Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM Review | 54 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£17,560
  • Avg. price in US: ~$17,000
  • Lens mount: Canon RF
  • Maximum focal length: 800 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 5.6
  • Optical image stabilization: yes
  • Maximum angle of view: 3.1 °

Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

8.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

8.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Excellent
8.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.3

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

8.4

Build & Handling

20.0%

6.6

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

8.2

Stabilization

3.0%

10

Mount & Format

Excellent
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 9.7
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.5

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    10

    Optical image stabilization

  • 5.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.8

    Lens length

    25.0%

    1.4

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    10

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    10

    Optical image stabilization

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £17,560

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is a professional super-telephoto lens featuring a 4.5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer, two fluorite elements, one Super UD element, and one UD element for exceptional clarity. Weighing approximately 3.1kg with a minimum focusing distance of 2.6m, it offers specialized Air Sphere and Super Spectra coatings to minimize ghosting and flare. Its main pros include a relatively lightweight design for its focal length, incredible reach for wildlife and sports, and high-speed USM autofocus performance. However, primary cons include its extremely high price point and the large physical footprint typical of premium prime lenses.

Technical Specifications of Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

?

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

?

Build & Handling

20.0%

?

Focus & Controls

10.0%

?

Lab Scores

8.0%

?

Stabilization

3.0%

?

Mount & Format

8.1
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a technical score of 8.09 points, which is higher than 91.2% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
1.0
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 90% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

8.1

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

6.0
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 85.2% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

telephoto prime
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon RF
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

?
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Supports RF 1.4x and RF 2x extenders.
Show more
Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

800 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

800 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?
Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

3.1 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

3.1 °
Show more
Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

ring USM
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

2.6 m
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM focuses as close as 2.6 m, which is farther than 97.7% of camera lenses and equal to 0.1% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.34x
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.34x, which is higher than 86.1% of camera lenses and equal to 1.1% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM supports optical image stabilization. 28.9% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

4.5 stops
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM offers 4.5 stops of stabilization, which is stronger than 66.5% of camera lenses and equal to 5.3% of camera lenses.
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

432 mm
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM is 432 mm long, which is longer than 99.1% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

163 mm
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a diameter of 163 mm, which is wider than 98.9% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.4% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM uses a metal lens mount. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Show more

Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM vs the average camera lens

  • Has optical image stabilization
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
    What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
    When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Supports RF 1.4x and RF 2x extenders.
    What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
    When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has focus hold button
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
    What it is: A button on the lens barrel used to lock focus temporarily during shooting.
    When it matters: When you want to lock focus quickly during sports, wildlife, or recomposed portraits.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • 2 more fluorite elements
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has more fluorite elements than the average camera lens (2 vs 0). The average lens has 0 fluorite elements.
    What it is: Premium optical elements that help suppress chromatic aberration while keeping image quality high.
    When it matters: When you are comparing premium telephoto lenses where chromatic aberration control is especially important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has more fluorite elements than the average camera lens (2 vs 0). The average lens has 0 fluorite elements.2 vs 0
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
    52 mm drop-in filter.
    What it is: Support for filters placed behind the rear element instead of on the front thread.
    When it matters: When you use large super-telephoto lenses where front filters would be expensive or impractical.

    Importance: LOW

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
    What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
    When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.

    Importance: LOW

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • 0.5 stops stronger stabilization
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (4.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
    When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (4.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.4.5 stops vs 4 stops
  • Newer release date
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.

    Importance: LOW

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM was released more recently than the average camera lens.2022 vs 2016
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • 2 more fluorite elements
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has more fluorite elements than the average camera lens (2 vs 0). The average lens has 0 fluorite elements.
  • Has focus hold button
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • 0.15 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • 0.5 stops stronger stabilization
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (4.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
  • Newer release date
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM was released more recently than the average camera lens.
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • 2.3 m longer minimum focus distance
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.6 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 340 mm longer lens
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM is longer than the average camera lens (432 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 86 mm wider lens barrel
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM is wider than the average camera lens (163 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
    When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.5.6 vs 2.8
  • 340 mm longer lens
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM is longer than the average camera lens (432 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM is longer than the average camera lens (432 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.432 mm vs 92 mm
  • 86 mm wider lens barrel
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM is wider than the average camera lens (163 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM is wider than the average camera lens (163 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.163 mm vs 77 mm
  • 2.3 m longer minimum focus distance
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.6 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.6 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.2.6 m vs 0.3 m
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
    When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
  • 33.13x more expensive
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM is more expensive than the average camera lens (£17,560 vs £530).
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM is more expensive than the average camera lens (£17,560 vs £530).£17,560 vs £530
  • 6.38x less popular
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).1 vs 6.38
  • 23.3% worse value for money
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.96 vs 7.346).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
    Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.96 vs 7.346).5.96 vs 7.35

Graphic comparison of Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM?

  • Exceptional image clarity and sharpness from center to edge
  • Impressive reach for wildlife and sports photography without disturbing subjects
  • Surprisingly lightweight for its focal length (approx. 6.9 lbs / 3.1 kg)
  • Fast, quiet, and highly accurate autofocus tracking
  • Highly effective 4.5-stop image stabilization allows for short periods of handheld use
  • Superior build quality with robust L-series weather sealing
  • Beautiful bokeh and background isolation at f/5.6
  • Fully compatible with RF 1.4x and 2x extenders for even greater reach

What customers dislike about Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM?

  • Extremely high price point (approx. $13,000 - $19,000)
  • Large physical dimensions make it cumbersome for long hikes
  • Narrow field of view makes it difficult to initially locate small moving subjects
  • Requires a sturdy tripod or monopod for extended shooting sessions
  • Requires drop-in filters as standard front filters cannot be used

Expert reviews

T
the-digital-picture.com
26/01/2024
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
26/02/2022
Summary of the review
P
photofacts.nl
05/02/2021
Summary of the review

Video reviews

Compare Canon RF 800mm F 5 6L IS USM with

VS
VS

Compare