’s eye effect in the corners of the bokeh. However, there was minimal chromatic aberration or onion ring distortion, resulting in smooth bokeh overall.

Considering its zoom range, handling, and overall image quality, the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is a compelling choice, particularly when paired with the EOS R7. It’s well-suited for safari adventures, grassroots sports photography, and capturing birdlife in fair weather conditions.

The Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is priced at £2,299.99 and will be available for purchase starting December 2023. Additional pricing details for the US and Australia will be updated as soon as information becomes available.

In conclusion, the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is a versatile lens that offers an impressive zoom range and image stabilization. It may have some limitations in low light conditions and with fast-moving subjects, but its overall performance and build quality make it a worthy investment for wildlife and sports photographers.