Camera Lens Review: Canon RF 400mm and 800 mm for outdoor activities

For the past three months, I did several shoot that involved outdoor events. Most of the time I rarely attend an outdoor coverages.  Capturing the moment using telephoto lens such as Canon RF 400mm and 800mm was a relief on my end. Doing concert coverage indoor and outdoor, one thing that is important to me is to document every movement of an artist.

What’s the difference of 400mm and 800mm?

With RF 400mm f/5.6-8 IS US which is known as a compact super tele zoom, it’s lightweight than other telephoto lens. Making it portable to fit in a small bag which weighing approximately 645g.

 

It can be achieve up to to 5.5 stops image stabilisation. Also the said lens uses a single Ultra Low Dispersion or UD lens element with low refraction and low dispersion which reduces chromatic aberrations to deliver higher image quality.

Meanwhile for RF 800mm, it has the ability to capture in outdoor settings. It offers an incredible 800mm focal length. The lens has a fixed maximum aperture of f/11, which means it may not perform as well in low-light situations or offer as much control over depth of field.

The RF 800mm lens may come with built-in image stabilization or (IS) in which help stabilize shots when using such a long focal length. The lens likely incorporates Canon’s STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus technology, which is known for its smooth and quiet operation. Despite it has a long focal length, it designed to be portable and lightweight.

Optical Features / Specifications of RF 100-400MM F5.6-8 IS USM

Image Size

Full Frame

Angle of View (Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal)

20° – 5° 10′,
14° – 3° 30′,
24° – 6° 10′

Lens Construction (Elements/Groups)

12 / 9

Special Optics

1x UD, 1 x PMo Aspherical

Number of Diaphragm Blades

9

Minimum Aperture

32 @ 100mm / 45 @ 400mm

Closest Focusing Distance (m)

0.88

Maximum Magnification (x)

0.41

Control Ring

Yes

Distance Information

Yes

Image Stabilizer OIS

5.5

Image Stabilizer IBIS x OIS

6

AF Actuator

Nano USM

Coatings

Super Spectra

Fluorine

No

Specifications with 1.4x Extender

Focal Length

140mm – 560mm

Maximum Aperture

f/8 – f/11

Maximum Magnification

0.58

AF Possible

Yes

Image Stabilizer

Yes

Specifications with 2x Extender

Focal Length

200mm – 800mm

Maximum Aperture

f/11 – f/16

Maximum Magnification

0.83

AF Possible

Yes

Image Stabilizer

Yes

Physical Specifications

Dust/Moisture Resistance

No

Filter Diameter (mm)

67

Max. Diameter x Length (mm)

79.5 x 164.7

Weight (g)

635